Bellevue offers walkability, historic charm and attractions
Bellevue is one of several bustling Kentucky communities along the Ohio River. Many come to this city of nearly 6,000 for its proximity to downtown Cincinnati, riverfront living and shopping and dining scene. “And walkability,” says Cindy Shetterly, a Realtor with Keller Williams. “The whole town is walkable.” Destinations include Fairfield Avenue, which is lined by numerous restaurants and establishments serving craft beers and bourbon. The city is also close to a few bridges that provide quick paths to attractions like Cincinnati Bengals and Reds games. Shetterly says Bellevue has historic charm and a hometown feel. “It’s been a really well-preserved town. They have a lot of that [early] 20th-century architecture,” she says. “They do winter crawls, and they have bike and walking trails. It’s very cultural.”
Housing ranges from historic options to riverfront condos
Homes across the city are just a few feet apart. Many have porches, and a few come with basement-level garages. Many cars are parked on the streets, and it’s common for residents to walk in the neighborhoods. Housing styles in Bellevue include Craftsman bungalows, American Foursquares and Cape Cods. There are also Italianate and other Victorian-era homes. Many properties sell between $150,000 and $390,000, while some new and renovated ones go from $400,000 to $660,000. A few homes over 3,000 square feet run between $840,000 and $1.2 million. Several one- and two-bedroom condos sell between $150,000 and $220,000, while a few along the river go from about $690,000 to $1.1 million.
Fairfield Avenue is the spot for pizzas, cocktails and beer
Restaurants along Fairfield Avenue include Fessler's Legendary Pizza and Hoagies. Another staple is Bellevue bistro, a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. Three Spirits Tavern is a late-night hangout serving beer, wine and cocktails. The pub also has games and a yard for outdoor dining and patrons who bring their dogs. Darkness Brewing is another spot for drinks and meetups, while fans of bourbon and rye whiskeys may stop by New Riff Distilling. “New Riff is probably one of the more popular places,” Shetterly says. “It has tours and everything.” Kroger is available for groceries. Bellevue is also about 2 miles north of Newport Pavilion, which has chains like Target.
Recreation includes riverfront activities and bowling
Bellevue Beach Park is one of the city’s outdoor destinations where visitors get views of the river as they walk their dogs or go on jogs. The park’s amenities include a playground, an amphitheater and basketball courts. There are also a few monuments, including a bronze statue of a sitting angel. The city has a few other neighborhood pocket parks with more playgrounds and basketball courts. Bellevue is close to the Riverfront Commons trail, which connects to the Purple People Bridge. Walkers and bikers may cross the truss bridge to go into downtown Cincinnati. Bellevue also has Super Bowl Bellewood, which offers cosmic bowling and leagues for various ages.
Students may attend public and private Bellevue schools
The city has Bellevue Independent Schools, which gets a C grade from Niche. Students here may start at Grandview Elementary, which receives a C-minus. They may then go to Bellevue Middle/High School, which covers sixth to 12th grade and gets a C-plus. The district participates in the YMCA’s 21st Century Afterschool Program, where students receive tutoring and participate in art-related activities. The city also has Holy Trinity Catholic School, a private option for kindergarten to eighth-grade students.
Celebrations include Bellevue Blossoms and Labor Day fireworks
While downtown Cincinnati offers plenty to do, Bellevue residents don’t always need to leave their city for entertainment. Annual events here include Bellevue Blossoms - Spring Fest at Bellevue Beach Park. The event brings in many vendors selling food and local craft beers. Attendees may also listen to live music, visit a petting zoo and make bouquets. Bellevue also provides a close view of Cincinnati’s Labor Day fireworks show. Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks and Riverfest takes place right across the river from Bellevue.
Commuters have access to TANK buses and I-271
Residents who don’t drive will find several TANK bus stops. Otherwise, commuters can quickly get on Interstate 471 to go to downtown Cincinnati and other communities. Located 3 miles south, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Ft. Thomas Hospital is one of the nearest places for medical care. Bellevue is also about 20 miles east of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights.
Parts of Bellevue face extreme flooding risk
Overall, Bellevue is only at a moderate risk of flooding, according to First Street. However, Ohio River levels can rise and put the city’s riverfront area at an extreme risk of flooding.
