A city less than 15 miles from Cincinnati
When the end-of-year school bell rings announcing summer, students in Montgomery know that the next two months will include cooling off at the community pool, enjoying some ice cream from Aglamesis Brothers, or meeting up with friends at local events. It's this classic "Americana hometown feel" that attracts many people to the community, according to Amy Frederick, the city's communications and engagement coordinator. "As you drive downtown, we have little flags that celebrate students who are about to graduate," Frederick adds, explaining that the Sycamore Community School District is one of the main reasons people move to the area. Interestingly, "Montgomery Elementary even has an old school bell that they ring on the first day as kids are arriving and on the last day, as they head home," says local Realtor Alison Moss with Keller Williams Seven Hills. This tradition hints at the city’s longstanding characteristics, which are also displayed throughout the Montgomery Heritage District. Here, red brick sidewalks flank historic buildings that now operate as small boutiques and popular eateries. This community’s culinary scene, coupled with its highly rated schools and classic suburban vibe, are just a few reasons locals enjoy living in Montgomery.
Older homes and new developments
"You have a ton of new families moving into the area," Moss says. Many are moving into older, single-family properties, like midcentury ranch-styles and split-levels. These typically sit on nearly half-acre lots of land, selling for $300,000 to $400,000. However, some of these older properties have been torn down to make way for new constructions that are worth up to five times their value. New single-family homes are generally contemporary or New Traditional styles. Most sit on just under a quarter of an acre and range in price from $500,000 to $1.3 million. "Some of the new builds are high-end luxury condos and apartments," Moss adds. Condo units can range from upwards of $250,000 to $1 million, with those on the higher end of the scale being penthouses. Some residents live in Montgomery Quarter, a multiuse $150-million development home to apartments, offices and restaurants.
A quaint shopping and dining scene
Montgomery Quarter has solidified the community as a "foodie destination," Frederick says. Here, locals can grab everything from sushi at Kozue to empanadas at Livery. Nearby, Toast & Berry offers mimosas and breakfast classics, making this the perfect spot to grab brunch with friends. For a nice evening out, the upscale steakhouse Carlo & Johnny is a popular option — white tablecloths, red velvet accents and chandeliers set the scene for an elegant dining experience. For dessert, Aglamesis Brothers offers gourmet chocolate and ice cream. Montgomery is not just a hot spot for foodies. The community boasts many unique shops, too. Locals can buy antique jewels from Krombholz Vintage, add a new plant to their collection from Vora and Vine or head to Frame House Gallery before hanging up their latest art project. They can even pick out a new bike at Montgomery Cyclery or peruse watches at Every Watch Has a Story.
Ohio's No. 3 School District
Montgomery is zoned for the Sycamore Community School District, which Niche ranks as the state's No. 3 district. All of the district's schools receive A-plus ratings from Niche. Students can start at Montgomery Elementary, where they can enjoy activities put on by the PTO, like Cultural Heritage Night. From there, they can head to Edwin H. Greene Intermediate Middle, which offers extracurriculars, including computer and art clubs. Afterwards, students attend Sycamore Junior High. Here, classes like broadcast journalism and robotics allow them to explore their passions. "A lot of kids ride their bikes to [these] schools, and if you live in the northern part of Montgomery, that includes the high school," Moss says. Sycamore High offers College Credit Plus, giving students the opportunity to take classes at nearby higher-learning institutions like the University of Cincinnati. Conveniently, the UC Blue Ash College is under five miles from the community.
Montgomery’s nearly 100-acre park system
At Pioneer Park, some folks come to relax by the fishing lake, where bullfrogs often make an appearance. Others head to the wildflower meadow, whose vibrant spring blooms attract butterflies in the warmer months. The adjacent Dulle Park offers sports amenities, including a soccer field and tennis courts, but local baseball players often practice at Montgomery Park, the community's central gathering place. The park's hilly terrain makes for the perfect sledding spot during snowy winter weather, while in the summer, the Montgomery Community Pool is the go-to spot for recreational fun. Since the city's sidewalk system connects these parks, it's not uncommon to see locals walking or jogging around the city. For other options, Montgomery is not far from popular spots, including Sharon Woods, which boasts the rolling greens of a public-use 18-hole course.
Montgomery Farmers' Market, Bastille Day and other gatherings
There are lots of opportunities for locals to come together throughout the year. From early May through late October, folks can shop locally at the Montgomery Farmers' Market on Saturdays. On the Fourth of July, the community hosts the Independence Day Parade and Festival, which is complete with revolutionary costumes, handmade floats and "thousands of people lining the streets," Frederick says. "We have a robust group of volunteers that volunteer for all kinds of events," she adds. Later in July, Montgomery puts on Bastille Day. "They close the streets in the downtown area and put a dueling band on either end," Moss says. Like all of Montgomery's major events, Bastille Day appeals to all ages. "It's like a little carnival," Moss says, mentioning the pony rides. "Then, at night, it's almost like a tasting event with food from local restaurants, drinks and music," she adds. When October rolls around, the city puts on the Harvest Moon Festival. Hayrides, cider funnel cakes and crafts help create a festive atmosphere.
Employers, commutes and easy access to I-71
Residents can use the Metro, but most people here drive to and from work. Conveniently, Interstate 71 runs through the community, offering easy access to downtown Cincinnati. The central area is just under 15 miles away and boasts the headquarters of Great American Insurance Group and Procter & Gamble. Other major employers, including the University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, are just about 13 miles away via I-71. Some residents enjoy shorter commutes working at local establishments or at the Bethesda North Hospital, which is located in the community. For other commutes, some people here take Interstates 75 and 275 — major thoroughfares in the Tri-State area. However, I-71 connects many residents to where they need to go. It even offers access to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is just about a 27-mile drive away.
Crime
According to the CAP Index, Montgomery receives a crime score of 3 out of 10, which is lower than the national average.
Written By
Jessica Haddad
