Chase Ave, Northside

Chase Ave. is one of my favorite streets in Cincinnati. If I were ever to move to Northside, this is the first place I'd look. You could describe it as a sort of embodiment of all that is Northside. It's vintage and classy, as the houses are older and haven't been renovated, but also modern and trendy, as it runs right into Northside's most well-known boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafes, all situated on Hamilton Ave. In terms of dining, you've got Melt, Sidewinder, and the Northside Tavern, among others. In terms of shopping, there's Shake-It Records, a Northside staple, as well as a couple nearby vintage/thrift stores and tattoo parlors.

All in all, what makes Chase Ave. great is that it's primarily residential, but still right in the heart of Northside, providing easy access to all the shops and restaurants that help make Northside great. Since you'll find many bigger, single-family homes on Chase, it's a prime location for families. That being said, it's great for singles, students, and couples as well--including same-sex couples. That's because Northside is widely known to be one of Cincinnati's most inclusive neighborhoods. It's been home to the GLBTQ Community Center since 1999, and hosts a big Pride Parade every year.

Additionally, Northside has nearby highway access and is minutes away from downtown. This means schools, medical services, and other accommodations are all nearby. Many of these things are also in walking distance, including a few nightlife options. Otherwise, buses run through Northside and provide access to much of the city. You've really got the best of both worlds here on Chase Ave. Check it out!

Chase Ave begins at Virginia Ave., crosses through Northside, and ends just outside Sprig Grove Cemetary. When you drive or walk down Chase, you might get the feeling of having stepped back in time. It's a mostly residential street with larger, older homes. Many of the homes in the Northside neighborhood were built in the 1930s, and most of the buildings on Chase Ave. probably look exactly as they did back then.

While many of Cincinnati's older buildings have been reclaimed, redone and changed into modern looking condos. The homes on Chase Ave. have kept their old fashioned charm. With all that vintage hometown appeal, It's hard to imagine that Northside is one of the city's most progressive, diverse and hip neighborhoods. Just around the corner and down the street you'll find the city's Gay and Lesbian Community Center: http://www.cincyglbt.com/ . There also Hoffner Park, home to Northside Pride Fest and other neighborhood celebrations, and a number of quirky shops that are mostly one of a kind.

Shopping
Chase is mostly residential, but there are a few businesses as well. Schaepper's Pharmacy on the corner of Chase and Hamilton contributes to the street's old fashioned feel. It's small; and unlike the big box chains, it's locally owned with three pharmacists on duty. You'll also find NYPD Pizza, United Dairy Farmers and a few other stores on Chase Av.

Chase Ave. Cuts right through Northside's trendy shopping area, where you'll find Shake-it Records, Shop Therapy resale boutique, Nvision Furniture Art and Clothing, Designs by Dana Tattoos and more. Even the neighborhood hardware store is one-of-a-kind. The owner of Ace Hardware and Electric will proudly tell you that he's not connected to those other guys. His shop has been independently owned since 1950.

There are also two churches on Chase Ave.: Northside Church of the Nazerene and St. Boniface Catholic.

Dining
You'll find NYPD Pizza and United Dairy Farmers Ice cream on Chase Av. There are several more trendy little restaurants on Hamilton: Melt, Sidewinder cafe and more.

Recreation and Fitness
The Mckie Recreation center is a City of Cincinnati facility located on Chase Ave. They offer a computer center, pool, fitness center and more. There are several neighborhood parks in Northside and Chase Ave. is a 10 minute drive away Mt. Airy Forest's picnic facility, lodge, arboretum, hiking trails and more. Northside Boxing offers boxing training and self defense classes nearby on Hamilton Ave: http://northsideboxing.com/ .

Schools
Chase Ave School (Preschool-8) is still in the neighborhood on Turill St.: http://chase.cps-k12.org/ . St. Boniface Catholic School is located nearby on Pitts Ave.:http://stbonifaceschool.net/ . Cincinnati State is 10 minutes away and University of Cincinnati is 15 minutes away.

Medical care is 15 minutes away at University, VA, Children's and several other hospitals in the Corryville/Avondale area. Mercy Mt. Airy is also 15 minutes away in College Hill.