Covington, Kentucky, has much to recommend, including a stealth sort of char, affordable housing, proximity to Cincinnati, a historic area with charm, and a vibrant arts scene.
The cons include high crime rates in certain areas, limited public transportation, and occasional flooding risks due to its location along the Ohio River.
Covington’s rich culture, culinary delights, and scenic attractions make it an excellent place to come home to or visit and discover its undercover and authentic charms.
Covington, KY, offers a unique blend of food, culture, and draws.
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Pros of Living in Covington, KY
There’s a lot to love about residing in Covington, Kentucky, which provides many amenities, from family-fun green spaces to affordability and livability.
And from culture and the arts to sports and athletics.
Consider the following:
1. Historic Appeal
Covington’s historic neighborhoods and architecture provide a unique and charming environment whether you’re here to visit or to live.
Wander around the city to admire its well-preserved historic architecture and beautiful homes.
2. Affordable Housing
Covington, Kentucky, offers reasonably priced housing options, making it an attractive place to live.
Some reasons people choose to live in Covington include a more laid-back way of life with more parks and nature-based events, a lower crime rate, and a lower cost of living.
3. Cultural Diversity
If you’re looking for a diverse community, Covington understands and embodies the ethos, and the philosophy and practice of diversity enriches the city’s culture, arts, entertainment, and cuisine.
4. Proximity to Cincinnati
Covington is right across the river from Cincinnati, providing access to a big city’s amenities for entertainment, educational, cultural, sporting, and career opportunities.
5. Riverfront Views
The Ohio River provides fantastic scenic views, and for those who love water-based sports and social time opportunities, Covington has you covered!
The city’s nestled at the intersection of the Ohio and Licking rivers (and yes, we’ve heard all the jokes, thank you) and adjoining Newport.
Come and experience the riverfront walks as you meander along the scenic Ohio River along the picturesque Riverfront Commons and savor the green spaces.
6. Festivals and Events
Covington hosts numerous festivals and cultural events annually.
Prepare for fests like the Maifest, Oktoberfest, and the World’s Longest Yard Sale! (When it comes to yard sales, size matters.)
7. Food Scene
Enjoy local specialties like goetta and Cincinnati-style chili in various eateries.
Those in the know think of it as Covington Chili: Go ahead and sample the local Cincinnati-style dish.
It isn’t cheating.
Besides, your regular chili won’t mind. (Really!).
Covington is known for its love of goetta, a regional sausage made with oats and ground meat.
Try it at local diners and the annual Goettafest.
And in a region that celebrates all things bourbon, many of the area’s distilleries offer tastings and tours.
Kentucky is famous for bourbon, and Covington has its share of whiskey bars and distilleries where you can enjoy this signature drink and support local artisans.
8. Music and Arts
Discover a thriving arts scene with theaters, galleries, and live music venues.
Thanks to a rich mix of outdoor and indoor music venues, it’s year-round concert season in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Newport. Downtown Covington, Ky., hosts a wide range of musical performances.
Devou Park hosts events ranging from the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra to bluegrass music and more in the summer.
9. Educational/Cultural Institutions
Covington can boast several quality schools and universities in the area, including Northern Kentucky University.
Cultural amenities include easy access to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Art Center, Taft Museum, and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The Cincinnati Museum Center, the locus of the Natural History and Science Museum, The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, and the Cincinnati Children’s Museum, is nestled in an Art Deco edifice that inspired the DC Comics’ Hall of Justice.
Plus, the Behringer Crawford Museum – is famous for its two-headed calf, the Fire Museum, and Cincy’s Lucky Cat Museum.
10. Outdoor Activities
Get your green on with the many parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for hiking, biking, and more that Covington provides to enjoy a rewarding outdoor recreational lifestyle.
For example, A wickedly wonderful network of biking trails along the Riverfront Commons helps to make this an excellent city for cycling enthusiasts.
11. Sports and Athletic Opportunities
Covington features parks with basketball courts, soccer fields, and walking trails and hosts events like 5K runs and rec sports leagues.
Close to Cincinnati, sports fans can enjoy Cincinnati Reds baseball games at the Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Bengals football at Paul Brown Stadium, and Cincinnati FC soccer matches.
12. Transportation
Straightforward access to highways and the knowledge that the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is close by if you ever need to make a quick break out of town simplify travel and bring peace of mind.
Cons of Living in Covington, KY
1. High Crime Rates
Covington has, unfortunately, experienced, as many other areas have, a crime rate (per 1,000 residents)of 11.03 violent crimes and 26.46 property crimes.
2. Limited Public/Mass Transportation
Public transportation options in the city are limited, and, like many other parts of the US, people have to rely on owning and maintaining their own vehicles.
This leads us to the next point.
3. Traffic Congestion
Remember how access to Cincinnati’s economic and cultural amenities was listed in the Pros column?
Right. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Commuting to Cincinnati can–and often does–lead to traffic congestion during rush hours.
Or should we call them slow times?
4. Parking Issues
When reading about the traffic congestion and limitations of public transportation, we come to the final challenge of the transit trifecta auto-related challenge: Finding parking can be difficult in certain parts of the city at certain times.
