Better Know a Cincinnati Neighborhood: Covington (Updated for 2026)

Overview:

Covington is a Northern Kentucky city located just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati. Lots of helpful information can be found on their official website or on their Wikipedia page. Covington is full of history and culture and is a short ride across the river from Cincinnati’s central business district.

Covington has 20 parks for people and families to enjoy, ranging from pools and waterparks to trails and picnic shelters. In addition, golf is an option at Devou Park, which also boasts a scenic view of downtown and the river. Given its location, Covington is very convenient for going to a Reds or Bengals game or any activity at The Banks. It is conveniently located for many landmarks and attractions, such as the nearby Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Museum Center.

When it comes to education, Covington has several options. Covington Independent Public School System is the largest independent school system in Kentucky; it has several options for both elementary school and high school. Part of Covington is also served by the Kenton County School District, which is the fifth largest district in Kentucky. There are also a number of schools for those interested in private or religious education; the Covington Diocese hosts 29 elementary schools and 9 secondary schools, with two of the most notable being Covington Latin School and Covington Catholic School.

As for higher education, Covington also is home to Gateway Community & Technical College and Northern Kentucky University. NKU is a sizeable state university with over 15,000 students and an NCAA Division I basketball program. Residents of Covington can enjoy in-state tuition prices and easy access to its colleges and degree programs.

As for food and entertainment, the neighborhood is home to many local favorites, including:

• Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar – TripAdvisor.com’s #1 choice for Covington.
• Otto’s on Main – “A bistro. A bar. A cafe.” Otto’s has become a staple of the Covington restaurant scene for over a decade.
• Blinker’s Tavern – Another of TripAdvisor’s top picks for Covington.
• Wunderbar – Authentic German food and beer in the heart of Covington.
• Braxton Brewing Company – A beautiful and spacious brewery and taproom in the heart of Covington.
• Roebling Point Books and Coffee – A great little coffee and book shop that is “bridging the gap between books and beans.”
• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub and Restaurant – The name says it all for Molly Malone’s. Fish and chips and shepherd’s pie are among the crowd favorites.
• The Gruff – A trendy restaurant and bar with a scenic view of the river and downtown Cincinnati.
• Agave & Rye – A local favorite Mexican restaurant featuring “epic tacos” and a full service bar.
• KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia – A unique Asian/American fusion restaurant that boasts “Soul Food Meets Kung Food.”
• Goodfellas Pizzeria – A local favorite for New York style pizza.

Quick Facts for Renters:

(Updated 5/27/2026)

Population: 41,847
Median Age: 38.6 years
Median Home Price: $217,616
Median Rent: $1,111
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Covington is 1% lower than the Kentucky average.
Average Commute to Downtown Cincinnati: 7-12 minutes.

Sources: Area Vibes, City-Data.com