Just the Facts, who do you buy your car insurance from?

Sorry to go off thread!

BTW, i think the Hill has some of the best views in all of downtown.

Kim

just a note about HOA dues ... yours may be small now (i'm sure the developer runs the HOA) but the likely are not close to what the "real" cost will be once the HOA is turned over to the home owners ... developers set HOA dues low to help them sell the property ..

You can add in another $300+ a month for lawn maintenance savings, and if the Hill is anywhere near as energy efficient as the brownstones, I can add in another $300+ a month in ultility savings. The savings add up rather quickly. My insurance costs dropped too.

I didn't add in lawn care because I do most of that myself. We do pay $40 bi-monthly for lawn sprawing and I would have to see what we pay for irrigation (we are on a second meter for that so that should be easy to find). I spend atleast 4 hours per week in lawn care. A gallon of gas in the mower lasts nearly 2 months but the mower did cost $400 (plus I still had to buy an edger, weedeater, leaf blower, chain saw, and hedge trimmer).

Our electric bill is off the chart at just over $500 month during the summer months and we already pay $1400 per year in HOA dues.

So yes, the savings add up fast. Downtown might not be right for everyone, but it is a good fit for me.

Just the Facts, who do you buy your car insurance from?

Sorry to go off thread!

BTW, i think the Hill has some of the best views in all of downtown.

Kim

State Farm - but I am looking at new insurance as we speak.

You can add in another $300+ a month for lawn maintenance savings, and if the Hill is anywhere near as energy efficient as the brownstones, I can add in another $300+ a month in ultility savings. The savings add up rather quickly. My insurance costs dropped too.

Betts, I know you are a big proponent of DT living and some of the reasons are justified, but you continue to compare your old, very expensive cost of living to what you have now. When you live in a very large house with a large yard and pool you most certainly will live more efficiently and cheaper by moving into what you have now. When you compare cost of living between a mcmansion to a smaller, efficient brownstone, you will obviously live cheaper. Most people looking at downtown wont find those savings simply because they weren't living that expensively in the first place.

Most people looking at downtown wont find those savings simply because they weren't living that expensively in the first place.

That is true for Betts but people taking her advice could avoid making the same mistakes her, me, and lots of other people made by throwing away money on suburbia. I will never get back the 10s of thousands I have spent on gasoline. Trust me - I wish I had never spent it in the first place. The only thing better than saving money, is not having spent it in the first place.

Betts, I know you are a big proponent of DT living and some of the reasons are justified, but you continue to compare your old, very expensive cost of living to what you have now. When you live in a very large house with a large yard and pool you most certainly will live more efficiently and cheaper by moving into what you have now. When you compare cost of living between a mcmansion to a smaller, efficient brownstone, you will obviously live cheaper. Most people looking at downtown wont find those savings simply because they weren't living that expensively in the first place.

My brownstone isn't that much smaller than my previous house, and some of the people who might consider living downtown may well be living in McMansions. In addition, I paid lawncare costs no matter what size house I've lived in. My utility costs per square foot are far lower than any other house I've ever lived in. I actually left water and pool maintenance expenses out of my post, which would push my savings far higher. So, my statements may well be relevant to people thinking about moving into some of the townhouses downtown. Some people who move are thinking about moving up, and some are thinking about downsizing. Very few people make lateral moves, and so all these discussions are relevant to someone. There are multiple, multiple posts from people complaining about the costs of buying downtown, so I think it's reasonable to remind people there are savings as well. I like to think I help keep the discussions fair and balanced (a little tongue-in-cheek here).

I agree 100%.

I'm a big fan of show me the money....Here's a screen print from OG&E on my electric bill (which is the only utility I pay at The Hill outside of Water/Cable)....There are only 8 days left until my billing cycle is over and I'm only at about $47 in electricity used this month. For the first time in my life, I actually like getting my electric bill (to see how low it will be) after all of those years with the huges ones at my old place!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l216/nutesch/OGEBill-1.png

I purchased one of the units at The Hill recently and I ABSOLUTELY love it! I did a lot of research downtown and picked The Hill because it's finishes are great and the quality of construction is fantastic. .......................

