Columbia – Tusculum can boast having some of the most amazing Victorians in Cincinnati, 2 and 3 stories high, with Palladian windows, stained glass, leaded glass, stone steps, and wrought iron fences.  While being home to some of the area’s most gorgeous, 100+ year old renovated Victorians, there are still some “diamonds in the rough”.  If you are up to a renovation project, this might be a good place to explore.

Other housing styles are available in the area.  There are contemporary styles with breathtaking river views, and upscale, luxury condos with high end finishes. The best in urban chic!  Many enjoy a 10 year tax abatement.  There is some new construction, or newer built homes:  upscale, with all the fine appointments you would expect.

Columbia-Tusculum is just 10 minutes to Hyde Park Plaza, and  15 minutes to Rookwood Commons.  Residents enjoy Alms Park, for the kids play area, walking trails, for communing with nature, all overlooking the Ohio River. Close by is Lunken Airport, first established as a barnstorming airport just after WW1, now serves as a landing for private planes. Neighboring Lunken Fields is available for tennis, golf, baseball, roller blading and jogging.  Columbia Square is rapidly under construction, with new opportunities for office space, retail and restaurants.  Recently, Anytime Fitness and Bruegger’s Bagels entered the square.

Catch up with all the happenings at the official Columbia-Tusculum web site.

Ready for a night out?  Meet up with your friends at any of these great places:

Allyn’s Café – Since 1991! This is “the place” in Columbia-Tusculum. Awards include Best Beer, Best Café, Best Mexican, Best Booth at the Taste of Cincinnati, Best Gator….yes, as in alligator.

Bella Luna- Authentic Italian from the Sicily & Calabria regions. Excellent!

The Precinct – One of my personal favorites. Special occasion food, and special occasion prices. Special, unless you are one of the local sports stars, power players, and celebrities in the room (we saw Jane Seymour last year). When only the best selection and quality seafood or steaks will do.

Stanley’s Pub – Sorry, no link. Just good live music, a bit of a dive, and a very good time. Outdoor patio for warm weather enjoyment , and a pool table. Have fun!

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Eastgate, a section of the larger area also known as Union Township, is a prime candidate for continued growth. Development and re-development of existing retail space is a wise investment for both independent and “big-box” retailers. The Eastgate Mall expects a new anchor to take up residence on the sight of the former National Amusement Cinemas drawing even more customers to the area. Eastgate boasts relatively impressive demographics.  Approximately 11,500 households with yearly incomes $50,000 + are located within a 3 mile radius of Union Township.  The demand for new and upscale retail is palpable!

Successful because of the wide open land, with opportunities for commercial, small business, healthcare, housing and entertainment, there is still room to grow. Of course, with all the growth, comes traffic! The Eastgate corridor will soon be undergoing a “facelift”, to ease congestion.

A couple of the reasons that so many people want to explore the homes for sale in Union Township is for it’s convenient proximity to downtown Cincinnati, CVG, Lunken Airport and Clermont County airport. There is a variety of housing: comfortable starter homes to luxury home price points. The popular Polo Fields and Lexington Run are “must explore” pool communities for many incoming buyers.  Mature, treed neighborhoods with rolling terrain, and friendly neighbors, like Deer Valley, English Creek or Surrey Ridge, invite homebuyers to enjoy custom, quality built homes in the $200,000 – $300,000 price range, approximately 15 – 20 years old.  Many of the homes boast walkout basements, and wooded lots.

Meeting the demand for a variety of housing, new town homes are being offered in Wetherby Farms, along with quaint, single family homes designed to transport you back to “yester-year” with front porches, private rear patios, and garages accessed from rear alleys.

Ivy Trails straddles both Clermont and Hamilton counties, and offers both grand, upscale custom built luxury homes, and a Life-Style section. In the Life-Style section, the homes are smaller, but not wanting for a single, beautiful amenity!

Residents of Union Township enjoy a wonderful park system. Clepper Park and Veteran’s Park are just two of the area’s out door playlands. Ballgames, picnics, trails, fishing lakes….all to enjoy! The Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods is also located in Union Township.

 The Union Township/ Eastgate areas are served by the West Clermont Schools.  West Clermont embraced the small school concept in 2002. High school students may attend either Glen Este High, or Amelia High, as they choose, based on the student’s interests. Ten small schools, 5 at Amelia, 5 at Glen Este, were established in 10  course studies as:

• School for World Studies
• School for Creative Arts and Design
• School for Business and Technology
• School for Applied Health Sciences 

Are you ready to learn more about properties for sale in the Union Township area? Just let us know.  The realtors with The RealCincy Group of RE/MAX Unlimited would be glad to provide you with homes available now, that just might tempt you to the area!

