Quiet, rural living in Harlan Township
With vast farmlands that extend northeast from Cincinnati, Harlan Township draws people looking for privacy, acreage and a country feel. Established in 1860, the community has managed to maintain its rural nature despite being next to some of the fastest-developing townships outside of Cincinnati. “The lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but the people who do come out to these areas love being closer to the elements,” says Mike Sawyer, a local parks representative. “You can’t beat the view of the stars we get out here."
Midcentury homes and custom properties in the Ohio countryside
Driving along the rural routes and winding country backroads of Harlan Township reveals swaths of green fields, thick tree lines and fenced pastures. Many houses sit on at least an acre or more of land, which is a big draw for new residents. “It’s country living out here all the way,” Sawyer says. “You can drive for miles and miles before coming across the next building. Most people living out here have been in their houses for decades and have no plans of leaving anytime soon.” Architecture ranges from simple ranch-style homes and midcentury farmhouses to custom, contemporary builds. Smaller properties on a few acres can sell between $300,000 and $450,000, while modern and large custom properties can go for $500,000 to nearly $1 million.
Outdoor fun includes Little League, hiking trails and lake days
Whitacre Park, located near the center of the community off State Route 123, is one of the most popular green spaces. It features a playground, shaded pavilions and a large ball field where the local Little League games take place. It hosts several small seasonal events, from Easter hunts to haunted hayrides in October. Just east of the township, Bel-Wood Country Club has accepted members into the private club for over 50 years. Its main draw is a challenging 18-hole course, but the club also has several pickleball courts and a large pool. Nearby Cowan Lake State Park has more than 1,000 acres of terrain, with boat ramps along the serene lake and many trails to explore during hikes.
Four school districts and school choice offer flexibility
Four school districts serve Harlan Township. Ohio offers a school choice program, so parents can apply to enroll their children in a district of their choosing. Many will send their kids to either the Little Miami or Goshen Local school districts, both of which earn a B-plus on Niche. Starting in seventh grade, students are eligible to earn both high school and college credits through Ohio’s College Credit Plus Program.
Mulberry and Blanchester are close by for essential shopping and restaurants
While Harlan Township has limited shopping, residents can drive down State Route 28 to the neighboring area of Mulberry to find several retail plazas. Mulberry has most of the essentials for a weekend errand run, from big-box stores to national retailers and grocers. Open seasonally from July to October, the Harlan Township Ohio Farmers Market pops up every Thursday, providing locally sourced produce and specialty goods to the community. The nearby town of Blanchester has plenty of locally owned and operated restaurants, including Salvador's Tacos & Ice Cream Shoppe.
State routes provide access to major highways
State Routes 132 and 28 run through Harlan Township, connecting to major thoroughfares that span the 45 miles to Cincinnati. Due to the township’s rural nature and lack of public transportation, residents rely on their cars. The township’s location outside the city puts it only 50 miles from the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, which has several major commercial airlines.
