Living in Lexington, KY: 20 Things That Make the Horse Capital Shine

Wondering if living in Lexington, KY, is the right move for you? Known as the “horse capital of the world,” the city balances tranquil charm and vibrant city life beautifully. Equestrian culture runs deep, and so does Wildcat pride. With all of that, plus affordable living, a strong job market, and well-regarded education options, it’s no surprise that people are attracted to the city. There’s a lot more to learn, though. And we’re here to give you the lowdown.

Lexington at a Glance

• Situated in Fayette County, Lexington is located at the edge of the Cumberland Gap.
• The city has a total area of 286 square miles.
• Lexington has a total population of 318,500.
• Lexington has a median age of approximately 35 years old.

20 Things to Know About Living in Lexington, KY

Considering a move to Lexington? Here are the 20 most important things you should know before making the big call.

1. The Cost of Living in Lexington, KY, Won’t Break the Bank

Lexington may be more expensive than some other cities across the state; however, the total cost of living is still less than the national average. Lexington has a cost-of-living score of 90.8, which is over 9 percent lower than the U.S. average index. It’s 8.5 percent higher than the Kentucky state average, though.

OK, but what salary do you need to live in Lexington, KY? To cover basic living expenses, a single adult living alone would need to make $41,317 annually before taxes. And a family of four with two adults working needs $99,208 annually before taxes.

There’s a large difference between covering basic expenses and living comfortably, though. SmartAsset recommends that 50 percent of your budget be allocated to cover basic needs, 30 percent to entertainment and fun, and 20 percent to pay down debt, invest, and save. So, by applying that 50/30/20 budget to MIT’s living wage estimate, we determined the following:

• A single person living alone would need an annual income of $82,634 before taxes.
• A family of four with two working adults would need an annual income of $198,416 before taxes.

2. The Lexington Real Estate Market Might Surprise You (in All the Right Ways)

Lexington’s average home value is $323,400, which is lower than the national average of $368,600, but almost $100,000 higher than the Kentucky state average. 
Curious about architecture? The city is home to an array of beautiful neighborhoods that reflect its colonial heritage through both the landscape and architecture. Traditional Colonial-style homes are the most formal, defined by symmetry and a timeless design. Federal-style homes add decorative flourishes and Greek-inspired details, while Contemporary spaces often incorporate asymmetrical elements.

3. Lexington’s Rental Market Offers Plenty of Options

Not in the market to buy a home? Want to move to the city and see your options before committing? Lexington has great options to suit your needs. From studios to one- and two-bedroom apartments, the average rent is $1,350 for almost 900 square feet (compared to the national average of $1,750 for the same amount of space).

Areas like Chevy Chase-Ashland Park and Downtown Lexington are where you want to be if you’re looking for big-city amenities and modern spaces.

Kenwick fits the bill best for families, with highly regarded public schools, beautiful single-family homes, and plenty of nearby parks.
(Source: Jessica Bach via Facebook)

4. The Best Places to Live in Lexington, KY, Have Something for Everyone

As one of the biggest cities in Kentucky, many lovely neighborhoods make up the Lexington real estate market. Here are our picks for the top three best neighborhoods in Lexington, KY.

Downtown Lexington

Also known as “Downtown Lex,” this neighborhood is densely populated and well-suited for young professionals and University of Kentucky students alike. Downtown is one of the best areas to live in Lexington, KY, and is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the city — like the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.

Kenwick

Kenwick fits the bill best for families, with highly regarded public schools — including the A-rated Ashland Elementary — beautiful single-family homes, and plenty of nearby parks (check out Woodland Park). The neighborhood is small and tight-knit, making it easy to feel truly a part of the community and form new bonds.

Liberty Heights

Located in the southeastern sector of Lexington, Liberty Heights is a gorgeous and tranquil neighborhood full of greenery and horse farms — all just six minutes from Downtown. With Idle Hour Country Club and its 18-hole golf course, along with quaint cafes and the quirky Woodland Art Fair nearby, it’s a great neighborhood for retirees to settle down. Affordable housing options also make it appealing for first-time homebuyers.

5. Lexington’s Public Transportation Gets the Job Done, But Doesn’t Go Everywhere

The Lextran bus system operates 26 routes and is pretty affordable, with passengers paying less $1 per trip, but its reach is limited — especially compared to other major cities. Overall, you won’t find a great level of convenience, and you’ll need a car if you’re living outside the city center.

