Main image courtesy of Facebook. 

Have you always wanted to move to a place that was close enough to the big city, but with all the appeal of a beautiful suburban neighborhood? If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, you may want to consider relocating to Hamilton, OH. This wonderful community is located just north of bustling Cincinnati, but Hamilton is an interesting town with a history of its own. Residents of this historic area are proud of their town’s past, and how it has revitalized itself throughout the years.

If you’re considering a move to Ohio, or just interested in relocating within Ohio, we think Hamilton may be a great choice for you! 

That’s why in this article, we’ve put together everything you should know about moving to Hamilton, including:

• History of Hamilton
• Facts and figures about Hamilton
• Local favorite things to do in Hamilton
• And more!

The History of Hamilton

Before Relocating to Hamilton, Get to Know the History of Your New Home

If you’re a fan of the musical Hamilton, you may be pleased to know that Hamilton, OH started out as Fort Hamilton, in honor of the former Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Construction started in 1791 and was originally created to serve as a supply chain stop for Fort Washington during the Northwest Indian War. Because the fort was also located relatively close to the mouth of the Great Miami River, it was an easy place to ford the river in order to move troops and supplies. Both Generals Arthur St. Clair and Anthony Wayne took advantage of the strategic location of the future site of the city of Hamilton.

After the fort was abandoned in the late 1790s, a settlement focused primarily on agriculture grew up around the former military installation. Eventually the area was incorporated by the Ohio General Assembly in 1810 and started to make a name for itself with its industrial endeavors to help increase agricultural production. Items like hay cutters, threshers, saws, machine tools, and even paper manufacturing employed many of the town’s residents and started to put Hamilton on the map. 

Abraham Lincoln even stopped by the now-historic Hamilton Train Station in 1859 to show his support of a Republican running for governor of Ohio. By the early 20th century, the Hamilton Hydraulic, which was a system of canals funneling water from the Great Miami River, produced the power necessary to fuel a fast growth in new industries. With this power source firmly in place, Hamilton started to produce safes, vaults, locks, locomotives, steam engines, printing presses, and even war items during the two world wars. Henry Ford chose Hamilton as the site for his tractor factory because of the thriving heavy industry already in place.

Due to its close proximity to the Great Miami River, Hamilton was also subject to flooding. One of the worst floods took place in 1913, which devastated the town. With millions of dollars of damage done at the time, it was difficult to rebuild, but Hamilton did. During the 1920s it even attracted notice of some of the famous Chicago gangsters, who set up second homes in the quiet community. 

Hamilton maintained its industrial power until the restructuring of the heavy manufacturing industry in the 1970s and 1980s. With the loss of those jobs, Hamilton suffered like other “Rust Belt” cities, but managed to hold onto more of its population. The city has more recently made efforts to renew itself through its arts-first focus and welcoming of new industries. 

Today you can expect to see a vibrant music, art, small business, and sculpture scene alive and well. Hamilton’s mayor gave it the nickname the “City of Sculpture” in 2000 because of its many art installations and sculptures available to the public in places like Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Today Hamilton has three historic districts, and many buildings and residences in the city reflect the late 19th and early 20th century architecture.

Hamilton by the Numbers

Learn About Hamilton’s Economy, Demographics, and What It’s Really Like to Live Here

Now that you know a little more about Hamilton’s interesting past, it’s time to see what it would be like to live there. While numbers can only give you a snapshot of this community, it’s always helpful to have as much information as you can about an area before you commit to moving there. 

Demographics of Hamilton

Hamilton is located in Butler County, and has a population of about 62,148. Unlike many other post-industrial age cities, Hamilton managed to prevent the large amounts of population loss that came when certain industries closed. It has seen a relatively recent influx of new immigrants and community members from Mexico and Latin American countries.

The median age of residents in Hamilton is 36.6, most residents are married (44%), and 80.9% of the population identify as white, while 9.5% are black, and 5.5% identify as Hispanic/Latino. 

Hamilton’s Economy

While the heavy industries of the past are no longer a part of the Hamilton economy, there have been other industries that have taken their place. Most Hamilton residents are employed in:

• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Education
• Construction
• Administrative
• Finance

The unemployment rate is lower than the national rate, and sits at 4.7%. The average income for a resident of Hamilton is $20,844, while the national U.S. average income is $28,555. The sales tax in Hamilton is a little lower than the national average and sits at 6.5%, but the income tax in this area is higher and is 5.5%. The national average income tax rate is 4.6%.

Local Real Estate

The median cost of a home in Hamilton, OH is $212,700, making it below the national median cost. According to statistics, the cost of living in Hamilton is mostly below the national average, however, it should be noted that when it comes to utilities and miscellaneous items, the costs of these things tend to be higher in Hamilton than they are nationally. 

