Northern Kentucky Area Information

Northern Kentucky, long considered one of the most beautiful of the United States, has an abundance of real estate choices. Whether you are looking to invest in commercial property, a home, or even a ranch, Northern Kentucky has something to offer you.

Northern Kentucky History

Some of the first explores of Kentucky include Daniel Boone, Kit Carson, and Dr. Thomas Walker; however Boone is most well-known, due to his historic blazing of the Wilderness Trail through the Cumberland Gap, and the founding of Boonesboro, the first chartered town in Kentucky, where Boone lived from 1775 to 1779. However, this settlement was later abandoned for a variety of reasons. Seven years later, in 1774, the first permanent settlement was established by James Harrod, and was subsequently named Harrodsburg in 1774.

1866 saw the opening of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which enabled pedestrians to traverse from Kentucky to Ohio without the use of a ferry for the first time.

Kentucky is nicknamed 'The Bluegrass State' primarily because its fertile soil produces native bluegrass. This makes possible the breeding of high quality live-stock and thoroughbred race horses. According to Wikipedia, 'Kentucky is also home to the highest per capita number of deer and turkey in the United States, the largest free-ranging elk herd east of Montana, and the nation's most productive coalfield.'

Innovation

Kentucky is long been a leader in science and technology; however, with the passing of the Kentucky Innovation Act in 2000, innovation has become a centerpiece of Kentucky's future plans. The Act distributes funds to each of the separate counties for the advancement of the biosciences, human health and development, environmental and energy technologies, and information technologies and communication. Some of the achievements made possible by these funds include the building of research facilities (such as Cardiovascular Innovation Institute), funding of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, and the Rural Innovation Program (designed for innovation within small businesses). With such importance placed on innovation, Kentucky promises to continue to be an innovator in many fields.

Employment

Kentucky is the headquarters of many major corporations, and therefore there is a wide range of employment opportunities.  Some of these include Ashland, Toyota North America, Omnicare, Hewlett-Packard, Smuckers, Fazoli’s, and Saint Joseph Health System, as well as many others. Whether your background is in healthcare, technology, management, public relations, factory work, or many others, there is employment in Kentucky for you. 

If your background is in manufacturing, Kentucky is also the producer of petroleum, natural gas, fluorspar, clay, and stone.
And this is only the tip of the iceberg.  Kentucky is also a producer of fine textiles and attire, furniture, aluminum ware, lumber products, machinery, and iron and steel products, corn, soybeans, wheat, fruit, hogs, cattle, and dairy products.

According to Workforce Kentucky, employment rates in 68 counties state-wide increased between November 2009 and November 2010. Since 2000, per capita income has steadily increased. More recently, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce jointly released the area's economic forecast which cites steady improvement in the local labor market with an increase in hours worked and wages earned. Feel free to browse the 2011 Regional Economic Outlook.

Entertainment

Kentucky is home to many state parks, museums, nature trails, and theme parks.  Among these are Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace National Historic Site, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, International Bluegrass Music Museum, the Louisville Zoo, Beech Bend Raceway, and Kentucky Horse Park…not to mention fine dining and many challenging golf courses.

But let’s not forget the biggest attraction of all, the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.  For a horse lover, this is one of the most exciting attractions anywhere.

Celebrities for Kentucky include Abraham Lincoln, Johnny Depp, Crystal Gayle, Muhammad Ali, and Rosemary Clooney.  An interesting tidbit on Clooney: Her son was a local TV star and newscaster, and his son, George Clooney, is a much sought-after Hollywood actor.

Education

Educationally, Kentucky has much to offer, with many prestigious colleges and universities within its borders.  These include the University of Louisville, Kentucky State University, Ashland Community and Technical College, to name a few.  There are also numerous medical colleges, including Kentucky Health Care Training Institute and the University of Kentucky Healthcare, both known for producing outstanding healthcare professionals.

Healthcare

Healthcare is an issue of extreme importance for the legislatures and citizens of Kentucky.  From the elderly, to the indigent, to the affluent, Kentucky has maintained a reputation for excellence.  In fact, Health Kentucky was established in 1984 to ensure all citizens received quality healthcare, regardless of who they are.