20 Things To Know About Living in Louisville, KY: Where Urban Charm Meets Affordability

Living in Louisville, KY, checks off a lot of boxes for people looking for a high-quality life without that big-city price tag — all thanks to its affordable prices, urban amenities, and Southern hospitality. The city’s cultural scene is buzzing, too, with standout museums, a lively arts community, and an ever-filled calendar of events. The local job market, driven by healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and education, is also diverse and projected to grow.

Living in Louisville, KY, at a Glance

• Located in northern Kentucky, Louisville is situated right on the border of Indiana.
• Louisville covers an area of over 263 square miles.
• The population in Louisville is roughly 627,200.
• The median age in Louisville is close to 38 years old.
• As a gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville is known for its thriving culture of bourbon.
• The iconic “Happy Birthday” song was written by Louisville locals Mildred and Patty Hill.

20 Things To Know About Living in Louisville, KY

Before you commit to moving to Louisville, it's a good idea to know about the optics — particularly the cost of living, employment opportunities, and local community. To get an idea of what it's like living in Louisville, KY, here are 20 of the most important things to know.

1. Cost of Living in Louisville, KY

While the cost of living in Louisville, KY, is higher than the state average, it’s still lower than the national average index of 100. Louisville’s cost of living score comes in at 89.8, about 10 percent lower than the rest of the country, but nine percent higher than the state’s score of 82.3.

What salary do you need to live in Louisville, Kentucky? A family of four with two working adults and two children should make at least $106,1000 annually before taxes to cover basic expenses; a couple with two working adults and no children should make $62,500 annually before taxes; and a person living alone should make $45,100 annually before taxes.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Louisville, KY

Here are the pros and cons of living in Louisville, KY, that you should consider.

Pros of Living in Louisville, KY

• Affordable homes
• Charming neighborhoods
• Lively cultural arts, music, food, and nightlife scene

Cons of Living in Louisville, KY

• Limited public transportation
• High crime rates
• High income and property tax

Among popular styles of homes in Louisville, KY, are American Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Ranch homes.
(Source: Kentucky Select Properties via Facebook)

3. What Is the Louisville Housing Market Like?

The architectural landscape of Louisville is renowned for its long history. The neighborhood of Old Louisville has one of the largest collections of Victorian homes in the country, which were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century and feature intricate stonework with asymmetrical facades.

Shotgun homes are another common style, which are small one-story houses and typically very affordable. Other popular styles in Louisville include American Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Ranch homes. The city’s average home value is $252,100.

4. Apartments & Renting in Louisville

Not quite ready to permanently settle down and buy a home? Similar to the housing market, rental prices in Louisville are affordable. Whether it be an affordable unit in a historic building or a more luxurious lifestyle in an upscale apartment rich in amenities, you will find plenty of options when trying to find the right fit that meets your budget. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Louisville, KY is $1,175.

5. The Best Places To Live in Louisville, KY

The best neighborhoods in Louisville have a lot to offer, from walkable areas closer to the city to more secluded communities with a sense of peace.

The best neighborhoods in Louisville include:

• Belknap: Best for families, this community has a lot going on, from local events to outdoor recreation. You will find many single-family homes here, with an easy commute to downtown.
• Highlands: This neighborhood is ideal for young professionals, with a charming atmosphere, great nightlife scene, restaurants, and local festivals.
• Bonnycastle: This small community is one of the safest neighborhoods in Louisville, with easy access to top outdoor recreation in the area and lively local bars.
• Germantown: With some of the most affordable home prices in Louisville, Germantown is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods that has a vibrant and artsy feel close to the downtown area.
• Crescent Hill: A community ideal for all walks of life, this neighborhood is one of the most expensive in Louisville, with a mixture of different housing styles, restaurants, cafes, and vintage shops.