Education

The Hamilton City School District operates the majority of the schools in the area including one high school, two middle schools, and eight elementary schools. Additionally, the Talawanda City School District, the Ross Local School District, and the Father Stephen T. Badin High School also serve select residents of the city and its outlying areas.

Get to Know Hamilton Like a Local

Where People Shop, Dine, and Hang Out in Hamilton

Want to know a little more about what the people of Hamilton, OH like to do and where they like to hang out? We have a few places you should definitely put on your list. There are all kinds of options when it comes to shopping, eating out, and enjoying the sights and sounds of Hamilton, so this list is by no means all inclusive!

Hamilton’s Urban Backyard

5001 Main St. | hubhamilton.com‍

If you’re looking for a great place to set up shop and listen to live music while you enjoy some amazing food and beverages, then Hamilton’s Urban Backyard is just what you need! This place is designed to bring people together over good music and good food. The schedule changes weekly, but there are always food trucks waiting to serve the residents of Hamilton here, in addition to local brews, and live musical entertainment.

No matter what type of cuisine or music you like, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time at the Urban Backyard. In addition to live entertainment, there’s also the option to just hang out by the fire pits, or enjoy a game of cornhole or two. When the weather is nice, it makes for the perfect way to spend a summer or autumn evening outside!

“Cute outdoor dining  space. There are tables and umbrellas set up amongst lawn games. Very well done concept. Food trucks rotate but 2 are always there. Great food. Awesome beer. And the music was just right.” -Yelp Review

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Tano Bistro

150 Riverfront Plaza | foodbytano.com‍

Do you love a local business with a passion for serving the most wholesome, fresh food around? Then you’re going to definitely need to stop at Tano Bistro. This place is run by restaurant veterans, who longed for a place of their own, where they could really interact with the local community. This is the place that residents of Hamilton go to when they want to sample seasonal food that is crafted in the hands of experienced chefs.

Whether you want to try out their handhelds like the bistro burger, fish tacos, or the fried chicken, or are more in the mood for something from the garden like the Caesar salad, this place does not disappoint. If you want to go for brunch and try out their famous biscuits and gravy or the veggie omelet, make sure you get there early!

“We just had brunch there today, the best brunch in butler county! The eggs Benedict was the best I've ever had! And we are always on the hunt for the best eggs Benedict. Our server was pleasant, had a calming aura about him. We will be back for brunch.” -Yelp Review

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LahVdah

3417 Princeton Rd. | lahvdah.org‍

While you’re out and about when you live in Hamilton, chances are you’re going to need some soaps and skin care. Why not stop by LaVdah and pick up some all natural options? All of her soaps, toners, oils, washes, butters, and sprays are handmade and include only natural ingredients. If you’re someone who finds that they’re struggling to get their skin the way they want it, consider stopping in and speaking with the owner. She is thoroughly knowledgeable when it comes to all kinds of skin concerns.

One of the best parts about shopping local is that you can get the opportunity to actually speak to the person who made the products, who can recommend what would be best for your situation. Whether you’re looking to overall your entire skincare routine, or just want to indulge in some luxurious soaps or bath bombs, you can’t go wrong here.

“Love this place! All of her products are top notch and she is very knowledgeable and passionate about what she makes. If you care about what you use on your skin, you must come in and visit Venita.” -Yelp Review

Fleurish Home

135 Main St. | fleurishhome.com‍

When you move into your new home in Hamilton, OH, you’re going to need to make sure you have everything you need to properly decorate it. That means you should definitely stop by Fleurish Home and have a look at all the home decor and entertaining items they have to really make your house a home. Their decor options are perfect for any room in the house, whether it’s your living room, dining room, or bedrooms. In addition, they also have lots of flatware, barware, and tableware to help you throw some awesome get-togethers. They have pieces that will work all year round, as well as seasonal options.

You can also stop by and check out their chic apparel, accessories like jewelry and handbags, and even gifts perfect for any occasion. 

“Stopped into Fleurish for the first time last weekend and loved it! It's a wonderful and cute little shop with many different kinds of fun and unique gifts. Will definitely be back!” -Yelp Review

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Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill

601 N B Street | spookynooksports.com/hamilton‍

One of the newest developments in Hamilton is the Spooky Nook sports and conference center. This place is one of the largest convention centers around, and is the perfect place for meetings, team building events, sports teams, grabbing a bite to eat, and other events. There are two areas in the one complex, both with their own food and beverage options and even a hotel! So whether you come to the sports complex or the conference center, there will never be a dull moment here.

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Now you know a lot more about the city of Hamilton, OH! What is your favorite part of this city? Let us know in the comments!