A historic downtown just a stone's throw from Cincinnati
Sometimes called "The Cov" for short, Covington, Kentucky, is a city that's home to approximately 41,000 people, situated directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Here, downtown streets are a composite of modern apartment complexes and 19th-century buildings with decorative trim, many of which were constructed during the height of the city's iron and tobacco booms. "When people think about Covington, it usually revolves around its rich history within the region," says Keller Williams Realtor and Cincinnati metro area local Katrina Robke Holtmeier. For example, the influence of early German immigrants is still felt in the area's Mainstrasse Village's architecture, community events like Oktoberfest, and food — it's common to find Doner Kebab and schnitzel listed on local menus. "We offer big city benefits in a walkable community," explains longtime mayor Joe Meyer, speaking to Covington's small-town appeal. That being said, according to Holmeier, "Covington is not only the small downtown area close to the riverfront." Young families are attracted to outlying suburbs, where comparatively new construction sits in quiet cul-de-sacs and residents still live only a short drive away from Mainstrasse shopping. Some have even adopted the tagline "Love the COV," printing it on gift shop bumper stickers, t-shirts and a 12-foot sculpture that stands beside the Ohio River.
The Roebling Bridge connects Downtown Cincinnati and Downtown Covington over the Ohio River.
Downtown Covington streets are lined with 19th-century townhouses, retails, and restaurants.
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Varied housing prices and architectural styles
Architecture spans centuries in Covington, but the oldest homes are typically found on narrow streets closer to downtown. Standard duplexes, American Foursquares and shotgun-style cottages are found in historic neighborhoods like Mainstrasse, and date back to the 19th- and early 20th-centuries. One of the perks of these homes is their front porches, ideal for lounging during warmer weather. "There are many historic properties here and many of them do stay maintained. I would attribute that to owners knowing the importance of preserving history, as well as the craftsmanship of those early years," notes Holtmeier. Prospective buyers will also find 1920s-era bungalows and '30s-era Tudor-inspired homes in outlying neighborhoods like Wallace Woods or West Latonia, and there are also pockets of New Traditional single-family homes and townhouses in South Covington.
Prices in the city vary dramatically, starting under $100,000 for investment properties and sometimes reaching upwards of $1 million for restored historic homes or sprawling contemporaries. Most recent median sale prices, however, hover around $250,000, well below the national average of $420,000. "For the most part, homes are still trending as a quick sell," explains Holtmeier, adding that, although the inventory went up over the last year, "it's still at historic lows."
Covington is home to many 19th century historic homes.
Modest bungalows in Covington rarely sell for over $200,000.
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Covington Independent Schools and Adult Education Opportunities
Covington Independent Schools, which earns an overall C-minus grade from Niche, serves close to 3,700 students from prekindergarten through Grade 12. There are 11 schools within the district, and The Covington Independent English Language Learner Program is designed to help students adapt to an English-speaking classroom environment. Adults, too, can access language classes at Gateway Adult Education - Kenton County, which is located downtown. Private school options in the city include the Covington Latin School and Covington Classical Academy.
More community learning opportunities are offered at the Covington Branch of the Kenton Library, where monthly programs include everything from genealogy research assistance to job interview preparation.
Sixth District Elementary School educates grades first through fifth in Covington.
Learning opportunities are offered in Covington at the Kenton County Public Library.
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Small businesses in Mainstrasse Village and chain retail in Latonia Centre
Most of the city's retail and dining is concentrated in the Mainstrasse Village area. Cozy pizza joints, musical instrument stores and tattoo parlors can be found near the Grimm-inspired Goose Girl Fountain on Main Street, while bars like Strasse Haus pay homage to the city's early German immigrants. Locals like Holtmeier say Mama's on Main is a go-to and restaurants set up tables on the sidewalk in the summertime. Streets get especially crowded on game days when Bengals and Reds fans meet for burgers and beers before heading to Paycor Stadium or The Great American Ballpark. "When Cincinnati comes alive, it means Northern Kentucky comes alive," says Holtmeier. "We are a region; it tends to feel like one big community." There are chain retailers and fast-food restaurants in Latonia Centre Shopping Mall to the south and more shopping options are available across the Licking River in Newport Pavilion.
Most of Covington's retail and dining is concentrated in the Mainstrasse Village.
Mainstrasse Village has plenty of food and shopping options.
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Farmer's markets, pub crawls and Oktoberfest
On Saturday mornings, locals can head into Covington's quirky city center to pick up pickled veggies at the local farmer's market, or to admire the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, which was completed in 1901 and modeled after Notre Dame. It's also said to house the world's largest handmade church-stained glass window. Those ages 21 and up can get a taste of Northern Kentucky history along the B-Line, a self-guided pub crawl that celebrates the region's bourbon roots. Holtemeir also highlights Oktoberfest, a weekend-long event in Goebel Park where locals can sample German food and beer while listening to live music.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is located in Westside Covington.
Goebel Park is a scenic area with lots of family activities and events to choose from.
