Looking for recommendations on suburbs near Cincy (Cincinnati, Kent: apartment complex, rental)

[vikm23]

Hello,

I am considering switching jobs to a place in Covington, Ky. From what I read it seems like it's better to live in a Cincy suburb than in KY. So I was hoping to get some recommendations for good family towns. We have 2 small kids and are looking for a place with good parks and schools. We also like to dine out as well so good restaurants nearby would be a plus. Also, we are a mixed race family so a town that is diverse and tolerant is a must.

Thanks!

[kjbrill]

I believe you have been confronted with too much of the sterotyping concerning KY versus OH neighborhoods. With the fact NKY has been growing at a faster rate than the Cincinnati side of the river, I feel things are leveling out considerably. If you are going to be working in Covington, you will be paying them an city income tax (2.5%) exceeding Cincinnati (2.1%). So stay on the KY side of the river and avoid the bridge conjestion. You gain nothing by living in Ohio other than possibly a higher state income tax.

Ft Thomas is a nice area east along the river. You have the option of looking both further east along I-275 and also south or west, while maintaining a reasonable commute. Posting in a Cincinnati forum will give you a lot of biased Ohio views. Unfortunately the Kentucky forum does not have an NKY oriented section.

I would exhaust the NKY area before even looking over the river.

I don't know where you are coming from, but I feel the majority of the Greater Cincinnati area is not going to be a problem for a mixed race family. Naturally you will always find some bigots anywhere you go. Today I view NKY as just an extension of Cincinnati which happens to be across the river in another state. Those who want to maintain stereotypes are just barking up the wrong tree.

And of course way too many in NKY are fans of the Kentucky Wildcats. Hopefully some will start to recognize those Louisville Cardinals if they can't bring themselves to support UC. I think it is great Louisville and UK now play each other on an annual basis. It is great for the state of KY. It is time Ohio State played other Ohio teams who can give them a game, specifically UC on a regular basis. OP - If I suddenly lost you look up some of the University sports history connected to the area where you are about to move. It can get intense.

[vikm23]

Thanks kjbrill, very helpful feedback. We'd be coming from Chicago, so we love sports! Good tip on NKY. My sister in law has lived in Lexington for 10 years and loves it, so even though it's in a different part of the state, that's reassuring. I was told not to actually live in Covington due to it not being safe so just trying to due my homework.

[Ohiogirl81]

There are parts of Covington that aren't desirable; there are parts that are. It's no different from Cincinnati or any other city. If you want to live near Covington but not live in Covington, try Park Hills, Fort Wright, Fort Mitchell, Edgewood, or Fort Thomas. There's a variety of housing in the Kentucky suburbs.

Don't know much about the schools in Kentucky, other than the perception that they are just fine. My only Kentucky friend that still has kids in the schools lives in Highland Heights, over by Northern Kentucky University, and her kids are getting a well-rounded education with a variety of opportunities.

You might try posting in the Kentucky forum as well; there is some bleed between this forum and that one, but there also are some Kentucky folks that don't post here who may have better insight.

[kjbrill]

To the OP. Ohiogirl81 gave you a list of several more KY neighborhoods to consider, all close together. I personally would not want to live in either Covington or Newport proper. That is just because I associate them with the old original river towns, older buildings which I am just not attracted to. Portions of both towns have been redeveloped as public attractions along the river, but these are not residences except for some highrise expensive condos.

You commented your sister in law lives in Lexington. So does my daughter and son in law. If your sister in law likes Lexington, you should adore NKY. I am frankly surprised the Ohio contingent has not jumped in here and said Oh No you don't want to live in KY.

Stary on the KY side and ignore any mention of the old sterotypes. The times they have changed. If you are going to work in Covington, keep your commute nice and tight without the hassle of having to cross the river. Just about everything in Cincinnati is a short distance compared to Chicago. You will have tons of restaurants to chose from on both sides of the river. Concentrate on the best environment for those 2 small kids.

[vikm23]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Just a follow up question. In terms of renting a place, what will $1500 a month get me in either area? Would that be enough for a nice 3 BDR home or townhome? Just trying to get a feel for housing costs in both areas.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by kjbrill

I personally would not want to live in either Covington or Newport proper.

There's a lot more to Covington and Newport than what lies directly on the river ... or rivers, more correctly. There are some restored neighborhoods in Newport that are absolutely stunning.

Originally Posted by vikm23

In terms of renting a place, what will $1500 a month get me in either area?

A lot? I dunno ... I haven't paid rent since 1992! Good luck to you.

[censusdata]

I was floored how expensive some apartments are in Newport and Covington. (I used to live in a similar area in Louisville KY) You're lucky to find a one bedroom in the nice parts for under $600. One place I called was $1,400 for 3 bedrooms!! I decided on an older suburban apartment complex in Fort Mitchell. $555 a month includes everything but electric.

[kjbrill]

I doubt you will get a good feedback on rental rates. Reason #1 is many participants on this forum do not rent and are therefore out of touch. Reason #2 is some of the respondents are just plain out of touch with reality. This is something you need to research on your own and make up your own mind.