Utica offers tranquil living by the river
Utica is an over 230-year-old bastion by the Ohio River whose calm atmosphere remains largely undisturbed. Utica has no stoplights and a core of well-established homes. It’s also an evolving area, with new houses popping up on its outskirts thanks in part to its location just across the river from Louisville and Prospect, Kentucky. The opening of a new bridge in 2016 made the connection even quicker. “What really made Utica an attractive area was the East End Bridge that links them up to Prospect,” says local broker Mark Hack, who owns Green Tree Real Estate Services and has 20 years of industry experience. “Before the bridge, Utica had to go down through downtown Louisville to get to the East End of Louisville. But now you’re literally three minutes away from one of the most sought-after areas of Louisville, Kentucky. The bridge really changed the landscape for Utica a lot.”
Water is still an important part of life
Utica was founded in the 1790s by James Noble Woods, who ran a ferry business here. The community’s riverside location is still a boon for boating and fishing enthusiasts. James T. Duffy’s Landing in the neighboring city of Jeffersonville is one place to access the water, with a boat ramp and space to fish from the shore. Jeffersonville also offers spots like the Perrin Family Park, which includes an over 1-mile trail, an expansive playground and Catherine’s Teddy Bear Place, a museum with hundreds of bears. Chapel Lake Park features an 18-hole disc golf course and more fishing opportunities. The compact Carol Thierman Community Park, along Fourth Street in Utica, has a playground and a pavilion.
Utica’s location so close to the Ohio River presents a periodic flood risk after heavy rain. “It’s very rare that it gets outside of the banks,” Hack says. “It’s really about every seven years or so you’ll see something that’s of any significance. There’s no set number to that, by any means. But that’s kind of how it’s been trending, as long as I’ve been alive anyway."
Modern and classic houses make for an array of options
Some homes at the heart of Utica, closest to the river, date back to the 1800s. The quiet, narrow streets in this part of town feature mostly a mix of bungalows and ranch-style houses. Utica is also becoming home to modern subdivisions like The Willows and The Ridges of Old Salem, with New Traditional-style houses. The new construction is driving a population jump in this area. “You’re getting a lot of Louisville buyers,” Hack says. “Simply due to property values. On the other side of the bridge, property values are probably 30% higher for the same property.” The older homes in this area sell for $190,000 to $250,000. Utica’s new construction comes with prices between $370,000 and $680,000.
Utica’s sky lights up in July
Thunder Over Utica is one of the area’s annual events, held in mid-July. “That’s probably their biggest,” Hack says. Held at Clark County Casting and Conservation Club along the river, Thunder Over Utica features live music, food trucks and fireworks.
Surrounding communities offer spots for shopping and dining
Utica’s Fourth Street is home to Tej Grocery, where locals can grab quick snacks and drinks. People can head to Jeffersonville, Prospect and Louisville for more amenities. Allison Lane in Jeffersonville includes a Meijer supermarket and Kohl’s adjacent to Angie’s Cafe, which is a draw for breakfast. A Kroger anchors the Prospect Village shopping center right across the East End bridge from Utica. Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille, on the Prospect side of the Ohio River, is a hotspot for seafood with a side of live music. Prospect’s Paddock Shops mall features stores from Aerie to West Elm. Downtown Louisville has restaurants like the popular Mayan Café. Open since 2007, the café serves up Latin dishes with farm-to-table ingredients.
County schools provide an array of academic and athletic teams
The Greater Clark County Schools system serves this area and maintains a B grade from Niche. Utica Elementary boasts an A-minus rating and is very sought-after, Hack says. The school offers academic teams, like a robotics group, and athletic teams from cross-country to basketball. The B-minus-rated Parkview Middle has dedicated band, theater and choir programs. Jeffersonville High carries a B rating, and its boys basketball team recently won a state championship.
Nearby interstates are links to Kentucky
The East End Bridge, also known as the Lewis and Clark Bridge, is part of Interstate 265. The highway is a direct connection to Prospect from Utica’s north side. Interstate 65, southwest of Utica, runs across the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge and over to downtown Louisville, 14 miles away. Utica residents are 20 miles from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, where they can catch nonstop flights to over 30 destinations. Jeffersonville’s Norton Medical Center emergency department is available 5 miles away, just off I-265.
![Wayne Epps Jr.]()
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
