Close community with spacious properties and well-regarded schools
Southeast of Cincinnati sits the rural community of Bethel. While residents here get privacy and seclusion with spacious plots of land, they still live in a community that prioritizes supporting one another. “Just recently, a Bethel-Tate High School wrestler won the state championship, and the community came together to throw him a parade,” Patrick Luck, a Realtor with Wyndham-Lyons Realty Services and a past resident of Bethel, says. When not spending time at a community get-together, residents enjoy their farmhouses and ranch-style homes with spacious lots that give families so much room for activities. Children attend the well-regarded Bethel-Tate Local School District before spending after-school time at Burke Park or East Fork State Park. And on the weekends, kids will stay busy as well. “There’s a lot of youth sports activities in Bethel,” Luck says “There’s a ton of families that come for these activities.” While Downtown Cincinnati is a 30-mile commute, that’s another plus for those who decide to live in Bethel. “People live here to live in a small town away from the hustle and bustle,” Luck says.
Bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes on generous plots of land
While land size can vary depending on residents' proximity to the town’s center, most properties are a mix of bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes. Homes closer to the town center typically sit on less than a quarter acre, while homes further out have over an acre of land, perfect for a garden and even stables. Residents can expect to see streets lined with mature shade trees throughout the neighborhood, while homes in the nearby country may showcase sweeping views of nearby farms and forests. Prices in Bethel have ranged from $40,000 to $685,000. “The market in Bethel is really good, most houses are selling over list price,” Luck says. While residents can walk from business to business along Plane Street, most use cars to get from place to place. As for crime, the CAP Index gave Bethel a 3 out of 10 Crime Score, lower than the national average.
Students attend the Bethel-Tate Local School District
Bethel residents send their children to the Bethel-Tate Local School District. Starting in kindergarten, students attend Bick Primary Elementary School, which earned a B-minus grade from Niche. For third grade through fifth, children head to Hill Intermediate Elementary School before moving on to Bethel-Tate Middle School, both of which received a B from Niche. In ninth grade, students attend Bethel-Tate High School, which earned a B-minus grade and offers a variety of extracurricular programs, including a competitive marching band and athletic teams that compete in the Southern Buckeye Athletic Conference.
30 miles from Downtown Cincinnati
“People in town do commute to Cincinnati, but it’s far enough out that it doesn’t feel like a suburb; it’s definitely its own place,” Vicki White, a Realtor with Comey & Shepherd Realtors, says. Residents who must commute into Downtown Cincinnati are looking at a 30-mile drive from Bethel. Public transportation is not available from the neighborhood. Those who need to catch a flight can do so at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, a 38-mile drive from the neighborhood. Medical attention can be found at the Mercy Health Clermont Hospital, 14 miles north.
Local dining options and a plethora of chains
There are several local eateries, including Plane Street Coffee House & Cafe, which features a variety of sweet and savory breakfast and lunch options. Grammas Pizza, along with the obvious, offers hoagies, calzones, sandwiches and a wide selection of fried appetizers. Rise & Dine offers breakfast specials from fluffy pancakes to tasty French toast. Along with a few local spots, Bethel hosts a range of chain restaurants, including Domino’s, Subway, Arby’s, Skyline Chili and Dairy Queen. Bethel’s retail is concentrated along Plane Street, which runs through the center of town. Locals will find several smaller chain stores like Ace Hardware and O’Reilly Auto Parts, along with local shops like Bethel Feed & Supply. When it’s time to pick up groceries, the town’s Save a Lot serves Bethel and the surrounding communities. For an afternoon of shopping, residents can head to Eastgate Mall and 32 East Shopping Center in nearby Glen Ridge Acres, 17 miles away.
From Burke Park to East Fork State Park
Outdoor spaces in Bethel play a pivotal role in community life. Shared green spaces like Burke Park are popular gathering spots and feature playgrounds, walking trails, shaded areas and even a skate park. East Fork State Park, which sits on the neighborhood's northern end, is one of Ohio's largest parks. It is home to a vast expanse of woodland and a large lake where residents can enjoy swimming, fishing and hiking, making it a favorite for those keen on embracing nature's beauty. The recreational opportunities at East Fork State Park seem endless as residents can also horseback ride, shoot archery or go camping.
Recreational events at East Fork State Park
East Fork State Park has various events throughout the year to keep residents active. One of the most popular events is the 6 Hours of Power, where racers run as many laps around a 5K loop as they can in 6 hours. “East Fork Park also hosts the USRowing Summer National Championship,” Luck says.
Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