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Madison Road, Oakley’s main drag, is home to most of the restaurants, shops and business of Oakley.  Oakley After Hours is held the last Friday of the month, April – September.  Visitors enjoy Happy Hour specials, special sales events, live bands and a good time.  The 20th Century Theatre is a great location for concerts, movies, and weddings.   

Oakley Rec Center, located on Paxton Road has a good senior program, and an after school day camp.
Duck Creek Antique Mall   is 22,000 square foot of treasure hunting fun
Check out Late for the Sky Productions, located in Oakley.  Their designs for custom board games are really creative. Such a talented group! Check out specialty games like City in a Box,  Bible-Opoly & Mayberry-Opoly. 

It’s reported that Phoebe Ann Oakley Mozee, called Annie by her family, took the stage name of Annie Oakley, after the Oakley area she called home.  Annie Oakley was of course, one of the big stars of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

In Oakley, you’ll find older housing. New construction is very, very rare but you’ll find plenty of renovation.  Many homes are 80, 90, and 100+ years old. Per the MLS, the most current average sales price is about $195,000.   There is plenty of charming, well kept affordable housing in Oakley. The market there is great for first time buyers.

There is also no shortage of beautiful, upscale Victorians with gleaming hardwood, stained glass, “wow” kitchens, and Rookwood fireplaces.  Many are within walking distance to Hyde Park Square or Oakley Square.

So why, when discussing Oakley, am I presenting the chef and his creations? Restaurants!! Here are a just a few to check out:

• Dewey’s Pizza – No shortage of garlic on these pies! Love that wild mushroom pizza!
• Hugo- Sophisticated Southern, named after the 1989 Category 5 Hurricane. No really. Read about it   online and check out the amazing menu
• Oakley Pub & Grill – Check out the mushroom burger
• Kona Bisto–  Great casual date night restaurant
• Boca – Upscale Italian. Great “special” date night restaurant
• Bonefish Grill-  Love that seafood!
• Fatburger – The name says it all!
• Aglamesis Brothers – Ice cream parlor decked out in pink Tiffany décor

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Liberty Township is located about ½ way between Cincinnati and Dayton. Until recently this area of Butler County had been mainly a farming community. As the demand for more and more affordable new housing pressed outward, home builders found plenty of available land for development.  New construction subdivisions are prevalent up and down Kyles Station and St Rt 747.  Upscale, luxurious homes are located in Four Bridges. Beautiful golf course views make this a “must explore” neighborhood for many moving into the Greater Cincinnati area.

There are still many opportunities to build your own new home on developed subdivision lots. Plenty of acreage is available for retail, housing, office, and restaurant development.

The average new home price in Liberty Township is currently in the mid $300,000 range. Many of the new homes are upscale, up to the $700,000+ price range.  However, there are new/newer homes available under $200,000 too.

Well appointed, attractive ranch condos and landominiums, many with lake views, are available in the mid $200,000 – mid $300,000.

Occasionally, one of Butler Counties 80+ year old historical homes will become available for sale.

If your housing “needs and wants” list includes golf courses within a few minutes reach, you’ve come to the right place.  

It’s worth checking out the The Hughes Schoolhouse, located on Princeton Road.  Built in 1887, the Hughes Schoolhouse is the only one room schoolhouse in Butler County.  Lovingly restored in 1976, the schoolhouse is on the National Register for Historic Places.

Liberty Township is served by the outstanding Lakota School district. Lakota Schools are ranked “Excellent with Distinction” for the 2007-2008 school year by the Ohio Department of Eduction.

Residents of this thriving area enjoy the outstanding park system. Liberty Park, located off Yankee Road, is 16+ acres, with a one mile paved path to enjoy. The annual 4th of July Festivities & the yearly Easter Egg Hunt are held here.   Fort Liberty Playland, found on Van Gorden, just north of the Michael A Fox highway, was built in 2000, and makes me wish I was an 8 year old again.  Over 7 acres of state of the art sliding and climbing!

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Liberty Campus is now open, and is one of the area’s main employers.  The much awaited Ikea just opened with easy access off I-75.

Shopping is good in Liberty Township!  Located ½ between Dayton & Cincinnati, shoppers enjoy a short ride to the Dayton Mall….which I like!  Or, head down to Tri-County Mall, or Kenwood Towne Center. Travel west a few minutes, and shop Bridgewater Falls, in neighboring Fairfield Township.

