If you want an affordable place to call home with easy access to the outdoors, Kentucky may be the right choice. More than 50 Fortune 500 companies and thriving agrotech, automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace sectors buoy the economy. In their downtime, locals love communing with nature, spending time with their horses, and hitting the Bourbon Trail. If you’re ready to join them, consider making one of these exceptional cities your new home.
1. Louisville, Kentucky
- Population change: B
- Median rent: C
- Points of interest: A
- Education: A
- Health care: A
As Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville has plenty to attract residents. There’s always something fun to do, from cheering on the horses at the Kentucky Derby to drinking up at the Old Lou Brew Craft Beer Festival. Louisville also has some of the country’s best hospitals, including Baptist Health Louisville, Norton Hospital, and UofL Health — Jewish Hospital. Parents know their kids are getting the best start, with A-grade schools and the acclaimed Louisville University close to home. The cost of living and Rent is also reasonable for urban living, with a typical one-bedroom apartment costing $1,089.
2. Lexington, Kentucky
- Population change: D
- Median rent: B
- Points of interest: A-
- Education: A
- Health care: A
Lexington, in the heart of Kentucky, offers big-city amenities without the big-city feel or high cost of living. Its population hovers around 321,000, around half the residents of Louisville, so you won’t feel lost in a crowd. Slow population growth keeps the rent reasonable, with a one-bedroom apartment typically costing $895. That leaves more money for entertainment. Watch games at Memorial Coliseum, movies at Kentucky Theatre, or live music at Rupp Arena, Manchester Music Hall, or Lexington Opera House.
3. Elizabethtown, Kentucky
- Population change: A
- Median rent: B
- Points of interest: D
- Education: D
- Health care: C
Elizabethtown, in Kentucky’s north, is a friendly community with safe and affordable neighborhoods. Expect to pay around $800 for a one-bedroom apartment. While there are limited entertainment and shopping options, Fort Knox is just 15 miles south. You won’t have to travel to eat out though, as its culinary scene outshines most small towns. Visit The Wicked-Eyed Woman, Los Nopales Mexican Restaurant, or El Tapatio for fabulous meals.
4. Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Population change: A
- Median rent: C
- Points of interest: D+
- Education: C
- Health care: B
Bowling Green, in south-central Kentucky, is one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, welcoming around 3,000 new residents in the last two years. Many come to study at Western Kentucky University or pursue opportunities in the health care, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. Bowling Green also welcomes refugees, with these international arrivals making up nearly 15% of the population. Rents have remained reasonable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $825. Museums, galleries, theaters, and parks ensure you’re never bored. Most weekends, you can also see emerging musicians from Nashville, Tennessee, at local bars, a city that’s less than an hour away.
5. Covington, Kentucky
- Population change: C
- Median rent: D
- Points of interest: B+
- Education: B
- Health care: C
Covington is one of Kentucky’s most unusual cities, with a cool, quirky vibe millennials love. While it’s part of the Bluegrass State, its location across the Ohio River from Cincinnati forms its identity. Its rents are more expensive than Cincinnati and most Kentucky cities, with a typical one-bedroom apartment setting you back $1,050. However, people who “LovetheCov” insist living here is worth paying extra for. While it’s close to Cincinnati’s attractions and job opportunities, The Carnegie, Braxton Brewing Company, and Riverfront Commons and Devou Park are all within the city limits.
6. Richmond, Kentucky
- Population change: D
- Median rent: A
- Points of interest: D+
- Education: F
- Health care: F
Richmond’s affordable rents, with a median price of $725, might attract you to this city in east-central Kentucky, but it’s got much more going for it. While it lacks the attractions of big cities, its location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains suits nature lovers. Go hiking, biking, kayaking, or fishing at scenic local spots like Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Daniel Boone National Forest, or the Natural Arch Scenic Area. The EKU Center for the Arts on the Eastern Kentucky University campus also brings culture.
7. Owensboro, Kentucky
- Population change: C
- Median rent: D
- Points of interest: C-
- Education: C
- Health care: D
Owensboro, in western Kentucky, offers cosmopolitan living on the banks of the Ohio River. While limited shopping experiences impacted its points of interest grade, its entertainment and restaurant options are impressive. For special nights out, try riverfront restaurants like Lure Seafood and Grille and Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits. The riverfront also offers entertainment like the Friday After 5 summer concerts and events at the RiverPark Center and Owensboro Convention Center. Local rents are stable at a median of $550 for a one-bedroom apartment.
8. Florence, Kentucky
- Population change: F
- Median rent: F
- Points of interest: B
- Education: B
- Health care: B
Like Covington, Florence is part of Cincinnati. You can easily access all of Cincinnati’s businesses, but the city has its own employment opportunities and attractions. It caters to children, who make up roughly 25% of the population, with great parks, an indoor play center, recreation centers, and family-friendly restaurants like Smokin’ This and That BBQ and Mai Thai Restaurant. Budget around $1,078 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,332 for two bedrooms.
Methodology
- 1-bedroom median rent price – Zumper.com
- Population change – American Community Survey 2021 and 2019
- Stores, schools, entertainment, restaurant, transportation – OpenStreetMap
To determine the best places to live in Kentucky we analyzed data on seven key metrics, including median 1-bedroom rent prices, population change, and the quantity of stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants. 1-bedroom rent prices accounted for 30 percent of the weighted grade. Population change accounted for 20 percent. Stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, and restaurants accounted for ten percent each.
Frequently asked questions
What are the closest big cities to Kentucky?
Kentucky’s close proximity to Nashville and Cincinnati is vital to its economy. Nashville is 155 miles from Louisville and 182 miles from Lexington-Fayette. Cincinnati is even closer, at just 73 miles from Lexington-Fayette and 89 miles from Louisville.
Kentucky experiences all four seasons, so prepare for all kinds of weather. Summer usually hits the high 80s, while winter falls to the low 20s. It doesn’t snow everywhere, although it’s common in the mountains. Kentucky is prone to tornadoes and experiences rain year-round.
Yes, Kentucky has several affordable places to live, including smaller cities like Elizabethtown, Frankfort, and Hopkinsville, which offer a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
When choosing a place to live in Kentucky, consider factors such as cost of living, job opportunities, quality of schools, access to healthcare, recreational activities, and the overall community atmosphere.
Yes, Kentucky is known for its scenic rural areas. Places like Berea, Danville, and Morehead offer a slower pace of life, beautiful natural surroundings, and a strong sense of community.
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