Oakley

Though widely known as being Hyde Park’s less swanky neighbor, Oakley actually has much more to offer. In some ways I think it’s an even nicer neighborhood to live in, considering the lower price tags on properties and the charm of Oakley’s main business district. Though you might not find as many grand mansions lining perfectly manicured lawns, you will find an array of beautiful apartments and homes--small, large, old, new...you name it.

Oakley’s central business district has a lot to offer. It’s a quaint strip of nice restaurants, bars, and shops. Highlights include the 20th Century Theatre, which used to play movies but is now used as a venue for concerts, parties, and other events, including weddings and receptions, as well as the Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore and King Arthur’s Court Toys, both of which are well known in Cincinnati and have been around for years--they’re fun for grown-ups too, I promise! There are also some delicious restaurants on this strip, including Boca and the Oakley Pub & Grill.

The central business district is by no means the only shopping in Oakley, however. For one thing, the neighborhood is home to the Hyde Park Plaza, full of well-known shops such as Joann Fabrics, Staples, and Michael’s, as well as chain eateries such as Panera, Bruegger’s Bagels, and Starbucks. If you’re looking for bigger retail options, check out the Target and Sam’s Club located near the highway entrance. You can also find a number of large grocery stores in Oakley, including Kroger, Biggs, and the Fresh Market.

In terms of schooling, Oakley is home to St. Cecilia, a K-8 Catholic school. For older students, Clark Montessori High School is nearby, on Erie Ave. Neighboring Hyde Park is also home to other public and private options.

Oakley is a generally safe neighborhood, though its crime record isn’t by any means spotless. Most reported crimes are theft, though, and it’s considered safe to walk the streets in the evening hours. Oakley is great for both singles, couples, and families of any age, especially those looking for somewhere lively and centrally-located, yet still calm and safe.

Someone, possibly a Hyde Park resident, created a tee shirt that says “Oakley is not Hyde Park.” The good news is that those who live in Oakley probably consider that a good thing. They've got a lot going on already. They don't have time to be envious of their neighbor to the south.

Small older homes coexist peacefully with the ever expanding Oakley business district. The park in the middle of Oakley Square is looking really good after its recent face lift. Planned development will bring more rental units to the area. The Oakley Community Council (oakleynow.com) works closely with commercial and private residents to keep things moving in a positive direction.

Shopping
Oakley lists a host of businesses on its roster. Some are new, while others have been around for years. Most are in the lengthy walkable area that begins on Madison just west of Ridge and continues for about a mile. You'll find everything you need from toys to groceries and a few things you might not expect, like a surprise designer item at the Goodwill store on Markbreit off Madison Ave. or a creative find at the Red Tree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop. Duck Creek Antique Mall is on Madison, a little east of the main shopping area. Oakley is also home to Target, Meijer and a few other big box stores in the area between Madison Rd. and Ridge Ave.

Entertainment
The Ambassador theater is a classic example of Oakley's architectural stability. It's exactly the same on the outside as it was years and years ago when I stood in line for tickets to Sunday matinees. Inside, however, it's got a whole new personality with tables and chairs, a stage, twinkling party lights and live music. The 20th Century about a block away offers a similar entertainment venue. Near Oakley Square, you'll find restaurants like Shaan India and Habits Cafe as well as local favorite Skyline Chili. There are also a few spots with a neighborhood feel like Oakley Pub and Grill.

Churches
You'll find Catholic, Methodist, Church of Christ and other congregations, as well as non-denominational Crossroads. At first glance you'll think Crossroads (crossroads.net ) is a sports arena. It's even got a flashy digital sign out front that posts messages to passersby. Their philosophy: “Whatever your thoughts on church, whatever your beliefs about God, you are welcome here..”

Schools
Saint Cecila (K - 8) Catholic, 4115 Taylor (www.stceciliacinti.org)
Hyde Park Play School, Infant, toddler and pre-school programs 3846 Drake Ave.
Ohio Connections Academy

There are no major medical facilities in Oakley, but Jewish Hospital Kenwood is only 15 minutes away via I-71.
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Oakley is a great, semi-urban community in the center of Cincinnati. It borders the upscale and expensive Hyde Park neighborhood and features a revitalized business district. Oakley has always been considered a less desirable zip code than Hyde Park, but that is actually a benefit when considering home prices and rental rates. There are many advantages to living in Oakley. It is conveniently located to major highways and there are many bus stops placed throughout Oakley. It is also a great walking community with sidewalks throughout. The crime rate is moderate, with most crimes being reported as theft.

The central business district of Oakley located along the Madison Road corridor offers a variety of local shops, restaurants, and bars. Some of the shopping highlights include King Arthur's Court Toys, a mainstay of the community for decades, and Blue Manatee children's bookstore, also a long-time local business. Among the dining highlights are Essencha Tea House, Boca (an upscale restaurant), and Aglamesis Bro's Ice Cream and Candy, a community staple since 1913. The area also provides a vibrant nightlife with several local bars and frequent concerts at The 20th Century Theatre, a former local movie house converted into a concert hall and special event venue. The 20th Century features many local and national acts. Oakley is also home to The Fresh Market, an upscale specialty grocery store which has its own parking lot, but is also easy to reach on foot. There is also a branch of the public library located right off of Madison Road.

In addition to the central Madison Road business district, Oakley covers a much wider territory to include the shopping area adjacent to Interstate 71 the "Center of Cincinnati;" this shopping area includes large box stores such as Target, PetsMart, and Sam's Club. Located around the corner from this shopping area is the non-denominational Crossroads Community Church. Crossroads is a large church, which continues to grow its congregation. It pulls in people from all around the Greater Cincinnati area. Also part of the Oakley shopping community is the Hyde Park Plaza featuring a number of shops, restaurants, and one of the most popular grocery stores in the city, the Hyde Park Kroger (long-known as a great place for singles to meet.)

There are a variety of housing options in Oakley from older multi-unit apartment buildings to modern complexes, as well as small, older, single family homes to larger modern homes. Children living in Oakley attend Cincinnati Public Schools. However, there are a variety of nearby private school options, including St. Cecilia School, a K-8 Catholic school located in the heart of the Oakley Community.