Ludlow, KY / Northern Kentucky Rental Market

[Yuk Wai Dominic Ng]

Hi Bigger Pocket Fam,

I am an out of state investor and have been looking around Cincinnati for cash flow opportunities. Recently I discovered this little town across the Ohio River, Ludlow, KY. I would greatly appreciate it if any property managers, investors or RE pros who run rental properties in Ludlow could give me some pointers. 

1. I am very interested to get rent comparison data. How sought after is rental property in this town? What can a 3 bed room / 2 bath townhouse rent for in Ludlow? I would love to connect and get whatever info and connections you have to get started. 

2. Any insight into the rental market of Cincinnati vs. the south shore of the Ohio river? I am surprised to see the crime rate on the Northern Kentucky side being so low compared to Cincinnati and the school rating are also better in general. I would love to hear your thoughts about Cincinnati vs. Northern Kentucky as buy and hold investor.

3. Any thoughts about the difference between Bellevue, Covington, Dayton and Ludlow? I would love to connect with you if you have experience in any of these places.

Thanks,

Dominic

[Lori McClure]

I’d be happy to share more about Ludlow. I work in Cincy and NKY as a realtor. It’s a great place for rentals, short or long-term. Taxes might be a bit higher than you’d expect at $17-$18/$1,000, but it’s definitely a river city to pay attention to. Newport, Covington, Bellevue, Dayton, and Ludlow: these are the places to look. Newport is divided by east (pricier) and west, and Covington has many sections that are all a bit different. But Bellevue, Dayton, and Ludlow are all smaller and good options with Ludlow, Dayton, W Newport, and parts of Covington probably being the most affordable. It’s just competitive right now, and properties go quickly. 

For rentals in Ludlow, you’re probably looking at 1,300-1,500 for a 3/2, and demand is high, so anything would rent quickly. I might be low, but it just depends on condition and location. There are some areas in Ludlow that are in the floodplain, so it would be wise to keep that in mind as well. 

Best of luck to you! Hope that helps 🙂