..........................I encourage you to come visit The Hill, do a tour and put the pencil to the paper to crunch some numbers. I think you might be pleasantly surprised by how affordable it is to live downtown compared to other housing options. Although I have a little less space than my previous home, I am saving about $1,000 a month when all is said and done with and the previous home in the OKC suburbs was at the same price point of the unit I purchased downtown (thru no pool costs, no yard care costs, 80% lower utility costs (and I'm not exaggerating on that at all) no high insurance costs--that is covered by the HOA dues, no fixing stuff all of the time, etc.).

That's my .02

Absolutely the best description of the Hill I have ever read. Very good information and gives a new inside perspective of The Hill. I hope you continue to post with updates and pictures.

If you are anything like betts, the both of you should get commissions for new sales, betts with Maywood brownstones and you with The Hill development.

Absolutely the best description of the Hill I have ever read. Very good information and gives a new inside perspective of The Hill. I hope you continue to post with updates and pictures.

If you are anything like betts, the both of you should get commissions for new sales, betts with Maywood brownstones and you with The Hill development.

Thank you :) I'm just excited about the project and all of downtown in general! I really look forward to my trips back to OKC each month! LOL @ commission comment.

Okie Yorker, do you get the feeling the development is starting to fill up a bit? Have you noticed a difference recently? Seems like sales and activity in general have picked up.

Also, any word on them completing the pool and clubhouse in the near future?

Okie Yorker, do you get the feeling the development is starting to fill up a bit? Have you noticed a difference recently? Seems like sales and activity in general have picked up.

Also, any word on them completing the pool and clubhouse in the near future?

I sure do Pete. I have only lived at the Hill for a few months but its nice to see all of the closings. From what I understand, two of the larger units in the new building that is being constructed (on 2nd Street) should be finished and closing around the first part of the upcoming year (2012).

The sales office seems to have a pretty steady flow of people from what I can see. I think theres a lot of interest and with all the recent sales, I think fence sitters that were interested in the complex are giving it another look

I think the developer is pretty close to having enough units sold to start constructing the Pool / Clubhouse from what I hear. I think when the clubhouse and pool is open, that will be a really positive atribute for the community and will help encourage more sales.

I sure do Pete. I have only lived at the Hill for a few months but its nice to see all of the closings. From what I understand, two of the larger units in the new building that is being constructed (on 2nd Street) should be finished and closing around the first part of the upcoming year (2012).

The sales office seems to have a pretty steady flow of people from what I can see. I think theres a lot of interest and with all the recent sales, I think fence sitters that were interested in the complex are giving it another look

I think the developer is pretty close to having enough units sold to start constructing the Pool / Clubhouse from what I hear. I think when the clubhouse and pool is open, that will be a really positive atribute for the community and will help encourage more sales.

How much does a unit cost at The Hill? We might consider buying one.

How much does a unit cost at The Hill? We might consider buying one.

They start around $365k for a 2nd and go up into the $800k range depending on size.

They start around $365k for a 2nd and go up into the $800k range depending on size.

Thank you very much!

They are in the process of updating their website www.thehillokc.com, so maybe they will be starting phase II soon?

They are in the process of updating their website www.thehillokc.com, so maybe they will be starting phase II soon?

I'm not sure...I know they had a couple of more units at the Hill go under contract in the last month so that is a step in the right direction. Downtown is having some good activity lately....Can't wait for The Level & aLoft to Open as i really think that will be great for Deep Deuce!

Checking the assessor records, 10 units at The Hill have now been sold of the 28 that are complete.

The good news is that six have sold in the last 8 months while only 4 had sold in the previous two years.

Hopefully they will now start on phase 2...they should regroup and redesign phase 2, make them not as expensive as phase 1, with lower price points...

Hopefully they will now start on phase 2...they should regroup and redesign phase 2, make them not as expensive as phase 1, with lower price points...

Really? More like, hopefully they sell it to someone with a better plan.

