9 Best Places To Live In Kentucky, USA - Updated 2024

best places to live in kentucky
Katie
Katie 
Updated
| 5 min read

Kentucky is famous for many reasons, and one of the most popular reasons is their Kentucky Friend Chicken. What you may or may not know is that each neighborhood in Kentucky has its own charm and treasures. Whether you are looking to relocate, are a first-time mover, or simply want more information about the neighborhood for a stay, we’ve got your back. You learn everything there is to know from crime levels in a particular neighborhood to the best places to grab your morning cup of coffee. Simply scroll down for the list of the best places to live in Kentucky.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

1. Fort Thomas (from USD 125)

Fort Thomas Commercial 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bill Eichelberger used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Although it is not easy to buy a house here, living in Fort Thomas is comfortable. The housing market is particularly high due to the historical background, and there are many unique buildings from the late 1800s. The school district here is of very high standard and the city features many parks and recreational areas that are safe for children. The downtown area also has many lively restaurants and entertainment options. For a visit, stay in this quaint 1920s cottage which is ideal for a couple, or a family. The property includes free WiFi, Netflix, and a garden.

Stayed at this property?
Fort Thomas, Kentucky, United States
130.77 km (81.3 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
208 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i cannot recommend this comfortable cottage enough
we had a lovely stay at ky cottage the rooms were comfortable and very nicely appointed
the rooms were comfy and very nice
the king sized bed is super comfortable
a very well appointed suite of rooms in a beautiful house with great amenities and wonderful host
Cleanliness:
exceptionally clean and bright space
the apt was very clean plenty of clean towels a small refrig
very clean and beautifully decorated space
clean and comfortable; very cozy with it's own charm
beautifully decorated and immaculately clean
Host:
lovely place and host would stay again
great host and a great space
lisa was a perfect host and provided great customer service
lisa was a great host
lisa was a super host
Location:
great location situated in a really cute neighborhood
the location is nice
this location was beautiful very close to downtown cincinnati
stylish cute and in a great location
i would definitely recommend this location to anyone
Read more reviews

2. Crestwood (from USD 79)

Crestwood
Source: Photo by Flickr user amslerPIX used under CC BY 2.0

If you want the ‘small community’ vibe where everyone knows each other, then Crestwood might be your ideal neighborhood. Although not very diverse, the locals are welcoming. The local education system is of high standards and the parks are safe for children. It is also close to the beautiful Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. You will be able to enjoy plenty of space, and the neighborhood is peaceful. For accommodation look towards this newly built loft vacation rental that has space for up to five guests sharing two bedrooms.

Stayed at this property?
Crestwood, Kentucky, United States
7.9 km (5.0 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
144 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire loft 2 Beds 5 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the studio apartment was well maintained and furnished with had a very nice bathroom
Cleanliness:
the nest was clean and well-appropriated
it was quiet and clean
very clean and pictures accurately represents what you'd be staying in
the apartment is clean and spacious and had everything we needed
a nicely decorated and spacious space new and very clean
Host:
the host is super responsive
the hosts were very responsive and helpful throughout my stay
scott was a great host
Location:
very nice location and too cute
location provided getaway from hustle and bustle yet was near several points of interest in the louisville region
great location everything was great
this is a great place to kick back and relax in a beautiful neighborhood outside of louisville
a wonderful place to stay
Read more reviews

3. Hurstbourne (from USD 59)

Hurstbournescene
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user STONE8HENGE used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

A vast proportion of residents in the area own a property, with only less than 30 percent staying on rent. There are plenty of restaurants, and independent coffee shops to keep cafe-fans happy. The crime rate is particularly low, making it a safe neighborhood. Children and teenagers alike can enjoy the Malibu Jack’s Louisville activity center which has one of the best local miniature golf courses and bumper cars. The most comfortable rooms are offered at the Red Roof and are ideal for families. Room sizes stretch from two people to eight people. There is free parking and WiFi onsite. Additionally, pets are welcome.

Stayed at this property?

