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Find the Perfect Spot in Northern Kentucky

Urban, suburban or rural, this region south of Cincinnati has an address for you.

By Patsy B. Weiler on May 7, 2021

Northern Kentucky
Amanda Rossmann

Few places throw out the welcome mat better than Northern Kentucky. 

Here, you will discover a growing and dynamic part of the Bluegrass State that is hugged by the scenic Ohio River and known for its natural beauty, affordability, friendly neighbors, green space and plenty of things to see and do.

Living Across the River from Cincinnati

Because of its location in the heart of the Cincinnati region, Northern Kentucky gives residents access to big-city amenities that are just a hop away. Among the nine bridges that cross the Ohio River is the Purple People Bridge, a half-mile pedestrian-only walkway in Newport, where the Newport Aquarium, Newport on the Levee and the stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline from Bridgeview Box Park are popular attractions.

The urban Northern Kentucky clusters of NewportBellevue and Covington have an overall cost of living that is 12% lower than the national average.

Research conducted by PayScale.com

Located at the foot of the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington, KY, is Roebling Point, a residential-business-entertainment multiuse community, and the recently opened Covington Yard, a community gathering space to eat, drink and play. It is also Fido friendly.

Northern Kentucky
The Baker's Table

‘Overflowing with Love’

Research conducted by PayScale.com shows the urban Northern Kentucky clusters of Newport, Bellevue and Covington have an overall cost of living that is 12% lower than the national average.

“I choose to live in the urban core of Northern Kentucky first and foremost because of the sense of community,” says Sarah Grace Mohr, COO of Mackey, a financial services company. “Bellevue, where I live, is only one square mile, but that one square mile is overflowing with love for our community and each other.”

Her must-try restaurants include Bellevue Bistro, The Baker’s Table in Newport, KY (named One of the Best New Restaurants in America in 2019 by Eater.com), Riverside Korean Restaurant in Covington and the Purple Poulet in Dayton, KY, which was listed as the Best Fried Chicken in Kentucky by Southern Living in 2018.

Mohr, her wife and their young family frequent Polka Dot Alley, a creative urban play place in Bellevue, KY.

“I can be anywhere within 15 minutes by car, and the Southbank Shuttle makes getting around incredibly easy,” Mohr says.

For longer trips, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is less than 15 minutes from downtown Covington, and the proximity to Interstates 71, 74, 75 and the 275 Beltway make travel convenient.

Northern Kentucky

Country Charm in Northern Kentucky

The founder of Rose Communications, Rosemary Weathers Burnham, and her husband, Robert Burnham, live in a picturesque rural haven they call Beacon Hill Farm on 15 rolling acres in Kenton County.

Now retired, they logged countless miles traveling the region during their careers, but Burnham says it was worth the drive.

“When I hit the county road, I start to decompress, relax and could almost feel my blood pressure go down,” she says. “There is nothing like seeing the sunrise here in the mornings and the sunset in the evenings.”

Avid boaters, the couple often drops anchor at the Weather Oar Knot, a marina in Union, KY, that features a restaurant, bar and live weekend music.

‘Safe and Welcome’

LaKisha Miller, the talent pipeline system leader at the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, has lived in suburban Independence, KY, for seven years.

“I like more land and more privacy,” she says. “We often use our beautiful, large backyard that has mature trees. We are away from the hustle and bustle but not so far that we feel isolated. Our Fourth of July fireworks are some of the best I’ve ever seen, and the local farmers market is a great place to get honey and cranberry wine.”

Miller says what she needs is close by, and the back roads can be easily navigated, avoiding heavy traffic.

“It is just peaceful here, and that is all I want out of where I live. We are the only African American family on our street, and I feel safe and welcome in our neighborhood,” she says. “It would take a lot for me to leave this area.”

If you would like to learn more about Northern Kentucky, check out the latest edition of Livability Northern Kentucky.


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