CUF Is... Its Locales

Sam: Alright AJ, first question is; how long have you lived in CUF for?

My wife and I moved into our house in 2017 when we wanted to start family. The prices were affordable, and our children would receive a education from preschool onwards through the Clifton Area Neighborhood School. One large motivator to move so close to campus is its safety. We know that when our children are playing out in the front yard that they be happy and secure. This location does have its drawbacks though. Because the house is so close to campus, students oftentimes party late the night. When our children are supposed to be in bed, they’re unable sleep. I oftentimes worry that this could affect their future health. The copious amounts of trash around the house also serves as an issue. After parties, the students leave their garbage on the ground, leaving myself my wife to pick up the stray cans. Despite these issues, I choose to enjoy time with the family. As our children grow up we will consider moving.

Cozy Retreat College Town Leafy Sanctuary

The Larkins have been residents of CUF for more than 40 years. They originally moved when their kids were young and got admitted to Fairview German School, wanting to take advantage of an active community. Enjoying the foundation they built the Larkins never felt an urgent need to move, but they have begun to feel more negatively about college students taking over CUF.

CUF is home to the University of Cincinnati, which brings tons of students and faculty to campus every day and provides some of the most iconic neighborhood landmarks

The couple views students as feeling entitled to treat their new home with disregard and without consideration for their fellow neighbors. Coupled with Fairview German School moving to Clifton the Larkins distaste for the CUF’s tragectory was justified.

Today the Larkins are frequent attendents of church services at St. Monica, can be seen in Burnet Woods on occasional walks, and enjoy the ammenities on Ludlow Ave. Unknowingly they continue to emodie the elements of the strong CUF community who’s roots remain despite souring attitudes.

AJ: I have lived in CUF for... [starts counting on fingers]... (laughing) I don’t know if I remember.

Sam: You don’t remember?!

AJ: 8 months.

The neighborhood features countless brick row homes, creating a dense neighborhood typology with loads of character

AJ: It’s been great, I’ve loved it.

CUF has numerous parks and green spaces that feature a wide range of uses and amenities, so that an escape from campus or neighborhood street is never far away.

Sam: 8 months, there we go, there we go. How have you liked it so far?

Sam: Alright yeah, yeah. What’s your favorite feature of the neighborhood?

AJ: My favorite feature is the lookout point at Fairview Park and how you out there and you get a good look out at the West End and downtown. And also, most of the parks that they have.

Sam: Yeah, yeah. I’m more of a Bellevue man myself but...

AJ: Yeah, I understand that.

Sam: What’s the biggest problem you see in your neighborhood?

AJ: The biggest problem... probably... litter.

Sam: Okay.

AJ: And that’s mostly because it’s a bunch of partying students, but...

Sam: Yeah, yeah. Makes sense.

AJ: Yeah.

This Impressions Map is an introductory look into the makeup of CUF, showcasing the major buildings and areas that make up this dynamic neighborhood. On the right in red, the campus takes up a large swath of the neighborhood land, and is surrounded by major roads. The homes radiate from the campus, and green space is interlaced relatively evenly through the community.