Dry Ridge is a rural and close-knit community
Dry Ridge is among the small Kentucky cities in the rural south of Cincinnati. This area has some crop and cattle farms and a close-knit community of just over 2,000 people. “It has been primarily farmland, which is now being converted into communities,” says Mandy Kinley, a Realtor with eXp Realty. “On holiday weekends, you can find a party in the park by Lake Pollywog. If there’s a community member in need, people will pull together, even if they don’t know you. They’ll set up a GoFundMe or a meal train for somebody who has been injured or lost a loved one.” In addition to Lake Pollywog, Dry Ridge provides quick access to a few other fishing and boating spots. The city also neighbors Williamstown, home to a park with a massive model of Noah’s Ark.
Homes can be near farms and the lake
The Dry Ridge area has two-lane roads that run across gently rolling landscapes. While there are some clustered neighborhoods, many homes are near spacious farmland. The area also has homes along Williamstown Lake, and many of those have private docks. Dry Ridge has ranch-style homes and some modern New Traditional and bi-level homes with two-car garages. There are also manufactured homes outside the city. “When you start getting out in the rural area, you will see that,” says Michael Parker, a Realtor at Huff Realty. “It’s more cost-effective and, to be honest, they’re built just as good as the single-families.” Most homes under 1,500 square feet go from about $170,000 to $340,000. Larger homes and ones with over 1-acre lots sell between $270,000 and $490,000.
Area offers plenty of spots for fishing, boating and sports
Piddle Park is a convenient spot for sports, fishing and casual activities. The roughly 3-acre park’s amenities include a baseball field, tennis and basketball courts and a skate park with several ramps and rails. A narrow path here also leads to Lake Pollywog, which is stocked throughout the year with largemouth bass, rainbow trout and catfish. Anglers can do more fishing at Boltz Lake, which is also open to kayaks, canoes and motorboats with limited power. Williamstown Lake has a couple of public access points and allows a larger variety of boats. Those interested in seeing biblical exhibits and other recreational attractions may visit Ark Encounter. “People come from all over the world to visit,” Kinley says. “I have an Airbnb in Crittenden, and about 90% of my guests are here for the ark.”
Restaurants have Cincinnati chili, doughnuts and comfort foods
Dry Ridge has several chains, but a few do serve regional specialties. These places include Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, both of which are based in Cincinnati. The two chains serve Cincinnati chili, which notably comes with shredded cheddar and usually goes on spaghetti and hot dogs. Beans Cafe & Bakery is a locally-owned place, where the options range from freshly baked doughnuts to grilled club sandwiches and signature desserts like skillet sundaes. Kellie’s Homestead serves burgers and comfort foods. The restaurant is part of a group of farm-themed businesses that also include sweets and gift shops. The city has Walmart, which offers a convenient retail and grocery store.
Students may attend Grant County Schools
Grant County Schools serves Dry Ridge and receives a C grade from Niche. The city is home to Dry Ridge Elementary, Grant County Middle and Grant County High, all of which get C-plus grades. Like their peers in the district, Dry Ridge students have access to attractions like Grant County Schools’ Birthday Bus. The repurposed bus makes monthly stops at all the elementary schools to provide special meals to students celebrating birthdays that month. Other district programs include Army Junior ROTC.
Ark Encounter hosts 40 Days of Christian Music
The Ark Encounter in Williamstown hosts several events throughout the year. One of the park’s largest events is 40 Days of Christian Music, which runs for several weeks between July and September. The festival’s many performers include singer-songwriters, acoustic folk bands and Gospel quartets. The event also involves several guest speeches.
I-75 connects commuters to Cincinnati and Lexington
Dry Ridge is located along Interstate 75, providing commuters with a direct route to some of the region’s major cities. Dry Ridge is over 30 miles south of Cincinnati and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport and about 50 miles north of Lexington. While Dry Ridge doesn’t have a hospital, its residents don’t need to travel far for medical care. Neighbor Williamstown has the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Grant Hospital.