Check out Liberty Township  official website on all things pertaining to township business: road projects, park system, sheriff, etc.

If you would like to consider Liberty Township for your new home, just let us know! We would be glad to show you the area.

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Established in 1788, the first ford, or safe crossing over the Little Miami, Milford was incorporated in 1836. Currently, Milford is a changing blend up upscale development and new construction, blended comfortably with quaint homes and subdivisions.  The Victorian “painted ladies” line the streets of Old Milford, reminding us that this area has a rich history.  To celebrate this heritage, the yearly Frontier Days Festival draws visitors from far and wide.

Milford has experienced amazing growth over just the last 5 – 10 years along St Route 28 with the addition of Kohls Department Store, several restaurants such as Applebee’s,Panera, O’Charly’s,  Lowes and Home Depot. The Park 50 TechneCenter is a large, high-tech office complex & Milford Commerce Park is a mix of light industrial, office and recreational development.  The new Rivers Edge, located off I-275 and St Route 50 is an entertainment & shopping destination. You’ll find the Showcase Cinema, Target, Cracker Barrel and plenty more!

Milford and Miami Township residents enjoy a variety of parks, including Paxton-Ramsey and Kelly Nature Preserve. There are plenty of outdoor activities in Milford.  You can join your neighbors on the bike trail. The Cincinnati Sand Volley Ball Club  plays in Milford.   There’s canoeing on the Little Miami.  Paddlers can put in at Lake Isabella.  The Cincinnati Nature Center  is located in south east Milford, and I highly recommend it for a little “clear your head” time.

The Promont House, a Victorian Italianate style mansion, can be reserved for formal, Victorian Teas.  A  Victorian Christmas is held yearly at Promont House. This special event is sponsored by the Greater Milford Historical Society. 

School aged kids are served by the Milford School District.  Milford Exempted  was  rated as “Excellent” by the Ohio Department of Education Local Report Card for the 2007-2008 school year.

Some “locals” to definitely check out:

• 20 Brix -Touted as “Cincinnati’s 1st & Only True Wine Bar”.  Patio Dining. The Grilled Vegetable Salad is a “must”
• Latitudes Café   – Tapas Menu, Small plates for sharing
• Fountain Specilist- Designs for home and office. Fountains and Garden Pools
• Hammond Hardwood Floor Company – Since 1954! 
• Milford Pottery – Beautiful, unique, functional 
• Greenies Indoor Golf – Indoor Golf? Sure…just for fun!

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Anderson Township enjoys over 16 miles of riverfront along the Ohio River, and the Little Miami River.  Many of Anderson Township’s most eye-catching houses are perched above the waters, with enviable river views. New construction, upscale and elegant, is prevalent in Anderson Township.

While there are outstanding estates located in Anderson, the area does offer a variety of homes.  There are quaint neighborhoods with cape cods, ranch style, and split level starter homes.  There are lovely, mature treed subdivisions with  20 – 40 year old 2 story homes, sidewalk communities that offer the very essence of  traditional subdivision living.

Anderson Township is served by the Forest Hills School District. Forest Hills has been  Awarded “Excellent with Distinction” by the Ohio Local Report Card.

Home to some of Cincinnati’s most popular attractions, including Coney Island , River Bend , and River Downs , people enjoy coming to the area for fun in the sun, concerts, and good ole’fashioned horse racing.

Anderson Towne Center is an open air mall, anchored by  Macy’s, and the largest Kroger  ever built! There are plenty of restaurants to enhance the trip to Macy’s, including Uno Chicago Grill , and  Latitude’s Café. Better known to the locals as ATP, Anderson Township Pub is a top sports bar in the area.

State Route 125 runs through Anderson Township. It’s a busy, busy place! Home to numerous professional buildings housing attorneys and physicians, independent stores, big box retailers, and restaurants, this strip of road, known locally as Beechmont Avenue, is one busy  area.

You will find Anderson Mercy Hospital, one of Cincinnati’s premier hospitals, and Mercy Health Plex, and outstanding health care and exercise facility.  Beechmont Racquet & Fitness will bring you up to date on memberships.

Golf enthusiasts will find private and public courses available within a short drive. Ivy Hills Country Club  is a PGA Certified Family Golf Course. I believe it still is the only golf course in the area to hold that award.  Woodland Mound is a public course with  a Frisbee area, hiking trails and play area for the kids.

