A view from the waterfront park in Louisville, KY

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Louisville, KY is the #55 Best City to Live in the USA

Churchill Downs in Louisville KY
Journal Communications/Brian McCord
Louisville, KY
Quality of Life
Liv Score

616
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 44
Demographics 73
Economy 60
Education 53
Health 58
Housing 57
Infrastructure 45
Amenities 67

Why Louisville is one of the best cities to live in

Louisville, KY, needs no introduction. The city is known for the Kentucky Derby, Louisville sluggers and fantastic bourbon. But those who move to Lou quickly discover that the city is so much more than its storied staples, like Whiskey Row and Churchill Downs. The arts and culture scene takes center stage, and the city has a stable economy that’s home to startups and heavy-hitter brands like Maker’s Mark and Louisville Slugger. Additionally, many unique neighborhoods with friendly residents are just waiting to be called home. 

The strong economy, as well as access to good schools and health care, are among the reasons that Louisville is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Thousands of acres of parks plus a busy calendar of arts and music festivals make life even sweeter. Outside of a little friendly rivalry with nearby Lexington (you better be a Cardinals fan here!), Louisville is a diverse, lively and inclusive city that is full of surprises. 

What are Louisvilles major industries and employers?

United Postal Service, Humana and Yum! Brands (the umbrella company of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell) are among the region’s biggest employers. Louisville’s top industries are health care and aging innovation, business services, logistics and e-commerce, advanced manufacturing, and food and beverage. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Louisville?

University of Louisville & Bellarmine University

What is the weather like in Louisville? 

Summers are warm and winters are moderately cold. Things start heating up here in May, just in time for mint juleps and wide-brimmed hats.  

What is there to do outside in Louisville?

Make repeat visits to E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, a 554-acre park with an outdoor public archery range, a huge swimming pool and splash park, a shaded nature trail, and a Supercross BMX track. 

Louisville, KY is Remote-Ready

What makes Louisville a great place for remote workers?

Through its Cabinet of Economic Development, Louisville has plans in place to incentivize growing businesses with workforce training and financial assistance. More opportunities for this kind of growth mean more opportunities for remote work with an evolving business. As well as more chances for companies and individual workers to remain competitive.

What Locals Love in Louisville, KY

What is the best local bookstore in Louisville?

Carmichael’s Bookstore is the oldest locally owned bookstore and a certified institution with two Louisville shops (plus a whimsical kid’s store), filled with hand-picked titles that reflect the neighborhoods.

How do you spend a weekend in Louisville?

Sip Kentucky’s finest along the “Urban Bourbon Trail,” which celebrates the city‘s restaurants and bars. Did you know 95% of the world‘s bourbon is made in Kentucky? Architecture buffs will also love roaming around Old Louisville, which is filled with different styles of mansions ranging from Romanesque to Queen Anne and Italianate. 

What can you do for free in Louisville?

Catch a sunset on the Big Four Bridge, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Ohio River connecting Louisville and Jeffersonville, IN. At night, it twinkles with LED lights and can be programmed to have a rainbow effect.

Whats the best way to spend happy hour in Louisville?

Tell your friends to meet you at the larger-than-life golden replica of Michaelangelo’s David outside 21C Museum Hotel. Then, head inside for happy hour at Proof on Main.

Whats something only locals know about Louisville?

90% of the disco balls in the U.S. are made in Louisville. 

Is Louisville, KY a good place to live?

A strong economy, unique neighborhoods and friendly residents make Louisville a best place to live in Kentucky.

Thinking of Moving to Louisville?

What is the Louisville, KY real estate market like?

Everything in this city exudes southern charm and Louisville real estate reflects the same. Whether it’s the revitalized Butchertown, where young professionals gravitate towards, Clifton with its mix of condos, townhomes, and pockets of single family homes near downtown, Germantown with its selection of shotgun and camelback houses, or even the Highlands with it’s turn-of-the-century homes ideal for established professionals and families, all are flourishing neighborhoods that showcase a southerly flair. That’s not all. Old Louisville, located near the university, boasts the oldest preserved district of Victorian homes in the U.S. There are several Louisville real estate agents here that can help you find the perfect home for sale in Louisville with lots of character.

Quick Facts About Louisville, KY

Average Commute
20.87
Median Home Value
$230,565
Med. Household Income
$68,238
Total Population
384,953
Median Property Tax
$1,320

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