Ranked by Fortune magazine as the No. 13 place to live in the United States in 2023, West Chester has slowly become one of the Cincinnati area's hottest spots for quiet, residential living. "West Chester combines the best attributes of a suburban community," says Barbra Wilson, director of public Information and engagement for the township, mentioning the highly rated schools and calm neighborhoods. Yet, there's "the energy of an urban center with extensive entertainment options, restaurants and events," she adds. Many of these establishments and institutions, including the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, have come to the community in the last 30 or so years. "We built our house 22 years ago, and at the time, the Voice of America MetroPark and Walmart Supercenter did not exist," says local Realtor Ashley Snell with Comey & Shepherd. "Development has gone crazy in the last 20 years. When we first moved here, the mail person still drove their own car, and it was known as a rural area." Now, Snell says it's widely referred to as a relaxed suburban community with a thriving business district and a laid-back Midwestern vibe.
Homes here flank quiet, tree-lined streets that often stretch into cul-de-sacs. Many sit on nearly half an acre of land, reflecting New Traditional styles. Ranch-styles and split-levels are also common here. Most of these homes were built towards the end of the 20th century or in the early 2000s and sell for anywhere from $250,000 to around $1 million, depending on their size, age and location. While most properties here are single-family homes, there are also multifamily living options. Condo units typically cost anywhere between $200,000 and $550,000. In general, "properties seem to be going above listing prices," Snell says. Prospective buyers should be aware that some homes near Mill Creek and its tributaries receive higher-than-average Flood Factor Scores.
Children can enroll in the Lakota Local School District, which Niche ranks as the No. 1 district in Butler County. Some students attend Shawnee Early Childhood School before heading to Freedom Elementary, both of which receive A-minus ratings from Niche. The WonderBus, a mobile STEAM Lab, serves both schools. From there, students can head to A-minus-rated Ridge Junior High, which boasts extracurriculars, including art and drama clubs. It also offers sports like basketball, volleyball and wrestling. Many students continue to play sports at A-rated Lakota West High. The school features the Lakota Cyber Academy, connecting students to cyber security internships and job shadowing opportunities.
"West Chester is home to more than 3,700 businesses representing every industry and several first-to-market retailers that have helped define our community," Wilson says, mentioning the area's many shopping centers and adding that the township's "IKEA was the first for our region." Downtown West Chester boasts The Square at Union Centre, home to MidPointe Library West Chester, plenty of chain eateries and local spots like Dingle House Irish Pub & Grub, which features over 20 craft beer options. Nearby, The Cone, a family-owned seasonal shop, has become the community's go-to spot for soft serve. Folks can stroll right up to the giant ice cream cone, complete with an orange swirl roof, to place their orders. For groceries, The Voice of America Centre boasts The Fresh Market, but locals also have easy access to other options, including Kroger and Walmart.
At Keehner Park, folks come to play pickleball or shoot hoops with their friends. Hikers head on wooded pathways that pass through creeks, which are known for being a hotbed for fossils. Those wanting to spend the afternoon fishing can check out Beckett Park's catch-and-release lake. The park also boasts the Muhlhauser Barn, an event venue. Just east is the Beckett Ridge Country Club, which features a public-use 18-hole golf course. The local Voice of America Park has become the go-to option for other recreational fun. Here, furry friends run loose at the Wiggly Field Dog Park, boaters head on the lake and joggers explore paved paths. This park also features the VOA Museum of Broadcasting, a perfect rainy-day activity. For other indoor options, the community boasts the West Chester Fitness Club and EnterTRAINment Junction. The latter features a model train display that has become popular among children.
Neighbors and friends head to the business district each year for the Founders Day Festival. Here, they can enjoy a chili cookoff, petting zoo and giant Jenga. There is even a dunk tank where folks can "dunk" local officials. For other events, The Square at Union Centre is the township's central gathering place. In the summer, the park transforms for The Takeover, a concert series held underneath the First Financial Bank clock tower. The park is also home to the West Chester Market, held each Saturday from May through September. Here, folks can find locally grown produce, artisan goods and the occasional food truck. There are also some market days during the offseason in the Muhlhauser Barn. It is a smaller market, according to Snell. "It's never so busy that I don't want to go," she says. "The township does a great job with parking and traffic," she adds. Many of West Chester’s other events are at Keehner Park, including Pioneer Christmas. This festive celebration is held in an 1833 cabin and offers everything from rabbit stew to pictures with Santa. "A lot of local churches do outreach programs for certain holidays," Snell adds.
While BCRTA's buses serve the township, most people here drive to get around. Conveniently, Interstate 75 runs through the community, connecting residents to downtown Cincinnati. The city center is about 21 miles south and is home to major employers like Procter & Gamble. Locals can take that same route north to Dayton, which is approximately 35 miles away and boasts major employers like Premier Health. However, many people here enjoy shorter commutes, working at healthcare employers like Cincinnati Children's Liberty Campus and The Christ Hospital Medical Center - Liberty Township, both of which are just outside the community. When residents travel, they can take I-75 to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is about 33 miles away. The township is also just around 10 miles from the Butler County Airport, accessible via Beckett Ridge Boulevard.