6. Louisville’s Public Transportation System Has Strengths & Weaknesses

Residents can take advantage of Louisville’s public transit, but it’s not particularly robust, and many residents will still need a car. The Transit Authority of River City operates a bus system, which is the primary means of public transportation downtown. The service is especially useful for seniors and people with disabilities, offering lifts and ramps for accessibility, as well as additional paratransit services through TARC3, including direct pickup and drop-off.

7. Find Quality Education Options in Louisville

Jefferson County Public Schools serves the neighborhoods across Louisville and has several high-ranking schools, giving parents confidence that their children will receive a solid education.

Those looking to pursue higher education will find a variety of institutions, including the University of Louisville, one of the top public universities in the nation. Other options include private institutions such as Bellarmine University and Spalding University, along with Jefferson Community & Technical College, which is affordable and offers quality technical programs.

The Louisville men’s basketball team regularly packs the KFC Yum! Center, seating more than 20,000 fans.
(Source: Louisville Men’s Basketball via Facebook)

8. College Athletics Are the Heart of Louisville’s Sports Scene

Considered one of the top cities in the country for college sports fans, the Louisville Cardinals at the University of Louisville generate a great deal of passion and enthusiasm among local sports enthusiasts. The men’s and women’s basketball and football programs play at large venues packed with supportive fans, including the KFC Yum! Center, which holds around 22,000 seats, and L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, holding right under 70,000 seats.

Besides college sports, locals can root for professional sports teams like the Racing Louisville FC, the Louisville Bats, and the Louisville Kings.

9. Louisville’s Four Distinct Seasons

The city experiences each of the four seasons, with the typical hot summers and moderately cold winters. With an average low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, residents can expect snow, which can amount to between 11 and 13 inches annually. Rain is more common, however.

Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures peaking in July at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, the autumn season typically brings the most pleasant weather conditions.

10. Louisville’s Crime Rate Might Be High, but There Are Safe Places To Live

Louisville has an overall crime score of three, meaning it’s safer than just three percent of U.S. cities. According to NeighborhoodScout, one’s chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in the city is one in 122, compared to the national average of one in 278.

That being said, there are still safe pockets to settle down in the city. Here are a few of the safest neighborhoods in Louisville:

• Boston
• Saratoga Woods
• Lake Forest

11. Louisville’s Job Market Is Growing

Louisville’s job market is resilient and diverse, with steady growth in several key sectors including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, professional services, and construction. The region is experiencing an economic resurgence, with new businesses and increased capital investment leading more people to relocate to the city for various career opportunities.

The unemployment rate in Jefferson County and the Louisville-area metropolitan statistical area is at a historically low level — around the four percent range — and is expected to continue improving.

12. You’ll Find Dynamic Cuisine Options Throughout the City

If you’re looking for a fusion of Southern cuisine and bourbon heritage, Louisville is the place to be. There are almost 1,800 restaurants in the area, which feature everything from unique regional dishes to international influences.

Historic Downtown Louisville is home to some of the finest restaurants and bars in the city. The eclectic neighborhood of The Highlands, on the other hand, offers a variety of international cuisines from Cuban to sushi at Dragon King’s Daughter, to Mediterranean at Kebab House.

13. Louisville’s Rich & Diverse Cultural Scene

Characterized by diversity and modernity, Louisville’s cultural scene features a variety of museums and galleries that combine the city's Southern heritage with modern art and music. Check out “Museum Row,” and visit hotspots like the KMAC Contemporary Art Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

Louisville is also home to a vibrant performing arts scene, with notable institutions such as The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, which features a wide range of performances, including touring Broadway shows. One of the most popular festivals in the country is Kentucky Shakespeare, which takes place every summer in Louisville's Central Park.

