Portia Osby is one whose family tree extends into the far reaches of Reynoldstown history. "My parents lived here," she explains, "and so did their parents and their parents." Osby moved away from the neighborhood when she was first married, but the pull of her familial connections soon became too great and she returned to Reynoldstown -- something she never regrets.
When Osby moved back to Reynoldstown, it, like many intown neighborhoods, was in a state of decline. "Many longtime families moved out looking for better housing," says Osby. "Lower income people without resources moved in." The neighborhood had problems with petty crime and prostitution. However, that has changed in recent years. Property values are increasing and the neighborhood is once again becoming a safe, stable place to live. According to Osby, Reynoldstown attracts people "who want to be in a community where they can make a difference."
Tina Price was looking for a home in a historic neighborhood when she stumbled upon Reynoldstown. "I actually thought I was buying a house in South Inman Park," Price says. However, when she learned about the history of Reynoldstown she was even more excited to call the neighborhood home. "I love my neighborhood," she says. "Its great to live in a place that has such an interesting past."
For Price, the first look at her house before she bought it was almost enough to send her running. "When I opened the doors, the roaches almost attacked me," Price says. "I laughed at the agent trying to sell it, but then it kind of grew on me." Plus her competitive spirit kicked in when a neighbor told her he was tired of looking at the run-down house and threatened to buy it if she didn't. Now she can't imagine herself any place else.
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