Florence

Just 14 miles from Downtown Cincinnati, across the Ohio River and down Interstate 71, sits Oakbrook. This spacious suburban community is conveniently located next to I-71 and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, making travel a breeze. However, with the convenience of the airport comes noise, something that Michael Parker, a Realtor with Huff Realty and a resident of over 30 years, says factors into some homebuyers' decision to live in Oakbrook. The mature trees, wooded areas and well-landscaped lawns are another draw for homebuyers. “It’s something you don’t get in the new communities,” Parker says. Florence is next door to Oak Brook, which has many shopping and dining options. “Every restaurant and store you could ever want is within minutes,” says Carla Sue Jones, a Realtor with Culbertson Real Estate Group. Residents also enjoy sending their children to the Boone County Public School system, which is well-regarded in the area and provides students with various opportunities outside the classroom. When school’s out, the plethora of parks in and around the neighborhood gives students and adults a place to get active. The real estate market in Oakbrook is highly competitive, with good schools and a robust inventory of relatively newer homes driving up the cost. “The neighborhood is very well-maintained, and people have pride of ownership,” Jones says. There is a diversity of housing, both in price and style of housing, though it’s primarily single-family, with pockets of condos and townhouses. Ranch-style, Cape Cods and split-level homes are at the lower end of the price range, selling for between $100,000 and $350,000. Brick colonials and new-traditional homes have become more prevalent in the neighborhood in the last 25 years and have sold for between $300,000 and $530,000. In Oakbrook, yards are clean and well landscaped, while the streets have sidewalks, with many under-shaded mature trees. The condominiums and townhouses in the neighborhood have sold for between $130,000 and $340,000. As for crime, the CAP Index gave Oakbrook a Crime Score of 3 out of 10, lower than the national average. Oakbrook residents send their children to Boone County Public Schools. Students start at A.M. Yealey Elementary School, which earned a B-plus grade from Niche and has a Library on the Lawn program in the summer to keep students engaged during their off time. In sixth grade, students move on to Ockerman Middle School, which earned an A-minus grade from Niche. In ninth grade, students attend Boone County High School, which offers a variety of clubs and organizations like Esports, Future Business Leaders of America, Speech and Debate and National Honor Society. Boone County High earned a B grade from Niche. As for private school options, St. Henry District High School is 6 miles from the neighborhood and earned a B-plus grade from Niche. A classic walkable community park, Oakbrook Park is bordered by Gunpower Creek and is a quiet place to walk the dogs or enjoy an afternoon on the playground. There is a soccer field, volleyball court and picnic tables to enjoy in warmer months. Tucked amid cul-de-sacs, Fox Run Park has a basketball hoop for some pickup games and an all-purpose field perfect for an ultimate frisbee game. Parents can enjoy lunch at the picnic tables while their children explore the playground. Fans of disc golf will enjoy the 9-hole course at South Fork Park. The park is also a popular place to get in a beach volleyball match. Camp Ernst Lake Park is a neighborhood favorite for enjoying the water. The park has a boat launch and allows fishing of the bluegill and catfish in the lake. Just east of Oakbrook is Lincoln Woods Park, a wooded area with trails for residents' next hike. Oakbrook is almost entirely residential by design and directly adjacent to Florence’s most prominent business district. “There is a big mall, car dealerships and a lot of businesses and restaurants right here,” Jones says. Bourbon House Pizza is a popular deep-dish pizza restaurant with other popular menu items. “They have the best hoagies in northern Kentucky,” Parker says. Hoagie options ranged from their Bourbon House Roast Beef to their Chicken Parmesan. Mai Thai Restaurant offers Thai and sushi for residents, with carryout as an option for those who want to have the meal at home. There are many options for stocking up on groceries and essentials, including Costco, Target, Kroger and a Walmart Supercenter. Built in 1976 and still bustling, the Florence Mall is in Kentucky’s most significant retail district, boasting over 130 stores. Take in a movie at the Cinemark Florence 14 and XD, a popular theater showing first-run features on 14 screens. There is a broad selection of national dining chains, including Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Quaker Steak & Lube, Red Lobster and Acapulco Mexican. Residents who must commute into Downtown Cincinnati are looking at a 14-mile drive from Oakbrook. The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky bus system also offers service to Downtown Cincinnati from their stop on Burlington Pike. Proximity to the airport is another big draw for residents as Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is just 8 miles north. For medical attention, the St. Elizabeth Florence Hospital is 4 miles away. Boone Links Golf & Event Center is located inside the neighborhood, a 27-hole public golf course rated four stars by Golf Digest. Boone Links boasts a challenging round for all skill levels and a mini golf course for those looking for family fun. “The course is very popular among residents,” Parker says. “People use it as a walking trail as well.” Connected to the course is an event center that can host weddings, among other get-togethers.