The heart of Kenton County on the outskirts of Cincinnati
Kenton County Courthouse's gold dome still towers above farmhouse rooftops on McCullum Pike, nearly 200 years after its construction in the 1840s. It's one of the most recognizable landmarks in Independence, Kentucky, the state's third-largest city and so-called "Heart of Kenton County." With a population of nearly 30,000 spread across 17 square miles, Independence has managed to preserve small-town qualities well into the 21st century, although it's now more common to drive pickup trucks than ride horses. "I think people like it here for the quiet, rural feel," says Lindsay Heeger of eXp Realty, who has nearly 20 years of experience selling homes in the area. "You feel like you're out in the country, but it's also an area where the community is very close-knit and there are plenty of town-led activities." Fourth of July is celebrated with a parade and fireworks show—sometimes described as "the best in Northern Kentucky"—and there's a tree lighting ceremony outside the courthouse around Christmastime. For big city amenities—everything from major league sports to James Beard award-winning restaurants—residents can drive into Cincinnati, about 13 miles away along U.S. Route 17. In general, "People are still friendly, and everyone in Independence would at least like to know everyone's name," says Brad Treas, a Realtor with Huff Realty.
Independence is a small-town in Northern Kentucky with a quiet and rural feel.
Kenton County Courthouse, built in 1840, is at the heart of Independence.
Independence is made up of largely residential areas with New-Traditional homes.
Downtown Independence is home to small businesses and churches.
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Mid-century homes and spacious lots
The median price for a single-family home in Independence is near $300,000, confirms Treas, but the city's largest properties can sometimes sell for upwards of $550,000. Homes resting on multiple acres are sometimes valued at over $1 million. "We have every style of home," says Treas, but mid-century ranch-style houses and split-levels are among the most common designs. There are also pockets of New Traditionals with steep gabled rooftops and multi-car garages located within more recent subdivisions. Streets are quiet, tree-lined and gently sloped, and it's common for residents to post basketball hoops in their driveways or invest in swimming pools. "You're able to keep chickens in your backyard unless you're in a HOA that says you can't," says Treas, adding that residents in Independence Unicorporated are also allowed to shoot guns. "There are many people that move here because homesteading has become so popular," he says. What's more, although "Independence is a relatively big city," the United States Census Bureau still considers it a rural area. "You can get a lot of homes 'no money down' through the USDA," notes Treas.
Independence is comprised of mainly Mid-Century homes spread out in subdivisions.
The median price for a single-family home in Independence is near $300,000.
Split-Levels are common throughout Independence.
Streets are quiet, tree-lined and gently sloped in Independence such as these Split-Levels.
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Career pathways through Kenton County Public Schools
Students can enroll in the Kenton County Public School District, which earns an overall B-plus grade from Niche. Independence is home to four public elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school, Simon Kenton, which has over 1,800 students. Grade point averages determine college scholarships, and students can pursue career pathways like animal science, horticulture and plant science, digital design and game development.
Kenton Elementary School serves students in the Independence community.
Summit View Academy in Independence holds a B-plus rating on Niche.
Simon Kenton High School serves students in the Independence community.
Beechgrove Elementary School in Independence has 624 students.
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Playgrounds and athletic facilities in local parks
Although many Independence residents enjoy spacious front and back yards, there's also room for outdoor recreation within the city's eight public parks. Spanning over 26 acres, Memorial Park is the largest. It features playground equipment, basketball courts and walking trails; on Easter weekend, local kids participate in the annual egg hunt on the hills beside the park's amphitheater, and there's also a Saturday Farmers Market that runs through October. Shadybrook Park is the city's second-largest, and is also home to a playground and basketball courts; while Sterling Staggs has sand volleyball courts and picnic shelters. Kids cast fishing lines into the creek that borders Glenhurst Park, and there's a disc golf course in Lincoln Ridge. There are two 18-hole golf courses nearby: the Pioneer, and the Willows, part of the Golf Courses of Kenton County. Some residents participate in Ladies Leagues, enroll in Junior Golf Programs or invest in season passes.
Memorial Park is Independence's largest park with pickleball and basketball courts.
Lincoln Ridge Park has stocked fishing ponds for fishing enthusiasts in Independence.
The Pioneer is a beloved public golf course in Independence.
Independence has a great outdoor playground at Memorial Park to spend time with your kids.
