Mid-century charm next to the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport
The sound of landing planes has been a standard part of life in Florence, Kentucky since the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, or CVG, was founded in 1947. The travel hub is also one of Northern Kentucky's largest employers, and, for many Midwest residents, it serves as a connection to the rest of the world, with more than 50 nonstop destinations and over a dozen commercial airlines. Throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, Florence saw the growth of airport hotels, large-scale shopping plazas and suburban housing developments in the shadow of CVG. The city is still expanding today and is now home to approximately 33,000 people. "Florence offers residents a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles," says Eric Sztanyo, a Realtor at Keller William Advisors Realty and longtime area local. Adding, "The community is an excellent choice if you are looking for a safe neighborhood to live in, with friendly people, and all just a short distance to the airport and downtown [Cincinnati]." The famous, red-and-white striped "Florence Y'all" water tower stands above it all, a relic of the 1970s and evidence of the city's continued midcentury charm.
Florence is constantly expanding and is home to approximately 33,000 people.
The Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport is a travel hub located in Florence.
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Mid-century housing and new construction
Florence features a range of housing options, from single-family Colonial Revivals and midcentury style homes to multi-family condos and townhouses. Subdivisions featuring new construction options are becoming increasingly popular, and lot sizes throughout Florence average around a quarter-of-an-acre. It's also common to find multi-car garages in newer neighborhoods to the south. "Florence offers a wide variety of housing, attracting first-time home buyers, young families, young professionals and seniors," says Sztanyo. The median price for a single-family home hovers around $280,000, well below the national average of $420,000, and properties are typically snatched up after three weeks.
The median price for a single-family in Florence is around $280,000.
Brick facade ramblers can be found throughout Florence.
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Shopping at Florence Mall
With more than 100 retailers, Florence Mall has been a go-to for shopping trips in Boone County since it opened in 1976. The famous Florence Y'all water tower — previously the "Florence Mall" water tower — was built to advertise. Across the street, Florence Square is home to big-box stores and grocery options. National and regional chains are standard within the city, but residents will also find the occasional locally owned pizza joint or old-fashioned diner serving Cincinnati-style chili.
Florence locals head to The 859 Taproom and Grill for happy hour bites.
Blind Squirrel has zingy buffalo chicken dip accompanied by live music in Florence.
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High-marks for Boone County Schools
Students in Florence can attend Boone County Public Schools, which has an overall A-minus rating from Niche. The district, which is also one of Northern Kentucky's largest employers, is home to 15 middle schools, six middle schools and four high schools. Within this district, 20,200 students speak a combined total of more than 50 languages. Private institutions include Heritage Academy and St. Henry District High, and there are community education opportunities at the Florence Branch of the Boone County Library, including English-speaking classes for adults and tax prep programs.
Students in the Florence area can attend Erpenbeck Elementary School.
Boone County High School in Florence offers a homebuilder's program.
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The Florence Y'alls and Turfway Park Racing and Gaming
Since 2004, the city has been home to its own Minor League baseball team, the Florence Y'alls. The team, known as the Florence Freedom until 2020, plays at Thomas More Stadium, which seats 4,500 fans. It hosts a "Halloween Night Out" in the off-season, an event complete with a pop-up pumpkin patch and bounce house for children. Turfway Park Racing and Gaming, which opened in 1959 on the airport's outskirts, has bi-annual horse races, hundreds of casino games to choose from and a concert venue that's drawn in the likes of Don McClean. Other events in Florence include an annual Christmas Tree Lighting at The Government Center, Independence Day firework festivals and art fairs at the Historic Main Street Fire Station.
Thomas More Stadium in Florence is home to the Florence Y'alls minor league baseball team.
Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence offers horse races and slot machines.
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Six active parks and The Florence Parks Master Plan
There are a total of six developed public parks in Florence, the largest of which is South Fork Park; it includes a tropical island-themed playground, disc golf course and wooded walking trails with pedestrian bridges. It's also a popular sledding destination in the winter months and a favorite for sand volleyball in the summer. Kentaboo is the newest addition to the city's park system, and Orleans Park has a catch-and-release fishing pond. The Florence Parks Master Plan, a project set to improve biodiversity and accessibility in the city's six active parks, is currently in Phase II. Improvements will be driven by public input.
Residents can also enjoy The Florence Aquatic Center, a public swimming pool that has a spiraling water slide, indoor changing rooms and a splash pad beneath plastic palms.
Crime data and access to interstates
The larger city of Cincinnati is approximately 12 miles away from Florence via Interstates 71 or 275. The drive can take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and most commuters rely on their own vehicles. That being said, TANK — the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky — offers express buses to Cincinnati from the Mt. Zion Park and Ride. Public transit within Florence is otherwise limited. Residents can access medical care at St. Elizabeth Florence Hospital, which is part of the larger St. Elizabeth Healthcare system.
The chances of experiencing a violent crime in Florence is 1 in 518, lower than the Kentucky average and property crimes account for the majority of reported incidents within the city.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
