Lawrenceburg offers a lively downtown, down the river from Cincinnati
Positioned down the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Lawrenceburg offers homebuyers plenty of single-family options, close to an active and bustling downtown. The downtown district, adjacent to the river, has multiple amenities, including restaurants, shops and even a casino. However, the city provides a small-town feel for families and commuters alike. “Lawrenceburg is just minutes off the interstate, so we have easy access to Cincinnati and the airport, but we still have our small-town feel here,” says Jay Knowles, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Services, whose office is in Lawrenceburg. “We got a nice historical downtown. We have an entertainment district. We're a small town with a lot of big stuff.” Lawrenceburg’s Ross & Squibb Distillery has also been the center of local spirit production and a major employer since the 1840s, christening the town as “Whiskey City.”
HomesDowntown events, a Casino and plenty of outdoor options for fun
Downtown Lawrenceburg has numerous events, including Music on the River, a summer concert series at the Short Street Pavilion. Whiskey City Summer Fest, held every August, has live music, food trucks and rides. Parts of downtown are also designated as a DORA district, allowing alcoholic drinks to be carried in approved containers. Indoor entertainment is available at Durbin Bowl or the Hollywood Casino for adults. Lawrenceburg Speedway hosts multiple types of professional dirt racing.
The city has multiple parks, including Arch Street Park, which offers a playground, basketball court and picnic shelter. Ludlow Hill Park has sports courts, a football field and fishing spots. Todd-Creech Park has multiple baseball fields, a skate park and a community pool that is free for residents. The 4-and-a-half-mile Dearborn Trail allows for biking and hiking and connects to nearby Greendale and Aurora.
Nearby golfing spots include the 6,500-yard Hidden Valley Golf Club, which is open to the public. Sugar Ridge Golf Club features a 6,000-yard Par 71 layout. Perfect North Slopes has 23 skiing and snowboarding trails but is only open in the winter months.
Renovated historical homes, condos and newer builds are present
Housing can range from historic Italianate and Colonial Revivals to midcentury ranches and new traditionals. Townhomes and condos are also available. The median home price is over $660,000, higher than the national median. Prices can range from $200,000 to over $1.5 million depending on size, condition and location. Homeowners’ associations do oversee some properties.
Homes closer to downtown and the Ohio River are on gridded streets with smaller lots and oak trees. Properties with larger yards are northeast.
Knowles says the city has attracted a mix of commuters who work in Cincinnati and young families. He also notes that Lawrenceburg has become a “hot spot” for people to buy and renovate older homes.
Public and private school options are close
Public school students can attend the Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation, rated B on Niche. St. Lawrence School, an unranked private Catholic institution, has kindergarten through eighth-grade classes. Ivy Tech Community College has a campus in Lawrenceburg and offers over 70 degree programs.
Downtown shopping and dining with more retail on U.S. 50
Downtown has multiple local restaurants, while U.S. Highway 50 features a mix of chains and local spots. Proof 124 serves burgers, tacos and steaks. RiverWatch is a floating restaurant offering seafood, sandwiches and cocktails. The Sweet Beard Bakehouse has pastries, breads and other baked goods.
Downtown also has multiple boutique clothing stores and antique shops. Larger big-box retailers and grocery stores, including Walmart, Aldi and Kroger, are east on U.S. 50.
A risk of flooding, but levees offer protection
Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show a risk of flooding. Still, a levee system protects the city from the Ohio River. Severe storms and winter weather are also present. Freight trains run along William Street, which can cause noise.
Quick access to highways, airport and Cincinnati
Lawrenceburg does not have any public transportation links and is primarily car dependent. The entrance to Interstate 275 is east of the community. U.S. 50 also connects to downtown Cincinnati and I-75. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is 16 miles east. St. Elizabeth Healthcare Dearborn Hospital is on Wilson Creek Road, northeast of downtown.
