MollyBlenk

My husband and I moved to Pleasant Ridge when I was five months pregnant with our first child. We are transplants to Cincinnati and after driving around various neighborhoods back in 2000, Pleasant Ridge stood out to us. We had no idea back then how awesome the neighborhood really was, and what an integral part of our life it would become.

After 12 years in our 1920's craftsman-style home, we continue to love it (even though our plan was to only stay in it for 2 years). The best part of PR (as the locals call it) are the people! Our neighbors have become part of our friendship circle. We have enjoyed Ridge Day parades with them, Halloween trick or treating, and an annual Block Party which is supported in part by the City of Cincinnati. For the latter, the street is closed and we have live music and of course, the infamous corn hole tournament. We have met great people on the street and learned about its history.

The local playground is awesome and was built by community volunteers just before we moved into the area. Many a picnic, school celebration, and playdate has been had there. Sitting on the site of the Pleasant Ridge Community Center, the CRC hosts after school programming, summer camp, and regular fitness activities for all ages. The monthly Community Council meetings are also held at the Community Center also (first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.) Currently, a renovation to the outdoor pool are is underway. The popular city pool will be transformed into an outdoor water playground. The parking lot has also been redone to provide for easier traffic flow and safety.

Throughout the course of time, my family and I have benefitted from the schools, churches, area businesses, swim team, neighborhood clean up day, art activities, festivals, block parties, and block watches. I was fortunate enough to be able to represent the community on Council for a few years and continue to remain active by coordinating the Street Captain program, which has a designated person on every street as a point person. This individual is responsible for the distribution of The Informant -- a regular newsletter to all residents, disseminates information to neighbors, welcomes newcomers, and plans fun as well as educational activities for those who live on the street. Over 70% of the streets have this point person, unique for an urban neighborhood.

As a family, our favorite places in the Ridge include Pleasant Ridge Chili, Walgreens, the "Comic Book Store" (aka Queen City Comics), Gaslight Cafe, Pleasant Perk, The Loving Cafe and the Library. Almost everywhere we go, we run into someone we know and it makes living in an urban area so enjoyable and personal.

If you have never been to Pleasant Ridge, you have to check it out!