This bustling town of long time Cincinnatian’s welcomes newcomers! One way to get involved is to visit the Farmer’s Market every Saturday through October. Supporting Ohio farmers, the market is located on 5 Mile Road. You’ll find fruits and vegetables of course, but also goat cheese, honey, tempting pastries, doggie treats and plenty more. 

After hitting the market and picking up some doggie treats, take your 4 legged buddies to the Anderson Dog Park for a romp.  There is a section for small dogs, and one for larger dogs.  Two legged creatures will enjoy it there too. You’ll find benches, pop machines and indoor restrooms.

Greater Anderson Days, a July tradition, is a festival of food, rides, games and fun. The Sunday finale is capped off by “oohs and awes” as Rozzi Fireworks light up the sky.

Known for its parks and green space, Anderson Township Park District  hosts a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including youth basketball.  The fire department offers car seat inspections for new parents the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, and by appointment.

There is so much to see. So many shops and restaurants to sample. Here are some local favorites to check out:

 El Coyote Restaurant –  Visit this original Tex-Mex hangout  and indulge in the famous mashed potatoes.
Sequels  – Consignment – Boutique- Home Décor
Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli - Truffles, cheesecakes, breads, cookies, Tortes. If it says “Servatii” on the box, you know it’s good
Royal Taj Indian - My introduction to garlic nan and Chicken Tikka. I’m hooked!

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

The story of Terrace Park as we know it begins in the late 1700’s, as settlers moved west. The Terrace Park Historical Society has worked tirelessly over the years, preserving every map, story, picture and home’s history, as well as they are able.

It’s fun to read about the Famous Robinson’s Circus.  The Famous Robinson’s Circus, founded in 1823, officially made this area it’s winter quarters. ….including the elephants!

Many of Terrace Park’s youngest residents enjoy a walk to the local elementary school.  Terrace Park is served by the award winning  Mariemont School District.

A couple of other good links to learn about the Terrace Park community:

Terrace Park Swim Club. This site will bring you up to date on swimming and tennis facilities.    
Terrace Park Country Club, established in 1931  Beautiful 18 hole golf course, on the Little Miami River.

The homes of Terrace Park are a lovely mix of beautifully renovated 100 + year old estates, Dutch Colonials, large Cape Cods, and sprawling ranch style homes.  There are spectacular 25 – 30 year old Contemporary style homes with breathtaking river views. There are new or newly built homes, magnificently finished, and finely appointed. These stately homes are designed to co-mingle with their elegant, much older neighbors.

Residents enjoy taking advantage of the park like yards, and sunrooms or solariums are popular in Terrace Park.

Gracious and Upscale.  The homes in this cozy village are upscale and unique. Currently, there are 54 homes available to purchase, starting in the $170,000’s to over $1,300,000, per the Greater Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service. The average list price is $611,600. In the last year, October 2007 to date, 32 homes sold, for an average list price of $550,000, with an average sales price of $499,281.

If you would like to consider calling Terrace Park home, do let me know. I would be glad to arrange a tour of your favorites.

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

The first school was built in 1832. The log cabin structure was called the Mt Pleasant School. The Baptist and Methodist congregations shared the log cabin for services, alternating Sundays. The second school was built in 1850, known as the Mt. Vernon School.  Union School was built soon after.  Highland High School open the fall of 1915.
Visit http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us to read about the award winning Ft. Thomas school district.

If you are considering calling Ft. Thomas your home, you need to know that you aren’t just making a “sticks or bricks” purchase, but entering into a nurturing community. There are activities for long time residents and new comers alike.  Many of the activities are held at the Tower Park, including this October’s Jack O-Lantern Trail Walk. Bring out the kids, dressed in their trick or treat costumes, to enjoy a walk with 1000 Jack
O-Lanterns and luminaries lighting the way.  Popular Tower Park has three shelters for picnics, walking trails, tennis courts, and sand volley ball.

One of the highlights of any town is its independents restaurants. Be sure to visit:

• Vito’s Café – Italian Style Trattoria. Entertainment provided by talented graduate students from local music schools….Singing & Serving Nightly!
• Midway Café – Catch the games on the two big screen projection TV’s and eight wall mounted TV’s. Burgers, Nachos, Mexican, Excellent Appetizers
• Warner’s Restaurant – Casual dining. Family Restaurant

Give me a call or send me an email if you would like to receive homes available in the Fort Thomas area.  I’ll be sure to include all active listings, including photos and a mapping function so you can map the home to schools, shopping, hospitals and main highways.

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Congratulations Mariemont!