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The growth of business along Madison Pike
According to Treas, the last decade or so has seen the emergence of chain grocers and fast-food restaurants in Independence; "None of that was here 15 years ago," he says. There's a Kroger and an Aldi off Madison Pike, and dining options like McDonald's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Wendy's along the thoroughfare. Residents watch Bengal's games at Crewitts Creek Kitchen & Bar, where the walls are decorated with vintage neon signs, and menu items include fried green tomatoes, "5 Cheese Mac" and burgers topped with everything from grilled pineapples to peach chutney. "Independence kind of blurs with South Covington," explains Treas, and locals will recognize names like the Log Cabin Inn, a popular "Mom and Pop" establishment and Emerson's Bakery.
Head to Crewitt's Creek Kitchen & Bar in Independence for a spot to watch the big game.
Barleycorn’s, near Independence, has cold beers on tap and a menu full of bar favorites.
Madison Pike runs through Independence providing the town with all their retail needs.
Independence residents can get their supermarket needs at Aldi.
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Fourth of July festivities, pictures with Santa and the Kenton County Fair
Fittingly, Independence is known for its Indpendence Day Parade, which typically starts at Summit View Academy and finishes at Simon Kenton High School. "Local high schools participate by making floats, and the fire departments get involved," says Treas. There's also a Memorial Day Parade, and children can take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the annual Christmas Walk on the first Saturday of December. Vendor's booths are set up in the courthouse parking lot, and there's a 5K race earlier in the afternoon. July marks the Kenton County Fair and Horse Show; there are fine art exhibits, demolition derbies and beauty pageants with categories for all age groups. The Independence branch of the Kenton County Public Library also hosts storytimes, paint nights and Dungeons and Dragons meetups.
Employment along Industrial Road, commutes to Cincinnati and access to medical care
Factories like Crescent Paper Tube Co., Inc. and Mazak Corporation line Industrial Road on the Indpendence-Florence border, offering a variety of manufacturing jobs. According to Treas, other major employers in the area include the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport and Fidelity, and it's also common for residents to commute to Cincinnati for work. The larger city is about 18 miles away from the Kenton County Courthouse, a drive that can take anywhere between 20 and 25 minutes via U.S. Route 17, Interstate 275 and Interstate 471. "Unless you're living in a river city, nobody really rides the bus in Northern Kentucky," says Treas, adding that most people rely on their own cars. The nearest hospital is St. Elizabeth Edgewood, ranked the second-best hospital in Kentucky. Independence is also ranked among the nation's 100 safest cities. Residents have a 1 in 274 chance of falling victim to property crime and a 1 in 1,396 chance of experiencing a violent crime.
Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Dean
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brit Roberts,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Independence, KY sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Independence, KY over the last 12 months is $335,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1242 Monocacy Ct, an updated, move-in ready home tucked on a spacious .65-acre fenced lot in a quiet cul-de-sac in Independence! This 4-bedroom, 3 full bath, 1 half bath home offers the perfect blend of space, function, and recent upgrades. The entire first floor features brand new flooring (2026), complemented by fresh paint throughout the entire home, giving it a clean, modern feel.
Open Sunday 12-2 PM! Desirable Liberty Orchard! 3 Finished Levels on Low Traffic Cul-de-Sac Street! Remodeled & Expanded Dual Island Kitchen with Custom Finishes! Lots of Cabinets*Lots of Counter Space for those Who Enjoy Cooking & Entertaining! Spacious Great Room with Fireplace*Cathedral Ceilings in the Large Owner's Suite with Adjoining Full Bath with Step In Shower & Walk In Closet*3
This is the cutest house hitting the market this week!!! FINISHED BASEMENT, a remodeled kitchen featuring butchers block, a retaining in the wall providing more useable yard space, a spacious deck overlooking the back yard. WELL MAINTAINED home that is ready for it's next owners. Schedule your showing today! Buyers to verify all information.
Welcome to this charming home in the heart of Independence! Featuring a beautifully updated kitchen that serves as the centerpiece of the home, you'll love the stylish finishes, ample cabinetry, and functional layout- perfect for everyday living and entertaining. After a long day, step into your gorgeous spa-like shower and wind down by the fireplace. Make this home your own with just a little
OPEN HOUSE THIS SUN, 5.3.26, 11-1 !!! Nestled in the beautiful Manor Hill Community, this home combines style, comfort and convenience in a truly move-in-ready package. Take advantage of this exquisite newer built Drees homes that comes complete with an open floor plan and a showcase kitchen! This home features 4 beds/4 baths, a primary bedroom with a luxury en suite, a convenient 2nd floor
2nd floor ranch-style condo with unique handcrafted design features throughout. Entry staircase showcases custom grid accent walls, with handcrafted brick accent walls in the dining area and upper landing adding character and warmth. Dining area walks out to a private balcony. Kitchen is fully equipped with newer appliances. Spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closet. Includes a 1-car garage
Welcome to 1242 Monocacy Ct, an updated, move-in ready home tucked on a spacious .65-acre fenced lot in a quiet cul-de-sac in Independence! This 4-bedroom, 3 full bath, 1 half bath home offers the perfect blend of space, function, and recent upgrades. The entire first floor features brand new flooring (2026), complemented by fresh paint throughout the entire home, giving it a clean, modern feel.
