Best Places To Live in Kentucky

Bowling Green

Why Bowling Green is a great city to live in Kentucky.

Often described as the “Home of the Corvette,” Bowling Green, Kentucky is a city that embodies Southern hospitality while offering many compelling reasons to call it home. Tucked in the southern region of the state, Bowling Green provides a wealth of activities and attractions to keep you busy all year long. One of the highlights is the renowned National Corvette Museum, a must-see for automobile enthusiasts. Those keen on life outdoors will enjoy the enchanting Lost River Cave, an underground wonder complete with boat tours and scenic trails. Families appreciate Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon as well with its myriad of thrilling amusement rides and water park delights.

In addition to its wide range of activities, shopping, dining options and live entertainment, Bowling Green is also home to Western Kentucky University and a steady job market. Manufacturing plays a significant role in the local economy with major employers such as General Motors and Fruit of the Loom, but there are ample opportunities in the health care industry as well thanks to the Medical Center at Bowling Green. Combined with a lower cost of living compared to the national average, it’s easy to see why Bowling Green is an attractive destination for those hoping to grow their careers — and one of the best places to live in Kentucky.

Is it expensive to live in Bowling Green?

Those with an eye on the budget will be happy to know Bowling Green is an affordable place to live. New residents will find the cost of living in Bowling Green is around 5% lower than the state average and 13% lower than the national average.

Covington

What makes Covington a best place to live in Kentucky?

Ask any resident and they will be quick to assure you that Covington, Kentucky, is a great place to call home. The city’s historic charm and diverse neighborhoods can’t be beat. From the cobblestone streets of Mainstrasse Village to the modern amenities of the revitalized riverfront, this city offers such an appealing range of housing options that suit various tastes and lifestyles. Whether you want a Victorian-era home or contemporary apartment, you’re bound to find something that suits your taste. It’s also worth noting that the cost of living in Covington tends to be more affordable than many nearby and other comparable cities, which makes it understandably attractive to anyone looking to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Covington’s location just across the river from Cincinnati gives residents easy access to all the amenities, job opportunities and cultural experiences of a major metropolitan area without the higher price tag. Locals get to enjoy all the benefits of big city living without sacrificing the community and charm of a smaller town. Covington is also well connected with efficient and reliable public transportation, as well as easy access to major highways, which makes commuting easy. Coupled with Northern Kentucky’s growing art and culinary scene, it’s easy to see why people are interested in making their home in Covington, Kentucky.

What is the job market like in Covington?

Covington has a diverse economic base that includes industries such as health care, education, manufacturing, retail and finance. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is one of the largest health care providers in the region and serves as a major employer for locals. There are also many opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industries as Covington’s historic and riverfront districts continue to attract visitors for events such as Oktoberfest.

Lexington

Why Lexington is a best city to live in Kentucky.

Lexington, Kentucky, is one of those cities that effortlessly blends the charm of the Bluegrass region with the amenities of a thriving urban center, all of which make it an exceptional place to put down roots. Often referred to as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington boasts a spirited equestrian culture that is deeply ingrained in its history and modern identity. The city is surrounded by picturesque horse farms and rolling green pastures, providing residents with breathtaking scenery and an idyllic atmosphere that often feels like it belongs in a storybook. Beyond its equine heritage, Lexington is home to a robust job market, excellent schools and a lower cost of living than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals alike.

Residents have ample opportunities for recreation and cultural enrichment here. Equestrians will naturally find this region to be a playground with its multitude of breeding farms, racing events and horse shows that fill the city calendar all year round. Those with an eye for arts and culture will appreciate the numerous galleries, theaters and museums that showcase everything from local to international skill. Sports enthusiasts cheer on the University of Kentucky Wildcats while those with a penchant for the outdoors can spend their days exploring Red River Gorge or strolling through The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky.

What is Lexington best known for?

Lexington is known around the globe as the “Horse Capital of the World.” It’s famous for the Thoroughbred racing industry, as well as iconic destinations like Keeneland and the Kentucky Horse Park, both of which draw horse enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to its innumerable horse farms, breeding operations and other equine-related businesses, Lexington also has a reputation for bourbon distilleries such as Town Branch Distillery and James E. Pepper Distillery.

Louisville

What makes Louisville a great place to live in Kentucky?

