Hamilton

At Bloom and Berries Farm Market, a produce stand in Hamilton Township, folks can pick up homemade jams and locally grown fruits. Farmland and horse pastures add to the community’s “country-style, laid-back nature,” according to Kevin Johnson, a real estate agent with Sibcy Cline Milford, who lives in the township. However, while the community was once known solely for rural living, today, it has become one of the Tri-State Area’s hottest spots for new development. The housing market isn’t the only aspect of the township that has evolved throughout the years. Farmland has been repurposed into recreational spaces, and state Route 48, one of the community's main commercial thoroughfares, is expanding. Despite the township’s growing nature and population of around 30,000 people, “It’s got that small-town feel,” Johnson says. “When I take my dog for a walk, people say hello to each other. Even if you’re on the other side of the street, people will wave.” Hamilton Township's newer subdivisions feature sidewalk-lined streets and contemporary builds that sit on quarter-acre lots dotted with trees. New traditional homes are also common in these areas. Prospective residents will find similar styles and farmhouses moving toward the township's outskirts. However, these sections often feature heavily wooded multiacre lots, horse pastures and farmland, offering folks a more rural feel. The township boasts some older homes, including midcentury ranch-styles. There are also condo units here, which start at around $250,000 and can go up to $350,000. Single-family home prices typically range from about $250,000 to $1.5 million, depending on the property's size and acreage. Buyers should be aware that some subdivisions also have HOA fees. Those wanting a custom-built home can purchase a vacant lot, which can go for under $100,000. Prospective residents will find that the community receives a 2 out of 10 crime score from the CAP Index, lower than the national average of 4. At Mounts Park, kayakers explore lakes surrounded by mature trees while some folks enjoy a relaxing waterfront stroll. In September, many people come here to see the sunflower field in peak bloom. Nearby, at Testerman Park, parents set up their foldable chairs to watch Little League games while others spend their afternoons on the basketball court. "The police officers will stop and shoot hoops with the kids," Johnson says. Soccer players can head to one of the 13 fields at Marr Park, while golfers purchase memberships at TPC River's Bend. Here, members enjoy a hilly landscape that offers picturesque views of the Little Miami River, a hot spot among canoers and anglers alike. Bikers and walkers often head on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which stretches along the water. As for events, "we've made great strides in engaging the community," says Scott Hughes, Hamilton Township Police Chief. He cites the Freedom Parade & Festival, which the township and the Village of Maineville put together. Here, folks can meet up with their neighbors to enjoy a skydiving show while children spend the day bouncing on inflatables and playing games. When October rolls around, locals can compete in the Spooktacular Decorating Contest. Or they can immerse themselves in a celebration at Testerman Park, where children fill their Halloween baskets with candy during "Trunk or Treat" opportunities, and residents dress their furry friends in costumes for the parade. In December, Mainville and Hamilton Township partner up again for the annual Tree Lighting Celebration, which features a fireworks show, a visit from Santa and holiday tunes played by local students. For dining out, folks can check out the eateries situated around Route 48. Johnson recommends Putters Sports Grill. “They’ve got excellent wings,” he says. Similarly, Shooters Sports Grill offers pub fare and American classics. For dessert, locals can swing by 12 Degrees Italian Ice, which serves up soft-serve ice cream and, unsurprisingly, Italian ice. Many of the other establishments in Hamilton Township are popular chain eateries. While locals already have plenty of options within their community, commercial development will only rise. Route 48 is expanding, and the township will become home to new establishments, including a new 123,000-square-foot Kroger Marketplace. This will be one of the biggest Krogers in the country, but for now, folks can grab groceries at the township’s existing location. For fresh fruits and veggies, locals can check out Blooms & Berries Farm Market, while those wanting to spruce up their yards can buy flowers at Greenfield Plant Farm. Students can attend Little Miami Early Childhood Center. From there, they can head to Little Miami Primary and Little Miami Elementary, which receive B-ratings from Niche. Then it's on to B-plus-rated Little Miami Middle. Afterward, they can attend B-rated Little Miami High, which Niche ranks as the No. 4 high school in Warren County. The high school boasts College Credit Plus opportunities and a number of extracurriculars, including the Art Mural Club and Academic Team. All of these schools feature very active Parent-Teacher Organizations, which help organize activities and events for students and family members. For work, “there’s a fair amount of folks that commute to Cincinnati or Dayton,” Hughes says. Residents can take Interstate 71 to both cities. Cincinnati is about a 27-mile drive away and boasts the Procter & Gamble Headquarters, while Dayton is about 40 miles away and is home to Premier Health Partners. Some residents may also work within the township at places like Bilstein of America Inc., an automotive manufacturing company; others work at nearby healthcare institutions, like Bethesda North Hospital, which is about 11 miles away via U.S. Route 22, one of the major thoroughfares that stretches through the community. On travel days, folks can hop on Interstate 275 to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is about 46 miles away.