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Are you thinking about moving to Louisville, KY? We are excited to share with you what it is like living in Louisville. A vibrant city that has so much to offer and has continued to grow at a steady pace over the past two decades. Experiencing great growth for businesses and in real estate. Affordability has been a big part of what drives people here from other states.

Louisville at a Glance

  • 97th percentile for housing markets compared to the top 100 largest metros.
  • Cost of living is nearly 4% lower than the national average.
  • The average commute time is 23.9 minutes, one of the shortest in the US.

Living in Louisville, KY (from a Local)

At first, you may not know what to expect when relocating to Louisville KY. Below we will help you discover what makes the city so great. We will uncover why residents love living in Louisville and also learn more about attractions that take place throughout the year. From live entertainment to amazing local parks.

It’s no wonder why the slogan for Louisville is “Possibility City”. If you are considering making the move to Louisville, you won’t be disappointed.

Where is Louisville Located?

Screenshot of Louisville KY map location from Google

Louisville is within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. Close proximity to major cities like Nashville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and St. Louis.

Another reason why people love living in Louisville KY is because of its convenient commute times for work. The average commute is 23.9 minutes. Considered one of the shortest in the US.

With the addition of the new East End Bridge near Oldham County. It will improve traffic even more for people who live outside of the city when traveling. 

Louisville's location, on a regional level, makes it an ideal hub for many businesses. Large companies like Humana, Yum! Brands, UPS, and Brown Forman are prime examples of companies that have recognized Louisville’s potential and chosen it as their home base, leveraging its location to drive growth and connectivity.

What is Louisville Known for?

Below are some of the things Louisville is most famous for and must-see attractions.

Bourbon

Louisville Kentucky barrels of bourbon"Bourbon is kinda like Whiskey's sweet spot."

Did you know that Louisville is responsible for 95% of the world's supply of Bourbon? Kentucky is well-known worldwide as the birthplace of Bourbon. When moving to Louisville, experience the history of Bourbon in the Bluegrass. Visit the many different tours around the city and embark on the historical heritage of Kentucky's past roots. Visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

In 1964 Congress declared Bourbon, America's only native spirit. There is a very strict guideline for whiskey to be considered Bourbon. The drink must be at least 51 percent corn, aged in charred new oak barrels, stored at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at no less than 80 proof.

Collect Your Bourbon Stamps. Many locals and out-of-towners take a trip down to the Urban Bourbon Trail. As a visitor, you will experience the taste of more than 50 different Kentucky Spirits and collect stamps along the way as a souvenir.

Great Food

If you're planning on moving to Louisville, you are in for a surprise! There is plenty of great food. There are so many local Louisville restaurants! With a wide range to choose from around the city, from Kentucky home-style traditional cooking to French cuisine, Italian, Mediterranean, food trucks, and much more.

With over 2500 restaurants; Louisville is one of the top destinations for foodies around the US. With some of the best restaurants around. The city has even been named one of the Top Five "foodiest" small cities in America by Bon Appétit magazine. Don't forget to check out the local breweries too!

FUN FACT: Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville KY claims to be the original inventor of the Cheeseburger.


College Basketball

If you are moving to the Louisville area, you will notice that college basketball is a big topic around town. Louisville is towards the top of the list of CBS 'Best in College Sports'. As a Louisvillian you will also have to pick one or the other to cheer for.

With the history of both teams and their success, no matter which one you choose will be a great pick. The great excitement stems from the rivalry between these two teams. Louisville Cardinals and the Kentucky Wildcats will always be a highly debated conversation. This in-state rivalry can be easily compared to the Duke and North Carolina rivalry.

Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky"The fastest two minutes in sports."

Going all the way back to the late 1700s, horse racing has been a big part of the state of Kentucky. However, it wasn't until 1875 that they opened the doors to Churchill Downs. Home to the Kentucky Derby, the fastest two minutes in sports and also home to the Kentucky Oaks.

The twin spires are the most recognizable feature of the racetrack. As of today, Churchill Downs holds the record for the longest-running, continuous sporting event in the United States.

FUN FACT: Thunder Over Louisville is the Largest Annual Firework display in America.

