Shawnee Hills offers lakeside living near Jamestown and Dayton
Shawnee Hills is a private community surrounding a recreational lake, west of a small rural village called Jamestown. "In the summer, it has a retreat feeling without the expense of a retreat. You get access to the lake even without having to have a lakefront house," says Dylan Cassidy, a Realtor who grew up here and works for Key Realty. The community is almost entirely residential, but everyday needs are met close to home in the village of Jamestown and the larger city of Xenia. Shawnee Hills is also within 30 miles of Dayton and Springfield. Outside of lakeside living, people are drawn here for peace and quiet, and demand is high. "If you want to live [here], you'd stock listings and have alerts set up constantly, especially to be on the lake itself," says Jennifer Stewart, a Realtor of eight years who works for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. "Those aren't available often."
Waterfront and more inland ranch-style homes
Ranch styles are widespread in Shawnee Hills, including rambling and snout house varieties with large forward-facing garages. Custom-built two-story homes with wraparound front porches and classics like Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods dot the area. Flooding isn't a concern here, according to Stewart. "Even if there were a potential flooding issue, the houses are so far back," she says. "I mean it would have to be a biblical storm." She notes that while waterfront homes are a healthy distance from the shore, they still afford lake views. Prices begin in a range of $120,000 to $345,000. As homes get larger, nicer and closer to the lake, it rises from $390,000 to $575,000. According to Cassidy, the initiation fee after closing is $200, and HOA dues are $250 annually. "There are not a lot of restrictions as far as what you can have on your property," he says. Shawnee Hills' CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Days on the lake, sports at nearby parks
Several common areas exclusive to community members surround the lake, where locals can launch their boats, swim and fish. One is a beach with a designated swimming area, playground and volleyball court. The lake accommodates tubing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing and jet skiing. "They drain it in the wintertime to limit any cracking of the docks for the boats," Cassidy says. Seaman Park is nearby with courts and fields for a range of players and a designated baseball and softball complex. Jasper Hills Golf Club is also close, offering a public championship course. Shawnee Hills is roughly 15 miles from the Glen Helen Nature Preserve and John Bryon State Park. Each has robust hiking trails, and John Bryon State Park surrounds the Clifton Gorge, a segment of the Little Miami River.
A local event that brings out the boat lovers
A signature event in Shawnee Hills is the Lake Festival in July. "They have different boat shows, and the number of boats that will be out there is large," Cassidy says. "It's something a lot of people look forward to."
Jamestown is the closest commercial hub
The closest spot to grab a bite is Jim Dandy's Pizza, located near a Marathon gas station and Shawnee Hills Baptist Church, just west of the community. More amenities — including a library, bank and emergency room — are less than 3 miles away Jamestown. Locals can grab groceries at Jamestown Village Market, everyday items at Dollar General, and have lunch at Kelley's Cafe & Pub. Orion Coffee And Tea has a drive-through window for a quick cup of joe. People head to Xenia, a roughly 10-mile drive, for a broader selection, including large retailers such as Harbor Freight and Walmart Supercenter.
Schools offering ways for students to advance
The Greeneview Local School District covers public education. Greeneview Elementary School and Greenview Middle School earn B-ratings on Niche, while Greeneview High School scores a B-minus. The state and county offer different ways for high school students to advance before graduation, including a dual-credit program. Some attend the Greene County Career Center to prepare for university or earn a career-landing certificate.
Connections to Jamestown, Dayton and Springfield
Shawnee Trail is the main route through town. U.S. Route 35 is a short drive away and connects travelers to Jamestown and Dayton. Highway 72 cuts through Jamestown, providing a path to Springfield. Greene Cats, the county bus system, offers regional transportation. But Cassidy says he rarely sees locals using that mode of travel.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
