Riverfront living in the historic city of Augusta
Augusta may seem like an ordinary small town in Bracken County, but its rich history and 9 miles of unobstructed Ohio River views make it a unique destination. “It feels like a quiet, sleepy town, often equated to Mayberry,” says Realtor Leah Frederick with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, who lived in Augusta for 10 years and has sold here for three. “A lot of buyers have moved there because they want a slower pace, to get to know their neighbors and to get involved.” It’s a city with no stoplights, where locals can feel the vibration of the train coming through and hear the carillon bells ring at the school every hour. The area attracts a wave of tourists from spring through winter who want to experience the hometown of Rosemary and George Clooney or to learn about its Civil War history. However, 1,100 residents live here year-round, drawn by its supportive community and central location between Cincinnati and Lexington.
A wide range of architecture and lot sizes
The market primarily consists of single-family and manufactured homes. Cape Cods, cottages and Victorian-era houses line residential streets. Prices start around $100,000 and reach $350,000, although homes requiring restoration may fall below this range. Large houses dating back to the 19th century can be significantly more expensive. Unlike modern suburbs with a uniform layout, lots here often vary in size and appearance, with each home distinct from its neighbor. Sidewalks are typical, and many residents can walk to Main Street. Properties near the river have a high risk of flooding. “Everything north of the railroad is in the flood zone,” Frederick says. “Those houses have to get flood insurance.”
Supporting local businesses and award-winning spirits
Augusta’s commercial development centers around Main Street. “There’s no fast food, only mom-and-pop spots,” Frederick says. Historic brick storefronts have flat roofs with ornate cornices and decorative awnings. Nina’s, owned by George Clooney’s mother, is an antique store and Hollywood memorabilia shop on Main. Augusta General Store doubles as a gift shop and kitchen for home-cooked pies and breakfast. Augusta Pub offers outdoor dining and live music, while Beehive Augusta Tavern, housed in an 18th-century building, serves drinks, lunch and dinner overlooking the water.
Other spots outside of downtown include the Augusta Distillery, which won a World’s Best Bourbon award in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition of 2023. The Baker-Bird Winery, which opened in the 1850s, is America’s oldest commercial estate winery. “During the Battle of Augusta, most of the town hid in the winery’s cellar,” Frederick says. “It’s this huge, amazing stone structure.” For big-box shopping, Kroger and Walmart are 20 miles away in Maysville.
Events and landmarks draw visitors from spring to winter
Peak tourism occurs between March and December, when there’s a surge in traffic to local attractions and a steady stream of events. People visit the Old Pioneer Jail, which held criminals during the early 19th century. The Rosemary Clooney House hosts tours of the actress and singer's old home. “We really embrace our history — both historical and Hollywood heritage,” Frederick says.
The Augusta Art Guild puts on the Art in the Garden celebration, which showcases local talent and brings thousands of visitors to Main Street’s restaurants and shops. The event takes place each summer by the river, and 2026 marks its 25th anniversary. Each December, residents gather on Main Street for the White Christmas Parade, named after the movie starring Rosemary Clooney. “It signals the end of the tourist season,” Frederick says.
One public school for all three divisions
Children may attend Augusta Independent School, which earns a C rating from Niche. Elementary, middle and high school students share one campus, and Frederick mentions that many students walk to school. Kids can participate in more than a dozen sports and extracurricular clubs, including archery and robotics.
Recreation options on land and water
Most cities on the Ohio River have floodwalls, but Augusta offers direct access to the water. Boaters and fishers can take off from the O’Neil Landing or relax at Sunset Point’s riverfront picnic tables. Appelman Park has a seasonal swimming pool, a playground and tennis and basketball courts. Cabin Run Creek Campground and Bracken County’s horse and hiking trails are within 10 miles.
Getting around by car or ferry
Kentucky Route 8 leads 40 miles northwest to Cincinnati and 20 miles southeast to Maysville, which has the closest hospital. Kentucky Route 19 heads 70 miles southwest toward Lexington. Though the train runs through Augusta, the nearest Amtrak station is in Maysville. The ferry operates daily, except on Christmas, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., connecting commuters and tourists to Georgetown, Ohio. “When I had a job in Ohio, I would commute on the ferry every day,” Frederick says. “I would call and tell them if I was going to be late, and they would actually hold it — it’s one of those unusual small-town things.”
![Bob Benkert]()
Photography Contributed By
Bob Benkert
