Highland Heights

If you're searching for a home in the Cincinnati area, cozy Highland Heights puts you less than 10 minutes from downtown while still giving you a small-town feel. It's the proud home of Northern Kentucky University, whose strong athletics program is building a first-class reputation, and it's easily accessible via Interstate 275. John Coffman, Owner and Broker with Coffman's Realty, who's been selling homes in the area for over 40 years, says, "I always suggest homebuyers consider Highland Heights because even though nearby cities might get more publicity, you've got 471 right here and you can be at concerts at Riverbend Music Center in minutes. Then, if you turn left, you're a 20-minute drive from the airport. You're also only about 12 minutes from downtown. So, it's in a great spot, without any of the hustle and bustle you find in other cities."

On its residential streets, often paved in light-colored concrete, modest brick ranch homes stand close together on tidy, well-groomed lots. Some have charming Tudor touches and bright front doors, and others are raised ranches with two-car garages. You'll also see larger homes with two-story porch columns and condominium complexes in the mix. Says Coffman, "Several streets are all smaller Cape Cods, which are great for first-time buyers. The biggest subdivision of single-family homes is Knollwood, which is only about 30 years old. Home prices can range from $150,000 for a condo to around $370,000 in Knollwood. Condos are the most recent construction. And many of them have now adopted rent restrictions to minimize student rentals, so that residents can enjoy living in a community of owners."

Students are a big part of the Highland Heights heartbeat, however, and residents love having the university's Truist Arena in town, hosting a calendar of games and events. Just outside the arena, student-athletes compete in a World Cup-style soccer stadium. From home, you can reach campus, grocery stores and local retail plazas, all within a short drive. You can also opt for convenient public transit, thanks to a selection of Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky — or TANK —bus stops along Alexandria Pike that head to campus, shopping or downtown Cincinnati employers.

Public schools are within the Campbell County School District, given an A-minus by Niche, and most kids start at Donald E. Cline Elementary, which earns a Niche A grade. Students then head to Campbell County Middle, which Niche gives an overall B-plus. Older students move on to Campbell County High, which also earns a Niche B-plus grade and serves over 1,400 students. Campbell County's athletic program of more than 10 different sports includes swimming and diving.

Large parks with playgrounds and trails are 5 or 10 miles out in adjacent communities, but within Highland Heights, says Coffman, "there's a very nice big, usable green space at the Highland Heights Civic Center. There's no amphitheater, but they have picnic shelters, and portable stages are brought in for outdoor concerts. They also host trick-or-treat functions for the little ones."

You won't find a mega-mall or a fine dining district, but you can head out for date nights or dinner with the family at familiar restaurants such as Applebee's and Five Guys, in shopping centers along its central Alexandria Pike throughway. Says Coffman, "Being near Cincinnati in Highland Heights doesn't feel like Chicago or LA, or even your classic college-town vibe. Although recently, NKU's basketball team is putting up on the map, winning their division and making the NCAA tournament. So, it's not an Ohio State or a UK, but what started as a college is now a full-fledged university. Overall, I'd say Highland Heights is a safe, affordable, good community, with some nice university amenities."

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Lisa Dachsteiner

Video By

Stewart Taveras