Cincinnati and

Northern Kentucky Real Estate

NEIGHBORHOODS OVERVIEW

Note: The housing market is currently slow— with decline in sale and plenty of foreclosures (more than 12,000 properties in the region in 2007). However, some people who are watching the housing scene are hopeful there’ll be a turnaround. George Vredeveld, a University of Cincinnati professor of economics, told the Cincinnati Enquirer, “I think it will happen in 2008, but I’m not sure how far into the year.” The Enquirer also added that Tom Steele, president of the Cincinnati Realtors, remarked that despite lower sales for the first 11 months in 2007, the area “did reasonably well when compared to many areas across the nation.”

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Choosing a Neighborhood

The Tri-state is made up of hundreds of neighborhoods. The city of Cincinnati alone, with 331,285 residents (378,000, according to Social Compact), has 52 neighborhoods, each with distinct personality and character. Glendale boasts beautiful Victorian homes and charming gaslights; Indian Hill has its sprawling estates and mansions; Wyoming its beautiful gardens and elegant homes; Mt. Adams its quaint shops and stunning river views. Residents have strong attachments to their neighborhoods. Jess & Gina Luna enjoy the lifestyle in Anderson Township, where they have lived for years. “We’re in the Forest Hills School District, which is excellent, and shopping and recreational facilities are all close by,” says Luna. “Our church, where my wife Gina is quite active, is just around the corner.” Attilio Marconi calls his Clifton neighborhood quite diverse. “It’s great that there are all kinds of people here and all sort of businesses,” he offers. “I love that I can go to Ludlow, where there are three banks, lots of specialty shops and many ethnic restaurants. I can have my Skyline Chili and then walk over to Graeter’s.”

There are some who prefer Downtown, the business and cultural center of the city. It is getting to be an appealing neighborhood for young professionals and empty-nesters who want to take advantage of city amenities. Cincinnati, Covington and Newport make up the urban core of a nine-county metropolitan region called Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA). The region consists of approximately 2,700 square miles and includes counties in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

Downtown Cincinnati is the heart of the city. Its focal point, Fountain Square, sometimes referred to as the city’s living room, has just completed a $42-million makeover. New restaurants have opened around the square, including Boi Na Braza Brazilian Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick’s and Via Vite, and Downtown offers all kinds of living options—effi ciencies, luxury apartments, renovated lofts and restored historic buildings. There are high-rise condos with all the amenities at the 18-story American Building, which sits right next to the Taft Museum of Art. Park Place at Lytle, also next to the Taft, is believed to be downtown’s largest condo renovation. The old McAlpin’s offers 60 luxury New York-style residences with balconies, dramatic interiors and atriums. More condos are planned on the site of the Montgomery Inn Banquet Center to be called One River Plaza, at the foot of the Purple People Bridge. By spring 2008, Parker Flats will have ready some 55 condos on Fourth and Central Avenue. Gateway condos in Over-the-Rhine will add hundreds of apartments and condos to the neighborhood.

Downtown residents enjoy the short stroll to many fine restaurants, including the Palace, Palm Court/ Orchids, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, Jean-Robert at Pigall’s, or shopping at Fountain Place’s Macy’s, Brooks Brothers, Jos. A. Banks, Tiffany’s and the stores at Tower Place Mall. There are gift and flower shops, beauty parlors, apparel and jewelry stores, delis and minimarket. Also located here are venues such as the Aronoff Center for the Arts, U.S. Bank Arena, the Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ball Park. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Contemporary Arts Center and Taft Museum of Art are also here. Compact and convenient, downtown is home to some 4,200 residents (some 83,000 work downtown). Most of the city’s neighborhoods are a short commute to downtown, where the average drive is 22 minutes.

Downtown Covington , across the Suspension Bridge and five minutes from downtown Cincinnati, is undergoing renaissance. Condos are being built, rundown structures are being rehabbed into lofts and multi-unit rentals, and artists’ studios are opening up. There is even a designated arts district and more recently a wedding district, kind of a one-stop shopping for brides. A $13-million, 64-unit condo complex called Pulse in the old Seminary Square of downtown Covington, opened summer 2007. Ready this spring is the 22- story, $55-million condo project called The Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. And there are talks of a new downtown neighborhood, Riverfront West, an $800-million residential project to be built directly across the Ohio River from Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.

It is hoped that this building trend will draw more people to the area. Currently, Covington’s Licking Riverside Historical District, which boasts beautiful historic houses, is popular with downtown professionals who can walk to and from downtown Cincinnati to work and shop.

