Hillsboro blends historic charm and new amenities in Highland County
Nearly 6,500 people call the quiet community of Hillsboro home. The seat of Highland County, Hillsboro was founded in 1807, and traces of its historic charm are found from the brick trim along uptown sidewalks to homes and businesses that are over 150 years old. The area also has immense growth, with new local shops and condos, renovated parks and plans for a new amphitheater. “We get the best of both worlds with the rural areas on the city’s outskirts and then historic and modern splashes about town,” says Lauren Walker, economic development coordinator for the city.
Locals support longstanding and up-and-coming businesses
Longstanding institutions like the headstone manufacturer Harsha Monument Co., which opened in 1854, stand alongside newer businesses like ButterMilks Bakery. This bakery, which specializes in cookies and cheesecakes, started as a home bakery that sold at the Hillsboro Farmers Market and opened a brick-and-mortar location in early 2025. “It’s nice to see when your local vendors are so supported by your community and surrounding communities in a small-town setting,” Walker says. The farmers market still runs every Saturday morning from May through October. Popular eateries include La Casada, a Mexican restaurant, and 62 Classics’ Diner, which embraces its retro atmosphere with its metal exterior and red chairs. People get groceries from Kroger. Walmart and Lowe’s are within city limits.
Mix of century-old homes and new condos in Hillsboro
Shaded sidewalks line many of Hillsboro’s residential streets, although rural properties outside city limits have yards that reach the road. Most properties are well-maintained. “Everyone really takes care of where they live,” Walker says. “There’s a lot of pride in our community in how it looks when people drive by.” The oldest homes are near uptown, including National Folk styles, Foursquares and bungalows from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Midcentury ranch-style houses and split-levels are common farther out. Prices for a single-family home range between $120,000 and $380,000, although investment properties have sold for as little as $40,000. Stand-alone and attached condos make up most of the newest properties, typically costing between $100,000 and $270,000.
Recreation includes large parks and the renovated Ninja Course
A footbridge connects Shaffer and Liberty parks, the two largest green spaces in the city. Community sports leagues practice on the athletic fields, and there is an archery range, dog park and several playgrounds, including one that is ADA-compliant. At Liberty Park, Harmony Lake is stocked with trout and bluegill. The Hillsboro YMCA has a full fitness center and indoor pool nearby. While Shaffer and Liberty are on the outskirts of Hillsboro, Railroad Street Park is in the heart of the city. “That is a hot spot in town right now because of the walkability,” Walker says. The newly renovated park features 12 pickleball courts and the “Ninja Course” playground, an obstacle course with jumping, climbing and crawling. Visitors of Rocky Fork State Park camp, hike and play disc golf. The 2,080-acre lake allows boating, swimming and fishing.
Students attend Hillsboro schools and Southern State Community College
Students attend Hillsboro City Schools. Hillsboro Elementary School is unrated by Niche, while the middle school earns a B. The B-minus-rated Hillsboro High School is the largest in Highland County, with over 800 students and 75 staff members. It offers Advanced Placement and dual credit courses. Southern State Community College’s main campus in the city has eight educational pathways, including career preparation in computer science and engineering.
Festival of the Bells is one of the most anticipated events
The community comes together for the Festival of the Bells, which gets its name from the city’s history as a major producer of steel alloy bells. For one weekend in July, residents enjoy free music, carnival rides and food vendors. Another highlight is the annual tree lighting at Uptown Christmas. “It really makes you feel like you’re living in a Hallmark town,” Walker says. Locals can go on carriage rides, listen to carolers and take a photo with Santa, and the city’s Christmas Parade is the next day.
Hillsboro received a grant in 2024 to fund the construction of Crossroads Park, an event venue with an amphitheater, community center, playground and water feature uptown. The project is expected to be done by September 2026.
Dayton and Cincinnati are a one-hour drive away
While Hillsboro residents mostly use cars to get around, Walker says that the community is walkable. “We have a lot of sidewalks, so there’s a lot of connectivity,” she says. Several highways go through the area, including U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 62, making nearby major cities easily accessible. Dayton and Cincinnati are within 60 miles, while Columbus is about 80 miles away. “You’re looking at an hour each way,” Walker says. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is about a 65-mile drive and offers nonstop flights to over 55 destinations. The Highland District Hospital is in Hillsboro.