5. Economic Disparities
As in much of the US, economic disparities among residents impact many aspects that create community and quality of life, including education, housing, child/elder care, and crime.
6. Education Challenges
While there are good schools, some areas face educational challenges.
In primary and secondary schools, there are disparities in resources and performance between schools, impacting quality.
High dropout rates and low graduation rates are concerns.
And access and affordability in higher education can limit opportunities for some students.
7. Weather Extremes
Don’t care for the weather?
Not to worry, it’ll change soon enough.
The region experiences both hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
On the other hand, this is a benefit as it keeps Covington for the Covingtonites.
For example, temperature averages over the past thirty years showed daily high temperatures for July ranging from 82°F- 91°F and January highs range from 40°F-47.°F
8. Limited Career Opportunities
Finding a job in Covington can present challenges.
Despite many opportunities, competition can be fierce, especially in healthcare and manufacturing.
The city also grapples with economic disparities, issues related to education/skills matching, and a need for higher-paying jobs; however, the city offers career-hunting potential for job seekers aware of these and other challenges.
9. Noise and Crowds
Just like anywhere, you’ll hear people when you have people, and this especially holds for the areas near nightlife districts, which can be noisy and crowded during weekends.
This is the tradeoff for easy access to a downtown, populated, or child-friendly area.
10. Healthcare Access
Yes, there are medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, but like many areas, if your healthcare needs require specialized healthcare, you may require trips to Cincinnati or another central metropolitan area with a more extensive network of healthcare providers, specialists, and medical services.
Severe weather events, and here we’re talking about things like storms and tornadoes–can lead to disruptions and power outages.
And being located along the Ohio River, Covington faces occasional flooding, which may dampen more than your socks, shoes, and spirits.
Pros and Cons of Living in Covington, KY – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Covington, KY | Cons of Living in Covington, KY |
|---|---|
| 1. Historic Appeal | 1. High Crime Rates |
| 2. Affordable Housing | 2. Limited Public/Mass Transportation |
| 3. Cultural Diversity | 3. Traffic Congestion |
| 4. Proximity to Cincinnati | 4. Parking Issues |
| 5. Riverfront Views | 5. Economic Disparities |
| 6. Festivals and Events | 6. Education Challenges |
| 7. Food Scene | 7. Weather Extremes |
| 8. Music and Arts | 8. Limited Career Opportunities |
| 9. Educational/Cultural Institutions | 9. Noise and Crowds |
| 10. Outdoor Activities | 10. Healthcare Access |
| 11. Sports and Athletic Opportunities | 11. Weather-Related Disruptions |
| 12. Transportation |
Covington Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Covington Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food festival put Covington, KY, on the map for foodies?
This particular spot on the map in Kentucky is home to the world’s largest goetta festival, celebrating this unique–no–this iconic– regional sausage dish!
The annual event attracts food enthusiasts from all over the world.
A two-weekend “Celebration of all Things Goetta” is held annually at the end of July/beginning of August at Newport’s Festival Park at the Levee.
It’s free and open to the goetta-loving public.
Is there anyone famous from Covington?
Covington, KY, has been the launching site for many notable individuals–namely, everyone who’s ever lived here is essential and adds to the community and culture.
If you mean recognizable names, the actress Rosemary Clooney, known for “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” was born in the city.
As was the criminal mastermind/Prohibition-era bootlegger George Remus, who operated from Covington.
Can you suggest any fun activities for a family?
Absolutely!
Have you considered a visit to MainStrasse Village?
Here, you’ll discover a historic district with fun attractions, lively streets, grand architecture, and the restaurants and cafés you need to fuel visiting the unique stores and shops.
Then, as the sun sets, see the area’s wide range of bars and cafés, where you’ll find an eatery and entertainment venue that offers sophisticated entertainment.
It’s also one of the sites of the World’s Longest Yard Sale, generally held at the beginning of August.
Now, for the fans of bridges among us, those who are compelled by a fascination and attraction for historical and interesting bridges, we have a bridge to sell you!
We mean to show you!
The Roebling Suspension Bridge is your ticket.
Come and view the iconic bridge that unites the cities of Covington and Cincinnati, providing astonishing views of the city’s skyline and the Ohio River.
I came here on vacation, and the city looks familiar. Have any films been shot here?
If Covington looks familiar, it may be because you’ve seen it in films such as “Rain Man” (1988).
The film features scenes shot in Covington, notably at the historic Riverside Drive and the Covington Plaza.
Covington also plays a vital role and backdrop in “The Men Who Built America” (2012).
What historical event would interest history buffs?
Covington was a prominent stop on the Underground Railroad, with many unsung heroes aiding escaped enslaved people in their quest for freedom.
As someone who has lived in Covington, KY for several years now, I can say that the city truly offers a unique blend of charm and affordability. The historic appeal and cultural diversity make it an interesting place to live, while its proximity to Cincinnati provides access to big-city amenities. However, there are also challenges such as high crime rates in certain areas and limited public transportation options. Overall though, I have enjoyed my time living here and would recommend it as a great place to call home or visit!