Red Roof Inn Louisville East - Hurstbourne

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 9330 Blairwood Road
6.59 km (4.1 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park

Parking Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Free parking Internet services Safety deposit box

4. Anchorage (from USD 157)

Anchorageposummer
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user STONE8HENGE used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Moving here will expose you to nature; Anchorage Trail is a walk that will take you on a gentle loop and slowly change your lifestyle. Most of the residents own their homes and the neighborhood is generally safe, but there has been a few instances of petty burglary too. There are a number of excellent local restaurants and the schooling system is very good. This is a fantastic location for raising a family. For your whole family to stay, check out this ideal seven-person vacation rental which is equipped with a 50" flat-screen TV and fast wifi. The property has four bedrooms so you can stay in absolute comfort and in close proximity to Anchorage.

Stayed at this property?

4.18 km (2.6 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
22 reviews   Wifi Available
House 7 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 7
Minimum Nights: 5
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
along with the furnishings and new appliances it was delightfully comfortable
Host:
the owners are good people to work with
Location:
great place for the price location was safe and close to dining and groceries
the house is a nice house and the location is great
the house was perfect for the 4 of us and is in a great location
Read more reviews
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5. Union (from USD 237)

Union, KY City Building
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mhuy222 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This popular spot enjoys easy commute; on average about thirty minutes, and there are plenty of job opportunities for school graduates. Several young professionals and families live in the area, so recently additional businesses and construction works have entered the neighborhood. Luckily, the traditional old buildings like Town Hall remain intact and cherished. The neighborhood has a low crime rate and there is a strong sense of community. For accommodation, we’d recommend this two-bedroom wooden cabin which can sleep up to eight people. Built with a sense of tradition at heart, you can enjoy the wood-burning stove, or relax on the porch rocking chairs.

Stayed at this property?

106.75 km (66.4 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
64 reviews   Wifi Available
cabin 8 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the cabin was beautiful clean and just as advertised
the cabin is excellent - it is cozy clean and comfortable and situated in a quiet beautiful area
Host:
the host and her family are very warm and welcoming
the owners (and their dogs) are awesome
found it owner was helpful and cabin is charming
the shack chuck and april and their family were very gracious hosts
april and chuck were very friendly and accommodating and we enjoyed meeting and talking with them
Location:
the location is peaceful and convenient
great location and accommodations - especially if you are visiting the ark encounter
this cabin was the perfect spot to stay in between both and close to the airport
the location is perfect for going to the creation museum
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

6. Crescent Hill (from USD 70)

Louisville Crescent Hill Branch library
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zepfanman.com used under CC BY 2.0

The main streets are lined with excellent restaurants, cafes, independent artisans coffee shops, and boutiques. The big institutions nearby provide plenty of jobs and opportunities to the area. However, it is difficult to get a placement at a school here or even commute to the one that admits a child, thanks to the dense population. Nevertheless, the schools are of a high standard for sure. We’d recommend spending time at Crescent Hill, and this loft conversion for four guests is the ideal vacation rental. It is in an excellent location, near all amenities, and features WiFi, a television, and kitchen utensils.

Stayed at this property?
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
11.85 km (7.4 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
469 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire loft 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air-conditioned space was comfortable and stylish
i appreciated the coffee and amenities in the kitchen and the tv and entertainment setup was nice
the cottage was very comfortable and had everything we needed to be comfortable
the bed is comfortable and the space is cozy
the bed was super comfortable and the bathroom updates were nice
Cleanliness:
very clean and comfortable
great communication very accommodating and clean
the house was exactly as advertised and so clean
a very clean and comfortable place
it is clean reasonably priced and very charming
Host:
the hosts are friendly and accommodating
the hosts are super friendly too
matt and mandy are very nice hosts
great value and great host
hosts are easy and quick to communicate with
Location:
the location is great
i enjoyed the location of this place
the location was the best super close to many awesome restaurants
nearby grocery stores and amazing scenery all within walking distance
a very cute and comfy place
Read more reviews

7. Highlands Douglass (from USD 122)

Humphrey-McMeekin House
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user W.marsh used under CC BY 2.0

This neighborhood has one of the most diverse communities from those in this list, so everyone feels welcome and valued. There are a plethora of shops, bars, and different restaurants, especially along Bardstown Road. There is a large park that has a paved loop walk. The schools are above average in terms of achievement and there is no long commute, students can walk to school from their own homes. The best way to enjoy this area is to stay at this vacation rental which has a private heated salt-water pool and large living room for up to eight guests.

