Best Places To Live In Kentucky

Deciding to move can be overwhelming. There is so much to consider, from the cost of living in an area to the length of your potential commute. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made this process even harder in many ways, it has also made it possible for many who now work from home to live in some of the most desired places in the U.S.

If you’re moving and looking for a state rich in natural beauty and filled with things to do for residents of all ages, consider homes for sale in Kentucky. Kentucky is one of the more affordable states in the U.S. in terms of cost of living and is home to many unique features, from Mammoth Cave National Park to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville and National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green.

Not sure where in Kentucky you’d be interested in living? Read on for our guide to the best places to live in the state and what you can expect.

The 9 Overall Best Places To Live In Kentucky

To help you get an idea of what these select cities are like for residents, we’ve included some statistics for each one, including population and the average local commute to work. Before we get into those individual statistics, here are the averages for the entire United States, for comparison:

• Population: 328,239,523
• Median home price: $217,500
• Median monthly rent: $1,062
• Average commute: 9 minutes

1. Fort Thomas

Fort Thomas is a small city full of history, known mainly for being an 1890 U.S. Army post. There are plenty of historic structures still standing here for history and architecture lovers, including a 102-foot-tall stone water tower built in 1890.

With a low crime rate and plenty of nature and history to explore, Fort Thomas would make a good home for anyone. It also rests along the Ohio River across from Cincinnati, a bonus for frequent city-goers or those seeking riverfront property.

• Population: 16,263
• Median home price: $227,600
• Median monthly rent: $907
• Average commute:5 minutes

If you’re interested in this city, check out Rocket Homes℠ to see Fort Thomas real estate trends or Fort Thomas homes for sale.

2. Middletown

Middletown is a small city that was previously a neighborhood of Louisville. This quaint area has something for everyone, with proximity to parks, multiple golf courses and historic sites. It’s a short commute from Louisville, and may be a nice option for home buyers seeking a quiet suburban area not too far from their job.

• Population: 7,877
• Median home price: $215,100
• Median monthly rent: $1,103
• Average commute:3 minutes

To see what the area has to offer, check out homes for sale in Middletown.

3. Villa Hills

Not far from Fort Thomas, Villa Hills is also located along the Ohio River near Cincinnati. Nature lovers will be right at home in Villa Hills, which boasts spectacular views of both the river and surrounding mountains near the city. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors while still living near a major city, Villa Hills is the place to be.

• Population: 7,461
• Median home price: $220,200
• Median monthly rent: $933
• Average commute:1 minutes

4. Mt. Washington

Known as the “Crossroads of Kentucky,” Mt. Washington is a fast-growing city located south of Louisville. Growing in popularity as a commuter town, Mt. Washington has gained appeal with many homeowners for having lower housing costs at the expense of a longer commute to bigger cities like Louisville. With good schools in the area and a low crime rate, Mt. Washington could also be a great spot for families – if you don’t mind the longer commute.

• Population: 14,817
• Median home price: $170,400
• Median monthly rent: $757
• Average commute:3 minutes

Seriously considering the Mt. Washington area? Look into real estate trends across Bullitt County.

5. Edgewood

Edgewood is a small, family-friendly city with plenty of activities for all. This city is home to an expansive park known as Presidents Park, which has hiking trails, baseball fields and many other outdoor activities. In addition to its lovely parks, Edgewood is also home to St. Elizabeth Hospital, which has been rated among the top 250 hospitals in the U.S. by some sources, making it a potentially great and affordable option for those who might work in health care.

• Population: 8,759
• Median home price: $225,600
• Median monthly rent: $1,166
• Average commute:4 minutes

If you’re interested in this area, check out Rocket Homes to see Edgewood home listings.

6. Fort Wright

Fort Wright neighbors Fort Mitchell but has a considerably smaller population and boasts lower housing costs. The city is a part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area and is just south of the massive Devou Park, a 700-acre park that overlooks the Cincinnati skyline. If you’re on the hunt for an area with lots to do outdoors and great views, Fort Wright may be a good, affordable option.

• Population: 5,745
• Median home price: $201,900
• Median monthly rent: $879
• Average commute: 5 minutes

To get started on your home search in this area, browse Fort Wright homes for sale.

