With red brick walls dating back to the 1820s and a preserved, period-accurate interior, the John Rankin House still stands tall on Rankin Hill Road. It was a stop along the Underground Railroad until the end of the Civil War, said to have hidden more than 2,000 enslaved peoples as they made their way north. Today, the house is a designated National Historic Site open to the public. Green-shuttered windows look down onto the Ohio River and the small city of Ripley below, which is home to just over 1,500. "People move there because it's a great little river town and a little village of people," says Jo Ann Morgan, a Realtor with Ring Real Estate, adding that, although it's "still out in the country," residents can easily access more amenities in Maysville. In recent years, more than $16 million has been allotted towards riverfront development in Ripley, investments slated to improve the accessibility of historic sites—including the John Parker House, another stop along the Underground Railroad—and waterfront recreation. "It's going to boost the community. A boat dock being built will be part of that," adds Dave Campbell, the vice president of sales at Sibcy Cline Realtors. Despite upgrades to infrastructure, certain things have remained constant in Ripley: namely, historic charm, Ohio River views and a proud community spirit.
Historical signs display the roots of Ripley throughout the city.
Ripley is proud of it's prominent role in the Underground Railroad.
Ripley citizens called to arms in the Civil War were coined the name 'Squirrel Hunters'.
Ripley's red brick walls dating back to the 1820s are evident throughout the town.
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Sunset views from Front Street and mid-century ranch-style houses
Ripley sits on the western edge of the Ohio River, and the historic homes on Front Street—many of which have grand front porches—enjoy sunset views. Properties closer to the water date back to the late 1800s, and architectural styles are reflective of the era. Here, prospective buyers will find Victorians, Italianates and Colonials with painted shutters on compact, raised lots and old-fashioned streetlamps line brick sidewalks. Lot sizes are often larger farther inland, and prospective buyers will find early 1900s bungalows and mid-century ranch-style houses. Investment properties in Ripley can start around $15,000 and typically sell for under $100,000, whereas refurbished homes fall between $150,000 and $250,000. There are also pockets of townhouses built in the early 2000s within the city.
Italianate houses in Ripley have beautiful red roofs to showcase their unique architecture.
Early 20th Century Victorian homes are prominent throughout Ripley.
Colorful Colonial Townhouses are seen throughout the small town of Ripley.
Ripley is known for their historical buildings that are all over town.
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Tours at the John Rankin House and the John Parker House
The John Rankin House, once home to famed abolitionist minister and Underground Railroad conductor John Rankin, is open to the public for tours seasonally. Morgan says it's common for local schools to stop by on field trips throughout the spring and into the fall. Another stop along the Railroad, The John Parker House, still stands today on Front Street. Parker, who was born into slavery in Alabama, bought his freedom at 18, and settled down with his wife in Ripley in the 1840s, going on to patent inventions like the portable tobacco press and a soil pulverizer. The house—also open for tours—welcomes visitors from May until October. Residents can also learn about local history at The Ripley Museum, which has a Victorian clothing collection and exhibits on military history.
The John Rankin House in Ripley is home to the famous Underground Railroad conductor.
The John Parker House is where John Parker settled in Ripley after buying his freedom.
John P. Parker House is one of the proud historic attractions in Ripley.
Learn more about the history of The John Parker House on a walk in Ripley.
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2nd Street necessities and waterfront dining
Ripley residents will find necessities along 2nd Street at stops like Dollar General and Family Dollar, although it's necessary to commute outside of town to find big-box retailers like the Walmart Supercenter in Maysville. Downtown "is just local people and local restaurants," according to Morgan. She recommends Ripley Boat Club. "That's one that everybody seems to enjoy," where American comfort foods are served on a floating dock. "It's a huge highlight for the community." There's also Snappers Saloon, which hosts live bands and karaoke on its outdoor patio, and Brookies, which has a classic dive bar atmosphere. Residents can pick up prescriptions at Bristow Pharmacy on Main Street, where brick storefronts date back to the 1930s or earlier. In some ways, running errands in Ripley can feel like a step back in time, to the age of dirt roads and horse-drawn carriages, a time long before pickup trucks parallel parked in front of stores along Main.
Ripley's historic character is shown throughout 2nd street.
Here in Ripley, you will find plenty of wall art and murals throughout the town.
2nd Street in Ripley has restored old colonial buildings into mom-and-pop shops.
Head to Snappers Saloon in Ripley for live music, karaoke, and an outdoor patio.
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Recreation beside the river
In Ripley, outdoor recreation is defined by proximity to the Ohio River. Residents can launch and dock personal boats at Eagle Creek Marina or cast out fishing lines for white bass. At John P. Parker Memorial Park, trees shade the paved trails beside the Ohio, and historic plaques commemorate the Underground Railroad conductor. The Kope Hollow Nature Preserve, meanwhile, is known for its hilly hiking trails and wildflowers in the spring. Out-of-towners can book stays at Logan's Gap Campground, but there are also annual events open to the public, like the Camp Yardsale and Fourth of July Fireworks.
The Eagle Creek Marina has river access with a view in Ripley.
Grab a seat with a friend and enjoy an afternoon by the Ohio River in Ripley.
Ripley is known for it's beautiful view of the Ohio River.
Bike riding is common throughout Ripley.
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The Ohio Rural Heritage Festival in August
In August, Ohioans travel to Ripley for the volunteer-run Rural Heritage Festival. The three-day event includes a vendor market, pageants, live music and duck races. The Ohio Rural Heritage Association also hosts an annual Historic Ripley Ghost Walk, which passes through Maplewood Cemetery. Locals can stop by the John Rankin House for the summer lecture series and occasional poetry nights.
Public schools within walking distance
Students in Ripley can attend the Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington Local School District, which earns an overall C-plus grade from Niche. Ripley Union Lewis Huntington Elementary School, Ripley Union Lewis Huntington Middle School and Ripley Union Lewis Huntington High School are all within walking distance for many residents, and kids can also enroll in private options like St. Michael School, which serves prekindergarten through eighth grade on Market Street.
The Ripley Union Lewis High School is Ripley's most popular High School.
Start your child's education at Ripley Union Lewis Huntington Elementary School in Ripley.
Ripley Union Lewis Huntington Middle School in Ripley educates grades 6-8.
St Michael School provides a catholic education for Ripley students.
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Access to Cincinnati via U.S. Route 52 and low crime ratings
Ripley is approximately 53 miles southeast of Cincinnati, and commuters can use U.S. Route 52 to travel into the larger city. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, also accessible via Route 52, has over 50 nonstop flight options about 60 miles from Ripley. The nearest medical facilities include Meadowview Regional Medical Center in Maysville and Mercy Health-Clermont in Batavia. According to FBI data, violent crime in Ripley is lower than national averages by over 37%; the rate of property crime is lower by more than 63%.
Tonya has always had an interest in real estate from an early age. She purchased her first home at 19 years old and through the years has grown that into many other transactions. As she got older, she decided to get her real estate license. Her goal was to help people learn through the experience and help them save as much money as possible through the buying transaction or make as much as possible when selling. All while having fun in the process, Tonya believes it is possible.
Tonya offers full service real estate for everyone from first time home buyers to seniors downsizing and everyone in between. She also helps with the sale or purchase of farms and land. She offers honest advice from an experienced perspective. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Tonya truly cares about the people she gets to serve as their realtor, and she is grateful when a buyer or seller walks away from the closing table excited about their next adventure in life. She loves what she does and would be grateful if you reached out to her for any real estate advice.
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.