I am new to the message board. Moved into the hill back in October. My wife and I love it here. We had a baby in November and we are so excited to raise our child downtown. We love the location of the Hill. It is centrally located in OKC, access to all highways. Can get to any apart of OKC within 15 minutes. I work downtown so my drive to work is only minutes away. My wife works up off of Broadway Ext, so her commute is very convenient.

I see all of these complaints about the inside being to suburban, but my wife and I love the look. It feels more homely to us. When our friends have come over they have been surprised with how homely it feels. Definitely not what any of them expected. We have only thrown a few get togethers since moving in but we have only received positive feedback from all people. My in-laws who are more country (from Choctaw) love it too.

We lived in Edmond previously. We have basically seen our electric bill be half of what it was in Edmond and our house here is 500 square feet bigger. HOA dues are very reasonable and the fact I have no yard maintenance is amazing. We are real excited about MAP 3 and the new elementary school that will be built downtown.

This talk of making this rental property to me is horrible. There is plenty of rental properties downtown OKC. Downtown needs more ownership that way people have more respect and love for their property. Ownership only helps the longevity of downtown. I truly feel downtown is only going up from here too.

Believe they have sold 5-6 units since I moved in in October... Two contracts agreed upon last week. So excited for all the growth and new neighbors.

kjones, welcome to the forum and thanks for posting.

I think The Hill is really going to fill up in the very near future.

I have to ask kjones - with all of downtown OKC less than a mile away from your front door why are you driving there? One of the things that makes me want to move downtown is that I can get rid of at least one car - which would save me over $1,000 per month in car payment, insurance, and gasoline. That is like getting a $12,000 raise.

I have to ask kjones - with all of downtown OKC less than a mile away from your front door why are you driving there? One of the things that makes me want to move downtown is that I can get rid of at least one car - which would save me over $1,000 per month in car payment, insurance, and gasoline. That is like getting a $12,000 raise.

Haha, never misses a beat. I can basically predict what you're going to say just by reading the subject at hand. LOL

Haha, never misses a beat. I can basically predict what you're going to say just by reading the subject at hand. LOL

As long as people keep driving their car less than a mile I am going to keep asking. My neighbor does the same thing when going to our community pool - it is a half mile and she drivers her car. She will ride her bike for exercise but if she goes to the pool she drives her car. I can't figure it out so I asked her why she does it. She said it is 100% habit - if she leaves the house she drives. It makes no sense and she said she really didn't think about it until I asked her.

Maybe it is just me - I cringe everytime I start my car and do everything to avoid driving it - including riding my bike 6 miles round trip to get fast-food. I find it interesting (and sad) that the average American household starts their car 13 times a day and most don't even realize it.

http://www.bts.gov/programs/national_household_travel_survey/daily_travel.html

As long as people keep driving their car less than a mile I am going to keep asking. My neighbor does the same thing when going to our community pool - it is a half mile and she drivers her car. She will ride her bike for exercise but if she goes to the pool she drives her car. I can't figure it out so I asked her why she does it. She said it is 100% habit - if she leaves the house she drives. It makes no sense and she said she really didn't think about it until I asked her.

Maybe it is just me - I cringe everytime I start my car and do everything to avoid driving it - including riding my bike 6 miles round trip to get fast-food. I find it interesting (and sad) that the average American starts their car 13 times a day and most don't even realize it.

I hear you. Honestly, you're preaching to the choir about this one. I feel the same way you do except I'm nowhere near as vocal as you are about it.

If I lived in The Hill (I don't) and I worked downtown (I do) I wouldn't mind walking to work on nice days. It's a bit of a walk, but not too bad if you are in reasonable shape. But if it is cold, rainy, icy or 110 degrees in the summer then you have to have a car, even for that short distance. If we had a decent bus/trolley system for these people to catch for going to and from work then sure he might be able to leave the car behind more often.

We walk virtually everywhere downtown and nearby. For us, living on 3rd and Oklahoma, everywhere in Bricktown, the CBD, Film Row, and Automobile Alley are accessed by foot. We do drive to Midtown and currently to the Boathouse District, although once the canal extension is complete, it will be easy to walk to the river. The streetcar will make Midtown accessible without a car.