Founded in 1923, Mariemont was modeled to resemble an English garden city.  The planners were clearly successful.  Charming cottages and classic Tudors, complimented by lush gardens and tree-lined streets immediately impart the feel of Merry Ole’ England.  But Mariemont, for all its nostalgia and charm, is  certainly up to date!  The village’s official web site beautifully tells the story of Mariemont’s founders.  The Mariemont Preservation Foundation  is dedicated to helping longtime residents and newcomers to the village, appreciate Mariemont’s rich story. Be sure to read the history of the Family Statuary and the Bell Tower Carillon. Mariemont Recreation Association will bring you up to date on the swimming and tennis passes.

Anchoring the village square is The National Exemplar, at the Mariemont Inn.  Your visit to the square must include a meal at the National Exemplar.

The Mariemont Inn– The “Crown Jewel”, was built in the mid 1920’s.  Just 15 minutes to downtown Cincinnati. Easy access to I-71. The Mariemont Inn features 45 beautifully renovated guestrooms.

The National Exemplar – Warm and inviting décor. I love the breakfast, especially the Bacado. Excellent!

Any night is “Date Night” in Mariemont. 

Mariemont Theatre  is the place for independent, foreign, and mainstream films alike.  You must take advantage of Bargain Tuesday or Wednesday’s Dinner and a Movie.

Speaking of dinner, The Quarter Bistro is a great place to catch dinner before a movie, or dip into the small plates for something light later in the evening.  Patio seating is available too.

Dilly Deli Wines and Gourmet just continues to collect awards, including the  Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2006. Plus: Awards from City Beat, Cincinnati Magazine, RateBeer.com and more! The place to grab a burger or grilled shrimp & asparagus salad. Excellent Vegetarian choices. Kids menu

There are plenty of other village attractions. Pizza, Greater’s Ice Cream, professional offices and more. Be sure to visit Dogwood Park for a nature walk, or let the kids enjoy Tot Lot, located at the corner of Pleasant St. and Wooster Pike.

If you would like to consider making Mariemont your home, give me a call or send an email at your convenience. You’ll be charmed!

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Shopping, the library, art shows, boutiques, Sushi, Tex-Mex, a great cup of coffee and Graeter’s Ice Cream, all just a short jog away from home.  Located 15 minutes from downtown, and 10 – 15 minutes to Kenwood Towne Centre,  these two neighborhoods are  “must explore” home options for many Cincinnatians.
Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout both boast social hubs, known as “The Squares”.  Hyde Park Square is fortunate to have at it’s center the Kilgour Fountain.  Cincinnati –born sculptor Joseph Cronin (1859 – 1923), created this bronze beauty featuring a classically draped woman, water spouts, and fluted basin.  Real estate investor Charles Kilgour, donated the fountain in 1900.  The fountain did undergo some renovations in 1976, by a gentleman named Eleftherios Karkadoulias. Mr. Karkadoulias lowered the lamps and added a pool. It’s agreed that this greatly enhanced the fountains beauty and presence.
There is more to do in Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout than we have space for here. This place is active!

You should visit www.hydeparksquare.org, the official website for local business.  Hyde Park residents can keep in touch with the local “happenings” by subscribing to the e-news, and learn about the boards and committees by visiting the Neighborhood Councils helpful site at www.hydeparkcincinnati.org.
Be sure to check out the following:

• Alligator Purse – Upscale clothing with an edge! Unique shoes, handbags and jewelry. All from up and   coming designers with amazing talent.
• Castle House – Designer clothing & shoes for Hyde Park’s smallest residents.
• Once Upon a Child – Their slogan is “Kids Stuff with Previous Experience”
• Lookout Joe – Start your day with your neighbors and a great cup of coffee
• Mt Lookout Sprouts – Unique floral design studio on Mt. Lookout Square. Specializing in custom made, original arrangements
• Vineyard Café – One of my favorites. I just can not go there without having the crab cakes.
• Teller’s of Hyde Park – Pizzas, Pastas, Amazing Salads. Great Vegetarian Choices too! Known for it’s wine list, martini options, and micro brewed beers
• Indigo Casual Gourmet – Voted Best Pizza & Best Calzone by Cincinnati Magazine. Some of the best Vegetarian choices around. Kids menu too.
• Rookwood Commons – Destination shopping & dining! PF Changs, Anthropologie, Sur La Table, Banana Republic ….check it out!
• Rookwood Pavillion – Joseph Beth, Steinmart, T.J. Max. “You gotta’ go!”
• Ault Park for a walk, and Alms Park, with it’s beautiful river view. A great places to relax
• Hyde Park Country Club – beautiful facilities, perfectly manicured greens

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com