7. Lyndon

Lyndon is a short drive from downtown Louisville and is home to many points of interest, from historic mansions to lush parks and trails. The cost of living here is quite reasonable compared to surrounding cities, and the commute time to Louisville can’t be beat. Lyndon offers the best of both worlds in that it’s a small community yet just a short drive away from the restaurants and other attractions of downtown Louisville.

• Population: 11,423
• Median home price: $191,300
• Median monthly rent: $976
• Average commute:8 minutes

Looking to call this city your new home? Check out real estate trends in Lyndon to begin your research.

8. Alexandria

Located southeast of Cincinnati, Alexandria is another small and fairly affordable city. Though a bit farther from the city than others on this list, Alexandria is home to lush nature and beautiful parks. Alexandria is a great place for fans of fishing, hiking and all sorts of other outdoor fun. The city is also home to the yearly Alexandria Fair, which showcases livestock from across the state.

• Population: 9,715
• Median home price: $179,700
• Median monthly rent: $867
• Average commute:1 minutes

Start your home search by browsing real estate trends in Campbell County.

9. Bellevue

Bellevue is a city in northern Kentucky that rests along the Ohio River. Bellevue is a great and affordable spot for those looking to live near a larger city or along the river. It’s also near multiple riverside parks, an aquarium and a pedestrian bridge between Kentucky and Ohio.

• Population: 5,721
• Median home price: $136,400
• Median monthly rent: $794
• Average commute:0 minutes

The Best Places To Live In Kentucky For Families

Fort Thomas

While Fort Thomas was already on this list as the overall best place to live in Kentucky, it also takes first place as the best for families. In addition to being located along a river and housing many historical sites and attractions, Fort Thomas is very family-friendly. With good schools and a welcoming community, this city brings a small-town suburban feel to the Cincinnati area.

• Population: 16,263
• Median home price: $227,600
• Median monthly rent: $907
• Average commute:5 minutes

Union

Union is another great Kentucky city for families. With six public schools, plenty of parks and lots of beautiful nature to explore, it’s a wonderful place to share with your loved ones. The cost of homeownership is also considerably lower here than in many other Kentucky cities, making it an affordable option for families.

• Population: 14,381
• Median home price: $92,100
• Median monthly rent: $597
• Average commute: 22.6 minutes

Start your house hunt and look into Union's latest house listings.

Wilmore

Wilmore is a quiet, small town south of Lexington. For those looking for a smaller town to call home, Wilmore certainly fits the bill. It’s known for its tight-knit community of friendly neighbors and is the home of Asbury University. There’s also plenty of nature to explore in Wilmore, with hiking trails and even small caves nearby.

• Population: 6,435
• Median home price: $170,800
• Median monthly rent: $718
• Average commute:5 minutes

Best High-Property-Value Places To Live In Kentucky

While affordability is an important factor for many, some home buyers may be looking for a more expensive property. If this sounds like you, read on for a few places you can find beautiful homes with beautiful Kentucky views to match.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a suburb of Louisville and one of the wealthiest cities in all of Kentucky. It’s full of beautiful historic homes and estates as well as lush nature trails. This city is known for the thick canopy of old trees that shade most of the area from the sun. If you’re looking for a beautiful historic home and don’t mind the price, Anchorage is the place to be.

Check out the most recent Jefferson County trends if this is where you see your new neighborhood.

• Population: 2,399
• Median home price: $672,400
• Median monthly rent: $1,153
• Average commute:4 minutes

Buckner

Buckner is northeast of Louisville. Homes here are on the expensive end, though they’re less costly than properties you might find in Anchorage. Buckner is very rural compared to Anchorage, so if you’re looking to enjoy peace, quiet and the outdoors, Buckner is a great option. It’s well known for its tight-knit community as well, so it also makes a great neighborhood for families.

• Population: 5,837
• Median home price: $327,100
• Median monthly rent: $1,128
• Average commute: 8 minutes

To see where average home prices are now, research the latest real estate trends across Oldham County.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking to move and seeking a place that has beautiful scenery and tight-knit communities, consider Kentucky. While it isn’t one of the U.S.’s most populous states, it is rich in natural beauty and has a unique blend of Midwestern and Southern life for its residents to enjoy.

Ready to start the home buying process in Kentucky? Visit Rocket Homes and take the first step to buy with an agent, who can help find your dream home. 

*The statistics in this article were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and based on the most recent data available, including 2019 population estimates, median household incomes and commute time for those 16 and older. Real estate trend information was sourced from the Rocket Homes Trend Report.