Visitor/Relocation Information Northern Kentucky is comprised of three counties and 39 municipalities. Northern Kentucky is unique because it offers both the fast-paced excitement of the big city and the relaxed lifestyle and quiet beauty of Kentucky s rolling hills. The slower pace of small communities make this area a very pleasant place to call home where friendliness is just a way of life here. You can enjoy big-city amenities and hometown charm. Our communities have maintained their small-town attitudes, with friendly neighbors and businesses that emphasize quality and service. This is a great place to work, play, raise a family and feel safe.   The Commonwealth of Kentucky (IPA: /kənˈtʌ.ki /) is a state located in the east central United States of America. Kentucky is normally included in the group of Southern states, but it is sometimes included, geographically and culturally, in the Midwest.[3] [4] Kentucky is one of four U.S. states to be officially known as a commonwealth. Originally a part of Virginia, in 1792 it became the 15th state to join the Union. Kentucky is the 37th largest state in terms of land area, and ranks 26th in population. Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State," a nickname based on the fact that bluegrass is present in many of the lawns and pastures throughout the state. It is a land with diverse environments and abundant resources, including the world's longest cave system, the most miles of navigable waterways and streams in the Lower 48 states, the two largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River, the highest per capita number of deer and turkey in the United States, and the nation's most productive coalfield. Kentucky is also known for thoroughbred horses, horse racing, bourbon distilleries, bluegrass music, automobile manufacturing (including the best selling car, truck, and SUV in the U.S. market), tobacco, and college basketball.