Madison

Situated along a southern stretch of Ohio countryside, Madison Township offers relaxed rural living. Residents live on spacious, often multiacre, lots surrounded by densely wooded areas and farmland. "Anyone who loves the outdoors will love it here,” says Jack Suter, a Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services who lives in the community. “It's for people who don't want to live in a city — they'd rather relax around a firepit,” he adds. Despite the remote vibe of the community, its proximity to downtown Middletown gives residents easy access to a more bustling commercial area. Whether residents were originally drawn to the community for its recreation or small-town vibe, “it's the kind of place where people hold on to their homes for a long time," Suter says. "You'll find a little bit of everything here — vintage country homes with acreage to newer homes on corner lots," Suter says. Particularly popular in the community are ranch-styles and small single-story cottages with quaint front porches. There are also a number of new traditional '90s builds and some farmhouse-inspired properties. Prices typically range from $160,000 to just over $760,000, largely depending on acreage and the property's size and condition. There are also lots for sale for those interested in building a custom home. Prospective residents should be aware that some homes — mainly those around the Great Miami River and its tributaries — receive high Flood Factor Scores. Madison also receives a CAP Crime Index Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Elk Creek MetroPark's gently sloping meadowland has transformed from what was once a golf course into a relaxing walking destination. Since "we don't really have sidewalks," says Teresa Hall, a Realtor with Keller Williams Community Partners who lives in the area, many people explore the community's green spaces for some time outside. At the nearby Sebald MetroPark, folks come to cool off in the creek during warm weather while children explore the playground. Anglers can catch catfish at Stoney Meadows Lake or the Great Miami River. Others take advantage of the Middletown Sportsmen's Club, which features everything from a stocked fishing lake to a sporting clay course for those wanting to practice their aim. Golfers here can check out the 18-hole Brown's Run, while soccer players often check out the Madison Township Community Park. The green space is even home to Blanton Log Cabin, a property dating back to 1833. At J&E Rootbeer Stand, folks line up for chili dogs and, unsurprisingly, root beer offerings. "It's always packed," Hall says, highlighting the stand's popularity. Those wanting to catch up with friends over a shared plate of wings and some beers head to Laff's, a spot also known for its classic breakfast offerings. For classic pub fare, locals can swing by Madison Inn Bar & Grill, where live bands often entertain the crowd while they eat. Those who want to cook at home can pick up groceries from the closest Kroger location or grab local goods from Aimee's Produce. For other dining options, Suter says many people here head to Middletown. As for retail shopping, he says locals often head to the Cincinnati Premier Outlets, which are just about an 11-mile drive away. In the summer, locals put on their bathing suits and head to the Land of Illusion Adventure Park, where they can spend their day suntanning by the water or trying their luck on the inflatable obstacle course. In the fall, the space transforms into the Haunted Scream Park, perfect for a day of Halloween fun, while in wintertime, it's a place where folks come to see Christmas lights and explore a holiday village. "It's kind of like Kings Island," says Hall, referencing the popular amusement park in Mason. "It's a big deal. They bring people in from all over." It's important to note that the park can be rather noisy for those who live near it, according to Hall. In the summers, Hall says folks can head to the Madison Township Community Park, where the fire department has hosted a summer movie series. For other events, Madison residents can head to Middletown, which boasts the Ohio Challenge, one of Middletown's major events. Here, hot air balloons dot the sky with vibrant colors while carnival rides entertain those looking to have some fun. It even boasts a car show. The city also hosts the Middletown Farmers Market, which is held every other Sunday from June through September. Children can attend Madison Elementary, which serves just under 700 students and receives a B rating from Niche. From there, students often go to C-plus-rated Madison Middle, where many participate in sports like basketball and volleyball. Some students continue their athletic careers at B-minus-rated Madison High. "The schools here have strong sports programs," Suter says. "My son went on to play football for Miami University." High school students can also join the Montage Literary Magazine team or participate in extracurriculars like yearbook club. While folks can take advantage of BCRTA's public bus routes, most drive. Residents can take state Route 122 and Interstate 75 to downtown Cincinnati, which is about 40 miles away. State Route 4 can get them to downtown Dayton, which is about 24 miles away. For work, some residents drive to employers like Miami University and Cincinnati Financial Corporation, which are both about a 20-mile drive away. Others work within the township at local farms like Hidden Acres or in the adjacent Middletown community. The closest hospital is Kettering Health Hamilton, which is about 14 miles away via Riverside Drive. When locals travel, they'll likely take a 51-mile drive via I-75 to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The Middletown Regional Airport is also just east of the community.