KENTON COUNTY
County Offices
303 Court Street
Covington 859-392-1400
https://wwww.kentoncounty.org
Chamber of Commerce
300 Buttermilk Pike
Fort Mitchell 859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Rural acreage, rolling hills, and bustling urban centers converge in fast-growing Kenton County, separated from Cincinnati by the Ohio River. Particularly from the waterfront area of Covington south toward Interstate 275, aggressive development has made Newton County the most densely populated of the counties in northern Kentucky. Interstate 75/71 traverses the west side of the county, ensuring quick commutes to regional destinations.
Services
Education is a top priority in this area, where public schools are complemented by a selection of private schools, both parochial and independent. With a 200-mile radius of Kenton County, more than 125 colleges, universities, and technical schools enroll more than 700,000 students. Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights offers a wide selection of programs on undergraduate and graduate levels, including law degrees through the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Thomas More College in Crestview Hills is a small Roman Catholic liberal arts college with a national reputation. Those who are looking for an affordable start on a four-year degree, two-year degrees or certifications, or continuing education will find nearby campuses for community and technical colleges. Some of the more famous institutions across the Ohio state line are the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and Miami University.
State-of-the-art healthcare is ensured throughout this area by a network of services and facilities. Skilled professionals in private practice, emergency medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and awareness programs provide the finest in medical care and wellness programs. One of the area’s largest employers, St. Elizabeth Medical Center offers two full-service hospitals in Kenton County, one in Covington and one in Edgewood. Named by HealthGrades as a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence, St. Elizabeth ranks in the nation’s top five percent of hospitals for quality of care. This teaching institution is nationally recognized for heart, stroke, cancer, neurology, and respiratory care. It is also one of five hospitals in the nation that was singled out for providing an outstanding work environment for nurses.
Lifestyle
The gently rolling hills in the rural southern section gradually transform into bustling urban centers in the north across the river from Cincinnati. The housing selection is diverse and attractive, blending historic properties and well-crafted older homes with handsome new construction from modest to magnificent. Kenton County is also located along the outer edge of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region and the unique attractions in Lexington such as the Kentucky Horse Park. To the east, the Licking River forms another boundary, creating backdrops of natural beauty and providing water-sport recreational opportunities. The communities within the county add to the quality of life with colorful celebrations, seasonal events, and opportunities for local sports play.
Kincaid State Park in Kenton County provides a 200-acre complex that is ideal for boating, camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and biking. The list of entertainment and recreational attractions in northern Kentucky includes such high points as Big Bone Lick State Park, Big Bone Landing Marina and Campground, Newport on the Levee, and several riverboat cruises. Covington is the largest city in all of northern Kentucky, and its Licking Riverside neighborhood is the last remaining riverfront residential district. Covington Landing draws residents and visitors alike to popular restaurants and clubs, while nearby MainStrasse Village presents a 19th century neighborhood of extraordinary grandeur. The Northern Kentucky Convention Center brings thousands of visitors to this area from both sides of the Ohio River and beyond. Viewed from every angle, Kenton County enjoys a premier place in the grand scheme of Greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.
Covington
Municipal Offices
859-292-2160
https://www.covingtonky.gov
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
The county seat of Covington creates an idyllic blend of historic preservation and progressive development, from Fortune 500 company headquarters to century-old local shops. More than 4,600 structures are encompassed in 15 historic districts that showcase Colonial Revival, Italianate, and Victorian architectural styles. Contemporary condominiums and townhouses add to the mix of housing, many with postcard-quality views of the Cincinnati skyline, the riverfront, and city lights. Covington is home to thousands of businesses and features a thriving riverfront entertainment district. Twenty lush parks dot the cityscape, crowned by the 688-acre Devou Park with the Carnegie Arts Center and the historic Behringer-Crawford Museum. Another jewel is the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, a replica of the Gothic Abbey Church Saint-Denis in Paris.
Edgewood
Municipal Offices
859-331-5910
http://edgewoodky.gov
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
One of the more recently formed communities in Kenton County, the city of Edgewood was originally founded in 1948 and has grown through various annexations and mergers. The largest of these expansions occurred in 1968 when the communities of Summit Hills Heights and St. Pius Heights agreed to move under Edgewood civic government by popular vote. The pleasant hometown offers attractive neighborhoods graced by lush parks, a highly respected hospital, and excellent schools. The housing selection has primarily been constructed within the past two decades and is dominated by ranches, luxurious single-family homes, and two-story traditional family homes. Residents enjoy a comfortable small-town setting near major shopping malls, entertainment centers, golf courses, the international airport, and world-class attractions in Greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.
Erlanger, Elsmere
Erlanger Offices
859-727-2525
http://erlangerky.gov
Elsmere Offices
859-342-7911
https://cityofelsmere.com
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Sharing a school system, the closely aligned cities of Erlanger and Elsmere welcome new residents to an attractive selection of housing from historic to contemporary. Affordable first homes in long-established neighborhoods have drawn many families to this convenient location that borders Interstates 75 and 275. However, recent years have seen an increase in new construction in a variety of architectural styles. Locally owned and family businesses add a homespun flavor to the commercial district, although a new crop of businesses have sprung up along the major highways that traverse the community. Parks and playgrounds and first-rate civic services add to the quality of life. Erlanger and Elsmere are both convenient to Cincinnati attractions, the international airport, dining and entertainment, state parks and lakes, waterfront attractions, and Florence Mall for shopping.