Welcome to The Sanibel Designed for Your Busy Life and Relaxation The Sanibel by Maronda Homes is the ideal home for those with a fast-paced lifestyle who also value moments of relaxation. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, including an owner’s suite with a luxurious spa-style bath, this home offers comfort and tranquility. The open-concept design provides versatile space perfect for any activity or
You'll be thrilled with the Alexander's one-level living layout. It is designed to be right-sized to your family's lifestyle with many options for personalization, including expanding beyond the basic footprint itself! You can select a vaulted ceiling for a dramatic effect, and a sunny morning room would be a nice complement, along with an optional cozy fireplace in the family room. For more
If you're looking for convenient living on one level, discover Drees' Hialeah plan today. This home showcases an open arrangement of the large family room, spectacular kitchen with generous island, and a spacious dining area. You'll expand your living with a covered outdoor area with optional fireplace. Relaxing is easy in your secluded primary suite which includes a luxurious bath and large
The Cumberland by Fischer Homes offers a flexible and thoughtfully designed layout to suit modern living. The first floor features an open kitchen with a large pantry, optional island, and customizable morning room or family room configurations. Additional options include a first-floor guest suite, electric fireplace, and a 4x16 garage expansion. Upstairs, the home includes three bedrooms with a
The Beachwood presents comfortable one-level living with an open arrangement of the family room with optional fireplace, kitchen with serving island and dining area. A secluded first floor primary suite includes a private bath with options for a garden bath or deluxe shower bath. Entertaining will be easy in the optional large lower level rec room with optional wet bar. Additional upgrades
This stylish two-story home includes everything you need for your next home. The kitchen features a large serving island with room for seating. A private staircase in the back of the home leads to 3 bedroomswith loft or optional 4th bedroom. The owner's suite includes a generous walk-in closet and a private bathroom. Additional features of the Wesley include a living room/study and a convenient
The Greenbriar by Fischer Homes offers a versatile and thoughtfully designed layout to suit modern living. The first floor features a formal living and dining room, which can be converted into an optional study for added flexibility. The open kitchen offers options such as a large island, custom window configurations, and a bay window or alternate door layout in the morning room. Additional
Open space and clean, modern lines characterize the Quentin floor plan, giving you that refreshed, rejuvenated feeling that home is supposed to. The study just off the main foyer is perfect for working from home. Step up the elegance in the dining room with the tray ceiling option, if you like. The spacious family room offers a comfy optional corner fireplace. The breakfast room and kitchen flow
***WAIVED SECURITY DEPOSIT ON APPROVED APPLICATION!*** Call or message today to schedule a tour of your new home!Welcome to Independence Oaks, the finest apartment community in Independence, KY! Independence Oaks is soaring to new heights of luxury living by offering its residents everything they desire in a place to call home. Located in the very heart of Independence, Independence Oaks
Fairway Park is located in the rolling hills of Independence, Kentucky. Located just across the street from the Kenton County Golf Course, Fairway Park has a brand new clubhouse with a state of the art fitness center and a sparkling swimming pool. All of our units have stellar views of either our community lake, the Kenton County Golf Course or a wooded view. Every unit has a spacious patio or
With thoughtfully designed custom-style amenities, Indian River Apartments is your destination for luxurious living in Independence, Kentucky! We've redefined what self-indulgence means with our studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, that offer up to 1125 square feet of living space with a collection of unique interior touches. Come home to wood vinyl flooring, ceiling fans, plush carpet,
Conveniently located in Independence, Kentucky just off of Richardson Road, just minutes away from downtown Cincinnati and Newport on the Levee. Living at Furlong Trails offers easy access to the Florence Mall around the corner, an array of restaurants, transportation and fun recreation for all!Our 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are stylish with all new stainless steel front appliances, wood
Country Club Estates is one of Independence premium Apartment Communities. Our studio, 1, and 2 bedroom luxury apartments are equipped with stainless flat top stoves with overhead microwaves, wood plank laminate flooring, cherry cabinets, custom countertops, six-panel doors, modern fixtures, and warm tone paint. Conveniently located in Independence just off Turkeyfoot Road at Richardson Road you
Reduced deposit: Get 25% off your security deposit based on 1 month's rent (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by May 31, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. This property is professionally managed by AMH Living, a leading single-family rental company. We expect to
Reduced deposit: Get 25% off your security deposit based on 1 month's rent (taxes and fees not included), valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month lease by May 31, 2026. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. This property is professionally managed by AMH Living, a leading single-family rental company. We work to
