Hillsboro, OH

1 Apartments for Rent

The city of Hillsboro is a historic one. Way back in 1833, it already had 600 residents, a cotton factory, two churches and a whole seven stores.

With a population of just 6,605 (at the time of the 2010 census, at least) and covering just under 5.5 square miles, Hillsboro isn't exactly what you'd call a big city. While you might not be able to see a painting by one of the old masters, or order Chinese take out at 2 a.m., it's not all barn dances and tumbleweeds (although you might genuinely find the odd barn dance happening!). However, if you're more likely to respond to the call of the big city than the call of the wild, downtown Cincinnati is only about an hour's drive away.

Moving to Hillsboro

It's a universally acknowledged truth that any person who loves to move must be in need of a serious psychological examination. Yes, moving really is a pain in the behind, but your move to Hillsboro shouldn't be too much of a hassle as long as you make sure you're prepared.

Finding a Property

Searching for rental homes in Hillsboro is much like looking for them anywhere else. First, you'll need to take a look at local properties. You could contact a local rental agent or have a look online. If you want to be old school, it's rumored that you can find these kinds of ads in shop windows or in something called a newspaper. It's best to start looking at least four to six weeks before the date you want to move, just to make sure you find a suitable property in time. If you're in the area, you'll probably want to view the property before you make the decision whether or not to take it.

What Happens Next

Once you've found an apartment or house to rent that you love, it's wise to move quickly and let the landlord know that you want to take the property. While some landlords might take you at your word (after all, you do have honest eyes and a firm handshake), most will want to check you out before they let you move into their property. Be prepared to show some documentation, such as proof of income, your credit report, rental history and any appropriate references. If you're approved, you'll generally have to sign a tenancy agreement and a contract committing to a specified minimum rental period.

The Costs Involved

The exact cost of your move will vary, depending on the size and type of the property. Before moving into home rentals, most tenants will have to pay one full month of rent upfront. You may also have to pay a security deposit, which should be refunded at the end of your tenancy, just as long as you keep the home in good shape (go easy on the raging parties!). You'll also need to factor in moving costs and the cost of buying any furniture or appliances you might need.

Hillsboro Neighborhoods

While Hillsboro might not be huge, you'll still find a fair amount of difference between the neighborhoods. It's a good idea to consider your needs and preferences before deciding which area to move to, because some might suit you better than others.

Sinking Spring: This neighborhood is one of the more rural parts of Hillsboro. If you like the great outdoors, you'll love the fact that it's located close to Rocky Fork State Park and Rocky Fork Lake. Homes in the area tend to be on the larger side and have plenty of outdoor space.

City Center: Here you'll be close to the main shopping areas of the city, as well as being in the vicinity of some great eateries, such as Pasquale's Pizza and Vickie's Family Restaurant. This is also a good place to find apartments or condos for rent.

Highland Holiday: This is another fairly rural area, close to the Paint Creek State Park. You'll find a mixture of houses and mobile homes in the area.

Living in Hillsboro

You won't find anyone raving about Hillsboro as the next New York City, but that doesn't mean you won't find plenty to keep you occupied in this town. The pace of life is fairly slow, so you'll have to get used to taking a more laid-back approach to life, but this does mean you'll get more time to smell the (proverbial and literal) roses.

The Great Outdoors

You'll find plenty to do out in the open, in and around Hillsboro. Rocky Fork State Park is a big draw, and is a fabulous place to take a walk or have a picnic. It also contains the Rocky Fork Lake, which has a lovely beach and swimming area, ideal for hanging out at during the warmer months. Not far to the east of the town lies the Paint Creek State Park and Wilderness Area, which is a great place for hiking and wildlife watching. Golf fans might want to take a trip to Hillsboro Elks Country Club, where you can play a round on a 9-hole course, with no membership required.

Fun and Games

If you want to take in a new movie, there's only one cinema in town: Star Cinemas, located at 211 Harry Sauner Road. While you might not have a good choice of venues, you will get a decent choice of movies. Star Cinemas has a number of screens and always has several movies showing at any one time, usually the latest blockbusters. If you're not in the mood for a movie, you could always bowl a game at the Highland Lanes, located at 1086 N High Street.

Food and Drink

You'll find a number of great places to grab a bite or go for a quick drink. La Cascada serves delectable Mexican food, whereas Giovannis is the place to go if you fancy Italian. Alley 21 Sports Grill serves food, but is also the ideal place to grab a beverage and watch the big game, whatever it may be. Ye Old Tavern is another good bar in Hillsboro, and is the perfect place to knock back a few drinks and be surrounded by a friendly crowd.