Your new apartment home in Northern Kentucky awaits.
Fox Chase South
Southgate, KY 41071
Altair
Florence, KY 41042
Vitality by HILLS Properties
Vitality by HILLS Properties connects residents and associates with local businesses in the area and highlights the product and services they offer.
Where To Live in Northern Kentucky: A Neighborhood Guide for Renters
Northern Kentucky gives you access to everything Cincinnati has to offer with room to breathe. Located just across the river, you’ll find more space, easier parking, and relaxed pace here. Most NKY residents cross into Cincy regularly for work, dinner, or weekend plans, returning at the end of the day to this quiet retreat.
Whether you live in Florence, Southgate, or another one of the dynamic communities that give NKY its soul, once you’ve planted your roots here, it’s hard to imagine yourself anywhere else. HILLS Properties is here to help you land in the perfect spot with luxury apartments in Northern Kentucky, perfect for families, students, and professionals alike.
Explore our NKY apartment communities below to get a closer look:
Why Northern Kentucky? Cincinnati Culture, Kentucky Charm
NKY gives you the best of both worlds. You’re close enough to head over to Cincy for a Reds game or dinner in Over-the-Rhine, but you’ll always come home to more space, less noise, and a laid-back way of life. The region is also anchored by major employers in logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, making it a practical choice for professionals working at hubs like CVG Airport, Amazon, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Between the bourbon, baseball, and breathtaking riverfront views, there’s plenty to love here on both sides of the bridge.
Getting to Know NKY: Communities Worth Considering
Northern Kentucky is made up of several distinct communities with their own identity across Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. For most renters, the search for the best place to live in Northern Kentucky starts in these cities:
- Florence. This suburban paradise features a full retail corridor and effortless access to CVG Airport and 75.
- Southgate. A charming, historic community that’s just a short drive over the Big Mac Bridge away from downtown, making it ideal for commuters.
- Covington and Newport. These are neighboring riverfront cities that are close to Newport Aquarium, MegaCorp Pavilion and Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
- Highland Heights. Home to Northern Kentucky University and major employers like St. Elizabeth, this is a quieter community that lets you get around easily via 471.
- Hebron. Located in northern Boone County near the Creation Museum, this community still carries its farming roots even as new subdivisions keep popping up around it.
Florence — Suburban Convenience With Room to Breathe
Everybody ends up in Florence at some point, as Mall Road is a go-to destination for running errands and England Idlewild Park offers plenty of room to explore nature. The area is also a major hub for logistics and distribution, with employers like Amazon Air and FedEx driving job growth. And yeah, there’s the Florence Y’all water tower, which you’ve definitely seen from 75, whether you grew up here or not.
Southgate — Quiet Streets Just Minutes From Cincinnati
Southgate offers simple living. It’s a smaller community where things stay pretty quiet, but it’s still only a quick drive over the bridge away from downtown Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington. Most people take 471 and commute to work, The Banks, or Fountain Square in no time. You’ve also got plenty of spots like Fort Thomas Dog Park if you want some fresh air, a balance that makes it the kind of place people love to call home.
Covington and Newport — Urban Energy on the River
Even if you don’t live in this area, you’ll likely find yourself here a lot. Covington and Newport have a way of pulling people in, both as the main attraction and as somewhere to meet up before crossing the Purple People Bridge to a Bengals game. MainStrasse stays busy all year long, Braxton’s always got something going on, and Newport on the Levee keeps things moving down along the river. When you look out at it all from Devou Park, it’s easy to see the appeal.
Highland Heights — Home to NKU and Much More
Highland Heights flies a little under the radar. Northern Kentucky University is a major educational and employment hub, but there’s much more to the city than campus and Truist Arena. It’s a quieter, mostly residential part of NKY where things feel a little more spread out and steady day to day. With easy access to St. Elizabeth and downtown via 471, it’s a convenient place to live without the noise of the river.
Hebron — Farming Roots and Rapid Growth
Hebron is located a bit further out, but that’s kind of the point. The land along KY-20 still has a rural feel to it, and things stay quiet in a way that’s harder to find closer to the river. The 275 corridor keeps you connected, with CVG, logistics employers like DHL Express, and Cincinnati all within easy reach. The Boone County Arboretum is worth a visit when you want to get outside, and Big Bone Lick is not far to the south for something a little more off the beaten path.
