Quiet suburb near Cincinnati
Sometimes, the only noise in Cleves is the wind rustling the trees and kids shooting hoops in their driveways. "Especially after 9 o'clock, everything becomes quiet," says Another Bar & Grill owner, Lisa Reinstheoer, who has served the community for over 10 years. "It's kind of an out-in-the-country feel," she adds, saying that this calm nature attracts people to Cleves and keeps them there. "People tend to have their families here, and they stay," Reinstheoer says. Given this, it's no wonder that "everywhere you go, you'll run into someone you know," she affirms, mentioning some of the local eateries. When folks aren't catching up with their friends at the local bar, they're often exploring the community's thousands of acres of green space or heading to the Great Miami and Ohio rivers. "It's essentially just a nice, quiet little town,” says local Realtor Lorie Eisert with RE/MAX Preferred Choice. "That's about it — I think for most people who move there, that's all they want."
Folk Victorians, ranch-styles and new development
Homes in downtown Cleves sit on quarter-acre lots, flanking sidewalk-lined streets laid out in a grid. In contrast, the community's outskirts offer residents a more rural feel. Here, densely wooded areas surround narrow roads that often spread into cul-de-sacs, and many homeowners enjoy multiacre lots. Despite this difference, both areas have similar housing styles. Some properties here, including bungalows and Folk Victorians, date back to the early 20th century. Others are midcentury constructions like ranch-styles and Cape Cods. The community is also seeing plenty of development in the form of new traditional and contemporary builds. Depending on the property's age, size and condition, prices typically range from $150,000 to $850,000. Location can also factor into pricing — many homes lining the Great Miami River and its tributaries receive higher-than-average Flood Factor Scores. Buyers can also find lots for sale starting at around $50,000. It's important to note that most folks own their homes here. “People come in asking about renting all the time, and there's almost always nothing available," Reinstheoer says.
Cleves Community Park, Miami Whitewater Forest and more
At Cleves Community Park, children flock to the playground, bikers practice their tricks on the BMX track and youth soccer players work on their dribbling skills. Nearby, at the Mitchell Memorial Forest, hikers head on paths that meander through towering pines and sugar maples, occasionally spotting the flash of lightning bugs in the summertime. Anglers can spend their afternoons on the Ohio River, while paddleboarders head to the Miami Whitewater Forest, which boasts access to the Great Miami River. The forest has also become a popular spot among horseback riders and hikers alike. Nearby, some folks explore densely wooded areas at Shawnee Lookout, known for its Native American mounds. Those wanting to spend their days hitting the greens can check out the Neumann Golf Course, which boasts three nine-hole options.
Three Rivers Local School District
To start their schooling, children can attend Three Rivers Elementary, which has not yet received a rating from Niche. Some students enroll in the school's gifted program, which continues at Taylor Middle. The middle school also boasts various extracurriculars, including fishing, art and robotics clubs. From there, students attend Taylor High, where they can take College Credit Plus and AP courses. Both middle and high schools receive B ratings from Niche.
Nick's American Cafe, Another Bar & Grill and more
Locals can start their mornings with an espresso and a hand-crafted cookie at Java Jackets Coffee House. Or they can head to Nick's American Cafe, where the aromas of sizzling bacon and other breakfast classics often greet folks as soon as they walk in. For other options, many residents head to Another Bar & Grill. "It's got a family atmosphere," Reinstheoer says, mentioning the regulars who come here to enjoy wings, beer and pool. Those wanting specialty drinks and live music often head to Jacki's, a small sports bar in the community. Signs touting the 'Jeep' brand adorn the walls, and patrons are known to leave small rubber duckies around the bar — a nod to the worldwide tradition among Jeep enthusiasts of leaving a duck as a sign of comradery. Those wanting to stay in for the night can pick up groceries at the community's Kroger location.
Cleves Farmer's Market and the Christmas Walk
Every Sunday in the summer, the Cleves Farmer's Market brings people together to listen to live music, shop and enjoy food truck offerings. When December rolls around, folks head to downtown Cleves for the Christmas Walk. "All the business come together, and people walk around and mingle," Reinstheoer says, adding that the decor helps get people in the holiday spirit. "It gives you a nice warm feeling." Local establishments host games, and the Harrison-Symmes Museum offers free admission to those who want to learn more about former president William Henry Harrison. Children can warm up with a cup of steaming hot chocolate before heading to make festive crafts at the Miami Township Branch Library. The library also boasts smaller gatherings throughout the year, including book and drawing clubs.
Commutes, employers and more
Cleves is a car-dependent area, as public transportation is not easily accessible. Many folks commute to and from downtown Cincinnati, which is just about 17 miles away via U.S. Route 50. The city is home to some of the Tri-State Area's biggest employers, including Procter & Gamble. Some residents enjoy quicker commutes, working at nearby medical care institutions like TriHealth Group Health — Western Ridge, which is just about 8 miles away via East Miami River Road. To get to other employers in nearby communities, folks often hop on Interstate 75 or Interstate 275. They can take the latter to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which is just about 21 miles away. Given air traffic routes, it's not uncommon for residents to hear or see planes, but Cleves is generally known as a quiet community. Adding to this calm nature is that the community receives a 2 out of 10 crime score on the CAP Index, compared to the national average of 4.
Written By
Marianna Dionysiou
Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
