AUDIO: Harrison Full Of Boundless Opportunity

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 10:50 AM

The City of Harrison is one of the fastest-growing and most affordable cities in the U.S.

(Harrison, Oh.) - Harrison, Ohio is full of boundless opportunity.

New homes are being built, new businesses are being brought to the community, and new schools are being built to accommodate a growing number of students.

Economic development director Shannon Hamons joined Eagle Country 99.3 on Tuesday morning to talk about the continued growth in the City.

This comes after LendEDU ranked Harrison as one of the fast-growing and most affordable cities in the U.S. According to the report, Harrison’s population is projected to grow 16.76 percent over the next five years. The median monthly home cost in Harrison is approximately $1,346.

Hamons tells Eagle Country 99.3 that Harrison has averaged 65 new home starts a year over the past few years with 165 new home starts last year. That number is expected to dip to around 100 this year.

"People can rent or buy a home and still find that its an affordable place to live," Hamons added.

HEAR BUBBA BO'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON HAMONS IN THE AUDIO PLAYER BELOW

The City has another 150 lots designated for residential development. Hamons says the goal is to set a balance of starter homes, mid-level and executive level homes.

Industrial development is one reason more people are moving to Harrison. Duke Energy just moved into a facility that will employee about 150 employees. The facility is expected to be operational by March.

The City has about 100 acres at their disposal near the industrial park along Dry Fork Road. Hamons hinted that two companies are looking at Harrison as a potential landing spot, perhaps in 2021. Both prospective companies would employee several hundred employees.

So why is Harrison growing so fast?

Hamons attributes the growth to geography, affordability, safety and small town charm.

"I think one of the things is we are right between Cincinnati and Indianapolis. We're 25 minutes from the airport. It's very easy to get into, it's very easy to get out of. I think our safety services are impeccable. We have a police department and we have a fire department I think are some of the best in the area, the region. It's just a safe community, it's affordable, it's easy to get into and out of, and it kind of retains some of its small town charm," said Hamons.

As the City continues to grow and more people move to Harrison, more students are coming through the schools. Luckily, due to some foresight, the City is prepared to accommodate a growing number of students with new schools that will open in 2021.

"Our school district has done very well in trying to project growth," said Hamons. "Our residents saw the need, they passed bond issues a couple years ago, and those schools will be done this year."

The City of Harrison is very much community oriented. This holiday season, residents are encouraged to donate to the Harrison Mayor's Fund and/or the Southwest Local School District's annual Food and Clothing Drive to help the less fortunate.

More information can be found below.

SLSD Service Project Benefits Those In Need This Holiday Season

LendEDU: Harrison Ranks As One Of The Fastest-Growing Cities In America

VIDEO: Construction Begins On New Southwest Local Schools