What if your backyard wasn’t just grass, but a place to grow real food and actually know the people who grow it with you?
Today, across the U.S., agri communities (also called agrihoods) are blending modern homes with working farms, and at Aberlin Springs, Ohio, that lifestyle is now possible, just outside Cincinnati.
What Is an Agri Community?
An agri community is more than a subdivision with pretty views. Instead of only fenced lawns and distant grocery stores, it’s a neighborhood where agriculture, sustainability, and everyday life all thrive together. Residents share gardens, orchards, crop areas, and farm-to-table experiences right outside their doors, so daily life feels more connected and intentional.
Why are so many people drawn to this kind of place?
Some of the key benefits of living in an agri community include:
✔ Fresh, locally grown food where you live
✔ Opportunities to learn and practice gardening or farming skills
✔ A lower environmental footprint
✔ A stronger sense of community through shared harvests and events
Aberlin Springs Ohio is the state’s first agri community: a neighborhood built around a regenerative farm, set on more than 140 acres of preserved forests and meadows in Warren County. Here, custom homes sit alongside pasture, gardens, animals, and miles of open space, so everyday life feels both peaceful and vibrant.
Aerial view of Aberlin Springs Ohio, where custom homes, a working farm, and lakeside green space all share the same community.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- What Aberlin Springs is and where it’s located
- How the farm-to-table lifestyle actually works day to day
- The CSA program that every homeowner joins
- The original Swiss-style farmhouse and gathering chalet
- Community amenities like the saltwater pool, trails, pickleball, and fishing pond
- The types of homes you’ll find here, plus an example of a 5-bedroom listing around $890K
So if you’re dreaming about sustainable living, eco-friendly neighborhoods, or just a healthier lifestyle without giving up convenience, Aberlin Springs Ohio might be the place you’ve been looking for.
Monika DeRoussel standing next to the Pendragon Homes custom home builder sign at Aberlin Springs Ohio agri-community.
What Is Aberlin Springs Ohio?
Aberlin Springs Ohio is a planned agri-community in the Union Township / Morrow area, just outside Lebanon and within easy reach of both Cincinnati and Dayton. It’s built on more than 140 acres of preserved land, combining custom homes with a working farm at the center.
Instead of a golf course or typical clubhouse, the heart of the neighborhood is:
- A regenerative farm using sustainable practices
- Pastures with chickens, pigs, lambs and a resident donkey
- Gardens, orchards and herb beds
- An on-site market where residents pick up fresh produce, meat, eggs and prepared foods
The community is designed so that about 70% of the land stays in open space—fields, woods and farm ground—while homes are clustered to preserve views and nature.
Monika DeRoussel touring Aberlin Springs, Ohio’s first farm-to-table agri-community just outside Cincinnati.
Location: Close to Cincinnati and Dayton, But Feels Like the Country
One of the biggest surprises for people touring Aberlin Springs is how accessible it is.
The community sits just a few miles from I-71, roughly halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, and right outside Lebanon, Ohio. From here, you’re only a short drive to:
- Kings Island and major entertainment options
- Shopping, dining, and everyday services in Lebanon, Mason, and surrounding suburbs
- Employers throughout the Cincinnati–Dayton corridor
So while your daily view might be pastures, ponds, and big sky, you’re far from off-grid.
Map of Aberlin Springs, a farm-to-table community in Ohio, featuring courtyard, manor, and estate home sites built by Pendragon Homes.
Farm-to-Table Living: How the CSA Program Works
At Aberlin Springs, farm-to-table living isn’t just a trend, it’s built into the HOA.
Every homeowner becomes part of the CSA program (Community Supported Agriculture).
In simple terms:
- The farm team grows seasonal organic produce, raises pasture-raised meat, and collects free-range eggs on site
- Each season, you choose your share: vegetables, eggs, meat, or a mix
- You pick up your harvest at the on-site farm market on designated days
It’s the kind of lifestyle where a Saturday morning might look like this:
- Walk or bike up to the farm stand.
- Pick up your weekly box of greens, tomatoes, herbs, or root vegetables.
- Say hi to the chickens, pigs, or lambs on the way.
- Head home and cook dinner with food that was grown just a few hundred meters from your kitchen.
Behind the scenes, the farm follows regenerative agriculture principles inspired by Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm, focusing on soil health, low-till practices, and rotating animals through the land.
Meet one of Aberlin Springs’ oldest residents, saying hi on your way to pick up your CSA share, the kind of Saturday that makes “farm-to-table” feel real.
The Original Swiss Farmhouse and Community Chalet
When you first arrive at Aberlin Springs, one of the most memorable stops is the original farmhouse, now transformed into the community’s gathering chalet.
The story goes back to Leslie Aberlin, a Swiss-heritage developer behind Pendragon Homes, who turned her family’s farm vision into this agri-community.
Today, the farmhouse:
- Serves as the visitor center for tours and open houses
- Acts as a community hub for potlucks, holiday events and private celebrations
- Preserves the European chalet style, warm wood beams, cozy gathering spaces, and big windows overlooking the land
Stepping inside feels more like entering a Swiss mountain lodge than a typical Ohio subdivision clubhouse.
View of the chalet. Built as the original home for the Aberlin family.
Community Amenities: More Than Just a Farm
Beyond the farm itself, Aberlin Springs includes a wide range of shared amenities designed for both kids and adults:
- Saltwater pool
- Walking trails that wind through meadows and woods
- Fishing pond
- Pickleball and basketball courts
- Play areas and open fields for “free-range kids” and neighbor gatherings
This combination of nature + recreation is one of the reasons so many different types of people are drawn here: retirees, young families, remote workers, and everyone in between.
Who Lives in Aberlin Springs?
