Known as the “Bluegrass State,” Kentucky is an excellent place to live if you’re looking for affordable living, top-tier national and state parks, and southern friendliness. Whether you’re considering renting an apartment in Louisville or buying a home in Lexington – Redfin has the top 5 reasons to move to Kentucky and why you should make this state your new home.
1) Affordable living
Kentucky as a whole offers a highly appealing low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for residents. The median sale price for houses in Kentucky stands at an affordable $251,000, considerably lower than the national median sale price of $418,000. The state’s affordability extends to its major cities as well. For instance, Lexington showcases a cost of living 7% lower than the national average, while Bowling Green boasts an impressive 13% lower cost of living. Even the largest city in the state, Louisville, maintains a cost of living 4% lower than the national average. There are plenty of affordable places to live in Kentucky. These factors combined make Kentucky a standout choice for individuals and families seeking an affordable lifestyle without compromising on quality or access to thriving urban centers.
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2) Kentucky’s thriving food scene
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From food trucks to brunch spots, Kentucky is home to various delicious restaurants. Be sure to check out J. Graham’s Café, The Old Seelbach Bar, Butchertown Grocery, Mussel & Burger Bar, and V-Grits Food Truck.
3) Breathtaking scenery
There’s endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors, including visiting the Mammoth Cave National Park, Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Also, Kentucky is home to Red River Gorge, known for the Natural Bridge. Here, you can also enjoy hiking, camping, and climbing. Other must-see places include the Carter Caves State Resort Park, My Old Kentucky Home, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
4) Rich history
Kentucky has a fascinating history, so if you’re a history buff, this may be why you move to Kentucky. Did you know that Kentucky was the first state west of the Appalachians? The state was also one of the border states in the Civil War and is home to the Hatfield and Kentucky feud.
5) Things to do
No matter your interest, there’s always something to do in Kentucky. If you love cars, visit Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear and learn about vehicles from the early 1900s to the 1960s. Or suppose you’ve always wanted to know more about Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. In that case, you’ll find an excellent example at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, located in the heart of Louisville’s Victorian district. Or, check out the Mary Todd Lincoln House to explore the home of Abraham Lincoln’s first lady. You also can’t miss the longest-running horse race globally, the Kentucky Derby.
Methodology: Median home sale price data was pulled from the US Housing Market resource during June 2023.