Are you thinking of moving to Louisville, KY? Louisville, the largest city in Jefferson County, is commonly known as Possibility City because of its numerous prospects. It’s a small city with countless perks and an admirable and fun quality of life.
From health facilities, Fortune 500 companies, scenic views, world-class schools, and unique restaurant tastes where you can treat your taste buds, there’s no shortage of living it up. It stretches the limits of life in the city with a small-town charm and feeling. Check out this comprehensive guide when moving to Louisville.
Louisville Basics
Here are the basics to consider when moving to Louisville, KY.
Louisville Real Estate
The real estate market in Louisville is competitive, with approximately 65 neighborhoods. You can fit in any neighborhood whether you’re a working professional, have a family, or live alone.
The amenities within the neighborhoods, like schools, eateries and restaurants, and entertainment sections, make these spaces the places to be. The real estate market in Louisville tends to be a buyers’ market where the number of listings usually surpass the buyers demand.
The median home price in the region is $200K, but properties, particularly high-end houses, go for up to $7M, while you might get affordable houses below the $100K range. The appreciation rates of homes for sale in Louisville match the national average and take less than 40 days, showing the market’s potential and characteristics.
A large portion of the rental homes in the city house university students making it a lucrative business. There’s a whole plan to develop West Louisville to attract more investors in the real estate market and affect the housing prices.
Investors take to these studios and one-bedroom apartments to maximize their rental income and business. Studios and one to four-bedroom rental houses cost between $1,000 to $2,000 for monthly rent, which increases their profitability. Affordable housing is available for those that qualify.
Cost of Living in Louisville
The housing affordability in Louisville is one of the reasons many people choose to move to the city. The monthly costs are largely easy to manage. There’s an untold harmony between a small-town setting and the big-city vibes. The average cost of living index is lower than the national average, while the annual median income is higher than the national average.
Louisville’s rental prices, food scene, and healthcare are lower than the national average, while utilities and transportation are higher. Overall, you’d spend less caring for your family or yourself in Louisville than in other nearby cities or other parts of the state or country.
Schools in Louisville
In Louisville, K-12 and university students are well served. Louisville is situated in the Jefferson County School District and has more than 100 public schools, such as Manual High School, Atherton High School, Louisville Male High School, and Butler Traditional High School, with other charter and private schools and other esteemed institutions.
The average ranking of schools in the city sometimes needs to catch up to the average rating but still offers quality education. The school quality from pre-kindergarten to university (public and private) and colleges provide a stable education foundation for the children.
Higher learning institutions like the University of Louisville, Spalding University, Jefferson Community & Technical College, University of Kentucky, and Bellarmine University provide the best learning platform and area for a family setting. Louisville is home to some excellent schools and rivals nearby cities. All of this education aids in cultivating the arts scene, cultural scene, and culinary scene.
Economy in Louisville
Finding job prospects in Louisville is easy because of the multiple industries in various niches. The city is well known for its industries in education, health, shipping and logistics, product manufacturing, and high tech which provide opportunities. There is plenty of job growth throughout the entire city.
You don’t have to worry about finding a job in the city. The primary employers in the city are UPS, the University of Louisville, Norton Healthcare, and Ford Motor Co.
What You Should Know When Moving to Louisville
There are dozens of things to consider when moving to Louisville, but here are some of the most critical ones to remember as you plan your journey.
Affordable Living
Louisville is an affordable living space from the house or apartment you buy or rent to the bills, food, and entertainment. The neighborhood you choose to settle in significantly influences the affordability though it’ll be less than the national average.
The city’s mix of single-family homes and affordable housing prices allows you to live comfortably without stress. The beauty and opportunities in Downtown neighborhoods often attract many residents and migrants. Check out these exciting Kentucky neighborhoods where you might settle in.
The Highlands
The Highlands neighborhood is an exciting blend of historical and fantastic scenery. The neighborhood has strict zoning rules with more low-rise houses and condos. It’s located 10 mins east of Downton and above the floodplain because of its elevation.
It’s one of Louisville’s most walkable neighborhoods and boasts a beautiful scenery, tree-lined streets, murals, delicious food, eateries, and popular parks. Young professionals and college students enjoy this neighborhood because of its elements, which are a perfect blend of historical scenes with a modern and fancy touch.
Bonnycastle
Bonnycastle was founded in the 19th century and had a lot of forestry and green spaces. The manicured streets and scattered estates have well-structured mansions. The community in Bonnycastle is closely-knit and provides the perfect environment for family status.
The charming homes with proximity to Bardstown Road, full of entertainment opportunities and chic boutiques, make Bonnycastle an ideal neighborhood for family outings. The working population will also find it easy to commute to their workplaces because of its proximity to a major highway and various transport means.
Butchertown
What combination works better than meat and sports? Butchertown hosts pork processing plants and the Lynn Family Stadium, which hosts numerous soccer activities. Entertainment spots, including vintage shops, markets, and restaurants, make the neighborhood a resourceful living place for families and meat lovers.
Job seekers can easily find jobs in the area as it’s a growing neighborhood with much economic and social potential.
Germantown
The name originates from the number of German migrants in the neighborhood in the mid-1800s. It’s an ideal location for young couples or students in the university to enjoy fine dining and high-end bars and restaurants. The vibe around the neighborhood rhymes with that of a hip community, perfectly complementing the rustic, old, and vibrant community aesthetic.
Weather
Louisville experiences four seasons all year, starting with winter seasons that stretch from the winter in December to March to fall from September to November. Hot summers begin in mid-May with estimated temperatures of 78.8 °F (26°C) across the season. July is usually the hottest month; thus, ensure you equip your wardrobe with clothes to fit the different seasons.