Living in Louisville, KY, means access to unique experiences, such as the Urban Bourbon Trail — a selection of bars, restaurants, and distilleries that line Whiskey Row along Main Street.
(Source: Downtown Lou via Facebook)

14. Things To Do When Living in Louisville, KY

Combining a unique historic culture with a vibrant modern lifestyle, the wealth of activities that residents get to experience is endless when living in Louisville, KY. Here are some of the best experiences the city has to offer:

• The Parklands of Floyd Fork: This almost 4,000-acre public park system features plenty of green space with hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
• Louisville Mega Cavern: Experience underground ziplining, ropes course, and historic tram tours.
• Urban Bourbon Trail: Visit the highly acclaimed distilleries of Louisville and collect stamps on a passport!
• East Market District: Explore the local neighborhoods and shop at boutiques, dine, and enjoy the nightlife scene.
• Local Events: From the Kentucky Derby Festival to WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays, there’s always an opportunity to catch some excitement.

15. Can’t Go Wrong With a Night Out in the City

The nightlife scene in Louisville is diverse and vibrant, and features a mix of Southern charm and bourbon culture within both independent establishments and neighborhood districts.

The East Market District or New Louisville (NuLu) is known for its trendy and artsy atmosphere. Some of the most popular places include the Galaxie Bar, which serves up electronic music and tacos, and the Nouvelle Bar & Bottle, which features wines and craft brews. Fourth Street Live! offers various bars and clubs, including the Howl At The Moon.

16. The LGBTQ+ Community Can Feel Welcomed

For over a decade, Louisville has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for its commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are treated equally under the law. The city has maintained a perfect score on the organization's Municipal Equality Index for the past decade.

In 1999, Louisville became the first place in Kentucky to adopt a Fairness Ordinance, which prohibited discrimination based on one's sexual orientation or gender identity. The city has led the way in advancing LGBTQ+ rights within the state, with the help of groups such as the Fairness Campaign.

17. Louisville’s Reputation As the Bourbon Capital

In 1783, Evan Williams established the first commercial distillery in Downtown Louisville. It's widely believed that he was the first person to truly establish the state's bourbon industry. Before the prohibition, there were almost 50 establishments related to the whiskey industry on Main Street, known as “Whiskey Row,”  in Downtown Louisville.

Due to its location on the Ohio River, Louisville was regarded as a vital shipping hub. Through the region's distilleries, barrels were transported to the city, and have since become known as the center of commerce in the spirit industry.

18. Louisville’s Reputation Might Have You on the Hunt for Ghosts

Louisville has been regarded as one of the scariest places in America due to its alleged paranormal activity and strange legends. Its history, which includes its role in the Civil War and the slave trade, has inspired numerous ghost stories.

The former tuberculosis hospital known as the Waverly Hills Sanatorium is regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the world. The body chute was a prominent feature of the institution, which was a 500-foot-long tunnel used to send the dead patients away from the living ones.

All aboard the Belle of Louisville, the oldest working Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world.

19. Take a Trip on the Belle of Louisville

Built in 1914, the historic steamboat known as the Belle of Louisville is a prominent waterfront icon. It’s the oldest working Mississippi River-style vessel in the world and is a national historic landmark.

The Belle can be booked for various types of public and private charters. These cruises operate year-round and coincide with the season when the Mary M. Miller is available. The vessel also hosts special events, such as parties celebrating holidays and Throwback Thursdays.

20. Day Trips From Louisville Are Simple

Louisville’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring nearby cities. Getting everywhere — from other major metros, like Lexington, to the best small towns in Kentucky — can be done in about an hour and a half via I-64 W.

Lexington has a vibrant arts scene and numerous horse farm tours, including the famous Keeneland Race Course. Indianapolis, home to the world's largest children’s museum, is also just a 2-hour drive away.

Move to Louisville, KY, With the Help of PODS

Making the decision to move to Louisville is easy; organizing everything is hard. Make your move a flexible one with the help of a PODS portable moving container. Have a container delivered right to your driveway, load it up on your own schedule, and even be referred to local packing and loading assistance to help with the heavy lifting. Your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home, or you can keep it in a PODS Storage Center until you're ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: 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.}