Downtown Newport , 10 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, is being revitalized as well. The downtown eastside district is roughly rezoned residential. Currently, Newport is booming; its old business district is undergoing a renaissance. The exciting development draws thousands to its riverfront and benefi ts downtown. Its $210 million, 500,000 square-foot complex, Newport on the Levee, anchored by Newport Aquarium, is pumping millions to the city’s economy. There’s talk about building loft apartments and luxury condos on the Newport Riverfront. One project is the $800 million-$ 1 billion Ovation, which is residential and commercial development.

Following are more detailed descriptions of some popular neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky:

Cincinnati, Ohio Neighborhoods

Amberley Village

The village was incorporated in 1940. Housing options here include traditional to contemporary—many on large landscaped lots. The winding streets and wooded areas enhance the area’s rural charm. There are no restaurants or strip malls, but it is minutes away to shopping, dining and many other Cincinnati amenities. Bethesda North Hospital and Jewish Hospital Kenwood are nearby. It is home to French Park, donated by Herbert C. French, one of Amberley’s founding fathers who named the place after a village in England he enjoyed visiting. The park is great for hiking, picnicking and enjoying nature. This fall 2008, the area will have a new community center on Ronald Reagan Highway and Ridge Road, a portion of the Rockdale Temple site. The Jewish Federation is building the $40-million Mayerson Jewish Community Center featuring a lot of amenities (indoor water park with a lazy river & slide, 800-seat auditorium, fi tness center, a caf nd a day camp and preschool programs). Amberley publishes a quarterly newsletter and has a Beautifi cation Committee recognizing residents for their outstanding garden work.

This highly desirable community boasts excellent park system, hillside vistas, low crime rate, great schools and proximity to downtown. Founded in 1793, the township was named after Virginia’s surveyor Richard Clough Anderson. It is the only township in Ohio with a green space program that protects hundreds of acres of natural environment. It has several parks, tennis courts, swim clubs and golf courses. A two-mile-long bike-hike path called the Five-Mile Trail opens in spring 2008. The new community hub, Anderson Towne Center, is anchored by Macy’s and a 104,000-square-foot Kroger store (the biggest Kroger in the country), plus several retail stores and restaurants. A Metro park & ride facility is located here; also the township administrative offices. A two-level, 14-screen movie theater is scheduled to be built this summer; also a 325-seat amphitheater for concerts and corporatesponsored events. Building of some 60 condos behind the Towne Center is in the offing; plus a man-made lake with cascading waterfall, an oriental garden and wetlands areas. The township is home to River Downs; the amusement park Coney Island, and Riverbend, summer venue for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and its new 2008 annual edition 17 4,000-seat amphitheater called National City Pavilion to open in May 2008.

Blue Ash

This dynamic community was settled in 1791 and incorporated as a city in 1961. There are sprawling estates, condos, and numerous restaurants (you can sample some at Taste of Blue Ash in August). Some 2,000 businesses are based in Blue Ash, including Procter & Gamble Technical Center and Ethicon Endo-Surgery. It is home to the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony, Blue Ash Golf Course (top rated by Golf Digest), Blue Ash Nature Park, and a replica of the old Cincinnati Reds ballpark, Crosley Field. Raymond Walters College, a satellite of the University of Cincinnati, is here. Its 37-acre Blue Ash Sports Center has 10 baseball and six soccer fi elds. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, park shelters and bike paths. Blue Ash also has a commuter airport (owned and operated by the city of Cincinnati). Exciting future park development is also planned by Blue Ash to include a 130-acre signature park near the airport. Also, a $12 million renovation and expansion project is underway in 2008 at the Blue Ash Recreation Center. Downtown is being revitalized to attract new residential and business development, including new condos and upscale townhouses. Blue Ash offers quality, year-round entertainment (some featuring national level performers)—and most of it is free! Blue Ash was recently selected as North America’s second most business-friendly “micro-city” out of 108 cities by London-based fDi magazine. Blue Ash’s name originated from the late 1700s log cabins built from Blue Ash trees.

