When you are choosing a place to live, you want a comfortable environment at an affordable price. The best places to live have the best atmosphere, many job opportunities, and different ways to earn a living. Peaceful surroundings and a welcoming society are also help for those who want a new home. In 2024, Kentucky will have many best places that have a balance of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a peaceful town, Kentucky has choices that fit everyone’s requirements and lifestyles.
Where Are the Best Places to Live in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, there are some cities and towns that will be the best places to live. It depends on whether you’re growing a family, want a job, preparing to retire, or depend on a budget. Here are some of the best places that will be best for living in Kentucky now.
- Fort Thomas
- Hopkinsville
- Owensboro
- Edgewood
- Louisville
1. Fort Thomas
Fort Thomas was established on February 27, 1867. It is a charming home rule-class city located on the southern bank of the Ohio River in Kentucky. It is the largest city in Campbell County and a famous Cincinnati suburb with a population of 17,133 in 2022. Originally the site of a U.S. Army post made in 1890, Fort Thomas has developed into one of the best places to live in Kentucky.
This city has a reasonable lifestyle where most residents own their homes. It’s a family-friendly place with many nightclubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools in Fort Thomas are costly, making it the best place for young professionals and families alike. The society is famous for its classic values and welcoming atmosphere.
Fort Thomas is perched on a bluff managing the Ohio River and Cincinnati, Ohio. Its history is rich, with archaeological evidence offering an important battle that took place here between the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Miami tribes in about 1749. The city is also known as the “City of Beautiful Homes” because it boasts over 160 homes that are more than 100 years old.
2. Hopkinsville
Hopkinsville, established in 1804, is a home rule-class city in southwestern Kentucky. With a population of 30,927 in 2022, it has become an appealing choice for those seeking an affordable place to live. The median home prices in Hopkinsville are budget-friendly, and the overall cost of living is 19% lower than the national average, making it an ideal location for families and individuals alike.
Young professionals find Hopkinsville particularly attractive, as the job market has grown by an impressive 9.14% in recent years. The city is also known for its highly rated education system, with Christian County Schools being the largest school district in the area.
Hopkinsville’s rich history dates back to its origins as Christian Court House. It was later renamed Elizabeth, and in 1804, it became Hopkinsville in honor of Samuel Hopkins, a soldier of the American Revolution and early pioneer. Over time, the city evolved into a vital service hub for farmers and a bustling market for livestock, burley, and dark-fired tobacco. Today, the city’s manufacturing sector includes clothing, automotive parts, and electric lighting.
3. Owensboro
Western Kentucky’s growing home rule-class city of Owensboro was established in 1817 as Owensboro. As of 2022, it is the fourth largest city in the state, with 60,037 citizens. The center of the Owensboro metropolitan area, Owensboro is located about 107 miles southwest of Louisville at the meeting point of U.S. Route 60 and Interstate 165.
The affordable price of Owensboro is one of its best qualities. The average cost of living is lower than the national average, while the average home price is around $184,290. With a $51,186 average yearly income because of its robust work market, the city is a great choice for both professionals and families.
Features include transportation, such as good road connections and the Owensboro-Daviess Regional Airport (OWB / KOWB), which is only 5–10 miles from the city center. Owensboro’s amazing 85% air quality rating adds to the city’s attraction as a healthy place to live.
4. Edgewood
With 8,382 citizens as of 2024, Edgewood is known as one of Kentucky’s best societies, especially for families with little ones. This small city, which was established on November 15, 1948, welcomes families looking for a safe and encouraging atmosphere with a mixture of comfort and unity.
With affordable expenses for living that are 10% less than the state average, Edgewood is a great place to move down, with an average home price of $329,750. With an exceptionally low level of unemployment of just 1.4%—below the national average—the city’s job market is growing.
With a planned 25.4% increase in the next ten years, Edgewood’s job market may offer lots of opportunities for its citizens. The neighborhood advantages significantly from the regular job base that Ortho Cincy, Hope Bridge, and Pace provide to significant employers in the area.
Edgewood succeeds in healthcare as well, getting an A+ rating for its medical services in addition to its financial success. Edgewood has good healthcare, job stability, and affordability, which make it an excellent place for starting a family.
5. Louisville
The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville, is situated at the Indiana border along the Ohio River. Founded in 1778, Churchill Downs Racetrack is the location of the famous Kentucky Derby, a highly valued horse race that takes place around May. The Kentucky Derby Museum provides visitors an opportunity to dive into its rich history. Another baseball-loving city is Louisville, which is also home to the famous huge bat that hangs proudly at the entrance to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, displaying how it’s used to make Major League bats.
Louisville, one of the best places to live in Kentucky, offers an exciting lifestyle with affordable property. While the average cost of hire for a 931-square-foot apartment is $1,217, the average cost of a home is $228,634. As the home of the famous University of Louisville, Louisville is a wonderful option for those considering higher education.
Louisville has a reasonable cost of living, with housing costs 21% less than the national average. The city’s job market will continue to expand by an amazing 38.3% throughout the next ten years, offering people a plethora of choices. Churchill Downs, Pharmaron, UPS, Kroger, Thorntons, and CG are just a few of the major employers in the city that offer a strong and varied economy.
Louisville is a vibrant city that provides a good mix of affordability, job possibilities, and educational opportunities, helping people to live satisfying lives.
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Conclusion
In Kentucky, there are many choices for the best places to live, from bustling cities like Louisville to beautiful suburbs like Fort Thomas and reasonable towns such as Hopkinsville. Whether you prioritize job possibilities, family-friendly atmospheres, or reasonable living, Kentucky has many things to offer everyone. Carefully considering factors that are helpful in life like median income, cost of living, and job market growth will help you choose the best place.
