Milford has proven to be an admirable model of a city. If you were to create a check list of characteristics in your ideal city, Milford would likely check all the boxes. Whether it’s outdoor recreation, diverse businesses, connection to history, variety of residential options, Milford delivers on every note. According to Smart Asset, a financial planning website, Milford is #4 in the state for retirees. Factors such as tax rate, recreation centers and doctors’ offices were used to create the ranking. In a message from City Manager Michael Doss, he encourages visitors to “learn what more than 7,000 residents already know; that Milford is a great place to raise a family, work, play and retire.”
History
The origins of Milford began with a 230-acre land survey in 1788 and a 1,000-acre Revolutionary War land grant in 1796. John Hageman was one of the first permanent settlers and laid out Milford or Hageman’s Mill, as it was originally named, in 1806. When Hageman left for Indiana in 1811 the town was commonly referred to as Milford. The name came from a newspaper that used the name to describe the town’s location as the first safe ford over the Little Miami River north of the Ohio River. It was at this location that one would cross the river to get to the mills, thus the name mill-ford or Milford. Milford was incorporated 25 years later in 1836 and officially attained city status in 1982.
Get Connected
If you’ve never spent the day in Milford, the Milford Urban Trail System serves as an incredible guide. This four-mile loop trail will take you past a wonderful sampling of all that Milford has to offer. Milford is a critical intersection of eight long-distance hiking and cycling trails that collectively cover over 22,000 miles.
In 2012, Milford was established as the first official Trail Town on the Buckeye Trail (1,400+ miles). Milford is also located on the North Country National Scenic Trail (4,600+ miles), American Discovery Trail (6,800+ miles), Sea-to-Sea Long Distance Hiking Route (7,700+ miles), Underground Railroad Cycling Route (2,000+ miles), Ohio to Erie Cycling Route (450+ miles), Little Miami Scenic Trail (78 miles), Little Miami Scenic River (105+ miles). In addition to trail access, Milford is home to a number of parks that offer a variety of recreation opportunities.
The downtown business district of Milford along Main Street offers a plethora of dining and shopping opportunities. As you mosey down main you will find a variety of restaurants, art galleries, antiques and speciality shops often located in buildings built in the 1800’s. In addition to the historic business district, Milford is also home to several national chains such as Wal-Mart, Rave Motion Pictures, Kroger, Starbucks and a number of chain restaurants. From small town charm to modern conveniences, Milford has it all.
Roads Rivers and Trails
Roads Rivers and Trails is an independently-owned adventure outfitter. Not only do they sell outdoor recreation equipment, they pride themselves on providing information and guidance based on their extensive experience.
Promont House
The Promont is a Victorian mansion built in 1865 that was the former home of Ohio’s 43rd Governor, John M. Pattison. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is current the home of the Greater Milford Area Historical Society.
Valley View Nature Preserve and Education Center
Valley View is a 150-acre nature preserve and education facility. Valley View has about five miles of trails that are perfect for hikes and walks in all seasons.
Full of Fun Festivals
Great US 50 Yard Sale – Held the third weekend in May, this widespread event serves to promote tourism along U.S. 50.
Frontier Days – This community festival was voted ‘Best Festival on the Eastside’ in 2013-2015 by Cincy Magazine. Frontier Days offers a little something from everyone from parades, games, food, live music, frog jumping contest and a spaghetti-eating contest. The festival usually takes place the first weekend of June.
Amazing Race – The Amazing Charity Race is an adventurous way to raise money for dozens of local charities. The race is comprised of a variety of physical and mental challenges and has raised over $600,000 for local charities.
Movies on the Miami – Free movies are shown on the second Saturday of July and August at Riverside Park. This event is hosted by the Milford Parks & Recreation Commission.
Milford Street Eats Foodtruck Rally – The Milford Street Eats Foodtruck Rally is in its fourth year and offers delicious bites from over two dozen vendors. This event also offers local beers and live music.
Art Affaire – Art Affaire is Milford’s premier art and fine craft show featuring approximately 100 local and regional juried artists. The event includes live music, food and more. Art Affaire is an annual event on the fourth Saturday of September.
Hometown Holidays – This traditional hometown holiday celebration offers Mr. and Mrs. Claus, horse-carriage rides, great gift ideas, and food and drinks from the area’s most popular and award-winning shops and restaurants.
Location, Location, Location
Milford in conveniently located 15 miles east of Cincinnati on US 50. The city lies inside the I-275 loop along the Little Miami River. Milford is bordered by Indian Hill, Terrace Park, Miami Township and Union Township.
As is the theme of Milford’s recreation and business opportunities, so it is with residential options. The diversity of real estate options in Milford runs the gamut from charming cottages and historic gems to modern estate homes and condos. A complete list of amenities and easy access to I-275 make Milford a great place to live.
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