Clifton

Clifton was one of the area’s first suburbs, as Cincinnati’s early industrialists moved out of downtown. A diverse neighborhood, Clifton residents are a mingling of humanity—students, artists, educators, professionals and families. Housing types include a variety—Tudor, Victorian, Cape Cod and castle-type mansions. Plus plenty of new construction—condos, row houses and apartments. University Park on Calhoun Street is a $54-million housing project with one- and two- bedroom apartments, and the new Villages at Stetson Square is a $70-million project near University Hospital. It is home to the University of Cincinnati and Hebrew Union College. Several medical facilities are located here—Good Samaritan, Deaconess, University Hospital and Shriners. Also located here are Mount Storm Park, Wolff Planetarium, Burnet Woods Park and Rawson Nature Preserve. There are small chic shops and lots of restaurants, including an array of ethnic spots, on Ludlow Avenue, called “the heartthrob” of the neighborhood. The Esquire Theater on Ludlow is a popular landmark. A fountain, on Ludlow and Clifton Avenue, serves as centerpiece for a future gathering place for residents. It boasts a cultural arts center.

Corryville

The neighborhood was named after William Corry, who was a nephew of William McMillan (first justice of the peace of the old settlement, Losantiville). Corry was mayor of Cincinnati in 1815-1819. Many of the early residents were Germans who came up from Over-the-Rhine, along Vine Street. It was an independent village until 1870 when it became a part of Cincinnati. Today, Corryville is home to families, younger couples, singles and university students. Most businesses and entertainment venues here cater to the college crowd, including Bogart’s, known for booking local and national talents in many diverse areas— rock, reggae, punk and jazz. Across the street from Bogart’s is Sudsy Malone’s Rock & Roll Laundry, a real hole on the wall, which has hosted some of the best local music since 1986. Uncle Woody’s Tavern is great for watching UC ‘Cats games on TV; Corinthian Restaurant for its live music and dance. There are plans to revitalize Corryville’s retail and entertainment district. Uptown Consortium is working with Covington-based Anchor Properties, which is considering redeveloping University Plaza, whose top tenants are Kroger and Walgreens.

Hyde Park

This prestigious neighborhood is more than a century-old. It attracts young professionals and families who enjoy a short commute to downtown Cincinnati’s arts, sports and cultural amenities. Hyde Park boasts stately old homes, beautiful new townhouses and luxury condos, including the new six-story complex called Michigan Terrace on Hyde Park Square. Being proposed, across the street from the Terrace, is a four-story, $10-million condo project, with retail offices. (Hyde Park Neighborhood Council opposes the proposal.) Residents’ two favorite stops here are Hyde Park Plaza, home of the super store Hyde Park Kroger, and the trendy Hyde Park Square, lined with gourmet food stores, specialty/clothing shops and galleries. There are many fine restaurants, including Teller’s, Vineyard Cafe, Indigo, Arthur’s, Doodles, Beluga and Red. Two of the square’s favorites are Graeter’s for ice cream and Echo for a home-cooked meal. There’s a neighborhood Farmers’ Market held Sundays from June to October at the U.S. Bank parking lot on the Square. Enhancing the attraction of this area, which just completed a $1-million streetscape, is the presence of such places as Hyde Park Golf & Country Club, a tennis club and nearby Alms and Ault parks. A popular annual event is the Hyde Park Art Show held in October featuring more than 200 national artists and craftspeople. There are several schools here—Clark Montessori, the two Withrow high schools, Summit Country Day School, Springer School & Center and St. Mary School (a 2006 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence). Rookwood Pavilion and Rookwood Commons are nearby.

Mason

The city was named after William Mason, a Revolutionary War veteran who purchased 640 acres of land in what is now downtown Mason. It was incorporated in 1815 and became a city in 1971. Today, Mason is thriving and is a highly desirable place to live. Located here are more than 500 businesses such as Cintas, Mitsubishi, Procter & Gamble’s Health Care Research Center and Luxottica Retail. Great Wolf Lodge, opened in 2006 with 401 suites and 12 water slides, is also here. The city has embarked on a $5.6-million downtown revitalization of its four-block business district, where six new businesses have opened recently. Housing ranges from affordable, traditional styles to elegant, custom-built houses. Schools have a good reputation— four of the district’s six schools are recipients of National Blue Ribbon Awards. Private schools include Mars Hill Academy, Liberty Bible Academy, Montessori Academy of Cincinnati, and Child’s Place Montessori School. For recreation, the city offers six parks covering 242 acres, a new community center, athletic fi elds, basketball and tennis courts, hiking and biking trails. The annual tennis tournament, now called Western & Southern Financial Group MASTERS, and the Women’s Open, are held here. Mason has a Veterans Memorial honoring veterans of all wars.

