I think apartments in the areas I would recommend aren't necessarily the best bet, but I've lived in Winton Place (now known as Spring Grove Village) for 30 years now. There is a lot of affordable housing in our neighborhood (at the foot of Clifton Ave. hill at Spring Grove Ave). Biggest downside is bus transportation to UC is dreadful, you have to change to another route in Northside. It mystifies me why no bus runs up there directly especially considering that folks from Greenhills and Finneytown could use the service directly to school.
That said, Northside is a growing neighborhood, but you have to pay attention to which part of Northside you land in. The bus comes right down Hamilton Avenue and right up Ludlow to the University. Lots of expanding shops, restaurants and bars (and a great music store, Shake It Records).
Likewise, you may want to check St. Bernard on the east side of I-75. Again, some affordable housing and the city at times seems in a time warp. Bus routes run up Vine Street to UC from there.
Many will tell you that these are all ex-urban neighborhoods. Like anywhere in a city, you need to know your surroundings and know what to pay attention to. Like I said, I've lived in SGV since 1979 and I've raised my family here too. My kids are inveterate city kids, something they consider a badge of honor.
Here some links to each neighborhood:
Peace and Justice and the Green Team are working on several issues with Father Al, including*an energy survey and*a St. Francis Pledge on environment*for the fall. More details will be provided pending approval by Parish Team.
*
We had a successful*Butterfly Garden Brunch as part of our Care of Creation series. We will have another in early May. We will also be doing a Bread for the World*Offering of Letters in May.
*
IHN won't happen again until July. I would like to do a training if*time allows.
*
http://springgrovevillage.org/
http://www.northside.net/
http://www.cityofstbernard.org/