Brookville’s history meets friendly locals and fresh energy
Brookville may look like a town frozen in time with its preserved historic downtown and older homes, but this community is brimming with new energy. Local businesses thrive in the community's restored commercial district, and annual festivals keep neighbors connected throughout the year. The town also has quick access to the Whitewater River and Brookville Lake, two massive recreational hubs. Christine Craig, executive director of Main Street Brookville, says the community is full of friendly residents open to positive change and growth. "I don't live in Franklin County, but I have been welcomed with open arms as director," she says. "You know, you think small town, how will they react when I come in with all these new ideas? But they've been great."
Colonial Revivals and mature trees follow the town’s rolling hills
"There are tons of longtime residents, but there are also folks from all over who are choosing to live or buy second homes here," Craig says. "This area is one of the more beautiful parts of the state, with rolling hills and rivers away from city congestion." Many homes are along gridded two-way roads in the town's core. Lots are generally spacious, with mature trees shading grassy lawns. In some residential clusters, especially closer to Main Street, lots become tighter, placing neighbors closer together. Still, mature trees and shrubs dot yards, no matter how small. Across town, American Foursquare homes with covered porches, Colonial Revival homes, ranch-style homes and bungalows are typical. Many properties also have architectural quirks, from Cape Cod dormer windows and steep roof slants to Queen Anne-style turrets. Prices for move-in-ready homes usually fall between $170,000 and $250,000.
Old-fashioned Main Street brims with businesses and change
The Main Street Brookville organization is responsible for preserving and restoring downtown Brookville's historic architecture and old-fashioned atmosphere. After the town received a major state renovation grant to redo building facades, the commercial hub has grown faster than ever. "We're on an upswing, unlike other towns that are slowly losing business," Craig says. "None of our renovated buildings stay empty for longer than two weeks." Shoppers mill past a collection of local businesses. Coffee on Main serves hot brews, Brookville Butcher sells fresh cuts and Third Place offers cheesy pizzas. Oak & Twine Book Co. sells new releases and used books, while Mid-Town Tavern is where locals drink and play pool. The only day Main Street goes quiet is Monday, but this is intentional. "Mondays are the sleepy days," Craig says. "Most everything is closed, so it feels like the old times." Near Highway 52 are nationally recognized chains and supermarket options, like Skyline Chili, Brookville IGA, Save A Lot and Arby's.
River recreation, Brookville Lake boating and summer pool time
The east and west forks of the Whitewater River pass through Brookville. While this puts some areas at moderate risk from flooding, according to First Street, it also offers ample recreation opportunities. Destinations like Whitewater Valley Gateway Park allow locals to launch rafts, cast lines and hike along the riverbank. The town is also within a few miles of Brookville Lake, a popular boating, camping, sport fishing and swimming hub. Trails around the lake accommodate hiking, cycling, horseback riding and ATV off-roading. However, not all are permitted on every trail. In town, Brookville Town Park offers softball and football fields, play equipment and a sand volleyball court. Nearby, the Heap/Hofer Town Aquatic Center opens its pool and waterslides every summer.
According to First Street, Brookville also has a moderate risk of wildfire over the next 30 years. During especially dry conditions, the county institutes burn bans to help prevent accidental fires.
The community is home to three Franklin County schools
The Franklin County Community School Corporation has three elementary schools. Still, most kids attend Brookville Elementary, which has a B-minus Niche rating. Students then attend Franklin County Middle and Franklin County High, which have C-plus and B-minus scores. All three schools are in town, but only a few kids live within walking distance.
Main Street and Highway 52 link residents to work and care
Nearby employers include the county school district, Pepsi Co. distribution center and Owens Corning manufacturing plant. Drivers use Main Street and Highway 52 to travel around. People are roughly 45 miles from the Cincinnati /Northern Kentucky International Airport. The town has Margaret Mary Health Center of Brookville, but the closest hospitals are roughly 20 miles away in Connersville , Liberty and Batesville .
Annual festivals bring music, fried chicken and holiday cheer
The annual Chicken Festival and Fry Off is one of the town's biggest events. "All our regional chicken fryers come and compete, then they stay the rest of the day to fry chicken for the public," Craig says. Locals celebrate the holidays with events like November Noel, a Christmas-themed festival where Santa arrives on an antique fire truck to spread cheer to residents. In 2025, the town hosted its first-ever Music on Main concert series, which ran monthly from May to August. "We had live bands playing at multiple locations so people could wander Main Street and the DORA district," Craig says. "People like to shop with wine in one hand and their wallet in the other." In 2026, Brookville will host an America250 celebration in July. Attendees can expect live music, vendors up and down Main Street and a fireworks show.
