Saint Clair

As the sun rises over St. Clair Township, morning dew drips from corn stalks, while some folks head out to the Four Mile Creek to fish. It’s this laidback country lifestyle that the community is best known for. "There are a few neighborhoods, but it's mostly a really rural area," says Century 21 Thacker & Associates Realtor Dustin Lema, who lives in the township. Unlike many other communities in Cincinnati's outskirts, there hasn't been a large surge of development here. It's still a place that's home to "lots of farms, most of which are family-owned," says Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Vice President Bill Gabbard, who used to be a police officer in the community. While some residents enjoy living on multiacre lots and farmland, others prefer to live in small communities. These quiet residential pockets and a limited commercial scene exemplify what Gabbard calls St. Clair, "a great hometown community." Large parcels of farmland and densely wooded areas surround small residential communities here. Some of these, like New Miami and Williamsdale, feature streets laid out in a grid pattern, with smaller, often a tenth of an acre lots. Other communities, like Cedar Grove, typically offer residents at least half an acre of land. Housing styles vary by community, but early-20th-century bungalows and midcentury ranch-styles are particularly prevalent throughout the Township and typically range in price from $100,000 to $200,000. Gabbard says tri-levels and bi-levels, are also common here and can sell from $200,000 to $350,000. Properties that cost upwards of $350,000 are typically New Traditional styles or homes that feature expansive multiacre lots. While prices largely depend on the home's age, size and location, flood risk can also play a role. Homes near the Four Mile Creek and the smaller tributaries that run throughout the Township receive higher-than-average Flood Factor Scores, which can also translate to higher insurance rates. Regardless, "pricing here, when compared to other townships in the area, is still less expensive," Lema says. At Four Mile Creek MetroPark, locals can paddle along the water, trek the wooded paths or spend the afternoon fishing. Although Gabbard says the fishing opportunities in the township are "nothing that would bring people to the area," the community's abundant creeks make it a go-to activity among locals. The Township also boasts several other recreational offerings, like the St. Clair Community Center — a popular event rental space — where kids can have fun on the playground while skaters practice their tricks. While the nearby Pony Tails Riding Center offers lessons for equestrians. For more options, some spend the afternoons at the nearby public-use 18-hole Twin Run Golf Course, while others challenge their friends to a match at Cabin Creek Paintball. For a relaxing stroll outside, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park boasts a pathway that winds along colorful art pieces, a small lake and gardens that attract butterflies in the springtime. Gabbard says most people in St. Clair head to adjacent communities like Hamilton to dine out. Here, they can pick up donuts at Kelly's Bakery or enjoy pub fare and beers at Wings on Brookwood. For those in need of a margarita or some fajitas, El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is the go-to spot. For nights out, locals won't have to head far — the Township is home to the Doghouse Inn, where regulars meet up for drinks and to get in a game of darts. Those who would rather stay in for the night can pick up essentials at Al Couch's Market, which Gabbard calls "St. Clair's hometown store." They'll find everything from a plant nursery to a small selection of grocery items here. For specialty options, they can head to the nearby family-owned Barn-n-Bunk Farm Market, which offers everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. For a wider selection, there are a couple of nearby Kroger locations. The area's largest event is the weeklong Butler County Fair, which is held in July. Here, local farmers participate in livestock exhibitions, and some folks come out to watch the antique tractor pull, or the demolition derbies. Classic carnival rides and games make the fair particularly popular among children. Multiple districts, including the New Miami Local School District, serve St. Clair Township. Some children attend New Miami Elementary, which serves nearly 350 students and receives a C rating on Niche. From there, they can head to C-minus-rated New Miami Middle, where regular award ceremonies and field trips reward accomplishments. These incentives continue at C-rated New Miami High. Here, students can take advantage of electives in various fields, including agriculture and business. A number of St. Clair Township's residents work within the agricultural or manufacturing sectors. However, many residents commute over 30 miles for work, and since public transportation is unavailable, they drive to get around. Some commute to Cincinnati, home to Procter & Gamble, or Dayton, home to Premier Health Partners. Cincinnati is about 40 miles away, accessible via state Route 129 and Interstate 75, while Dayton is about 35 miles away via state Route 4. Some locals enjoy shorter commutes to employers like Kettering Health Hamilton, which is 4 miles away via Hamilton Eaton Road. On travel days, residents can head to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is about 45 miles away via Interstate 275. Locals are also less than 10 miles from the Butler County Regional Airport, so it's not uncommon for them to hear or see the occasional plane. However, the area is generally known for its tranquility. Adding to this calm environment is that the community receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Depending on train schedules, commutes may take longer than anticipated for residents who have to cross railroad tracks. This has become a particularly large problem for those who live in Cedar Grove, as it is impossible to leave the community without crossing the tracks. This will change soon. Funds from the Ohio Rail Development Commission will be used for an access road. It’s scheduled to be completed in late 2025 or early 2026.