Highland Heights is a small suburban city nestled in Campbell County, Kentucky, just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. Home to Northern Kentucky University, this community of roughly 7,000 residents offers a blend of college-town energy and family-friendly living. The area provides residents with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to nearby Cincinnati neighborhoods, decent schools, and convenient access to urban amenities. While Highland Heights doesn’t boast the vibrant nightlife of downtown Cincinnati or the historic charm of neighboring Fort Thomas, it compensates with practical amenities, lower housing costs, and a generally peaceful atmosphere. That said, the area does have its drawbacks, including limited public transportation options and fewer high-end dining and entertainment venues than you might find in more affluent suburbs.
Is Highland Heights safe?
Highland Heights enjoys a reputation as a reasonably safe community. The presence of Northern Kentucky University’s campus police adds an extra layer of security, particularly around the university area.
Violent crime remains relatively uncommon in Highland Heights, with most reported incidents being property crimes like theft, especially around commercial areas near US-27.
The neighborhood streets tend to be quiet and well-maintained, contributing to the overall sense of security residents experience.
Local residents often note that they feel comfortable walking around most areas, even in the evening, though standard urban precautions are always wise.
The Highland Heights Police Department maintains an active community policing approach, which helps foster positive relationships between officers and residents.
Is Highland Heights a nice place to live for families?
Highland Heights offers a decent environment for families, with several factors making it an attractive option for those with children.
Schools
The elementary school options in Highland Heights provide solid educational foundations. Donald E. Cline Elementary has earned a positive reputation among parents for its engaged teachers and strong STEM programs.
Johnson Elementary and Woodfill Elementary serve the area with reasonable student-to-teacher ratios and active parent-teacher organizations.
For middle and high school education, Highlands High School stands out as one of the better options in the region, consistently performing above state averages in standardized testing and offering robust AP course selections.
Highlands Middle School feeds into the high school and maintains similar academic standards, though some parents mention that the transition between elementary and middle school can be challenging.
Woodland Middle School provides another option, with particular strengths in music and arts programs.
Families seeking private education have several choices, though most are located in neighboring communities like Fort Thomas and Newport, requiring a short commute.
Family Activities
Highland Heights Park offers playground equipment, sports fields, and picnic areas that serve as gathering spots for local families, especially during warmer months.
The community benefits from its proximity to Northern Kentucky University, which hosts family-friendly events, sports games, and cultural performances throughout the year.
The Highland Heights Civic Center provides space for community gatherings and seasonal celebrations that appeal to residents of all ages.
Approximately 30% of Highland Heights households include children under 18, creating a community where families can connect and build relationships.
Is Highland Heights expensive?
Highland Heights presents a relatively affordable housing market compared to both Cincinnati and some of its more upscale Kentucky neighbors like Fort Thomas.
The average home price hovers around $190,000, making it more accessible than many surrounding areas, though specific neighborhoods can vary significantly in price.
Housing availability tends to be somewhat limited, with properties often moving quickly when they hit the market, particularly single-family homes in good condition.
The areas closer to Northern Kentucky University tend to be more affordable, with a mix of older homes and some apartment complexes catering to students and faculty.
For those looking for luxury options, Highland Heights itself has limited inventory, with nearby Mt. Adams and East End (across the river in Cincinnati) offering higher-end properties in the $500,000+ range.
Budget-conscious buyers might consider the neighboring communities of Mt. Washington or California, where homes can be found for considerably less, though with a longer commute to Cincinnati.
Rental prices in Highland Heights run about $1,100 per month on average, which is higher than many Kentucky communities but still reasonable compared to Cincinnati proper.
Student housing demand near the university creates a steady rental market, with slightly higher prices during the academic year.
What transport links are there?
Highland Heights’ transportation infrastructure is heavily car-dependent, with I-275 and US-27 (Alexandria Pike) serving as the primary arteries.
Commuters to downtown Cincinnati face approximately a 15-20 minute drive in light traffic, though this can double during rush hour.
Public transportation options are limited, with TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky) providing bus service via Route 25, but with infrequent schedules compared to more urban areas.
The lack of rail service is a notable drawback for those who prefer not to drive, though there are ongoing discussions about potential future expansions of Cincinnati’s streetcar system.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area but may have longer wait times than in more densely populated neighborhoods.
Cycling infrastructure is minimal, though some dedicated cyclists do commute to NKU campus this way.
What amenities are available in Highland Heights?
Highland Heights offers a practical mix of everyday amenities, though lacks some of the specialty options found in larger communities.
Food options range from fast-casual chains like Raising Cane’s, Chipotle, and Five Guys to sit-down restaurants like Applebee’s. Nittha Siam Kitchen provides a local Thai option that’s popular with university students and faculty.
The bar scene is limited, with Skyline Tavern serving as a casual neighborhood spot for drinks and basic pub fare. More vibrant nightlife requires a trip to Newport or Cincinnati.
For groceries, residents rely on the Kroger Pickup at Walgreens for basics, while Hungry Harold’s Quick Mart serves those needing convenience items. For major shopping trips, many residents drive to larger supermarkets in neighboring communities.
Healthcare facilities include a couple of medical practices and pharmacies that handle routine care, though specialized treatment typically requires traveling to St. Elizabeth Healthcare facilities in nearby communities or across the river to Cincinnati’s renowned hospital systems.
The area has standard services like hair salons, veterinary care, and a library branch that serves as a community hub, particularly for families with children.
Northern Kentucky University significantly enhances the local amenities, offering community access to its recreational facilities, library, and cultural events.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
Highland Heights benefits from Kentucky’s natural beauty, with several outdoor spaces accessible to residents.
Highland Heights Park provides local green space with basic recreational amenities including playgrounds, basketball courts, and walking paths.
The Campbell County Lakeside Terr area offers pleasant waterside views and fishing opportunities just a short drive away.
Martha Layne Collins Boulevard, while primarily a thoroughfare, features tree-lined sections that make for pleasant walking, especially near the university campus.
For more substantial outdoor experiences, residents can drive approximately 20 minutes to reach the Ohio River recreation areas or the more extensive trail systems in the region.
The university campus itself contains significant green space with walking paths and seasonal landscaping that’s open to the public.
So, what’s the verdict?
Highland Heights represents a solid, middle-of-the-road suburban option that balances affordability with convenience. It’s particularly well-suited for those connected to Northern Kentucky University, families seeking reasonable housing costs with decent schools, and professionals who need easy access to Cincinnati without paying premium prices. While it lacks distinctive character and high-end amenities, its practical benefits make it worth considering for those prioritizing value and location over luxury or hipness.
What are the alternatives?
Fort Thomas, just northwest of Highland Heights, offers better schools and more charming neighborhoods, but at significantly higher housing costs.
Newport provides a more urban experience with walkable entertainment districts and riverfront views, though with more variable safety and school quality.
Cold Spring, immediately adjacent to Highland Heights, offers a similar suburban feel with slightly newer housing stock on average.
For those willing to cross the river, Cincinnati neighborhoods like Mt. Washington provide comparable housing costs with more diverse amenities, though Kentucky’s lower tax rates would no longer apply.
