The Best Neighborhoods in Lexington, KY: Finding New Beginnings in the Horse Capital of the World

The city of Lexington, KY, located in the scenic Bluegrass region, is becoming more popular among people looking for a more enriching and vibrant lifestyle. The city's cultural scene and numerous historical sites also draw in a wide range of individuals to the best neighborhoods in Lexington, KY.

The city is home to some of the world's most prominent horse farms and racing facilities, such as The Red Mile and Keeneland (not to mention you’re just a 90-minute drive from Churchill Downs and all the best neighborhoods in Louisville). Lexington also hosts the Bluegrass Fair that features livestock shows, fair rides, and fair food. It’s also a great place to raise a family — especially when you start exploring the safest neighborhoods in Lexington, KY. The city offers a variety of safe neighborhoods and parks, while also being home to the state’s most prominent educational institution, the University of Kentucky. The city has a strong sense of community overall, but that’s not all you need to know.

Lexington at a Glance

• Lexington has a population of just over 331,000.
• Lots of families and students, in particular, are attracted to the best neighborhoods in Lexington, KY, with top-notch schools and an abundance of entertainment options.
• The average home value in Lexington is $319,800, compared to $225,800 in the state and $360,700 nationally.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom in Lexington is $1,125, compared to $1,150 in the state and $1,750 nationally.
• Overall, the biggest draws to Lexington include the unique cultural lifestyle, entertainment, outdoor activities, schools, and lovely neighborhoods.

Best Neighborhoods in Lexington, KY

When looking at a map of Lexington, KY, neighborhoods, you can find everything from charming historic districts to vibrant areas close to downtown. Here’s a look at our top nine picks.

1. Tates Creek

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Median home sale price: $267,600
• Great for: Families, local community events, outdoor activities
• Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes

Situated near Lexington and Nicholasville, Tates Creek is a residential community that features a mix of single-family houses and apartment complexes. This area is known for having a friendly and welcoming community atmosphere, making it great for families who are new to the area.

Tates Creek Community Center hosts different events each month, like cooking club, arts and craft sessions, and family bingo night.

Residents can check out Gainesway Pond (located inside Gainesway Park), where people can catch bass and bluegills. Another popular area for residents is the Tates Creek Golf Course — a challenging and enjoyable course open to everyone.

Downtown Lexington is known for having a mix of modern and vintage buildings and easy access to various entertainment options and eateries.

2. Downtown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Median home sale price: $996,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, transportation, dining, entertainment

Downtown Lexington is known for having a mix of modern and vintage buildings and easy access to various entertainment options and eateries. You’ll mostly find a mix of apartment buildings, condos, and single-family homes that range in style from Victorian to contemporary.

Don’t have a car? No problem. The Lextran system, which has numerous bus stops, has a lot of stops throughout Downtown. Main Street also connects the city center to New Circle Road and leads to a variety of Lexington neighborhoods.

The Downtown area is the hub of Lexington’s dining scene, with plenty of local favorites within easy reach. One of these is Doodles Breakfast and Lunch, which serves a wide range of Southern dishes. Zim's Cafe is a retro-style establishment that serves comfort food such as fried shrimp and fried bologna sandwiches.

Rupp Arena is a sports venue that hosts the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, which is a perennial NCAA tournament participant. The venue also hosts other events throughout the year, including concerts and performances by comedians and musical artists. From April to October, you can head to the nearby Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park to enjoy live music and food every Thursday night.

3. Liberty Heights

• Median home sale price: $240,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, bakeries, breweries, parks
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes

Liberty Heights is a small neighborhood in Lexington known for its duality. On one side of the neighborhood, you’ll find charming historic homes — mostly single-story houses with a variety of Craftsman-style bungalows — near the University of Kentucky and Downtown. On the other side, you’ll find repurposed industrial buildings full of everything from breweries to abundant outdoor activities.

The Warehouse Block is a great place to start your day with a cup of coffee and a donut from Spalding’s Bakery, while La Petite Delicat is another place that serves sweet French pastries. For a relaxing evening, head over to Blue Stallion Brewing Co. and enjoy top-quality craft beers.

Thoroughbred Park is bordered by Downtown Lexington and offers peaceful strolls and panoramic views. Its entrance features a large water fountain, which also has plaques and statues honoring individuals who have made a significant contribution to the horse racing industry.

Founded in the 20s and 30s, Chevy Chase is a quiet, friendly neighborhood, great for families, retirees, and singles alike.
(Source: Karen A Deprey via Facebook)

4. Chevy Chase

• Median home sale price: $826,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, singles, walkability, dining, outdoor activities
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes

Henry Clay Simpson — the great-grandson of former Secretary of State Henry Clay — founded Chevy Chase during the 20s and 30s. Conveniently located between Downtown Lexington and the University of Kentucky, this neighborhood is a quiet, friendly community that’s been named the No. 1 Best Neighborhood in Lexington-Fayette for Singles by AreaVibes.

You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants in Chevy Chase. One of the most popular is Bourbon n' Toulouse, which serves authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine. This establishment has a great reputation for creating a sense of community through its cooking.

