A century ago, speakeasies and casinos lined Monmouth Street, and mobsters made under-the-table deals in Pepper Pod Restaurant, earning Newport, Kentucky, the nickname "Sin City." Today, it's a walkable entertainment district home to a renowned aquarium and dozens of restaurant options. "There're a lot of things to do in Newport; it has some nice quieter residential areas, but still urban," says Alicia Stoughton, a trained architect and Realtor with Keller Williams since 2016, adding, "Although it's a part of greater Cincinnati, it's certainly its own city." Today, approximately 14,000 call Newport home; the last few years have seen a decline in populations as historic, multi-family options are renovated and converted into single-family homes; prices are on the rise. Although the mob has long since fled "Sin City," it's managed to hold onto its distinct distinctive character. Rock music and electronic beats pour from the Thompson House on weekend nights, residents watch as fireworks illuminate the Cincinnati skyline during Riverfest in September, and murals celebrate diversity. Less than 2 miles from Cincinnati, Newport is still colorful.
Newport Aquarium is home to thousands of animals in a million gallons of water in Newport.
A century ago, mobsters made deals at Pepper Pod Restaurant in Newport.
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Varying home prices in nine distinct neighborhoods
According to Stoughton, Newport is divided into nine distinct neighborhoods, six of which are nationally registered historic districts. Mansion Hill is one of the most well-known, located in the city's northeast corner. "Mansion Hill is a really nice area right on the riverfront," says Stoughton. Here, prospective buyers will find Victorian and Italianate homes with detailed trim and colorful exteriors, and prices can sometimes exceed $900,000, depending on their condition. West towards the Licking River in neighborhoods like Buena Vista and Two Rivers , modest Kentucky bungalows and shotgun houses can sell for under $150,000 and, due to the neighborhood's age, attached garages are few and far between. Median sale prices for single-family homes in Newport have been on a steady incline over the last few years and today hover around $360,000, still well below the national median.
Prospective buyers will find Victorian homes in Newport.
Due to Newport's age, you will find rows of early 20th century homes throughout the city.
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An eclectic downtown, Newport on the Levee and Newport Pavilion
In Taylors Landing , Monmouth Street was a hot spot for mob activity in the mid-20th century. Today, the street is home to much of Newport's shopping and dining. Residents will find a mix of vintage clothing and record stores, diners serving Cincinnati-style chili and small markets with colorful awnings. There are big box stores and fast food chains in Newport Pavilion, found in Cote Brilliante a few miles away, and Newport on the Levee shopping mall has been a hub for upscale retail and entertainment since it opened in 2001. There are more options across the Veteran Memorial Bridge in Covington, aka "The Cov."
Newport on the Levee shopping mall is a hub for upscale retail and entertainment in Newport.
York Street restaurant in Newport is known for its cozy, knick-knack-adorned interior.
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Live music venues, the Purple People Bridge and sharks
Once known for its gambling dens, Newport's now a hub for live music in the Cincinnati metro area. Located off 3rd Street, the Thompson House is a 19th-century residential home turned entertainment venue. It hosted the likes of Abraham Lincoln in the 1850s, but today, it's more common to find local rock bands performing inside. Other music venues include MegaCorp Pavilion, where concert-goers can enjoy views of the Cincinnati skyline while listening to touring country acts, and there are weekly concerts on the Purple People Bridge—named for its distinctive color—throughout the summer months. The pedestrian bridge also hosts festive light shows throughout the winter, and residents can rent it out for private parties. Some families invest in memberships at the Newport Aquarium, famous for its shark bridge, and during football season, traffic picks up as fans drive to Paycor Stadium across the Ohio River.
The Purple People Bridge connects Newport to Cincinnati.
Thompson House hosts local rock bands and touring acts in Newport.
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Newport Independent School, community education and decreasing crime
Students can attend Newport Independent Schools, a district that earns an overall C-plus grade from Niche. Boys varsity basketball has done notably well within the district, and residents make a point to cheer on the team at state-wide tournaments like the All "A" Classic. Campbell County Adult Education, located on West 8th Street downtown, helps prepare community members for their GEDs, and there's free tax preparation help and lecture series through the Newport Branch at the Campbell County Public Library.
Although Newport's crime rates are higher than Kentucky's averages due to its proximity to Cincinnati, both violent and property crime have been on a steady decline over the past 10 years, according to FBI data.
Newport Primary School in Newport received a B from the educational review site Niche.
St. Therese School near Newport was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
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A historic flood wall, playgrounds and skateboarders in local parks
There are a dozen public parks throughout the city's neighborhoods nine neighborhoods, most of which feature playgrounds and picnic areas. The flood of 1937 damaged much of Newport's downtown, and a floodwall was built in response; it remains an important part of the city's landscape today in General James Taylor Park, which is also home to picnic tables, grill stations and fishing spots. At Ralph Mussman Recreation Complex, located beside Interstate 471, locals can challenge one another to tennis matches or visit the skate park under the bridge, and Festival Park hosts events beside the river throughout the year. Season passes are available for the Veterans Memorial Pool, open to the public during the city's humid summers when temperatures can reach close to 90 degrees.
General James Taylor Park in Newport has picnic tables and a playground.
Newport Skatepark - Under the Bridge is a hub for the skaters of Newport.
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TANK public buses, Amtrak and the Cincinnati Airport
Newport is serviced by the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (aka TANK), and the Southbank Shuttle stops along 3rd Street on its way to Cincinnati, less than 2 miles away. It's common for residents to work in the larger city, where major employers include Procter & Gamble, Kroger and Cincinnati Children's Hospital. The shuttle also connects Newport to Covington, where residents can seek medical care at St. Elizabeth, and Amtrak's Cardinal Line connects the region to Chicago and New York. About 14 miles, or 20 minutes, from Newport via Interstates 71 and 275 is the Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport, which has more than 50 nonstop destinations.
Hi there! I’m Katrina. I'm honored you've stopped by Homes.com :)
My professional journey began in journalism and marketing, where I honed my communication skills and learned to understand people’s needs and motivations. Today, I’m proud to lead The Scarlett Property Group, a venture that started by my incredible (step) mother, Debbie Robke after she left our family automotive businesses. In 2018, she brought me into the business as her team's buyer's agent, and together we continued to grow The Scarlett Property Group, deepening both our professional partnership and our incredible bond as mother and daughter.
Upon earning my real estate license, I embraced the opportunity to help clients find their dream homes. Whether it was their very first home, relocation, downsizing, or something else, it was (and still is, quite frankly) a chance to improve and grow my listening, research, and negotiation skills. My experience working with all of those clients, including many professional athletes and broadcast commentators, has enriched my approach, enabling me to provide exceptionally tailored service.
In 2020, when Debbie unexpectedly passed away, I faced a pivotal moment. Instead of stepping away from the business, I chose to honor her legacy by continuing our mission. The mission of guiding our clients through any real estate transaction to the best of our ability, keeping our clients informed throughout the entire process. Through living this mission, I show my children the importance of resiliency and hard work, teaching them what it means to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
At The Scarlett Property Group, I prioritize a seamless and enjoyable real estate experience for my clients... because if we're not having fun, then there's no point in doing it! With a commitment to honesty, integrity, ethics, clear communication, and genuine care, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Let me show you how this Kentucky girl handles business!
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