Kentucky Real Estate For Sale

Though it isn’t considered part of the American South, Kentucky shares much of its history with this region, but at the same time mimics the history and style of the original colonies like Virginia. The homes for sale in Kentucky mimic this colonial past, which is reflected in the architectural styles you’ll find throughout the state. But as the culture has changed, so has Kentucky real estate, so it is common to find more modern farmhouses, federal-style homes, and contemporary styles, especially in the city.

While most historic homes in the state are significantly larger, cities in Kentucky have been growing in population as they gain a reputation for being more trendy. This has led to a rising number of real estate in Kentucky such as condominiums and lofts, especially in places like Louisville or Lexington. The average house size in Kentucky is just below the national average, likely in part to this spike in smaller dwellings, but don’t let that fool you- Kentucky real estate has plenty of large homes to offer as well.

Whatever type of Kentucky real estate you choose, the state boasts a low cost of living, with the average home price coming in just below $200,000. The relatively low cost of Kentucky real estate has drawn in young professionals and retirees alike in recent years and means you can likely find your dream home at the right price!

With 172 school districts, K-12 education in Kentucky is overseen by the Kentucky Board of Education. The board is responsible for educating around 650,000 students, including those who are homeschooled.

A number of school districts in Kentucky stand out as having remarkable opportunities for students. Fort Thomas Independent Schools sits near the state’s northern border and is not just the best district in the state but one of the best in the country. With a 99% graduation rate, Fort Thomas Independent School District has been named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. McCracken County Public Schools and Henderson County Schools also boast excellent scores and the availability of high-level courses.

Kentucky offers a number of unique programs to encourage high school students to excel and pursue college-level courses, including the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship. Funded by the state lottery, the KEES is designed to encourage high school students to take pre-college level courses in high school and pursue higher education within Kentucky. Students are eligible when they attain a grade point average of 2.5 or more in a rigorous curriculum designed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. If these students attend an eligible college or university within Kentucky, they receive a scholarship for variable amounts for up to four years.

This goes hand in hand with the two early entrance college programs in Kentucky, which allow students to take college courses before graduating. Kentucky real estate has access to over 50 colleges and universities in the state. The University of Kentucky’s basketball team, the Wildcats, has a huge fanbase in the state and encourages a lively sports scene across the state.

Kentucky has two international airports, Louisville International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport. Louisville is home to UPS’ Worldport, the largest automated package handling facility in the world, which contributes to the airport’s size and business.

The Kentucky Derby is the state’s largest attraction, contributing to a whole weekend of festivities that draw in 150,000 people each year. While there, they can enjoy everything from the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to the Daniel Boone National Forest. Kentucky is also home to many beautiful parks, including the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park. Mammoth Cave National Park is another highlight, with one of the world’s largest known cave systems that housed original native habitants by the 1st millennium BC.

Young professionals looking to buy real estate in Kentucky have an abundance of job opportunities in the state. The majority of Kentucky jobs are concentrated in metropolitan areas, like Louisville, which has an unemployment rate consistently below the national average. These cities are home to a number of large Fortune 500 companies that provide jobs throughout the state, including Yum! Brands (who owns Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell), Texas Roadhouse, and Humana. Other large industries include aggrotech, manufacturing, logistics, and chemicals. Many car companies have manufacturing plants in Kentucky, including Toyota and Ford. Bourbon product also accounts for a portion of the job market, with 50+ distilleries across the state.

Kentucky is generally described as balmy, with summers that can get very warm with averages near 90 degrees and autumns that become crisp and full of falling leaves. Winters usually bring snow by December, but the snowfall is generally mild and not blizzard level. Even in the coldest winter months, the state is generally pretty sunny year-round. When it comes to extreme weather, Kentucky is known to have a large number of tornadoes each year, so you will get familiar with these types of storms quickly.

Yes, in fact, Kentucky is one of the most affordable states in the United States. Aside from affordable real estate in Kentucky, the state also has a low cost of living. The average cost of living is about 16% lower than the national average, even in large cities like Louisville.

Kentucky is a state with a strong sense of culture amongst its inhabitants. In fact, many of the things it is known for often have “Kentucky” in the name. Kentucky bourbon, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky bluegrass, and even Kentucky Fried Chicken are all enjoyed across the country and tied to the commonwealth in our minds. Unlike some states where these things may be cast as stereotypes, they are truly the fabric of the state.

When it comes to Kentucky Fried Chicken, it's probably the most well-known food but is far from the best the state has to offer. Like the nearby southern states, Kentucky is famous for fried catfish, cornbread, hushpuppies, and barbeque alongside local traditions like bourbon balls, butter cake, and the mint julep. You can even find something called Kentucky Burgoo, a spicy stew that is popular at social events. While the official recipe is hard to come by, burgoo usually includes game meat like venison or rabbit, though any meat will do with the right spices.

95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky, making it beyond a doubt the leader. A Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport lets you try varieties from all over the state, but most establishments will offer the best bourbon on offer. The trail is particularly great for those who don’t want to just drink the bourbon but also learn the history of the beverage and see how it is made. The state also has an annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival to celebrate the history and flavors of the local drink. Just be sure you don’t confuse bourbon for whiskey around a local!

Speaking of annual festivities, the Kentucky Derby is perhaps the most well-known attraction in the commonwealth. The annual horse race takes place in Louisville on the first Saturday in May, a tradition held since 1875. While the 1.5-mile race itself is the focal point, Derby weekend has become a much larger event, with the entire city participating.

Kentucky is also the home of bluegrass music, a genre named for the landscape of the state, which can be found everywhere, from annual festivals to local open mic nights. The bluegrass itself is a part of the state’s varied geography, and while it is actually green, it does grow tall and sway beautifully in the wind. The bluegrass is only one of the state’s stunning sights, which include never-ending prairies, waterfalls, caves, and natural bridges alongside beautiful historical structures.

One way that many people enjoy the outdoors in Kentucky is hunting. Black bear, deer, turkey, coyote, bobcat, elk, river otter, squirrel, and almost everything else can be found in Kentucky during the right season, so don’t be surprised to see people in full gear during your next nature walk. Despite this popular hobby, you’ll also quickly get used to finding deer and turkey roaming nearly everywhere, even the more urban areas.

Along with everything the state has to offer, Kentucky real estate also has a central location near other popular cities. Nashville and Cincinnati are both a short drive from parts of Kentucky. It isn’t unusual to find someone who lives in Kentucky and enjoys all the state has to offer but has a short commute to another state for their job, schooling, or leisure activities