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Devou Park amenities and the Roebling Bridge murals
Spanning over 700 acres, Devou Park is by far the city's largest. It's known for its golf course, mountain biking trails and amphitheater, which hosts The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra in the summertime. Residents can also learn about local history at the Behringer-Crawford Museum or admire views of Cincinnati's skyline from the park's scenic overlook. There are over two dozen smaller parks in Covington, many of which feature playgrounds and basketball courts. Youth athletic teams practice at the Bill Cappel Sports Complex, which is near the public-use Twin Oaks Golf & Magnolia Room, and murals at the base of the Roebling bridge, summarize the last 10,000 years of Northern Kentucky history.
In Covington, residents can practice their swings at the Twin Oaks Gold Course.
The Roebling Murals in Covington summarize the last 10,000 years of Northern Kentucky history.
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Public transit, Amtrak and flights from CVG Airport
The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, or TANK as it's known, offers routes throughout Covington and the surrounding communities for a $1.50 one-way fee. TANK buses run up Madison Avenue across the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge into downtown Cincinnati and there are paths for pedestrians across the Roebling Suspension Bridge. "One thing a lot people may not know is that the Roebling bridge that connects Cincinnati and Covington was the rough draft design for the Brooklyn bridge in New York City," says Holtmeier. Amtrak's Cardinal Line stops at Union Terminal on the way between New York City and Chicago and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport offers flights to over 50 nonstop destinations 12 miles from the city. For medical care, residents can drive up Madison Avenue to reach St. Elizabeth Covington Hospital, which offers everything from primary care services to surgery. It's also easily accessible off Interstate 71.
Job opportunities and crime data
Northern Kentucky's largest employers include St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Fidelity Investments and Kroger. With Mainstrasse Village's continued popularity, "There's a plethora of job opportunities and growth," says Holtmeier, and destinations like Cincinnati's new casino or the Newport Aquarium attract visitors to the region. Crime rates in Covington are slightly higher than the Kentucky average — there's a 1 in 369 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, and a 1 in 57 chance of experiencing a property crime — but crime rates here are still lower than national averages. According to interactive maps published by the city's police department, thefts represent the vast majority of 911 calls.
Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Bob Benkert
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mindy Frye,
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On average, homes in Covington, KY sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Covington, KY over the last 12 months is $250,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautiful upgraded ranch in the prestigious Sanctuary Village community! Offering over 3,300 sq.f. of finished living space. This home is perfectly situated on one of the best lots in the neighborhood with plenty of space and privacy. Low maintenance living/ Step inside to discover an open-concept floor plan highlighted by 9-foot ceilings, LVP thorughout the entire first
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Bring your offers! Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath gem that perfectly blends modern updates with timeless charm! From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the extensive improvements, including brand-new siding, roof, concrete, and an all-new HVAC system with CENTRAL AIR, a rare find in this area! Inside, you'll find a fresh, move-in-ready interior featuring high
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Welcome home to this beautiful upgraded ranch in the prestigious Sanctuary Village community! Offering over 3,300 sq.f. of finished living space. This home is perfectly situated on one of the best lots in the neighborhood with plenty of space and privacy. Low maintenance living/ Step inside to discover an open-concept floor plan highlighted by 9-foot ceilings, LVP thorughout the entire first
100 percent Financing Available Through KY Housing or the City of Covington! This move-in-ready home combines charm, character, and modern updates in a highly convenient Covington location. Freshly painted, professionally cleaned, and featuring brand-new carpet, the home feels bright, clean, and truly turnkey. Maintenance-free vinyl flooring, ample natural light, and a beautiful stained-glass
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100 percent Financing Available Through USDA/Rural Housing! Why wait to build when you can move in now? This beautifully maintained Preston floor plan by Fischer Homes located in the desirable Villages of Decoursey community in Covington, KY offers the benefits of newer construction without the wait. Featuring step-free ranch living and thoughtfully designed for multigenerational living, this
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Welcome to the newest apartments for rent in Covington. Once a historical icon, this newly developed community offers unrivaled contemporary living near Mainstrasse and downtown Cincinnati. Our section of private entry townhomes and studio, one, and two bedroom apartments are curated to invigorate the senses and inspire you to live life to the fullest. Choosing JRG Lofts also means exclusive
Special Deal: $500 move-in rent credit on a new 12 month lease. Welcome to CitiView ~ On The River, a newly and fully renovated pet-friendly community offering modern luxury living. CitiView is a seven-story building featuring one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as outdoor amenities such as a pet play area and a community grilling and patio area. Each apartment is
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Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Welcome to The Arthur, a historic building with unique upgrade apartment homes, with original hardwood floors, crown molding and uniqueness that only a historic building can offer. Located right in the middle of Covington, walking distance to everything that Covington has to offer and close to Cincinnati. With historical details, beautiful outdoor area with large trees, picnic tables and chairs
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Discover this freshly renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home on E 41st St.We are pet-friendly! Your dogs and cats are welcome at 315 East 41st Street.Enjoy the contemporary atmosphere of this newly refreshed home. Modern conveniences abound, including whole-home Air Conditioning, an electric Stove and Oven, and a refrigerator. The updated kitchen shines with granite and quartz
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