Mt. Adams

This hillside neighborhood was once a vineyard in the 1800s and named Mt. Ida until 1843. It was renamed to honor John Quincy Adams, the country’s sixth president, who spoke at the dedication of the community’s new Observatory. Much of Mt. Adams at that time was owned by Nicholas Longworth, the city’s first millionaire, who grew wine grapes on the hillsides. Today, it is a hip, artsy neighborhood with clusters of specialty shops, art and antique stores, bars and restaurants blending with centuryold restored houses. Condos are being built, including the 14 units in the old Mt. Adams Public School, the 12 new ones called Elite condo complex; and a seven-story, 10-unit condo project on Oregon and Baum streets. Buildings are narrow and tall to conform to the hillsides and preserve the panoramic river view. Nearby is Eden Park, which is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory and Playhouse in the Park. Two popular events here are the Good Friday ritual of “praying the steps” at the Immaculata Church, dating back to 1860, and the annual Mt. Adams Reindog Parade in December featuring hundreds of holiday-clad dogs.

Mt. Auburn

Once a hilltop retreat for wealthier Cincinnatians and site of the home of William Howard Taft, 27th U.S. president, Mt. Auburn has several ornate, spectacular mansions that have been beautifully restored. Sweeping views, proximity to downtown, and affordable property values are drawing renovators and do-it-yourselfers to this neighborhood. The solidly built 19thcentury buildings here are now being converted into condos, townhouses and flats. Christ Hospital, one of the area’s major medical facilities, is located here; also the Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Other medical facilities are only minutes away. It is home to an interdenominational school, God’s Bible School & College, founded in 1900.

Mt. Lookout

Established in 1810, Mt. Lookout was annexed to the city of Cincinnati in 1870. Housing options here include a variety of beautiful old homes, upscale, single-family, luxury condos, new townhouses as well as solid property values, which attract families and singles to the area. More luxury townhouses are proposed on Delta Avenue; also on Athens Avenue, off Grandin Road, called Lookout Terrace. There are plans to renovate its business center, Mt. Lookout Square, which is an eclectic mix of shops— bookstore, flower, shoe repair; restaurants such as Betta’s, Ruthai Thai, Nectar, Aqua and the new Jaspers restaurant and nightclub. Zip’s Caf home of the zipburger, is a neighborhood favorite; as is the coffee shop, Lookout Joe’s. The old Bracke’s, now Beacon Market, specializes in fresh meats and gourmet foodstuff. There are unique shops, including The Boardwalk Hobby Shop, Confetti Cats and Unicorn Miniatures. It is home to Ault Park, former site of the annual Cincinnati Flower Show before it moved to its new venue at Coney Island. It is also home to Cincinnati Observatory Center, a national historic landmark opened in 1842 and operated by the University of Cincinnati Physics Department. Its active civic club sponsors the annual Luminaria during the holidays. Schools here include Cardinal Pacelli, St. Ursula Villa and Kilgour, a National Blue Ribbon School.

Northern Kentucky Neighborhoods

Covington

Named for War of 1812 General Leonard Wales Covington, the city is the largest in Northern Kentucky and is home to more than 43,000 people. Currently, there is a lot of ongoing residential and commercial development here. Luxury condominiums and townhouses are being built, many with postcard views of the river and the Cincinnati skyline. The fi nal beam has been placed at the 22-story Ascent at Roebling’s Bridge. (Price tag for the penthouse, The Pinnacle, is $5.2 million.) The first phase of Pulse, a $13- million, 64-unit condo project, in downtown Covington, is completed—32 units all done. Construction began on the first phase of Henry Fischer’s Tuscany project of 254 condo units and the clearing of a Covington hillside for 124 luxury townhouses called The Views. The Academy Flats Apartments for seniors in the Fifth District School Building opened recently. Its downtown is being revitalized and boasts an arts district, with artists’ studios and galleries. There are more than 3,800 businesses, including the new Wedding Mall on Madison Avenue, and has a thriving entertainment district in the redeveloped riverfront area. The MainStrasse section, which dates back to mid-1800s, is a hub for dining and boutique shopping. There are 20 city parks, including the 704-acre Devou Park, home to the Carnegie Arts Center and Behringer- Crawford, two of Covington’s gems. The magnificent Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is here. The city has 16 National Register Historic Districts, with more than 4,600 structures in Colonial Revival, Italianate and Victorian styles. The area is home to public and private schools, including Calvary Christian School, Covington Catholic High School, Holy Cross High School, and Covington Latin, a college- prep school. Covington was established in 1815.

