Ohio's second-largest township
In Colerain, residents often spend their Friday nights under stadium lights, supporting their grandchildren, children and friends. It's not just the packed stands at Colerain High that highlight the tight-knit nature of this Cincinnati suburb. People here often spend their free time gathering at local or nearby parks, and community events are known to be well-attended by residents and visitors alike. Perhaps part of the reason the township is known for its community-oriented feel is that "there are generations of families living in the area," says Colerain Township communications specialist Helen Tracey-Noren. "This is the place where people put down their roots." It's more than just the vibe of the community that attracts and keeps people here. The township offers an expanding commercial presence and diverse housing options — from remote multiacre living to new subdivision communities. "You can have the rural and the commercial; you can have the serenity of having a lot of land but only be a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown," Tracey-Noren says.
A wide range of housing options
Colerain is known for its gently sloping green hills, towering red maples and quiet sidewalk-lined streets that often spread into cul-de-sacs. As for homes here, some areas, like Dunlap Grove, offer townhouses, which typically sell for anywhere between $180,000 and $300,000. Others, like Hunters Ridge, have become hot spots for developers like John Henry Homes. These areas offer contemporary and New Traditional constructions, ranging from $350,000 to $500,000. Prospective residents should expect HOA fees in both townhouse communities and some newer subdivisions. Colerain also has plenty of older homes. Many of these are near the center of the community, including 1950s ranch-styles, '70s split-levels and '90s brick New Traditionals. These homes typically range from just upwards of $100,000 to nearly $780,000, depending on their age, size and location. Many of these older properties boast heavily wooded multiacre lots with creeks. Buyers should be aware that the proximity to these creeks and the Great Miami River causes some homes here to receive higher-than-average Flood Factor Scores.
Northwest Local School District
Children can enroll in the Northwest Local School District to attend Colerain Elementary, which receives a B-minus rating on Niche. The school boasts several extracurriculars, including book and chess clubs. From there, they can head to Colerain Middle, a C-rated school and a 2023 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) award winner. Then it's on to B-minus-rated Colerain High. Here, they can enroll in Butler Tech's career programs, including green engineering, theater and firefighting. They'll also be able to participate in sports like basketball, swimming and football. "The support for sports is massive and multi-generational. You could have children, parents and grandparents all at the football game,” Tracey-Noren says.
Chains, local restaurants and the Vinoklet Winery
Chain eateries, a Kroger Marketplace and big retailers line Colerain Avenue. This area is also home to the Northgate Mall, but "eventually, it will be torn down," says Mitch Huffman, owner of Huffman Real Estate Group and Colerain resident. "There are talks of putting in some condos and storefronts." This is not the only new construction coming to the community — soon, there will be two Wawa locations here. Most establishments in and coming to the community are big chains; however, there are also a couple of local eateries, including Sunnyside Grill, known for its breakfast offerings. Those wanting to enjoy a classic sports bar vibe complete with wings and beer, head to Snow's Lakeside Tavern. Patio seating offers waterfront views, making this a popular establishment on warm summer days. Colerain is also home to Vinoklet Winery. Thousands of vines and picturesque green hills can make patrons feel they are far from Ohio. Unique dining experiences also add to the winery; on Fridays and Saturdays, people can grill their own food while enjoying wine-tasting opportunities.
Hiking, pickleball, golf and more
In Colerain, "hiking is big, but so is pickleball and golf," Tracey-Noren says. Hikers here have plenty of options. To the east is the Miami Whitewater Forest, where buckeye and sycamore trees flank paths that offer scenic views of the Great Miami River — a popular spot among kayakers and canoers alike. To the west is Winton Woods. Besides hiking trails, this park boasts Parky's Farm and a disc golf course. The community also features recreational spaces of its own. It's home to two pickleball courts near the Colerain Township Senior and Community Center and the 18-hole Pebble Creek Golf Course. The township also boasts several community parks. At Colerain Park, locals can grill out and enjoy a picnic lunch, or they can head to the ball fields to get some practice in. Those who head to Heritage Park can enjoy a relaxing stroll on the paved path or let their furry friends run loose in the dedicated dog area. The community is even home to a shooting facility: Range USA.
Fourth of July Spectacular and Cincinnati Donauschwaben Oktoberfest
Like many other communities in the Cincinnati area, Colerain hosts an annual Fourth of July gathering. It's held in Colerain Park and boasts everything from food trucks to activities for the kids, including bouncy houses. Unsurprisingly, the night's highlight is the classic fireworks show. Other summer events include a movie series and a pickleball tournament. When September rolls around, Vinoklet Winery hosts the annual Art & Wine Festival. Here, vibrant green vines make the perfect backdrop for those wanting to peruse through local vendors, enjoy live music and sip wine. Colerain is also home to the three-day Cincinnati Donauschwaben Oktoberfest. Here, festivalgoers can enjoy traditional German dancing, over 30 draft beer options and a classic car show.
Commutes to downtown Cincinnati and more
While some people take the Metro to get around, most people drive here. Some residents commute to and from Cincinnati for work, which is just about 22 miles away via Interstate 74. Major employers near or in the city center include the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Procter & Gamble and the University of Cincinnati. The community is also less than 7 miles from TriHealth Group Health — Western Ridge. Others work within the township, which boasts more than 1,000 businesses, including the headquarters of Rumpke Waste & Recycling. Colerain is also home to the Rumpke landfill. Given this, it's not uncommon for people here to smell unpleasant odors, especially when it rains or snows. On travel days, locals can take Interstate 275 for about 32 miles to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Conveniently, I-275 runs through the community. While some of the homes along this route receive higher-than-average sound scores, Colerain is known as a relatively quiet community. Adding to the peaceful ambiance is that the township receives a 1 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
