Moving for a job is exciting, but the logistics can feel like a second full-time role. If Union, Kentucky is on your short list, you want clear steps on housing, commute, schools, and the paperwork that comes with crossing state lines for work. In this playbook, you’ll get a practical plan tailored to Union and the greater Cincinnati region so you can settle in with confidence and focus on your new role. Let’s dive in.
Why Union works for workdays
Union sits in Boone County, within the Cincinnati metro. Many residents live in Kentucky and commute across the Ohio River to Ohio job centers. The area is suburban with a strong mix of newer single-family neighborhoods. You’ll find a community designed around commuting and everyday convenience.
Proximity to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is a major plus if your work touches logistics, air cargo, or frequent travel. Review operations and employer presence through the official site for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Because Union connects you to a regional labor market across two states, it pays to think through commute routes and cross-state details like taxes and licensing early in your planning.
Your housing game plan in Union
You’ll see active new-home construction, established subdivisions, and a range of HOA communities. Start with a clear framework that matches your job timeline and budget.
Buy vs. rent: a quick framework
- If your relocation is short term, renting can offer flexibility while you learn the area and confirm your commute.
- If you expect to stay 3 to 5 years or more, buying can make sense if your mortgage, taxes, and upkeep compare well to local rents.
- Ask whether your employer provides a relocation stipend or managed program. That can influence cash flow, timing, and whether purchasing now is feasible.
- Consider resale strength in specific subdivisions, especially those near main commute corridors.
New construction and HOAs
- Union and Boone County often have active builder activity. New builds can provide warranty coverage and modern layouts, but review builder timelines and any development fees.
- Many neighborhoods have HOAs. Read covenants for fees, rental rules, exterior changes, and parking guidelines so there are no surprises later.
Due diligence for homebuyers
- Get pre-approval from a lender familiar with Kentucky loans and Boone County processes.
- Check FEMA flood maps for each address to understand flood risk and potential insurance needs. Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to verify.
- Plan typical contingencies: inspection, appraisal, title review, and HOA document review.
- Coordinate with a local title company or real estate attorney for Kentucky deed and closing steps.
Commuting and employment access
Union is built for drivers. Interstates and state routes link you to I-275 and bridges into downtown Cincinnati and other job centers. Peak weekday traffic can slow the main arteries, so test your routes and timing with live mapping and ask your employer about start-time flexibility.
Public transit exists, though coverage is more limited than car travel. Check routes and schedules through the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky. Park-and-ride or express bus options may work depending on your schedule.
Before you start, ask your employer about:
- Core start and end times, and any flexibility for off-peak commuting.
- Parking availability and cost.
- Hybrid or remote options to cut commute days.
- Any relocation assistance or corporate housing referrals.
A practical relocation timeline
Use this as a starting point, then customize based on your start date and whether you are renting or buying.
8–12+ weeks out
- Narrow target neighborhoods and confirm your commute during likely work hours.
- Decide whether to rent or buy. If buying, start lender pre-approval and schedule showings or model-home tours.
- Request written estimates from at least three licensed movers. If crossing state lines, verify FMCSA registration; if in-state, confirm Kentucky licensing.
- Start school enrollment research if applicable.
4–6 weeks out
- Finalize housing: sign a lease or finalize your purchase and inspections.
- Book your mover and confirm packing, loading, and delivery windows.
- Set up utilities and internet activation dates for your new address.
- Plan for your Kentucky driver’s license and vehicle registration after you move. Review requirements on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
1–2 weeks out
- Pack essentials and label boxes by room.
- Confirm move-day parking, elevator times, and access codes.
- Arrange temporary internet or hotspot coverage if there is a gap during setup.
Set up the essentials in Union
Schools and enrollment
- Public education is provided by Boone County Schools. Confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment steps on the Boone County Schools site.
- For performance and statewide policy information, review the Kentucky Department of Education resources.
Keep language neutral and verify current boundaries and bus routes, since they can change year to year.
Driver’s license, registration, and taxes
- For Kentucky licenses, vehicle registration, and required documents, use the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
- If you live in Kentucky and work in Ohio, review cross-border withholding and state tax residency rules with your employer and the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Utilities and broadband
- Electricity, water/sewer, and trash service vary by address. Your lease or seller disclosures can help you identify providers. City and county websites also provide contacts.
- For internet, verify address-level availability and speeds. The FCC Broadband Map is a useful starting point, especially if you work from home and need strong upload speeds.
Permits, property taxes, and local services
- For renovations, fences, decks, or accessory structures, check permit rules with the City of Union and Boone County planning and building.
- For property assessment and tax procedures, consult the Boone County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA).
- For healthcare, explore nearby systems and facilities such as St. Elizabeth Healthcare for primary care, urgent care, and hospital services.
Set a realistic relocation budget
Plan for both one-time and short-term overlapping expenses.
- Moving: mover fees, packing materials, insurance/valuation coverage, and possible storage.
- Housing: security deposit and first month’s rent, or buyer closing costs and inspection fees.
- Utilities: connection or activation fees, equipment deposits.
- HOA: initiation fees, if applicable.
- Overlap: short-term lodging or storage if move-in and move-out dates do not align.
Questions to ask your support team
Your real estate agent
- How fast are homes selling in my target area of Union?
- Which neighborhoods align best with my employer’s location and my commute window?
- Where is recent new construction happening, and which builders are active?
- What are typical HOA fees and common rules in neighborhoods I like?
- Can I see recent comparable sales for pricing and negotiation planning?
Your employer or HR
- Do you offer relocation assistance, a stipend, or corporate housing?
- Are there recommended local housing or temporary-stay providers?
- What are standard work hours, and can I stagger start times while I settle in?
- What are the parking options and costs at my worksite?
Your moving company
- Are you licensed for interstate moves, and can you share your registration details?
- Can I get an itemized, written estimate and a clear delivery timeline?
- What valuation or insurance options do you offer, and what do they cover?
Where to verify local data
- Commute and transit: Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky
- Air travel and logistics context: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
- Flood risk and insurance needs: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Property assessment and taxes: Boone County PVA
- Licensing and registration: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
- State tax guidance: Kentucky Department of Revenue
- Internet options and speeds: FCC Broadband Map
- School enrollment and boundaries: Boone County Schools
Moving for work is a big life shift, but a clear plan makes it manageable. If you want local guidance on neighborhoods, new construction, commute patterns, and negotiations, reach out to Lorms Home Team. We live and work in Northern Kentucky and can help you move with confidence.
FAQs
What should I know about commuting from Union to Cincinnati?
- Expect car-first commuting with peak traffic on main routes. Test your drive during intended work hours and review bus options and schedules through the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky.
How do I decide whether to rent or buy in Union?
- Match your expected length of stay with costs and flexibility. If you plan 3 to 5 years or more and mortgage costs compare well to rent, buying may make sense; shorter stays favor renting.
What are the steps for a new Kentucky driver’s license after moving?
- Review required documents, testing, and timing through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, then schedule your visit soon after establishing residency.
How do I check if a Union property needs flood insurance?
- Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Your lender and insurance agent can confirm whether coverage is required or recommended.
I will live in Kentucky but work in Ohio. How do state taxes work?
- Ask your employer about cross-border withholding and review guidance from the Kentucky Department of Revenue to understand filing and residency rules.
