I'm looking for loft style apts in Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati: apartments, leasing)

[1914BU]

I'm starting a new job near Fort Mitchell, and would love to move into a loft style apartment. But my search thus far has only uncovered lofts in Downtown Cincinnati - and I really don't want to live there.

The only place that kinda fits my wants is a place called Roebling Row apartments in Covington. Although they look nice, they aren't lofts.

Does anyone know of any lofts in N.KY, that maybe aren't listed on the common websites. I would assume there would have to be some along the river - but maybe I'm wrong.

Any help in this area would be great. The last thing I want to do is settle for a conventional suburb type apt in Florence, and because of safety and hassle concerns I really would rather avoid living in downtown Cincy.

One last question: I've read some comments about horrible traffic on I-75 in Northern KY during rush hour - what about a reverse commute - does that make any difference. If I was traveling southbound on I-75 in AM and Northbound on I-75 PM is it better or is it bad in both directions. Also when I read it is bad what does that mean - does it slow down to 45 MPH and around exits and on ramps - or does it often slow to a crawl.

[Pathwalker]

You don't HAVE to live in DT Cincinnati, but if you don't mind me asking, what "hassles" are you referring to? I'm just curious. If I might say so, they've got some great lofts down there, especially in the areas around 4th and 5th streets, and various streets running perpendicular to them. Crime in those areas isn't bad. Most crime in DT Cincy is in the Over-the-Rhine area. But 4th and 5th streets are close to the riverfront and all the shopping, arts and restaurants. If you don't want to be right downtown, you could probably find something in Mt. Adams.

Nevertheless, if you're set on living in Northern Kentucky, you may simply want to check craigslist.org, or perhaps find a leasing consultant. Off hand, I really don't know what they would have down there. I presume you've checked the NKY Enquirer classifieds?

Regarding traffic on I-75 through NKY... The morning rush will be going north. Evening rush is going south. As for how bad it gets, it's mostly just heavy traffic flowing along about average 50 mph - unless there's an accident. Then you're looking at a slow crawl. And yes, it can be a headache - especially in Winter, because the I-75 cut in the hill is treacherous during snow and ice. Even in rain, it slows down. NKY interstates are rather hilly and curvy.

[zorst]

I've been looking for some also. I beleive you would have to build/convert your own. However it appears that there is a code variance available to do this. You might want to check the County your thinking of living in to confirm. I've been pedaling my bicycle around looking at possibilities.

[1914BU]

Originally Posted by WCRob

You don't HAVE to live in DT Cincinnati, but if you don't mind me asking, what "hassles" are you referring to? I'm just curious. If I might say so, they've got some great lofts down there, especially in the areas around 4th and 5th streets, and various streets running perpendicular to them. Crime in those areas isn't bad. Most crime in DT Cincy is in the Over-the-Rhine area. But 4th and 5th streets are close to the riverfront and all the shopping, arts and restaurants. If you don't want to be right downtown, you could probably find something in Mt. Adams.

Nevertheless, if you're set on living in Northern Kentucky, you may simply want to check craigslist.org, or perhaps find a leasing consultant. Off hand, I really don't know what they would have down there. I presume you've checked the NKY Enquirer classifieds?

Regarding traffic on I-75 through NKY... The morning rush will be going north. Evening rush is going south. As for how bad it gets, it's mostly just heavy traffic flowing along about average 50 mph - unless there's an accident. Then you're looking at a slow crawl. And yes, it can be a headache - especially in Winter, because the I-75 cut in the hill is treacherous during snow and ice. Even in rain, it slows down. NKY interstates are rather hilly and curvy.

I guess my biggest concern is the crime in DT Cincinnati, and I realize the fear of it is a much bigger problem than the reality - I understand that the chance that I'm actually a victim of crime is very, very slim. But the last thing I want to do is to be worried about going out at night or even driving home at 10:30 or 11:00 - I don't want the thought of crime to change my lifestyle in the least.

The hassles that I could foresee, is parking, being able to just drive to a grocery store, or Walmart or similar type store, I don't want to be stuck in my apartment thinking it is just too much of a hassle to get to my car, drive somewhere find a parking spot. I've never lived in a downtown area in my life, so maybe I'm wrong about that type of stuff. I've always lived in middle or upper-middle class suburbs where I have 3 or 4 grocery stores within 5 minutes, a huge mall within 10, tons of fast food, tons of nice restaurants, and tons of decent restaurants......

I realize I need to check DT Cincinnati out, and I will, but I was kind of hoping to live in NKY and figured I could find something similar in Covington or Newport. I've been checking out Craiglist and NKY Enquirer classifieds, and will continue to do so.

Thanks for you help.

[Pathwalker]

Originally Posted by 1914BU

I guess my biggest concern is the crime in DT Cincinnati, and I realize the fear of it is a much bigger problem than the reality - I understand that the chance that I'm actually a victim of crime is very, very slim. But the last thing I want to do is to be worried about going out at night or even driving home at 10:30 or 11:00 - I don't want the thought of crime to change my lifestyle in the least.

The hassles that I could foresee, is parking, being able to just drive to a grocery store, or Walmart or similar type store, I don't want to be stuck in my apartment thinking it is just too much of a hassle to get to my car, drive somewhere find a parking spot. I've never lived in a downtown area in my life, so maybe I'm wrong about that type of stuff. I've always lived in middle or upper-middle class suburbs where I have 3 or 4 grocery stores within 5 minutes, a huge mall within 10, tons of fast food, tons of nice restaurants, and tons of decent restaurants......

I realize I need to check DT Cincinnati out, and I will, but I was kind of hoping to live in NKY and figured I could find something similar in Covington or Newport. I've been checking out Craiglist and NKY Enquirer classifieds, and will continue to do so.

Thanks for you help.

I understand your concerns. Parking and the lack of service retailers, such as grocers and Wal-Marts, are one of the biggest complaints about DT Cincy. I honestly wish I could help you out, but I just don't know of any lofts in NKY. Good luck!

[cincyUK]

To follow up on that, I would FULLY agree with your concerns. NO ONE lives downtown... even if it is getting cleaned up (which is questionable) its still not a sweet place to live.

Why do you have to live in a loft? What about 1 bedroom? If you are concerned about price, don't be... you can live cheaper than almost anywhere I've seen in the country here.

This may show how old school the nati really is, but one of the best ways to find a place is literally just by driving around in neighborhoods that you like and looking for signs. Check out riverchase apartments in Newport. Covington is sweet as well, and don't foget Wilder / Bellevue.