Cold Spring

Eight miles south of Cincinnati on U.S. 27, Cold Spring was named for a natural, freshwater spring that still runs underground and discovered in the 1780s. Incorporated in 1941, Cold Spring is a quiet community of attractive homes and pretty parks. Recent growth in subdivisions has produced an array of new residential options, including new development for some 500 condos and patio homes. For recreation, residents go to Municipal Park and Friendship Park, which offer ball fields, soccer field, horseshoe and basketball courts, walking & jogging trails. New addition to the park system is Patriot Park, with basketball court, playground and picnic tables. The city is minutes away from Northern Kentucky University and St. Luke’s Hospital. Cold Spring has public and parochial schools, several churches, including St. Joseph Catholic, St. Luke’s Lutheran and New Life Ministries Church of God. Part of the city’s appeal is its proximity to downtown and the east side of Cincinnati. It is close to shopping at Crestview Hills Town Center and Florence Mall. Cold Spring Crossing has a Kroger store and Kohl’s.

Dayton

This “city of progress and dreams” was the result of a merger between the communities of Brooklyn and Jamestown that took place in 1867. It was named Dayton after the Ohio city (established in 1803). A founding father, James Berry, was the grandson of James Taylor, who founded Newport. One of Dayton’s assets is its close proximity to downtown Cincinnati, which makes for easy access to all the shopping, sports and cultural amenities there. Housing is affordable and all types are available. There are plans to develop a 100-acre community, The Shores of Dayton, along the river that will feature condos and singlefamily homes, clubhouse with tennis courts and public marina. Favorite community events include Mary Ingles Day, Memorial Day and Light Up Dayton. A farmers’ market is open on Saturdays at the Public Parking Lot on Sixth Avenue. There are five parks, a two-mile walking path overlooking the Ohio River and summer recreation programs for youth. It is home to Watertown Yacht Club, an attractive, colorful marina complex. A community center is planned to be built in the heart of downtown Dayton.

Florence

Established in 1813, Florence was originally an Indian-fur trading post known as Polecat, then Pow-Wow. Today it’s a vibrant and progressive community providing top-quality services to its residents. It has a 53-member police department, three fi re stations and 82 paid/volunteer fi remen; a 60-member public services department managing everything from water to sewer to streets. A wide selection of homes for families and for every level of income is available, and more housing developments are coming. There are new detached single-family homes in the antebellum neighborhood of Plantation Pointe subdivision (of off Wetherington Boulevard); also at Orleans North Subdivision some single-family attached and detached housing. There is abundant shopping, and big draws include Florence Mall with 133 stores and soon a $14-million, 14-screen cinema in summer of 2008; the new Mall Road Shoppes of Florence on the site of the old Chi Chi’s; and Florence Antique Mall with more than 200 booths. Dining is plentiful—everything from Chinese at Cathay Kitchen to steaks at LongHorn to Japanese at Matsuya’s. Of course, people fl ock here for Thoroughbred racing at Florence’s Turfway Park, and for baseball to Florence Freedom’s 4-500-seat Champion Window Field. Florence is home to St. Luke Hospital West, a 177-bed hospital. The area boasts a healthy commercial development, closely monitored and controlled by strict commercial and industrial planning, to preserve the interests of the city.

Fort Wright

Adjacent to Covington, Fort Wright is primarily a residential community, with a small industrial park and a number of office complexes. It was established in 1941 and named after Maj. Gen. Horatio Gouverneur Wright, a Connecticut engineer who helped design military defenses for Northern Kentucky during the Civil War. At Fort Wright, homes are well-maintained traditional, brick and Cape Cods on winding streets. The hillside setting and an I-75 location for exceptionally fast travel to downtown Cincinnati and the airport have provided houses here with traditionally strong resale value. Residents’ dining options include Texas Roadhouse, Golden Corral, Bob Evans and Walt’s Hitching Post, famous for its hickory smoked barbecued ribs. Ribs afi cionados call these fi nger lickin’ ribs the “world’s best.” (Note: Fort Wright is a member of the Brent Spence Bridge Replacement Advisory Committee— since it’s within the geographic scope of the project. Brent Spence opened in 1963 and is listed fundamentally obsolete by the National Bridge Inventory and must be replaced).

Hebron

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is located in Hebron, a small village which began a period of active new home construction several years ago with the opening of the I-275 beltway. Today, residential and commercial growth is very evident here. Work on the North Pointe housing subdivision is ongoing. Nearly 50 percent of the $250-million project is complete. Overall, 200 homes have already been built, ranch and two-story levels are being sold; more units are planned, including single-family homes and condos. Currently, available housing ranges from traditional to contemporary structures to country cottages. Soon residents will have a new shopping center. Ground has been broken on a 24- acre shopping area called Conner Crossing, which will have shops, restaurants, bank and a Kroger Marketplace. For now, dining and nightlife consist of a few spots such as Top Shelf, Fusion Martini Bar & Grill and Gracie’s Grill for food and fun. Hebron is home to Conner High, a four-year comprehensive high school, and Boone County Center, which offers vocational education.