Louisville Slugger

Hillerich & Bradley Co. moved into the new headquarters of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in 1996 off of West Main Street in downtown Louisville. One of the most popular attractions in the city

At Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory they continue to custom make many baseball players bats. The museum can be easily spotted by the "World's Largest Baseball Bat" that sits out front. Made from steel, weighing 68,000 pounds and over 120 feet tall. One of the many reasons why millions of people have visited the museum and continues to be on the list for things to do in Louisville, Kentucky.


FUN FACT: Standing at 120 feet tall in front of the Louisville Slugger Museum is considered to be the Worlds Largest Bat.


Moving to Louisville. Top things to do in the City Infographic

Cost of Living

Is Louisville an affordable place to live?

The cost of living in Louisville is very favorable to people relocating to Louisville, Kentucky. As of 2023, the median home price in Louisville stood at around $250,000, significantly lower than the U.S. average. Renters in Louisville can expect to pay, on average, around $850 for a one-bedroom apartment. For a two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment closer to $1200 a month.

Based on statistics from RentCafe, which collects data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). When it comes to day-to-day expenses, such as food and clothing, Louisville comes in at 7% higher than the national average. Healthcare costs in Louisville tend to be approximately 23% less than the U.S. average. With a combination of affordable housing and manageable day-to-day expenses, Louisville remains an appealing city for newcomers financially.


Real Estate

Great neighborhood in Louisville

As mentioned above, the cost of housing in Louisville is very affordable compared to other large, metropolitan areas. As population continues to grow the demand has grown too. Over the years, there has been many popular neighborhoods developed.

You will find that the most of the common types of homes in Louisville range from single-family homes to patio homes, and condominiums. Most homes have brick veneer, vinyl siding, and some newer homes offer hardie board plank siding and also faux stone. It is very coming to also find homes in Louisville with basements.

If you are relocating to Louisville KY, you will find that the most popular style of home is a ranch and two-story homes. Many subdivisions also have homeowner associations to help sustain a stronger community. However, the annual HOA cost is very minimal, ranging from $150 to $300 a year.

Take a look at some of the most popular neighborhoods in Louisville below:


Louisville Area Real Estate



Job Market

Best places to work. Louisville offers a wide job market that caters to both established professionals and newcomers looking for opportunities to grow. As mentioned above, since Louisville is a central hub in the state, the city has plenty of career choices from healthcare to logistics, from manufacturing to technology, education, and hospitality. Some of the largest, and most popular places to work are companies like Humana, Yum Brands, Brown-Forman, Churchill Downs, Norton Healthcare, Ford, and GE Appliances. Louisville's location makes it a prime spot for some of these companies and even logistics giants like UPS - offering many benefits to its employees.


Weather

Different Seasons - Louisville Local Weather

Many people ask when moving to Louisville. "What's the weather Like?" Louisville's Weather has four distinct seasons. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The average temperature in Louisville during the summer months is 88 degrees. However, there can be many dreadful days during the summer when we see temperatures exceed the upper 90's or even into the 100's.

As for the winter months...the average temperature is 37 degrees. There may be a few days during peak winter months when the temperature can drop below zero.

March is usually the wettest month of the year and October tends to be the driest month of the year. If you visit Louisville in the Summer months, be sure to bring the right clothes. It can be very hot and humid!

Allergies?

One downside to living in Louisville and the local weather...is that the majority of people who live here suffer from seasonal allergies. Louisville is located in the 'Ohio Valley', causing many to suffer from runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing during the Spring and Summer months.

Things to Do in Louisville

Must Visit Parks

Parks to visit when Living in Louisville KY

In the 1890s, Frederick Law Olmsted came to Kentucky to take part in the Louisville Park system. Olmsted is a highly recognized architect who is famously known for creating Central Park in New York. When coming to Louisville, his vision was to bring nature into the neighborhoods and it helped create some of the best parks in Louisville. Now today, there are more than 120 public parks in the Louisville area.

New to Louisville?

Three must-visit parks to visit around the city.