LOL - I was just asking the question. Like I said, most people don't think about it. They move and are happy their commute got shorter. I was guilty of it too. For 2 years I worked 1.5 miles from my house and drove it everyday. I even drove home for lunch. With traffic congestion it took me twice as long to drive it as it was to ride the bike. Of course, I used every excuse from it might rain to I didn't want to sweat (as if sitting in a 110 degree car for 1.5 miles didn't cause me to sweat)

Here are 3 legitimate answers: (1) weather, (2) in a rush, and (3) have to transport a lot of things between home and work.
Who would walk to work if there's ice on the road, if it's below freezing, or if you have to walk home in a suit when it's 100 degrees (thus wasting time and water on an extra shower)? Also, I often have to bring lots of materials back and forth. Sometimes up to 30-40 lbs of books and supplies. So, while walking might work well on somedays. There are a lot of days it might not...

Not that it matters but I both live and work in Midtown, and yes, I generally drive to work. Its not that I'm lazy. My main reason is I am usually going somewhere other than my office during the day (lunch, downtown) and I usually go to the gym after work at least 3 times a week.

The handful of times I don't need to go anywhere during or after work and the weather is nice I generally do walk. More often then not, I will walk to 1492, Louies, Plaza Court, Kaisers, etc. when I'm on my own time and not under constraints.

There are definitely areas of OKC that are become walkable but everyday living without a vehicle is still a ways off, even those living in downtown. Of course I still go 2-3 weeks on a tank of gas, so I'm certainly not upset about this.

Here are 3 legitimate answers: (1) weather, (2) in a rush, and (3) have to transport a lot of things between home and work.


That is why I asked.

Well my work is actually in Midtown to be exact. It is 1.2 miles to work. I ride my motorcycle most months(except Jan Feb). I have to be at work between 530 and 630 so for me I would rather have the extra time in the morning getting up and ready. An obviously if you are from OKC you know the weather has a mind of its own and can change on a dime.

My car is paid off. My insurance runs $50 dollars a month. And I don't even use a full tank of gas in a month on either my car nor motorcycle. Gas runs me about $14 a month. So no I may not be saving the same amount as you by getting rid of my car. But I don't spend that much more and I get a lot of flexibility with it. And by the way as you can see in my previous post I have a newborn, so I do not know how well it would go over without have a car.

Now if the Mass transit systems develops and runs close by and up to midtown that would be a great alternative for me. Its just not here yet.

We do walk to all things downtown though. i.e. the restaurants, Thunder Games, and Myriad Gardens.

Thanks for the answer kjones.

This is one of the reasons I'm concerned with certain living options downtown, primarily The Hill.

http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/04/12/road_hazard/

The health dangers of living so close to the highway present a problem for many people. The enormous number of tiny pollution particles caused by the amount of traffic causes greater incidences of respiratory issues, including asthma, and cardiovascular disease. Some suspect the pollution can contribute to risk of autism in children (http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/17/study-living-near-a-highway-may-contribute-to-autism-risk/) growing up near highways, though I don't believe such a link has been proven.

Here, however, is the caveat one of the researchers noted.


Brauer suggested that people view traffic pollution as one of the range of factors that may influence their heart disease risk -- which includes exercise and diet habits, smoking and the presence of any health conditions that contribute to heart disease, like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Living near major roads does not mean a person is destined for heart disease. And, Brauer noted, living in a low-traffic area does not mean a person can slack on following a healthy lifestyle.

I wonder if there are some natural barriers or pollution capture strategies that can be utilized right next to these neighborhoods. The continuing advancement in zero or near zero emission vehicles should help as those cars and trucks become more widely used.

Of course, the risks of our fast food/car culture are worse than any of the limitations to walking on some days that I mentioned.

Yes, even when the smog was bad here in L.A. (it's much, much better these days) studies showed that even with air pollution people here were healthier than average because everyone was outside so much.

Whatever very small effect there may be from cars and highways is more than offset by the ability to actually walk places.