Getting Around in Northern Kentucky
Once you learn the roads, cruising around NKY becomes second nature. The backbone is 75 and 471, with the 275 loop tying everything together and Dixie Highway filling in the gaps. Two bridges cross into Cincinnati: the Big Mac Bridge on 471 and the Brent Spence on 75. This makes NKY especially appealing for professionals commuting to downtown Cincinnati, CVG Airport, or the I-75 logistics corridor.
Life Outside Your Front Door
NKY gives you all the fun of two cities for the price of one. Parks, restaurants, and entertainment options stretch from Cincy to Covington across the river, and the distance between the surrounding region’s best spots is shorter than most newcomers expect. Whether you live in one of our 2-bedroom apartments in Southgate or one of our modern apartments in Florence, all the excitement of the region is within reach.
Where Locals Eat in Northern Kentucky
Folks tend to stay close to home when dining out in NKY, with reliable spots like Barleycorn’s and Drake’s carrying most of the rotation in the Florence area. People head north toward Covington when they want a change of pace, with places like Mama’s on Main reserved more for special occasions. The restaurant scene opens up the farther out you look, with favorites like Knotty Pine on the Bayou, Agave & Rye and Smoke Justis getting crowded most weekends.
Getting a Breath of Fresh Air
England Idlewild Park anchors the outdoors scene in Boone County with expansive trails, bike paths, and a top-tier disc golf course. If you prefer a close-to-home option for short walks or playdates, Boone Woods Park is perfect. For something more scenic, Devou Park in Covington features hilltop overlooks, wooded trails, and some of the best skyline views in Cincinnati.
Bourbon, Baseball, and Racing: NKY’s Signature Trifecta
Northern Kentucky fits a lot into one side of the river, and that’s part of the appeal. You might start the evening in Florence at a Y’alls game, then head a few minutes over to Turfway for live racing. From there, it’s an easy move toward the river, where Covington and Newport line up a string of legendary bourbon spots. It all connects without much effort, which is what gives this stretch of NKY an unmistakable feel.
The Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee
Newport Aquarium remains one of the region’s most consistent draws, and its location at Newport on the Levee makes it easy to plan an entire day of fun. The surrounding area packs in restaurants, bars, and live music at MegaCorp Pavilion, with the excitement of the riverfront just a short walk away. It’s a repeat destination for NKY residents, especially when hosting out-of-town visitors or looking for something easy to plan.
Modern Apartments in Northern Kentucky
HILLS’ Northern Kentucky apartments are designed with your convenience in mind. Our options feature modern appliances, in-unit laundry, high-speed internet, and stylish finishes that make every space feel like home. With spacious layouts and thoughtful design choices, you’ll have no trouble getting comfortable here.
Staying Active and Relaxed at Home
Everything you need to thrive is right outside your door when you live at one of our apartment communities in NKY. Take a dip in the pool, get your workout in at the fitness center, or take your laptop to the clubhouse to expand your WFH setup. With our expert maintenance team always on call, you’ll be free to focus on enjoying your home instead of worrying about it.
Live Your Best Life in Northern Kentucky With HILLS
The details matter when searching for your next home, and HILLS Properties has spent decades getting them right. From modern amenities to a maintenance team that has your back, our apartment communities in Northern Kentucky are built to support the way you actually live.
Experience the difference for yourself! Explore our Northern Kentucky apartment communities below and schedule a tour today:
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Kentucky Apartments
Most renters will need a car. Florence is car-dependent for nearly all errands. Southgate has TANK bus service along Alexandria Pike, but most residents drive. Interstates 75, 71, 471, and the 275 loop cover regional travel well, and they’re easy to understand with experience.
In Florence, 1-bedroom apartments average around $1,200 to $1,250 per month, with 2-bedroom floor plans ranging from $1,400 to $1,600. Southgate is comparable. Renters consistently get more sq ft for the money than in similar Cincinnati neighborhoods.
Florence is preferred for its suburban convenience, retail access, and CVG proximity. Southgate is favored for downtown Cincinnati access, quieter streets, and a residential feel. Both are home to exceptional HILLS communities, so the right choice depends on what your ideal week looks like.
Definitely! NKY offers easy access to major employers like Amazon Air, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and other downtown companies, granting you more space and lower monthly costs. Northern Kentucky University is right down the road, and the University of Cincinnati is just a short drive away across the river.
England Idlewild Park in Florence is the crown jewel, with 290 acres of hiking trails, fishing spots, and disc golf all in one place. Closer to home, Florence Nature Park and General James Taylor Park are great local spots worth exploring. History buffs and the curious alike will also love Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, a one-of-a-kind destination just southwest of Florence.