Blue Ash Neighborhood Guide

Community Overview

Blue Ash was historically a rural community and didn’t become a city until 1961. It is known as a “perfect place to raise a family” and was named “one of the 100 best places in America to live and launch a small business” by Fortune Small Business magazine. Blue Ash has approximately 13,000 residents, but because there are so many businesses in the city, during the workday, 55,000 people populate this place. Blue Ash employs the largest number of people second only to the city of Cincinnati in this area. It has a 1950’s feel to it, with several residential streets, several businesses, and several parks.

Location

Blue Ash is located approximately 20 miles north of downtown Cincinnati. It’s far enough away to feel like you live out of the city, but close enough to get to the big city in quite a timely fashion for your downtown Cincinnati events.

Blue Ash Schools

The majority of Blue Ash children attend Sycamore Community Schools. A few residences are in the Princeton City School District.

Sycamore Community Schools

Four elementary schools serve PK-4th grade. One intermediate school serves grades 5-6, while the junior high serves grades 7-8. Only one high school serves all students in grades 9-12. According to School Digger, every school in the district earned a rating of 4-5 stars, and the district as a whole has been ranked 29th out of 709 districts in the state of Ohio. The district serves over 5,000 students and over 80% of the district’s teachers have a Master’s Degree. The Education Report Card has scored this district with an overall grade of “A”.

Princeton City Schools

The Princeton City School District, which is “nationally recognized for its advanced curriculum and comprehensive programs.” According to School Digger, Princeton City Schools serves 5,336 students in eight elementary schools, one junior high and one high school. The district has recently built a new junior high and the high school will be moving to a brand new, state-of-the-art building in the 2014-2015 school year.

Schilling School

The Schilling School for Gifted Children is also a schooling option for children living in Blue Ash. According to the school’s site, “The Schilling School for Gifted Children is an independent coeducational institution founded in 1997, chartered by the Ohio Department of Education, and maintaining membership in the Ohio Association of Independent Schools. Nationally, it is one of only two schools serving gifted students from kindergarten through 12th grade.” According to Cincinnati Magazine, “The Schilling School has the highest average SAT score among Greater Cincinnati public and private high schools (Cincinnati Magazine – April 2003).”

Parochial Schools

Many students attend Ursuline Academy or Moeller High School, which are area parochial high schools in the Blue Ash area. Ursuline is an all-girls’s school and Moeller is an all-boys’ school, both serving students in grade 9-12. Both of these schools have a long history in the Blue Ash area.

Blue Ash Parks and Recreation

Blue Ash Rec Center

Built in 1979, and renovated in 2007, this rec center is huge! The pool is the second largest in the area (only Coney Island’s pool is larger). The gym alone is 10,000 square feet. The center is equipped with cardio machines, other workout equipment, water slides, a game room, a banquet facility to host special events and so much more.

Blue Ash Parks

Over 150 acres of parks are located in Blue Ash. The largest park by far is Summit Park. This park is undergoing major renovations and will eventually be a place where people will spend lots of time with family and friends. Summit, will eventually have walking and bike trails, a sledding hill and a pond, in addition to so much more. There are 5 other parks in Blue Ash, but one unique park is Nature Park and Amphitheatre. This park is unique simply because residents perform drama productions in the amphitheater during specific times throughout the year.

 

Special Events in Blue Ash

Red, White and Blue Ash

Red, White and Blue Ash is one thing Blue Ash is pretty known for. Every July 4th, over 100,000 people gather for the huge fireworks display at Summit Park. Rozzi’s puts on a great fireworks show, and the live music is a hit every year.

Taste of Blue Ash

Every summer, over the course of a 3-day weekend, The Taste of Blue Ash, an outdoor food festival is a great way to get to know your neighbors and people in the community while spending quality time with your family. Live music is heard throughout the city and over 120,000 people attend this great food festival.

Things That Make Blue Ash Special

Blue Ash ChiliBlue Ash Chili

Known for its “No Freakin’ Way Challenge” and so much more, Blue Ash Chili is probably the most popular restaurant in Blue Ash.  Featured in 2010 on Guy Fieri’s “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives”, this place serves its own special recipe of Cincinnati-style chili, and so much more. The double-decker sandwiches are quite popular with the customers as well. The menu is extensive and the prices are reasonable. If this place is open, it’s busy.

Through the Garden

Through the Garden is such a unique restaurant, located on Kenwood Road. The owners serve fresh veggies from their own garden. They do offer meat options, but specialize in vegetarian meals. They offer a wine list and children’s menu as well as outdoor seating. Be sure to check it out.

Bowling Alleys

Blue Ash is home to 3 bowling alleys including Ringo Lanes, Crossgate Lanes, and Strikes and Spares. Bowling is favorite pastime of Blue Ash residents and each bowling alley is unique in style.

Historic Hunt House

The Hunt House that you see today is actually the 2nd one built. The original home burnt down and was rebuilt with the home you can tour today in 1861. This home and the Hunt family who were residents of the home were victims of horse theft during the Civil War “Morgan’s Raid”. You can tour the house at 4 Open House opportunities throughout the year.

Blue Ash Homes For Sale

[optima_express_search_results cityId=”23372″ propertyType=”SFR,CND” sortBy=”ds” displayType=”grid” resultsPerPage=”12″ header=”true” includeMap=”true” status=”active”]

Add Comment