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.
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