Planning a move to Lexington-Fayette urban county — neighborhoods?
Longtime lurker here, Poverty rate is 9.4%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any help is appreciated.
17 upvotes
14 Replies
Elena Lewis
bump
40 upvotes
Ethan Perez
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in South area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Charlotte
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Charlotte Taylor
wish I knew this sooner
36 upvotes
Hazel R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Kennedy T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 53, moved here 1 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
28 upvotes
Lori E.
bump
26 upvotes
Cora Ruiz
Moved here from Austin about 13 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to dating scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Gregory S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Cameron Gray
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much wild but now it's solid.
18 upvotes
Isla Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
David Wright
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The dating scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Charlotte Hernandez
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Austin Johnson
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
All Countries
