Blue Ash

Just a quick 16-mile drive north on Interstate 71 from Downtown Cincinnati sits the conveniently located community of Dillonvale. “The proximity and ease to get on the highway and be in Cincinnati is huge for Dillonvale,” Holly Finn, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty says. “You’re just minutes from live sports, theater and some really great art.” The easy commute is ideal for people who want the quiet of living in a suburban area but need to commute for work. “We have a ton of big corporations like Kroger and Proctor and Gamble that the residents here commute into the city for,” Finn says. The home prices in the neighborhood are another big draw. “Dillonvale is a really good investment,” says Tammi Iverson, a Realtor with Keller Williams Seven Hills Realty. “It’s affordable and a good value for appreciating.” As homebuyers walk along the tree-shaded sidewalks of Dillonvale, they will find Cape Cods, ranch-style and split-level homes built in the 1950s that sit on less than a quarter acre from each other, making it easy for residents to cozy up to their neighbors. While they might be close to their neighbors, they won’t be close to the noise of significant businesses as Dillonvale is primarily residential, giving it a sense of seclusion. Homes here have sold for between $140,000 and $580,000. “Dillonvale is a really good start for people because of the affordability,” Iverson says. “It’s becoming more desirable. The prices are going up.” As for crime, the CAP Index gave Dillonvale a Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average. Students in Dillonvale attend the Deer Park Community City School District. For kindergarten through sixth grade, students attend Amity Elementary School, which received a B grade from Niche and was renovated in 2018. The renovations to the gym, administrative offices, classrooms and auditorium earned the 2019 ABC Ohio Valley Chapter Excellence in Construction award. For seventh grade through 12th, students attend Deer Park Junior/Senior High School, which also earned a B grade from Niche. Deer Park has a proud fine arts tradition and has highly regarded show choirs, bands and drama clubs. As for private school options, Mount Notre Dame High School is just 3 miles from the neighborhood and earned an A-minus grade from Niche. Mount Notre Dame is known for being the former high school of United States Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle. There are plenty of places to get outside and play near Dillonvale. Bechtold Park is just east of the neighborhood and has something for almost everyone. Athletes can choose between tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts and a beach volleyball court. Parents have three different play areas for their children, while neighbors looking to catch up can do so on the walking trail. When it’s time to cool off, residents can join the Brookside Swim Club next to Bechtold Park. French Park provides just that with a handful of trails for those looking to get more in touch with nature. The 275-acre park is just 4 miles south of the neighborhood. There might not be a more excellent park in the Cincinnati area than Summit Park. “It’s a huge draw not just for folks in the area but all over Greater Cincinnati,” Jason Kunkel, a Realtor with Liz & Jason at Kopf Hunter Haas Realtors, says. The park has an impressive children’s nature playscape, a dynamic playground and a dog park. Those who enjoy fishing can do so at their fishing pond, which is catch-and-release. Throughout the summer, the park puts on Summit Cinema Movie Nights on the great lawn. Movie watchers enjoy free popcorn. Sports fans pack Logo’s Sports Bar and Grill on Sunday afternoons to watch the Bengals play. With bar classics like wings and potato skins, Logo’s is the ideal spot to check out a game. Trivia aficionados enjoy Logo’s on Monday nights as they host trivia with drink specials. Arrechissimo is serving up authentic Venezuelan entrees and bowls. Venezuelan staples like empanada pabellon and queso de mano are favorites, but customers try to save room for the tres leches. For a cold drink, stop in Sandy’s Stagecoach Saloon. At Sandy’s, customers have plenty of craft and local beer options and a jukebox and pool table for entertainment. Making Life Sweet is the spot to grab a cupcake or cookies for dessert. There are plenty of grocery and retail options in Dillonvale. Kroger is just north of Highway 126 and has everything one may need to meal prep for the week ahead. For upscale offerings, The Fresh Market and Whole Foods Market both have locations off Interstate 71. For all your home needs, Target is nearby on Plainfield Road. For a more nuanced shopping experience, Kenwood Towne Centre has over 150 unique stores, from locally-owned boutiques to nationally recognized brands. “Dillonvale’s location allows you to be anywhere quickly,” Iverson says. “You can hop on Ronald Reagan Highway and get to I-71 or I-75; it’s a great location.” Downtown Cincinnati commuters are looking at a 16-mile drive from Dillonvale. Residents can also use the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority bus system, otherwise known as the Metro, to get downtown. There is a stop on Plainfield Road. Those looking to catch a flight can do so at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, a 28-mile drive. For medical attention, Mercy Health The Jewish Hospital is a 2-mile drive from Dillonvale. Dillonvale is located within the Sycamore Township, which organizes various events throughout the year. One of the more popular events is the Tire Discounters Festival at Bechtold Park. Along with a variety of local music performances, the festival also hosts a variety of regional food vendors and a collection of rides for kids with an all-you-can-ride pass available. Just 2 miles north of Dillonvale is Blue Ash Golf Course. The 18-hole course is open year-round, weather permitting. “It’s one of the top public courses in Cincinnati,” Kunkel says. Attached to the course is Sandtrap Grill, which has a full bar and good service and is the perfect place to relax after a long day out on the course.