BTW, is there any plan to connect the OK River trails with bike lanes and/or paths coming from Midtown or Deep Deuce? If I lived in one of those areas I want access to the paths for recreation without having to get in my car.

Same should be happening around Lake Hefner and other paths... People are much more likely to get out and use them if they can merely leave from home on foot or bike.

BTW, is there any plan to connect the OK River trails with bike lanes and/or paths coming from Midtown or Deep Deuce? If I lived in one of those areas I want access to the paths for recreation without having to get in my car.

Same should be happening around Lake Hefner and other paths... People are much more likely to get out and use them if they can merely leave from home on foot or bike.

Yes! When I lived in Midtown I biked to the river a few times and I had to just ride on Lincoln with barriers and both sides and no extra space. It was pretty dangerous. It's an embarrassment for the City that someone could not ride a bike to the world class rowing area that hosts bike classes. You are clearly supposed to drive it their in a car.

But these embarrassments are all over the city. For example, Westmoore High School, a school with over 2,000 students, doesn't even have sidewalks anywhere around the school. If a student wants to ride their bike to school in the morning they have to fight rush hour traffic and risk their life.

Sorry for getting off topic, but it's infuriating and embarrassing.

When they rebuilt Lincoln crosstown bridge they made it pedestrian friendly. There is a handrail for the sidewalk of the steepest part of the bridge. Curb ramps have been installed at Reno to the north. Its then a straight shot into Bricktown from there. This has all been there since November.

As for health problems related to highway pollution, its mostly caused by carbon. Simply planting trees that consume co2 would be a positive step.

As for health problems related to highway pollution, its mostly caused by carbon. Simply planting trees that consume co2 would be a positive step.

Well, the researchers were far more concerned about Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) than CO2 as the cause of the health problems. I also think Carbon Monoxide emissions are far more concerning than CO2. I'm no expert here, though--would trees consume or disperse PM in any way? And where could trees be planted in the vicinity of The Hill?

I couldn't find where PM was talked about in your links. If you have a link to a research article, please PM me or post it. Since this is a community forum, I was looking at things that the community could do to improve air quality. Trees do reduce carbon and carbon does increase health problems. I'm not sure this is the place for a more scientific discussion. If I was a stakeholder in this area, I would definitely be planting trees for several additional reasons:
People slow down where there is attractive landscaping. This makes it safer for pedestrians.
Shade makes traveling on foot easier, and being outside in general more fun.
To mark the territory as well maintained, to keep vagrants away.

Between Reno and NE 4th could really use a lot of trees as this area will now become a main pedestrian/bike link to the river. I doubt anyone would get prosecuted for trespassing in order to plant trees in this area.

Yes! When I lived in Midtown I biked to the river a few times and I had to just ride on Lincoln with barriers and both sides and no extra space. It was pretty dangerous. It's an embarrassment for the City that someone could not ride a bike to the world class rowing area that hosts bike classes. You are clearly supposed to drive it their in a car.

We argue about the boathouse all the time. I bike there 2 times a day everyday from 33rd/walker. If you live in midtown, why would you take lincoln?

We argue about the boathouse all the time. I bike there 2 times a day everyday from 33rd/walker. If you live in midtown, why would you take lincoln?

Because I made stops over in Bricktown often times...

Yes, being a cyclist and commuting by bike, this city is not the most bike friendly, but it is possible. Even today I biked.

Yes, being a cyclist and commuting by bike, this city is not the most bike friendly, but it is possible. Even today I biked.
Hi-five, winter bike commuting buddy.

On topic, I really would like to see our trails and lanes connected into a network. I live near Lake Hefner(east side) and would love the trails to be connect to the Overholster ones, or the Katy trail so I could ride downtown in the nice weather to hang out in Bricktown. It's doable now, but I've had enough aggressive driver experiences on the roads here that I'm not likely to do it.

nm

This is the area desperately in need of trees in order to become an "urban trail":
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V40Uw6gFJec/T0L2EOK76_I/AAAAAAAAAGI/ZDFlboxnZQU/s720/dd%2520to%2520river%2520map.jpg
This path would leverage the undeveloped part of Bricktown/DD by turning them into a tree-lined pedestrian/bike path. It would also serve to connect AA foottraffic with the river/Bricktown. Maybe the Hill developers could invest in this plan and market their project as "within biking distance of the Oklahoma River"

Haven't been on here in a while but wanted to update everyone on progress at The Hill. I posted a couple of months ago about my experience I've had living at The Hill and I am still loving it! SUPER excited and proud of all the forward momentum we continue to see in OKC also! What an exciting time we ALL are in!