Just a short drive from Chevy Chase is Woodland Park — a popular destination for residents to come together to play tennis and have fun at local events. Kids love the playground and even a dip at the pool. One of the nearby community clubs is the Idle Hour Country Club, which features a full 18-hole championship golf course. Club members can utilize its community facilities, such as its swimming pool, tennis courts, and fitness center, to keep fit!

5. Ashland Park

• Median home sale price: $475,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, beautiful sceneries, local events, parks
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes

Situated just east of Lexington's downtown area, the Ashland Park neighborhood is part of the city's historic district and is one of the best Lexington neighborhoods for singles, according to AreaVibes. With some of the highest home prices in the city, Ashland Park also takes its place amongst the rich neighborhoods in Lexington, KY.

This area features a variety of trees and plenty of green space, and is bordered by Woodland Park and Clay’s Spring Park (a spring that was once part of the Henry Clay Estate). Throughout the year, the Henry Clay Estate hosts a variety of events throughout the summer season. One of these is the Ashland Lawn Party, which is a community event that raises funds for the Estate and its preservation. On Labor Day weekend, the residents can enjoy live jazz music on the lawn.

Beaumont offers residents a small-town feel without being too far from the action.
(Source: The Brokerage - Real Estate Advisors via Facebook)

6. Beaumont

• Average home value: $641,100
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, schools, parks
• Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes

The Beaumont community is situated between Kentucky's horse-farming region and Lexington, making it an ideal location for residents wanting to live in a small town while still being close to everything the city has to offer.

This area is also home to modern construction with a mix of brick and plastic siding. Traditional and classical revival designs are available in this area, and these usually feature sloping roofs and large floor plans.

There are plenty of parks for residents to enjoy. One of these is Cardinal Run Park South, which features baseball and softball facilities, plus walking paths. Another park that's right on the edge of the community is Harrods Hill Park, which includes a large field and basketball court.

Beaumont’s school system is highly regarded, with one of the most prominent schools being Rosa Parks Elementary — it’s been named the No. 3 best public elementary school in the Lexington Area by Niche, plus it’s known for its science fair and technology program. Beaumont Middle School is another great option —  the No. 4 best public middle school in Lexington, according to Niche, with a wide range of athletic teams and student clubs to keep kids busy and involved.

7. Southland

• Average home value: $306,000
• Great for: Young professionals, shopping, dining, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes

Situated between Rosemont Garden and Nicholasville Road, the Southland neighborhood is an established Lexington community that has seen a resurgence due to the emergence of local businesses and the influx of young professionals. This area also features a mix of mid-century ranch homes and cozy bungalows.

The local farmers' market, held year-round every Sunday, is a community event that brings together residents and local businesses. It offers live music and various types of food. Some of the area's favorite restaurants include El Rancho Tapatio and Southland Bagel.

The area's roots in the music industry can be found in the annual bluegrass festival known as the Southland Jamboree. Also, if you're a lover of vinyl, then you'll find a wide range of products at Pop's Resale.

With affordable housing, proximity to University of Kentucky, and plenty of local entertainment options, this Lexington neighborhood has something for everyone.
(Source: The Brokerage - Real Estate Advisors via Facebook)

8. Mt. Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair

• Average home value: $385,500
• Great for: Families, young professionals, students, local entertainment, sports games, diverse dining
• Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes

Mount Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair has been ranked No. 1 among the best neighborhoods in Lexington by AreaVibes. Plus, it’s just 5 minutes from the University of Kentucky, making it perfect for students as well. This community features a variety of affordable housing options, including ranch-style homes and apartments.

It's easy to get involved in the "Big Blue Nation" with the Wildcats playing at nearby Kroger Field.  At The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, you can walk through the Fragrance Garden and discover the native flora. You can also enjoy tennis and other activities at Ecton Park, where Jazz & Big Band events are held.

When you're in the mood for a bite to eat, you can expand your palette by trying out authentic Greek dishes at Athenian Grill. Our recommendation? Grab the falafel or the Greek sausage. You can also enjoy a variety of beverages on the outdoor patio at The Sage Rabbit — a great bar in Lexington with even better food.

9. University of Kentucky (UK) Campus

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,250
• Average home value: $313,000
• Great for: Families, local community events, outdoor activities
• Commute to Downtown: 5 minutes

The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, is known for its vibrant college town feel. The area is full of parks and bars, and it boasts easy access to outdoor recreation, including camping and hiking at spots at the Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest.

The University of Kentucky is a top-tier NCAA Division I institution that has hundreds of student-athletes who play at various sporting events throughout the year — with Big Blue Nation and Wildcats fans always there in full support. With A+ grades from Niche in Athletics and Party Life, there’s no doubt that you’ll always find something happening on game day.

One month of storage is built into the cost of every PODS move, so you can make the move to Lexington without feeling rushed.

Move to One of the Best Neighborhoods in Lexington, KY, With PODS

PODS is a great way to make your move to Lexington a flexible one. Have a portable moving and storage container delivered to your driveway, where you can load at your own pace. Need help with the heavy lifting? Don’t worry. PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and taken to your new Lexington home. With one month of storage built into the cost of every move, you can easily organize your belongings and move according to your own schedule.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call (855) 706-4758 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}