Cherokee Park
Cherokee Park is located in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville. Being one of the most popular parks in the metro area. There is a beautiful 2.4 mile scenic Loop, a fenced dog park, and even a bird sanctuary. Cherokee Park is one of the 50 most visited parks in the United States.

Iroquois Park

Known for its panoramic views. Iroquois Park has over 730 acres, an open-air amphitheater, and a popular golf course. Iroquois Park is a popular spot for hikers, runners, and cyclists. Iroquois Park is also a great place for family outings and picnics when living in Louisville. A must visit park during the fall to view the fall foliage.

The Parklands of Floyds Fork

The Parklands of Floyds Fork has acquired close to 4,000 acres of new parkland. Working with Louisville Metro and other nonprofit organizations, the new park system has become one of the most popular parks in the area. The park has many different features. Including a dog run, a splash park, canoeing, mountain biking, playgrounds and much more.

Local Live Entertainment

If you are relocating to Louisville you'll want to experience some of the live local entertainment. There are many different clubs in the city that host live music. You will find that there is live entertainment to enjoy almost every night of the week.

Below is a list of some of the most popular festivals that are held on an annual basis here in the Possibility City.

Spring
  • Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  • Kentucky Derby Festival
  • Kentucky Derby Great Balloon Glow
  • Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade
  • Thunder Over Louisville
  • Kentucky Derby
  • Kentucky Oaks

Summer
  • Abbey Road on the River
  • Brew at the Zoo & Wine, Too!
  • Jeffersontown Beer Festival
Forecastle Festival
  • Kentucky State Fair
  • Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle
  • NSRA Street Rod Nationals Plus
  • World Championship Horse Show

Fall
  • Boo at the Zoo
  • Bourbon & Beyond
  • Butchertown Oktoberfest
  • Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
  • Louder Than Life
  • Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival
  • North American Livestock Exposition & Championship Rodeo
  • St. James Art Fair
  • WorldFest

Winter
  • Light Up Louisville
  • Lights Under Louisville
  • Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
  • National Farm Machinery Show


FUN FACT: Patty & Mildred Hill of Louisville KY wrote the most recognized song in the English Language "Happy Birthday to You".

Final Thoughts: What to Love about Living in Louisville

When making the move to Louisville KY. You will notice that homes in Louisville are very affordable compared to real estate in other metropolitan areas. With the strong economy and job growth in the city, we have seen home values continue to rise over the past few years.

As mentioned earlier, we have seen a steady climb in home prices in Louisville and the surrounding areas. After years of low inventory, we are starting to see that trend upward, hopefully moving us into a more balanced market that is favorable for both buyers and sellers.

If you are making the move to Louisville or are thinking about relocating here in the future. It's safe to say that Louisville is a great place to live, work, and play. With the population increasing, year after year, you will be sure to make new friends on your new journey. As a lifelong resident of the Louisville area myself, feel free to contact me or comment below if you have any questions.


Things to do: Living in Louisville KY


Author Nathan Garrett Nathan Garrett October 25th, 2023

Posted by Nathan Garrett on
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Relocating from Dallas, Texas hopefully in the next 2-3 months. Office transfer with Department of Homeland Security (ICE)
Would like to know about price reasonable, safe apartments (2 or 3 bedroom) or rental home.

Posted by Shannon Barnes on Monday, August 5th, 2019 at 4:32pm

Thanks for this informative blog! You have explained everything about moving to Louisville.

Posted by Movers NYC on Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 at 11:19am

My wife and I are retired and thinking of moving to Louisville. Can you send me information about rental apartments available within the city of Louisville

Posted by Gregory Perisin on Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 at 12:03pm

I have accepted a tentative job offer with an unknown moving date. I have started my home search months ago but obviously not ready to move, just educating myself. I am married with a 7 yr old and 4 yr old. Im interested in Farmhouse or Victorian style (something old with character). Would like acreage but i know sometimes the two dont go hand and hand. Our budget will be no more than 325k. Can you advise?

Posted by Andy Coleman on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 at 2:30pm

My cousin is moving out there with her family how are the people? And what about decent paying job opportunities? Thank you

Posted by Shaila on Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 at 1:55am

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