Welcome to your new home in Erlanger, KY! This charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers 576 square feet of comfortable and low-maintenance living—perfect for professionals, students, or anyone looking to downsize.Step inside to an inviting living space with an open layout that seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a functional and welcoming
Charming 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath in desirable Independence location. Easy access to nearby schools, shopping centers, parks and transportation routes. Key features:- 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom- 1,000 square feet of comfortable living space- Well-designed layout- Modern kitchen with ample storage- Cozy dining area for enjoyable meals- Three well-proportioned bedrooms with
This charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers a perfect blend of comfort and modern updates. Enjoy features like air conditioning and stylish granite countertops, adding both convenience and a touch of elegance to your living space.The spacious bedroom provides a relaxing retreat, while the well-appointed bathroom offers practical, updated fixtures. Washer and dryer hookups are
Thirteen miles south of Cincinnati is the rural Outer Kenton neighborhood in Covington, Kentucky. “It’s a working-class community, and there is a really close neighborhood feel in the area,” says Shane Anchor of Coldwell Banker Realty, who has sold over 120 properties in the area. “People don’t realize it, but there is some good shopping and dining in the area as well.” The neighborhood is a largely undeveloped plot of land with plenty of green space. Outer Kenton was once a part of Latonia, Kentucky, a larger neighborhood that was incorporated into Covington. There is a good deal of space between houses and a variety of housing styles. The community is quaint but features parks, a nearby country club, and all the amenities of a traditional suburb.
The median price for a single-family home in Outer Kenton is right at $335,000. “For the price point, I would say you get a big bang for your buck,” says Anchor. Housing styles vary greatly in the area, as do price points. There are a good number of ranch-style homes, while buyers can also find new construction Craftsman builds or large, ornate Colonials that have a price point of over $1 million. The rural landscape means that the majority of houses sit on large lots and have very spacious yards. In many parts of the neighborhood, next-door neighbors can be acres away. The homes feature private driveways and garages for parking, and mature trees are a frequent fixture in the lawns. On the north end of the neighborhood, subdivisions are popping up with more modern builds. These homes are closer to one another and have smaller yards, but sidewalks provide an opportunity for exercise.
Kids in Outer Kenton attend Kenton County Public Schools, beginning at Piner Elementary. Piner has a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio and has a B-plus rating from Niche. Next is Twenhofel, which was named the fourth-best middle school in the county and Simon Kenton High School. Both Twenhofel and Simon Kenton High earned a B grade from Niche. Simon Kenton was noted as being one of the best schools in the state for athletics.
For recreation, locals can head to Grant County Park. The park has 54 acres of green spaces and miles of hiking trails. There is a playground for children, and the green space provides a nice place to have an afternoon picnic. The park also is home to a butterfly garden. Golfers can head to nearby Ryland Lakes Country Club for a round on the 18-hole championship course. The country club also has tennis courts and a pool for the warm summer months.
The climate of northern Kentucky makes it ideal for wine, and the Atwood Hill Winery and Vinyard take full advantage. The vineyard has award-winning wines and provides indoor and outdoor seating with views of the grapes. The Hub is a new restaurant with an emphasis on creating dishes using local and nutritious ingredients. For authentic Mexican food, El Cerro Grande is where the locals flock. El Cerro Grande has a hip vibe with a full bar and colorful flair on the walls. Residents can check out local live bands at Spinning Wheel Tavern. There are no grocery stores in Outer Kenton, but the surrounding areas have plenty of options. Up Highway 17 just north of town, Kroger and Aldi have locations, while Walmart is situated off Highway 75.
There is no public transportation in Outer Kenton, so residents will have to drive for their commutes. Highway 17 runs directly through the area, and Interstate 75 is on the western side of the neighborhood. Interstate 75 provides access to all the surrounding areas.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Independence Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
9
Median Rent
$2,240
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,273
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,423
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,495
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,495
Demographics
Total Population
28,973
Median Age
36
Population under 18
28.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$87,904
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$98,906
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.1%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
34.8%
Advanced Degrees
11.1%
% Population in Labor Force
78.9%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
8''
Area Factors
Somewhat friendly
Bike Score®®
20/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Walk Score®®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
