Salem

In Salem Township, what was once the old elementary school is now the Morrow Arts Center (MAC), a vibrant collection of local boutiques and studios. A relatively recent addition to the community, the MAC opened less than a decade ago and serves as an indicator of where this township is headed. In previous years, some locals might have called the community "a little bit forgotten," according to MAC owner Trent Heimann, who says this was largely due to flooding. However, the narrative is "getting ready to change," Heimann says, adding that the community plans to increase flood control measures, like adding vegetation around the Little Miami River, implementing runoff control and limiting development around floodplains. Salem Township's growth, rural vibe and convenient location near both Cincinnati and Dayton, has made it a hot spot for development. "There are multiple subdivisions being built right now with hundreds of homes," says resident and local Realtor Julia Hayes with Exist Best Realty. But while new residents are coming in, "lots of families have also stayed around for a while," Heimann affirms. Part of the area's appeal is the Village of Morrow, which serves as the township's downtown and exemplifies a small-town feel where "everyone knows everyone," Heimann says. Residential housing options in the Salem Township, depends largely on whether folks want to live in Morrow or the surrounding areas. In Morrow, midcentury designs like Cape Cods and ranch-styles flank narrow roads lined with cars. These same architectural styles are also common throughout some of the Township's more rural areas, where the landscape shifts from small-town vibes to a more remote lifestyle. Defined by multi-acre lots, dense woodlands and plenty of farmland, housing options here provide residents with a sense of privacy. In recent years, Heimann notes that "We've had a lot of farmers sell to developers. If you had 50 acres, now you can have a subdivision there." Within these new communities, prospective buyers will find contemporary two-story properties that cost between upwards of $250,000 and $550,000, with added monthly HOA fees of around $50. As for older homes here, they typically go for anywhere between $180,000 and $325,000, depending on their size, acreage and condition. The community’s more expensive homes, which range from upwards of $600,000 to nearly $1 million, are typically custom-builds on over 2 acres of land. Part of what attracts residents to the Township is its quiet, serene ambiance, which is paired with a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4. Buyers should also be aware that homes around the Little Miami River and its creeks receive higher-than-average Flood Factor Scores. When it comes to getting outdoors, Salem Township has a lot to offer. Locals can spend their afternoons kayaking or tubing down the Little Miami River. Near the river's south bank, the paved Little Miami Scenic Trail attracts cyclists and joggers alike. "It's become a major part of the local economy," says Hayes. "It runs all the way from Cincinnati to Xenia, so it brings people from all over." For those who'd rather hike, Halls Creek Woods State Nature Preserve, offers trails that wind through towering maple and oak trees. The sound of small, cascading streams and the sight of spring wildflowers add to this relaxing scene. Nearby, Morgan's Riverside Campground, has cabins for rent, where folks can spend the day rafting down the rapids or taking a swim. For other recreational options, locals are just a few miles from Bel-Wood Country Club, which boasts an 18-hole golf course, and they're less than 10 miles from the Kings Island amusement park and just under 20 miles from Caesar Creek State Park, another popular hiking destination. The MAC is perhaps the most unique spot within this community. For residents like Heimann, it exemplifies how a small town can work hard to create a local gem. At the MAC folks can peruse Strange Records’ music collection, purchase a new plant from The Split Leaf Co. or check out Bubbles Boutique for unique items from the early 2000s. The center also hosts several seasonal events, including the Friday Night Spectacular, which is held monthly from June through September. Locals and visitors enjoy browsing the MAC's special sales, pop-up shops and live music. The center also hosts monthly Morrow Markets from June through October, giving locals the opportunity to support local artisans and buy handmade goods. Most of the Township’s shopping and dining opportunities are congregated in Morrow. For breakfast and seasonal options, Fresh to Morrow is the community’s go-to spot. Here, mismatched tablecloths and a quaint wooden piano provide the perfect atmosphere for locally sourced dishes. On Fridays and Saturdays, local music acts even serenade the crowds. For more options, Morrow boasts everything from Chubby's Pizza, known for its classic pies and steak hoagies, to the unique Burgitto Bistro. The “burgitto,” a combination between a steak burger and burrito, is the eatery’s classic dish. For dessert, Miranda's offers soft serve and sundaes. For nights out, the brewery and winery Valley Vineyards is a popular option. To pick up groceries, most folks here head outside of the community to a nearby Kroger location. The Little Miami School District serves the Salem Township, with schools like the Little Miami Early Childhood Center, which features half-day preschool and kindergarten options, as well as full-day first-grade classes (the school is currently unrated by Niche). From there, children can head to Little Miami Primary and Little Miami Elementary, both of which receive B-ratings from Niche. Then, it's on to the B-plus-rated Little Miami Middle. The district also includes a Time For Kids program, which offers before and after-school care, as well as summer activities for primary and middle school-aged students. To finish their education, youth can head to the B-rated Little Miami High School, where they can take College Credit Plus courses and participate in extracurriculars like Academic Team. Employment opportunities in Salem Township can range from careers within the agricultural sector and local businesses, to large scale institutions like Procter & Gamble or the Great American Insurance Group in Cincinnati; or the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Premier Health, located in Dayton. Many residents within the Township commute at least 15 miles to and from work, and due to the absence of public transit, nearly all are car-dependent. Interstate 71 provides a nearly 40-mile commute into downtown Cincinnati, while Interstate 75 will take folks to Dayton. There are also several closer medical care options, including the West Chester Hospital and Bethesda North Hospital, both of which are under 25 miles away. When traveling, locals can take I-75 to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is 50 miles away.