Location has a lot to do with a place's development. Deer Park is no different. The Deer Park to Lebanon train started carrying passengers between the two towns in 1881 along the historic Highland Route. Deer Park's unique position between the Little Miami River and Great Miami River ensured the town was a part of the railway that linked Dayton to Cincinnati.
A true Midwestern city, Deer Park has 5,736 inhabitants. Situated in Hamilton County, the town's ties to Cincinnati can't be ignored. Just look at all the Bengals jerseys on Sunday. However, a unique culture and atmosphere thrives within the city's boundaries. Deer Park residents are proud Deer Park has an engaged community, plenty of green space, quality housing, and just the right amount of entertainment. It's not paradise, and the mosquitoes in the summer can get pesky. Overall, though, folks don't have much to complain about in Deer Park. You won't either, so get used to it.
Moving to Deer Park
The good news: finding places to live in Deer Park isn't especially difficult. 26.2 percent of the properties are being rented, which is a very manageable rate. A well-regarded school system and low crime rate have made Deer Park a desirable location. Hence, finding something you truly adore requires some extra legwork as nice homes get swooped up like steaks at a buffet. Once you've done that, you'll have the knowledge and tools to get something spectacular.
What Would You Like?
Single family homes, which account for 74.4 percent of housing units, give you the most options when it comes to property rentals. The rest of the units are mostly apartments and condos. There are some townhomes and duplexes. A healthy number of rental listings each month ensure you can pretty much lease any of the above mentioned housing. So the first step to getting a pad that you love is figuring out what kind of pad you want.
Age Builds Character
Deer Park boasts some rather nifty old houses. You'll stumble upon some houses that have been around since the 1800's. Overall, 28.0 percent of housing units were constructed prior to 1940. Rather than checking these historic pads for ghosts and other supernatural creatures, it's advised you make sure the electrical wiring is safe, that appliances have been updated, and that the heating system runs. Even if you get a rental apartment in a relatively new building, you should still do that.
How Wonderful Summertime Is
When the sun starts to shine and school lets out for summer, the housing market gets active. You'll find more available listings in the summer than other periods. You'll find so many choices that shopping for rental housing in Deer Park will be like filling up your appetizer plate at a Charlie Sheen party. Okay, maybe it won't be that tasty, but it's still quite tasty. You probably only need two weeks to finish the process too. If you must come during another time, you need three weeks.
Greeting Your New Home
If you have the negotiation skills of Homer Bailey's agent, you may be able to discount the rent price in some way, especially if you lease from a landlord and not a management company. The key is showing you are an excellent tenant. You can do this by paying two months' rent upfront right away, by swiftly writing a check for the security deposit, and by having a credit report on hand. Past landlord references and proof of income help too. If you offer to pay even more upfront, the landlord may be willing to knock a tad off rent price or give you free heating.
Tornadoes...Oh, Come on!
While it is important that you get renters insurance to protect your stuff, the chances of tornadoes being the cause of damage are very low in the Deer Park area. Those sirens you hear from time to time are tornado warnings, but they seldom cause significant issues in the Cincinnati region. Just be prepared if the rare one does come by having insurance. Now, that information should make you more relaxed than a deer munching on flowers. Deer are always happy when they find flowers.
Deer Park Neighborhoods and Top Apartment Communities
At only 0.87 square miles, Deer Park is not large. However, the town does feature distinct pockets. Do you want to chirp with the cardinals at the park or chat with the butterflies at the cafe? Figuring out what kind of lifestyle you want will help you determine a suitable 'hood. Most of the residential streets feature close access to major roads. That is convenient.
Deer Park: This is the center of town. Notable places in this somewhat walkable area include Chamberlain Park, Howard Elementary School, and Deer Park Delicatessen. A typical afternoon here would involve having a sandwich, reading a book, and doing somersaults. There are bus lines here.
Plainfield Road/Blue Ash Road: In the south part of town, the neighborhood around this intersection is close to Montgomery Road's action. Play at Silverton Field. Eat at Chicken On the Run. Have some wine at Barresi's Italian Restaurant. You'll find a variety of places to rent here, from apartments to detached houses. This 'hood is somewhat walkable.
Plainfield Road/East Galbraith Road: In the north part of town, Deer Park High School, Dillonvale Shopping Center, and the Deer Park Library are located here. This is the most walkable Deer Park neighborhood due to the presence of several chain restaurants and stores around the shopping center.
Living in Deer Park
With Interstate-71 close, driving is the most convenient transportation mechanism if you want to play tourist in downtown Cincinnati and traverse the greater metropolitan region. Most folks in Deer Park choose to drive, but you can actually handle most of your daily affairs within town via foot, bike, or public bus.
Step out onto Plainfield Road. You have landed in Deer Park. It does feel like a suburb of Cincinnati. After all, LaRosa's Pizzeria and Skyline Chili are common spots to eat for folks here. Dig in! Yet the city does maintain its uniqueness. And it's important to enjoy the cool things in Deer Park. Eateries like Kinneret Cafe and Rusty's Ristorante will fill you up. Bars such as Car Rock Cafe and The H always have a drink waiting for you. Kenwood Town Centre is a shopper's delight. And Chamberlain Park and French Park are great for flying kites and tossing a ball.
Whether you enjoy sipping on pop by the bus stop, cracking jokes at the cafe, or doing magic tricks at the pizzeria, you'll find Deer Park can satisfy your needs. The heart of Deer Park can be found anywhere in town. The best way to discover it is to go out and just walk around. Stop for a burger at MVP Sports Bar and Grille. Enjoy two scoops of ice cream at United Dairy Farmers. Play a round at Ridgewood Golf Course. See where the day in Deer Park takes you. Chances are it will lead to a smile across your face.