Why Live in Northern Kentucky? Ask These Residents
Find out why Northern Kentucky is the perfect place for everyone to reside.
There’s truly nothing like living in Northern Kentucky. The region’s booming business scene is matched with communities that are home to fun events, friendly residents, gorgeous artistic attractions, phenomenal cuisine and a world of opportunities.
Living in Northern Kentucky Is Recommended by Residents
Carey Sanders, senior vice president of commercial banking at Fifth Third Bank, says the region seamlessly blends big-city amenities with small-town charm.
“My husband and I have three kids, and as a family, we can attend Bengals, Reds and FC Cincinnati (soccer) games as well as the Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Zoo, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the visual arts festival BLINK and more, all within a 20-minute drive,” she says.
Karla Boldery
Mexico City native Karla Boldery concurs. She serves as the general manager at La Mega Media Inc., one of the largest Hispanic media organizations in the Midwest.
“What I find particularly attractive about Northern Kentucky is the combination of factors that make it an exceptional place to live,” she says. “First and foremost, the cost of living is quite reasonable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.”
In addition to its affordability and appealing quality-of-life assets, the region has seen great growth over the years.
“My parents would share stories from their childhood of taking the bus to Covington for shopping and sightseeing,” Sanders says. “That has changed so much over the last 20 years! In fact, my wedding reception was held at the Madison Event Center in Covington, which was formerly a Woolworth’s store where my parents spent time as children.”
Another resident with a front-row seat to the changing Northern Kentucky is Hank Heidrich, a Merrill financial adviser who grew up in the area.
“The food scene in Northern Kentucky has blown up,” he says. “We have a vibrant food scene with new restaurants popping up all the time, plus a very reasonable cost of living and all the added perks of being a river crossing away from all the amenities of a major American city – Cincinnati. You have the big-city feel with the small-town connections.”
Find Plenty of Accessibility and Opportunity
Speaking of connections, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport makes it easy for residents to travel from point A to point B. In fact, it now offers direct flights to London through British Airways. The airport is just as attractive to companies doing business in the region as it is for individuals looking to relax and make memories.
Hank Heidrich
In addition to having access to a phenomenal airport, the region boasts a plethora of job opportunities – and the numbers continue to swell. “Whether finance, commerce, tech, health care or logistics, you have the ability to work for a company in its hometown while creating a great career,” Heidrich says.
Sanders says she has access to myriad opportunities for growth in the financial services sector, where she has spent most of her career.
“I began my career at a Northern Kentucky community bank, and 16 years ago transitioned to Fifth Third Bank, with my current office located in downtown Cincinnati,” she says.
“With Cincinnati being the corporate headquarters for Fifth Third Bank, which is a top 15 bank, I will continue to have career opportunities well beyond the role I am in today. I have a 20-minute work commute and have the ability to quickly get to my kids if they need me during the workday. This proximity has been invaluable to me and my husband, who also works in downtown Cincinnati. There are also endless opportunities for nonprofit volunteerism and board service, and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership NKY program was very beneficial to me in growing my professional network and educating me on our region.”
Boldery, who is also the business development director at Miami Regionals’ Small Business Development Center, says living in Northern Kentucky offers the best of both worlds.
“The diversity of people and cultures has grown over the years, leading to a rich tapestry of experiences and, of course, a more diverse range of food options,” she says. “This region truly has it all, from cultural events to parks and scenic riverfronts. Northern Kentucky has evolved into a thriving area with a promising future, offering ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
Bonus: “Foodpreneurs” Love It here
A nonprofit organization debuted in 2013 to help innovative food startups throughout the Northern Kentucky-Cincinnati region overcome unique barriers in the food industry.
The Incubator Kitchen Collective (IKC) has two locations in Newport that feature 24/7 availability to “foodpreneurs.” Startup tenants can choose from three different monthly rental payment levels, depending on how often they plan to use the facility.
Entrepreneurs have access to equipment such as a commercial grill, a flat top grill, six-burner ranges, a 30-gallon tilt skillet, a 60-quart mixer, a walk-in refrigerator and a commercial dishwasher.
Tenants also have access to a network of mentors, investors and potential market suggestions. The incubator has helped more than 60 small businesses grow and achieve more than they could on their own.
Get to Know Northern Kentucky
Want to learn more about living and working in Northern Kentucky? Check out the latest edition of Livability Northern Kentucky.