In my experience touring the community and talking with the farm team, Aberlin Springs attracts a very diverse mix of residents:
- Retired couples looking for a quieter lifestyle and a deeper connection to nature
- Growing families with young kids who love animals and the outdoors
- First-time buyers who want something very different from a traditional subdivision
- People who care about sustainability, real food, and community
Some residents are highly involved; volunteering on the farm, participating in events, and learning about regenerative agriculture. Others simply appreciate opening the fridge and seeing farm-fresh food in their CSA box each week.
Either way, the community gives you plenty of options for how “hands-on” you want to be.
The heart of Aberlin Springs: community leadership on the farm alongside one of the neighborhood’s most beloved icons.
Homes and Real Estate: What Do Houses Cost in Aberlin Springs?
Homes in Aberlin Springs are custom-built or semi-custom and cover a range of sizes and styles:
- Courtyard homes and low-maintenance layouts for downsizers or busy professionals
- Ranch homes next to two-story family homes, many with views of fields, woods, or ponds
- Floor plans with around 2–4+ bedrooms, depending on the model
Recent information from builders and listing sites shows:
- Entry pricing for some plans starting in the $520,000s
- Many larger or more custom homes ranging from the $600,000s to over $1 million
In my tour video, I walk through a five-bedroom home with over 4,000 square feet, listed at around $890,000, a good example of the higher-end properties in the community.
You can view the full listing details HERE
One of the beautiful homes inside Aberlin Springs, modern farmhouse design, spacious layouts, and surrounded by nature, just steps from the community farm.
What Daily Life Feels Like in Aberlin Springs
Living here, your daily routine might include:
- Morning coffee on the porch while you watch the fog lift over the pastures
- A walk on the trails with your dog, passing lambs and chickens in the fields
- An afternoon swim in the saltwater pool
- CSA pickup at the farm market, grabbing vegetables, eggs, and maybe a prepared meal for a busy day
- Evening community events, kids playing by the pond, or neighbors gathering at the chalet
It’s a rare combination of:
- Small-community feel
- Real, working agriculture
- Modern custom homes with high-end finishes
- And the ability to jump on the highway and be in Cincinnati or Dayton without a long, rural commute
For many buyers, it feels like the best of both worlds.
Video Breakdown: Inside Aberlin Springs – Ohio’s First Agri-Community
In this video tour, I’ll show you:
- A full walkthrough of the Aberlin Springs community—fields, trails, animals, and amenities
- How the CSA program works, directly from the farm team
- A look inside the original Swiss-style farmhouse chalet and gathering spaces
- Real-life examples of education programs for kids and adults on the farm
- A full tour of a five-bedroom listing in the neighborhood, with open-concept kitchen and views of wooded green space
If you like to see how a place feels before you visit, hit play on the video while you read this guide. It’s the best way to experience Aberlin Springs in action.
FAQ: Common Questions About Aberlin Springs
Is Aberlin Springs really Ohio’s first agri-community?
Yes. Aberlin Springs is widely recognized as Ohio’s first agri-community (agrihood), a neighborhood built around a working farm where residents support a CSA and share in the harvest.
Where exactly is Aberlin Springs located?
Aberlin Springs is in Union Township / Morrow area of Warren County, just outside Lebanon, Ohio, a short drive from I-71 between Cincinnati and Dayton.
What does “farm-to-table living” mean here?
It means the farm on site grows vegetables, raises animals, and provides food through a CSA program and farm market. As a homeowner, you’re automatically part of the CSA and receive a share of the harvest each season.
Do I have to work on the farm?
No. The farm is run by professional farmers and a small team. Volunteers are welcome, but participation is optional. Your CSA membership helps support the farm operations.
What kinds of animals live on the farm?
The farm typically has chickens, pigs, lambs and at least one donkey, along with rotating livestock depending on the season.
How much do homes in Aberlin Springs cost?
Pricing can vary by builder, lot and floor plan, but many homes currently range from the $520,000s up to $1M+, with some larger custom homes and market homes in the upper range.
Is Aberlin Springs a good place for families?
Yes. The community is popular with families who value outdoor play, animals, and nature, as well as with retirees and remote workers. The location also gives you access to schools and amenities in Lebanon and nearby towns.
Conclusion: Is Aberlin Springs the Right Community for You?
If you’ve ever dreamed about living on a farm, but don’t want to manage a full-scale operation yourself, Aberlin Springs offers a very rare lifestyle.
Here, you can:
- Live in a custom, modern home
- Enjoy 140+ acres of fields, forests, lakes and trails
- Be part of a farm-to-table CSA that fills your kitchen with local food
- Let your kids grow up around animals, gardens, and wide-open spaces
- Stay connected to Cincinnati and Dayton with an easy commute
For many of my clients, a visit to Aberlin Springs is a turning point, they realise that a healthier, more connected way of living is actually possible, not just something they see on Social Media.
If you’re thinking about moving to Cincinnati, Lebanon or Mason, and this farm-based lifestyle resonates with you, Aberlin Springs is absolutely a community you should see in person.
Ready to Explore Aberlin Springs in Person?
If you’re curious about Aberlin Springs and want to know whether it’s a good fit for your family, I’d be happy to help.
As a local Realtor with more than 20 years of experience in the Cincinnati real estate market, I can:
- Walk you through current homes for sale in Aberlin Springs
- Compare this agri-community with other neighborhoods near Cincinnati and Dayton
- Help you decide whether the farm-to-table lifestyle matches your budget, priorities and long-term plans
If this guide (and the video tour) has you excited, let’s talk.
📩 Ready to explore Aberlin Springs?
You can call or text me at (513) 289-1039,
or reach out through my website: deroussel.com/contact.
I’d love to help you discover whether this unique community is the right fit for you.
Thinking of selling or buying your home? Start the conversation with Monika DeRoussel.