There have been several home sales in the complex since July of 2011. Including my unit, 7 homes have sold and closed at The Hill in the past 7 months! I'd say that's a pretty good indication that downtown living is catching a lot of attention. I actually just put in an offer today to purchase a larger, 2,700 square foot unit for myself in the newest section of the complex (plan on keeping my current, 2 bedroom unit for a rental property as I think a townhome offers an ideal investment property opportunity--little to no maintenance and the property will cash flow well based on the rent you can charge for a nice downtown unit).

When I was visiting with the sales rep, he also let me know that 4 other units are under contract as we speak--all slated to close in March (will be 5 if everything goes well on mine). That will push them up to a total of 11 units sold in less than 8 months when March rolls around. It really excites me that the project is going well and that's part of the reason I decided to buy a unit that is almost double the size of my current home.

They're over 60% sold on the original building and at this pace, I wouldn't be surprised if the original building is sold out in the next 12 to 18 months. The newest building that houses the larger units between 2,600 & 3,700 is just about complete and the response seems pretty good there too....1 of those units has already closed (January 2012) and if my contract works out, there should be 2 more of the larger homes sold in March, so that would only leave 5 of the larger homes.

Glad to see downtown continuing to light up! Viva OKC!

Great to hear of the momentum in sales at the hill! all the best on your purchase, I can only guess at how nice it is. Pics later?

Thanks for the update, Okie Yorker.

Any news on starting the clubhouse/pool or another phase of townhouses?

Great to hear of the momentum in sales at the hill! all the best on your purchase, I can only guess at how nice it is. Pics later?
Thanks!

We agreed to a deal today on the larger unit so I should be moved into that one in late March. I'll post some pics after I move in...they really did a nice job with those units....Even has a glass elevator in the middle :)

Thanks for the update, Okie Yorker.

Any news on starting the clubhouse/pool or another phase of townhouses?

No problem, Pete..... I haven't heard anything official on the Pool / clubhouse, but I'm pretty sure they start at least one if not two of the new buildings in the next few months. Hopefully the Pool/Clubhouse goes in soon.

3 townhomes left, according to their flier.

3 townhomes left, according to their flier.

According to the County Assessor, only 19 of 32 have sold.

7 thus far in 2012.

When you drive by the actual development they have big sign on a townhouse visible from 235 stating "only 3 townhomes left" just a couple weeks ago it was 8

When you drive by the actual development they have big sign on a townhouse visible from 235 stating "only 3 townhomes left" just a couple weeks ago it was 8

Which, of course, could be just an enticement. "Don't be left out"
That's not an unusual advertising ploy.

Which, of course, could be just an enticement. "Don't be left out"
That's not an unusual advertising ploy.

Amazon.com does that all the time, for comparison sake.

However, there are a bunch of "sold" signs that have gone up, and there aren't many that appear unoccupied. I walk by there everyday and it seems as if all but one that face west are sold. I haven't paid any attention to the new ones or the ones that face north and south.

Per their website, there is one 2-BR unit and two 3-BR units available.

http://www.thehillokc.com/listing.php?room=2

http://www.thehillokc.com/listing.php?room=3

I wonder what they did to goose sales all of a sudden. Are private individuals purchasing these or are investors buying?

It's just a guess, but I think there has been a huge shift in the minds of locals over the last 5 years regarding living downtown. And the smaller units at The Hill are entry level prices if you don't want an apartment feel. The Hill units feel more like a house than any downtown housing, the complex is well-landscaped and maintained and people feel comfortable buying when they see others doing so.