Licking Riverside Historic District

This whole store district can consume a whole day if you let it. We walked around for a few hours and feel like we definitely got to know the place. This is definitely a hidden gem with tons of local flavor. If you’re in town, this is a spot you cannot miss

Arguably the best neighborhood in Northern Kentucky. I’d put a disclosure that I have lived in this neighborhood; but I’ve either lived in or visited all of the places in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Major selling point of the area is that you’re literally in the downtown area so you have easy access to downtown Cincinnati, getting downtown is easy, just cross the historic Roebling Bridge. Did you know that the same architect that designed the Roebling designed the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City? If that didn’t ‘wow’ you let this settle in. It takes less than ten minutes to get downtown from Licking Riverside either driving or taking this majestic trolley known as the Southbank Shuttle, at a dollar a pop you’re able to save a lot of money on gas and if you work downtown that means you don’t have to spend money on the outrageous parking prices.
I was so happy to find out about this little neighborhood, that I found a place, the next day I sold my BMW, and the day after that I was moving my belongings in. I’m not over exaggerating and trust me I’m not a realtor. Something about this neighborhood is very special. Maybe it’s the cornucopia of Gregorian, Victorian, and other collections of historical homes. Maybe it’s because you’ll be paying a fraction of the price of an apartment in let’s say, Over The Rhine, Mount Adams, or Hyde Park without sacrificing close proximity of the downtown area. Maybe it’s being close to all the bars and restaurants of Mainstrasse, or the stores and restaurants of Madison Avenue. If you are looking for a place in the downtown Cincinnati area, look no further — Licking Riverside has it all! Be swept away by the brick sidewalks and the tree lined streets. This neighborhood is beautiful, the locals I have met have been extremely friendly. As if from a movie, it’s the type of community where old ladies will give you baked goods, and someone left a flower on one of my neighbors wrought iron fences gate. It’s that type of place, you’ll probably feel like part of a community as well.
Think of all the money you’ll be saving by choosing to live here. I have no idea why rent is so inexpensive, all of the perks you’re offered should raise it a bit in my honest observation. For a two bedroom apartment you’re looking around $ 800+, and for a one bedroom I’ve seen the average to be around $ 600, I seen a studio for $ 450. Not bad! Downtown I’ve seen places go for well over $ 2,500… You’ll be saving money by living in Licking Riverside, and you can use that to get neat things for your pad, grab a bite to eat, whatever you want.
An addition to the history other than the world famous Roebling Bridge is a schoolhouse Ulysses S. Grant went to, as well as a boyhood home of his next door to it. There’s so much history in this tiny neighborhood that it’ll go on and on.
If you do decide to become one of the lucky residents and move to this small enclave of paradise, two heads up I’ll share with you. Besslers Economy Meat Market will be your friend. It’s the closest market, the prices are comparable if not the same as many large grocery retailers. You’ll also deal with a friendly family staff, and local fruits and veggies! The main Kenton County library is here, it was just renovated. I was a college student at the time of residing in the riverside, and that place was a necessity. It’ll also be great if you’re a parent, you’ll be able to take your children to events, or to an elderly bookworm. All in all, it’s perfect for urban life in the area.
I feel like Licking Riverside can be compared to Brooklyn, New York. It’s close to the city, and a fraction of the price.
We have two big parks in the neighborhood a well.
There’s too much to list, wether you’re planning on residing or visiting, Licking Riverside is an amazing place.

Great View of the City and historic homes. We took some of our wedding pictures here. It is a great place for an engagement session or wedding pictures.

Very pretty park! We used it for our wedding pictures… Great view of the river and Cincinnati. Recommend it as one of the top 5 parks in the Tri-​state area to hit up.

Best place to live. I consider myself extremely lucky to be living in this neighbourhood! It’s a green, calm, friendly district, with amazing big old houses and great people. The kind of people that cares about their little gardens and says hi every time I pass by, walking or biking!
Yes, it’s a perfect area for not using your car! You’re perfectly located to walk across the Roebling bridge, or to First Watch, Blinkers, Keystone. Perfect spot to start a run across the Licking River bridge! Equally close from downtown, great walk to the new Smale park, fountain square or OTR.
I also really enjoy just walking around, watching the Cincinnati skyline, the statues along the river, the ducks etc.
As I said: best place ever to live!

The Living Riverside Historic District is on the edge of Covington, right by the Licking River (hence the name). I think this area is one of the top hidden gems in the tri-​state. I didn’t even realize what was here until I found an apartment in the area, and now I’m in love with it.
Not only can you walk along the river and check out the gorgeous views of downtown Cincinnati (especially fun during a Reds game when you can see inside the stadium from across the river, hear the cheers, and watch the fireworks), but the historic district offers some of the most amazing houses. Most of them have historical plaques in front so you can read about what has happened here.
Other plaques line the river area and run all through the historic district, telling of all different times in Covington’s history, even small details like when John James Audubon painted here.
There are historic homes you can tour as well as museums (such as the Baker-​Hunt museum). And after you’ve finished your fill of history and panoramic views of the city, there are plenty of great bars and restaurants to finish off the evening.
I almost hate to review this district, because I love having my secret perfect neighborhood to myself. But I know that everyone else will fall in love it if they have a chance to see it too, so I have to share.

The Riverside Drive Historic District is another beautiful place to stroll or bike ride along the Ohio River. Located north of Fourth Street in Covington, just off of Garrad Street, this area is filled with historical homes dating back to the early 19^th century. Many examples of fine architecture can be viewed, such as: Italianate, Georgian, Victorian Gothic, Bungalow, and Second Empire.
Riverside Drive is filled with greenery and benches. One can feed the ducks and geese swimming along the river. This quiet neighborhood was also home to prominent figures in U.S. history, such as the childhood residence of President Ulysses S. Grant and dwellings used in the Underground Railroad.
If you’re interested in history, architecture, or want to enjoy a view of the Cincinnati skyline, visit the Riverside District!

Charming neighborhood. Great walk along the river. Good way to experience some Kentucky history.

On the National Register of Historic Places, this district contains around 150 buildings, including mansions, multi-​unit dwellings, row houses and more. The district contains the oldest neighborhood in the area, and its boundaries are the Licking River, 4^th St., 8^th St. and Scott St.
As you wander around, take note of the many historical plaques along the way, the nice parks, and many interesting statues, including those of Simon Kenton, John James Audubon and Chief Little Turtle. My favorite statue is one seated on a park bench overlooking the River; it’s so realistic it’s eerie!
Famous houses in the area include those of Daniel Carter Beard (one of the founders of the Boy Scouts), the Thomas Carneal House (Covington’s first brick house, also contains a tunnel used to help slaves escape), and the Grant House (once owned by the parents of Pres. Ulysses S. Grant).
Other notable buildings in this area include the Baker Hunt Foundation, the LaSalette Academy, the American Red Cross building and the First United Methodist Church.