Stayed at this property?
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
12.08 km (7.6 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
354 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 3 Beds 8 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
strong air conditioning fast wifi great cable tv refrigerator microwave coffeepot with coffee provided
nice comfortable chairs and couches to lounge inside
great pool and beautiful yard
the backyard patio areas are peaceful and even included a salt water pool
we loved the pool and backyard space
Cleanliness:
super clean and spacious
always clean and welcoming
clean cute and convenient
beautiful space clean and amazing pool
place was extremely clean quite and convenient
Host:
great host and quiet neighborhood
keegan was a great host
the host was very friendly accommodating and quick to respond to questions
keegan is a great host
keegan is a friendly and attentive host
Location:
the location was great
close to shopping and great restaurants
beautiful neighborhood near cherokee park
would highly recommend this location
cute space with a park like yard
Read more reviews

8. Pewee Valley

Wooldridge Rose House in Pewee Valley, Kentucky 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user TEDD LiGGETT used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This quiet neighborhood has a high proportion of retirees. The population primarily consists of people that were born and raised in the area, though there is not a very high influx of new residents. There is little in terms of nighttime entertainment and only a few restaurants. There are many unique houses of all sizes and the crime level is essentially non-existent. You can enjoy plenty of natural outdoor space. This loft is a great vacation rental. The open-plan design creates a comfortable open space for up to five guests to enjoy.

Stayed at this property?
Pewee Valley, Kentucky, United States
6.89 km (4.3 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
72 reviews  
Entire guesthouse 3 Beds 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cold a/c and plenty of bathroom space we would definitely stay here again
main bed is a bamboo mattress and very comfortable
from the barnyard door to the modern chic decor and finally the most gorgeous kitchen
this is a lovely and well-cared for space which ticked all our boxes of private safe and cozy
nice new bathroom with tub and shower
Cleanliness:
as advertised clean and easy stay
it was clean and is accurately described
very clean easy access to louisville
communication was awesome and the place was very clean and had everything we needed
extremely clean comfortable and quiet
Host:
excellent hosts we love staying here
wonderful host and a lovely place to stay
josh and beth were such great hosts
josh and beth were fantastic hosts very quick to respond and communicate with
josh and beth are fantastic hosts with great attention to detail
Location:
super convenient location to anywhere you need to go and 25 min drive to downtown louisville
awesome place to stay close to downtown
it was the perfect location for my wedding
very cute place for 2 people
for our needs the location was perfect
Read more reviews

9. Deer Park

Bungalow
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user W.Marsh used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in the Highlands area, Deer Park is a particularly beautiful location. The housing is affordable for families, and many people own their homes rather than rent. The houses are all very characteristic and there are excellent parks nearby. This neighborhood is also close to Bardstown Road which has an abundance of light evening entertainment from restaurants to cafes and bars. Overall, the biggest problem in this area seems to be a higher than expected crime rate. For accommodation, check out this beautiful one-bedroom flat with wooden decking set with fairy lights and complimentary bikes, Netflix, and HULU.

Stayed at this property?
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
14.17 km (8.9 mi) from E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
520 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
unique fold out sectional couch more comfortable than a traditional hide a bed
the style of the space was very cool and cozy
small but lovely apartment
ceiling fans comfortable king bed light strung private deck in your private paradise responsive hosts self keypad check-in
even without the bikes the apartment was incredibly comfortable with a great patio
Cleanliness:
it was clean and basic efficiency apartment
everything was very clean and tidy
this place was very clean and nicely decorated
the place was exceptionally clean and comfy
clean cute and comfortable
Host:
hosts provided lots of good tips
overall perfect experience provided by very attentive and responsive hosts
the host was very good with communication
the host were attentive thoughtful and very generous on all fronts
this was so helpful
Location:
easy walk to restaurants
great location i highly recommend
the apartment was cute and in a great location
super cute space with lots of character in a great location
close to downtown great restaurants and shops a short walk away
Read more reviews

Get to know your neighborhood

Before moving in, it is recommended to spend some time in a new neighborhood. These vacation rentals in some of the best places to live in Kentucky are perhaps the most ideal way to ‘test the water.’ You can easily learn about a neighborhood before making your final decision. Book your accommodation today and start planning your new home.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Katie is a committed full-time global wanderer and volunteer. She possesses an unerring compass that guides her to the obscure and distant corners of the Earth, where she explores jungles,...Read more

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