Newport

Newport residents are proud of their community, which is a hotbed for development. Its beginnings go back to 1791, to founder James Taylor, who named the place for Admiral Christopher Newport, leader of the first English settlement in Jamestown (Taylor’s native state of Virginia). Many of the houses and buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its East Row Historic District offers homebuyers an eclectic selection of architectural styles such as Italianate, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival. New home constructions, along Newport’s riverfront, will add to the housing options here. There’s the SouthShore, a $200-million, 21-story condominium and office development, whose first condo tower (70 condo units) is on track for completion in fall 2008. Second tower follows and will add some 75 condos. There’s also the proposed $800-million residential and commercial development called Ovation. A big draw here is Newport on the Levee, a food and entertainment complex, anchored by the Newport Aquarium. Soon to come is the Newport Pavilion to be developed in Newport’s Cote Brilliante neighborhood and anchored by Target and Home Depot. Other amenities are The New Edgecliff Theater and Monmouth Theater; World Peace Bell; festivals such as Newport Arts & Music Festival, Italianfest and Seafood Festival. New popular dining spots include the Hofbrauhaus.

Park Hills

The development of Park Hills, which was mostly uninhabitable in the 1800s, began in the 1920s, years after cities such as Erlanger, Elsmere and Crescent Springs were established. Today, the city, which just turned 80, is a beautiful residential community with its own police department, rescue squad and volunteer fire department. It also boasts an active civic association and Garden Club. Houses here come in varied traditional architectural styles on winding streets shaded by stately trees. Park Hills is adjacent to the 668-acre Devou Park, which features a public golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds and picnic areas. Affordable houses, proximity to downtown Cincinnati and the riverfront make Park Hills a popular neighborhood. Notre Dame Academy, a National Blue Ribbon School located here, just marked 100 years of operation. Gateway Community & Technical College has a campus in Park Hills.

Taylor Mill/Independence

These rural communities offer urban advantages, which draw families to the area. Farms and older homes are reminders of the area’s secluded country origins. But as Cincinnati expands, both Taylor Mill and Independence (the latter Kenton County’s second seat) are becoming increasingly popular choices for families seeking moderately priced homes in a peaceful, rural setting. Both are convenient to I-275 for quick commutes to shopping and dining, the airport and downtown Cincinnati. Independence, incorporated in 1842, is the third largest land-mass city in Kentucky. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, ranked 99th, according to Forbes magazine (2007). Independence has still its original county courthouse. Its amphitheater, a great venue for concerts, an occasional movie and puppet show for children, is located behind the Senior & Community Center, adjacent to Memorial Park. The Community Christian Academy, Pre-K–12, a ministry of Community Pentecostal Church, is located here. Taylor Mill marked its 50th year, though its history goes back to 1795. There were all kinds of festivities held at the Park Place Community Center in Pride Park, which underwent a major renovation recently. Originally a 69-acre sheep farm, Pride Park, on lush rolling hills, features a playground area, amphitheater, walking and hiking trails. Three private schools and the public Scott High School, on a 78-acre campus, serve students. Ryland Heights Country Club is nearby.

Union

Just 18 miles from Cincinnati, Union is believed to have grown from a settlement that may have existed during the late 1700s. Early 1800s, much of the land was owned by the Fowler family. In 1838 the area was incorporated and reincorporated in 1969. White fences, rolling countryside, pastoral horse and cattle farms, and wide-open spaces typify Union (not to be confused with Clermont County’s Union Township). There are new, upscale singlefamily homes and some estates. The Benjamin Piatt Fowler house, circa 1817, is a Union landmark. The Lassing Pointe Golf Course, a public course, is rated as one the most challenging in the Tristate. Triple Crown Country Club and beautiful million- dollar homes surround the golf course. Union is home to Ryle High School, one of eight Kentucky schools listed in Newsweek’s 2006 Top 1,200 high schools in the country. Big Bone Lick State Park, devoted to prehistoric Kentucky, is nearby. Access to downtown Cincinnati and Florence Mall has been enhanced by the addition of the Mt. Zion interchange at I-75.