6. Families & College Students Flock to Lexington for Its Top-Notch Schools

The Fayette County Public School System outperforms districts across the state, and has every year since 2018. In fact, the district has actually maintained its growth in areas like post-secondary readiness, reading and math proficiency, and graduation rates. Niche has even ranked it the No. 2 most diverse school district in Kentucky and the No. 15 best school district in the state. 

No matter your children’s age, they’ll have access to a quality education. Meadowthorpe is a top 10 elementary school in the state, according to Niche. And SCAPA at Bluegrass and Lafayette High School are both ranked among the top five in Kentucky for best public middle and high schools, respectively.

Ranked one of the best colleges in the entire state, according to the U.S. News and World Report, the University of Kentucky (UKY) is home to over 200 majors and programs. You don’t have to be a student to enjoy being a wildcat, though.

Lexington residents enjoy warm summers, cold winters, and brilliant colors in the spring and fall months.
(Source: Mill Ridge via Facebook)

7. Lexington Shows Off All Four Seasons

The weather in Lexington is partially cloudy year-round, and the city experiences each of the four seasons. Summers are warm and a bit humid, while the winters are short, but very cold and wet. 

July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the coldest time of year, with an average low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Wondering about snow? Don’t worry, you’ll get it. February is the month with the most snow, with an average of 3.6 inches.

8. Kentucky Sports Fans Bleed Blue & Bring the Energy To Lexington

The UKY Wildcats are among the SEC’s diehard fans, and a day on the field at any game is enough to prove that true. The university’s most popular sports are basketball and, of course, football. Some of the team’s players have even been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine over the years, and any fan in Lexington will be happy to educate you once you’re settled in.

Not much of a college sports fan? You can still bleed blue over the Lexington Legends. The city’s minor league baseball team has seen a lot of success over the years, with four championship titles in total: 2001 (the team’s inaugural season), 2018, 2019, and 2021. 

10. Lexington’s Job Market Is Packed With Opportunities

Although the horse industry is known to be a billion-dollar sector in Lexington, other industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare, contribute to the city’s low unemployment rate — just 4.1 as of June 2025.

UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital is known for its high-quality healthcare services and is one of the most prominent hospitals in the city. It has a Level I trauma center (the only one in Central and Eastern Kentucky) and a neonatal intensive care unit. 

If you're looking for a job in marketing, engineering, or product development, you can check out positions available at Conduent, UKY, and Lexmark International, Inc.

11. Lexington Proves BBQ Isn’t the Only Cuisine Worth Craving

BBQ is definitely one of the most popular food options across Lexington, but the list goes on when it comes to the city’s offerings. Enjoy brunch dates? Check out DV8 Kitchen, with favorites on the menu including Southern biscuits and orange marmalade breakfast sandwiches. Taco lover? You’ll find your new favorite at The Local Taco!

If you’re in the mood for a classic BBQ dish, wine, or poutine, you can never go wrong with County Club.

Established May 6, 1782, Lexington has a deep history and culture.
(Source: Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate via Facebook)

12. Rich History & Thriving Culture Come With Living in Lexington

Lexington, established May 6, 1782, has a deep history and culture. You’ll find a variety of events and attractions that celebrate the city's heritage, including museums, historical landmarks, and cultural festivals. 

Some of the notable ones include the Henry Clay Estate, the Lexington Opera House (also an active live music venue!), and the Lexington History Center. Not a history buff? Don’t worry, there’s something in the city for everyone.

13. Lexington Offers Endless Things To Do No Matter Your Mood

There’s a new opportunity and activity always awaiting you when you live in Lexington, from the great outdoors to the colonial history that brought the city to where it is today.

Enjoy the Outdoors

With over 100 city parks, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and football fields are easy to access in the city, but so is horseback riding. Classes are available year-round, including indoor ones during the cold months (say goodbye to winter blues).

You can also visit one of the city’s many gardens, like The Horticultural Gardens and Displays at The Arboretum.

Fun Activities for the Kids

Lexington has plenty of opportunities for the kids to explore something new. Investigate the inside of a tree house in the Wonder Woods or explore the wonders of the Small World & Bone Zone at the Lexington Children's Museum. Interested in aviation? Take a look at airplanes at The Aviation Museum of Kentucky.