Louisville, Kentucky, is a great and affordable place to live in the Bluegrass State. The cost of living here is significantly lower than many other major cities across the country, and the diversity in housing options and prices make it attractive to people in all stages of life. From historic homes and modern apartments to traditional suburban neighborhoods, residents can choose from a multitude of options based on their budget and personal preferences. Young professionals find this particularly appealing, especially when coupled with the city’s many job opportunities in industries such as health care, manufacturing and education.

Jobs and economy aside, Louisville boasts a delightfully high quality of life. The city is known around the world as the host of the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Additionally, Louisville’s diverse neighborhoods each have their unique character, from the historic charm of Old Louisville to the artistic vibe of the Highlands. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from culture and music to history and food. Combined with its abundance of green spaces, recreational activities and welcoming people, there are lots of reasons Louisville stands out as a best place to live in Kentucky.

What are some things to do in Louisville?

Louisville, KY, is full of fun activities and attractions. History enthusiasts enjoy exploring the city’s past at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can watch baseball bats being made and learn about the history of one of America’s favorite games. The Louisville Mega Cavern is an underground adventure complete with zip lines and tram tours in a former limestone cavern. Cherokee Park and the Louisville Waterfront Park offer beautiful green spaces along with walking and biking trails and plenty of waterfront activities. And you can’t miss a visit to Churchill Downs, where history is made every year at the prestigious Kentucky Derby.

Owensboro

Why Owensboro is a top city in Kentucky.

With a diverse array of recreational activities and cultural amenities, it’s no wonder Owensboro, Kentucky, is a great place to live. The city’s scenic riverfront is bustling with activity and rich in parks, walking trails, cycling paths and enough community events to keep residents busy all year long. Art and music enthusiasts will delight in the year-round opportunities to indulge in all manner of creativity with local gems like the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, the city’s commitment to nurturing an outdoor lifestyle is evident in its multitude of parks. Smothers Park is one of many, but its remarkable waterfall, award-winning playground, lazy river and ample green space make it a standout among the rest.

Affordability is admittedly one of the standout qualities of Owensboro, and this feature makes it appealing to people in all walks of life from young professionals to families and retirees. The cost of living is notably lower than other cities in the country, which makes it a good place to purchase a home and put down roots. Owensboro boasts a cost of living that is around 15 percent lower than the United States average, but it still offers its residents comparable amenities and benefits of more expensive cities.

What kinds of jobs are in Owensboro?

Like many midsize cities, Owensboro, KY, has a wide range of job opportunities across several industries. A few of the major sectors include health care, manufacturing, education, retail, finance and technology. The city’s strategic location along the Ohio River also makes it a hub for transportation and logistics companies, with ample opportunities for truck drivers, logistics coordinators and warehouse workers. Construction and engineering are growing industries as well.

Paducah

Why Paducah is a best place to live in Kentucky.

Known as Quilt City USA, Paducah, Kentucky is a hidden gem in the heart of the American South. One of its greatest and most acclaimed features is its vibrant cultural scene, most commonly associated with its title as an UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. The city boasts an array of art galleries, studios and events, including the popular Lowertown Arts and Music Festival. The wealth of creative energy makes this city an inspiring place to live for both artists and enthusiasts.

Cultural richness aside, Paducah offers its residents a high quality of life combined with affordable housing. The cost of living in Paducah is notably lower than many other major cities, which means residents can enjoy a full and comfortable lifestyle without blowing the budget. Because the city has a variety of highly rated education opportunities, including public schools and easy access to higher education institutions, it is also an appealing prospect for families. The proximity to the scenic Kentucky Lake and Ohio River, with activities such as boating, fishing, hiking and camping, doesn’t hurt either.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Paducah?

Paducah offers an abundance of family-friendly activities that will entertain and educate children of all ages. Start by exploring unique attractions such as the National Quilt Museum, where children can admire, learn about, and explore the wonderful world of quilting. Next stop is the River Discovery Center, which takes guests on an interactive journey through the history of the Ohio River, followed by a visit to the Paducah Railroad Museum and the fascinating world of trains. Finally, Bob Noble Park offers playgrounds, walking trails and a scenic lake with prime picnicking and fishing spots.

Interested in Moving to Kentucky?

Finding a great place to live in Kentucky doesn’t have to be a headache. We have plenty of resources on moving to Kentucky as well as other best places to live in the Southeast. No matter where you want to put down roots, we can help you decide where to move and uncover some of the best places to live in the U.S.