The coldest month is in January, recording up to 14°F (-10°C). Winter brings a mixture of rain, snow, and cold nights where you might need snow boots. The wettest months are summer and spring, contributing to the humid summers; ensure you adequately prepare for these seasons. Take note of natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes by following up with weather alerts and reports.
Best Bourbon in the U.S.
Louisville is the bourbon capital of the country. The rich history of whiskey and distilleries in Louisville is why you’ll find over 100 wineries and distilleries in the neighborhood. Check out different wines and bourbons in popular places like Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, proof on Main, Bourbon’s Bistro, and others. This is a wonderful area for history buffs
Residents can take on the Bourbon trail and tours showing the history of Bourbon in Louisville. The cocktail and culinary experience in Louisville in the neighborhood makes for an interesting way to spend your holidays or weekends.
Sports
Louisville city is the home of the Kentucky Derby and other sports, hosting some of the largest stadiums in the state. The Kentucky Derby is a horse race boasting some of the country’s highest attendance. This southern city has horse racing that usually epitomizes the Kentucky two-week-long festival.
The neighborhood hosts various professional and minor league teams in men’s and women’s sports in baseball and soccer. Louisville baseball and City soccer team share the Slugger headquarters for their practice and matches. Thus, baseball fans should prepare their caps for the new season once they settle in.
Other sports like golf and wrestling are other common sporting events in the city. These sports help to unite the residents and give them something to identify with. For example, the city hosted the Ryder Cup in 2018, which was a big honor and contributed to the development and growth of the city.
College and high school sports like college basketball and baseball are pretty common, lightening up the sporting mood in the area. These events give students something exciting and progressive to work towards nationals, competitive prices, and bragging rights.
Outdoor Adventures
Louisville has many exciting features where you can enjoy time with family and friends. From nature walks through lush parks to hiking in public parks and trails, taking wine tours, watching sports, and visiting beautiful parks, there’s always something to do in the neighborhood to lift your spirits. Check out these highly-rated adventures you should take on while in Louisville.
So take in the natural beauty with the wide variety of popular parks such as Deer Park, Audubon Park, Central Park, Iroquois Park, and Jefferson Memorial Forest. Fishing enthusiasts will also find a lot to get excited about throughout the different parks.
Louisville Nature Park
Louisville nature park has hiking trails and hosts various animals, birds, and insects. It has a spot called ‘bird blind’ where you can bird watch and enjoy the bird sanctuary. The turtles, bees, squirrels, and other animals are the highlights when taking your adventure to this park.
Waterfront Park
Louisville Waterfront Park has scenic river views to die for along the river road. The Lincoln Memorial, along the way, makes it a special place to visit as you can relive and create new memories as you pay homage to his contributions.
Cherokee Park
Cherokee Park carries the beauty of blooming flowers and green hills and meadows during different seasons. Those who prefer hiking, walking, or cycling can easily weave their way through these scenic views as they look out for wildlife in these lush parks.
Culture
Louisville is primarily a Southern country but has significant influences from Midwest culture and other global cuisines. The cuisine mainly celebrated in Louisville is Southern cuisine, with its main dishes being fried chicken, fried catfish, and hush puppies.
Cultural enthusiasts can find art pieces and history in Downtown art galleries or historical museums. There are numerous Southern Indiana arts and studios where you can create and enjoy art scenes and its culture.
History
With several museums and factories like Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, memorials, and centers focusing on celebrating and showcasing Louisville’s history, it’s easy to find and relate to some of these pieces. Louisville boasts various historical events like being the center of Bourbon country, hosting the Kentucky Derby, and where Muhammad Ali was born.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Louisville is enterprising because of the potential development and current calmness and growth you get from the area. There’s so much you can gain when living in the city, starting with its affordability and the job market in various industries.
The neighborhood’s median household income is higher while expenses are lower than the city’s average; it sets you up on a financial path where you can save and invest for your growth. It’s a balanced town with the constant availability of entertainment, education, lush parks to explore from Deer Park and Audubon Park, and eating areas in different neighborhoods.
And K-12 and university students excel in this city with the quality of schools such as Barret Traditional Middle School, Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts School, and Manual High School. Louisville is a city for people looking to grow and thrive.
Are you ready to move to Louisville, KY? Contact a local eXp agent to help you find the perfect home. And sign up for alerts when new properties come on the market so you don’t miss out on the house of your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Louisville
If you still have questions about moving to Louisville, check out these common FAQs.
Is it cheaper to live in Lexington or Louisville?
It’s cheaper to live in Lexington than in Louisville by about 0.9%.
Is Louisville, KY, a good place to live?
Yes. Louisville, KY, is an excellent palace to relocate to. It’s relatively affordable, and you can get all you need for a calm and comfortable place to settle in, whether relocating with your family or a single person.
Why should you move to Louisville?
Louisville has the potential to develop and grow in multiple industries including real estate, education, and manufacturing. The opportunities and possibilities that the city allows you to break your boundaries.
What are the pros and cons of moving to Kentucky?
Kentucky is an affordable place to live compared to other states. You’ll get tax breaks and enjoy its art, culture, cuisine, and beautiful views as your standard therapy. Though the income tax rate is a flat rate, senior citizens get retirement tax breaks.
In contrast, Kentucky has average schools and has had weather scares like tornadoes or flooding. The culture and language in Kentucky can also be challenging to adapt as you settle in. The area also experiences pollution that can be a put-off for some people.
What salary do you need to live in Louisville, KY?
A family of four requires approximately $60,700 to live a modest life in a year, less than the national average of $63K.
What are winters like in Louisville, KY?
Winters in Louisville may have rain and snow, with extreme snow in some areas. The temperatures could be as low as 14°F (-10°C) at night, usually in January.