Fort Mitchell
Municipal Offices
859-331-1212
https://fortmitchell.com
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Fort Mitchell offers an appealing residential environment that is widely recognized for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and strong community spirit. Although this community is one of the oldest in the area, the care of local residents and the efficient management of civic planners have ensured that it remains one of the most desirable. Many families are drawn to the city for its wonderful neighborhood atmosphere, the excellent schools, and youth recreation programs and opportunities. Fort Mitchell welcomes newcomers to a gracious and friendly atmosphere that blends Victorian splendor with luxurious condominiums and lovely single-family homes with meticulously manicured yards. Dixie Highway is lined with shops and services but also offers a quick trip to Florence and Crestview malls. Fort Mitchell Country Club and Drawbridge Inn offer three outstanding restaurants.
Fort Wright
Municipal Offices
859-331-1700
https://wwww.fortwright.com
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Newcomers to the pleasant and progressive city today would be surprised to learn about its illustrious and exciting past. General Horatio Governeur Wright helped defend the area against the Confederate invasion from Fort Wright during the Civil War era. Modern Fort Wright offers a charming, family-oriented community atmosphere and an abundance of attractive, well-maintained homes along winding streets. Popular styles are Cape Cods, traditionals, and tidy brick bungalows. The pleasingly wide variety of homes in Fort Wright is part of the undeniable charm of this area. Regardless of the age of the property, the image is one of prosperity and pride in ownership. Residents are known for their friendly and congenial manner, so newcomers tend to feel comfortable very quickly. Covington is nearby, providing a bustling employment center, expanded amenities, and expanded opportunities for dining and entertainment.
Independence
Independence Offices
859-356-5302
https://wwww.cityofindependence.org
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Nestled in the heart of the county, Independence is only a 15-minutes driver from Cincinnati. The city is proud of its unique blend of urban amenities in a rural setting. Independence serves as a second county seat, providing many residents with a more convenient address when handling county-level business. Farms and older homes are picturesque reminders of a somewhat secluded agricultural past. Founded in 1842, the city preserves its original county courthouse, a stately white traditional structure that forms the centerpiece of the town square. Residential growth is on the rise in Independence, which is slowly transforming from a sleep rural haven into a suburban bedroom community. Nevertheless, residents and planners are determined to preserve the peaceful nature of the area that makes it so appealing.
Lakeside Park
Municipal Offices
859-341-6127
https://wwww.cityoflakesidepark.com
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Characterized as a sought-after and highly desirable bedroom community, Lakeside Park has long been known as one of Northern Kentucky’s premier neighborhoods. Newcomers are drawn to the area’s park-like setting and serene lakes. Many of the homes in Lakeside Park have been built to take full advantage of lakefront views. In spite of residential growth over the decades, the city has managed to protect its park-like image and its strictly residential nature. A kaleidoscope of amenities and attractions are available just minutes from home in nearby Cincinnati or Covington and other larger cities. First established in the 1930s, the city features a selection of classic older neighborhoods with winding tree-shaded streets that open to more recently developed areas with large brick homes on well-landscaped spacious lots. Excellent property values promise to keep Lakeside Park in a class of its own for decades to come.
Park Hills
Municipal Offices
859-431-6252
https://wwww.parkhillsky.net
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Well known for the beautiful hills that command panoramic views, the community of Park Hills enjoys an ideal location adjacent to Devou Park. This premier recreational area covers nearly 670 acres with green space, a public golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Homes in Park Hills are primarily large traditionals shaded by stately trees on beautiful lots, although the housing mix offers other styles and settings. Many city residents feel that there is the most lovely and convenient of all the bedroom communities in Northern Kentucky. Not only do they have the regional attraction of Devou Park as their backyard, they are only a five-minute drive away from the cultural, entertainment, shopping, and professional sports attractions in Cincinnati.
Taylor Mill
Taylor Mill Offices
859-581-3234
https://wwww.taylormillky.gov
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
“Taylored with Pride” is the creative slogan for this lovely residential haven with a rural flavor. Closely aligned with the city of Independence and sharing its agricultural past, Taylor Mill also shares it sister city’s trend of growth. Lovely older homes and picturesque farms dot the region, blending with contemporary attractions like Ryland Heights Country Club. Showcasing its pride, the community recently completed a beautiful new municipal center. Both Taylor Mill and Independence enjoy a location near Interstate 275 for quick commutes to Covington and other regional destinations for first-class dining, entertainment, shopping, and cultural arts. Downtown Cincinnati is only minutes from home, expanding the regional attractions with one of the nation’s finest zoos, wonderful museums and galleries, and nearby award-winning amusement parks.
Villa Hills
Municipal Offices
859-341-1515
https://villahillsky.org
Chamber of Commerce
859-578-8800
https://wwww.nkychamber.com
Distinguished as one of the most desirable suburban communities in the region, Villa Hills draws newcomers to a wonderful mix of home styles and settings. Everything from traditional to contemporary architectural styles are available in price ranges that vary as widely as the architecture, including million-dollar-plus luxury homes. Incorporated in 1962 and following the regional trend of recent growth, the city offers many homes that have been built within the past 15 years. Some command spectacular river views but all are cared for with obvious pride. Because the city covers yesterday’s farmland on rolling hills, the flavor of the countryside still prevails. Yet, Cincinnati’s world-class attractions are just a short drive from home. Civic pride and volunteerism run high in the community that garnered the title of “America’s Most Livable City.” The private college preparatory school of Villa Madonna Academy is another point of pride.