Enriching Experiences for the History Buffs

Lexington is a great place for history buffs. Explore Georgian architecture at the Mary Todd Lincoln House, which was the home of the 16th president's wife. Or check out the Big Band and Jazz spring concert series at the Moondance Amphitheater and Ecton Park.

Lexington is home to renowned horse-racing venues, including Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Race Course (pictured).
(Source: Keeneland via Facebook)

15. You’ll Definitely Appreciate Lexington’s Music Scene

The music scene in Lexington often goes unnoticed, but it’s certainly one of a kind. Lexington has plenty of music venues that you can enjoy, such as the Manchester Music Hall. There, you can get a taste of different genres of music, including folk, rock, and indie. Bluegrass fans will be sure to enjoy the Railbird Festival. Interested in opera? Head over to the Lexington Opera House.

17. Lexington Offers Solid Perks for Your Golden Years

Retiring in Kentucky comes with a few perks, including full tax exemption on all social security income and significant deductions on other forms of retirement income. 

The city of Lexington is home to some of the best hospitals in the state, including the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, which provides top-notch healthcare services through its medical centers. Lexington also has some great retirement communities, like Highgrove at Tates Creek and Holiday Hartland Hills, that provide residents with a variety of activities and housing.

Lexington’s local beverage scene features bourbon (of course) as well as craft beers, cocktails, and wine.
(Source: Visit LEX via Facebook)

18. Lexington Wineries & Breweries Won’t Disappoint

Although it's known for its bourbon, Lexington also has a thriving wine industry with many local establishments, like the Grimes Mill Winery. Spots like the rooftop bar at Belle's Cocktail House offer craft cocktails, including “Naked in the Garden” (featuring cucumber-infused vodka) or the espresso-infused tequila cocktail “That’s Amore.” 

Catch a cabaret show at The Bar Complex, which has three bars, 18,000 square feet of space to dance, and a monthly art show featuring local artists.

19. Living in Lexington vs. Living in Louisville

Louisville and Lexington might be just 90 minutes apart, but both cities offer a completely unique living experience. While students and young professionals are attracted to Lexington’s job market and education opportunities, the laid-back feel is also appreciated by families and retirees. Louisville has more of a bustling urban atmosphere with a strong arts scene, which is more desirable to the younger population. Here are a few more of the most important things to consider:

• Cost of living: The cost of living in Louisville is slightly lower than in Lexington, with a cost of living score of 89.8 compared to 90.8.
• Home values: Finding an affordable home is simpler when you opt for one of the best neighborhoods in Louisville, with an average home value of $255,000 compared to $323,400 in Lexington.
• Rent: The rent prices in Lexington and Louisville are pretty similar, but Louisville’s average is slightly lower at $1,325 compared to Lexington’s $1,350.
• Unemployment rate: Lexington has a lower unemployment rate than Louisville, at around 4.1 percent compared to Louisville’s 4.3 percent.
• Crime: Both Lexington and Louisville have had problems with high violent crime rates, but Louisville's overall crime index makes it safer than just three percent of U.S. cities, while Lexington’s makes it safer than eight percent of U.S. cities.
• Different lifestyles: Louisville is more centered around an urban energy with a strong arts scene, and is also home to the Kentucky Derby Museum. Lexington is situated around rolling hills and farms, on the other hand, and is best known for its horse racing.

20. Pros and Cons of Living in Lexington, KY

To break it down, these are the top pros and cons that come with living in Lexington, KY:

Pros of Living in Lexington, KY:

• Laid-back way of life
• Strong sports scene
• Enriching history and culture
• Diverse food scene
• Well-regarded education options & job opportunities

Cons of Living in Lexington, KY:

• Public transportation is somewhat limited
• The cost of living is higher than in other major cities within the state
• Winters can be very cold
• Violent crime rates are an issue in certain parts of the city
• Nightlife options are more limited

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Move to Lexington With the Help of PODS

Whether you’re moving to the city center or to one of the small Kentucky towns outside of Lexington, consider using a portable moving container from PODS to get there. Have a portable container delivered right to your driveway, where you’ll be able to load up and transport on your own schedule. Once you’re ready, have it picked up and delivered to your new Lexington home, or keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center. With one month of storage built into the cost of every move, you can take your time getting settled. Need help with the heavy lifting? No problem! PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance.

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.

(Source for image featured at top: Kentucky Horse Park via Facebook)