Lexington is the world’s horse capital, located in the Bluegrass State.
Nestled in the middle of bluegrass country, this charming city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and picturesque horse farms that dot the area.
For those seeking a slower pace of life from larger metropolitan areas, Lexington blends Midwest with southern living to create an identity that cannot be found elsewhere.
If you’re considering relocating to Lexington, it’s essential to understand if it’s an excellent place to live and considerations.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of living in Lexington!
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Pros of Living in Lexington
Lexington offers plenty of exciting advantages for moving to the city, including the following:
1. Affordability
Boasting a cost of living six percent lower than the U.S. average, Lexington also has no taxes on everyday items like groceries, thus stretching your dollar even further.
Also, if you’re considering purchasing a home in the city, housing costs are ten percent lower than the national average at a $170,800 median home value.
Furthermore, Kentucky property taxes are half the U.S. median, so Lexington is a smart and affordable place to invest in real estate.
2. Booming Culinary Scene
Often overshadowed by other cities like Cincinnati, Nashville, and Louisville, most are unaware that Lexington is a foodie’s paradise, offering a booming culinary scene catering to various preferences and tastes.
The city is best known for its southern cuisine, including hot browns, bourbon, and fried chicken.
The year-round Lexington Farmers Market is a favorite among visitors and locals, offering fresh cheeses, meats, produce, and other artisanal items.
If you’re a food lover, then Lexington will not disappoint your taste buds!
3. Equestrian Heaven
World-renowned for its long equestrian history and culture, Lexington is surrounded by lush bluegrass pastures and rolling hills, making it the ideal area for horses.
Home to countless world-class horse farms, Lexington offers endless equestrian events and thoroughbred racing, with the best-known being the Kentucky Derby.
Horse lovers will enjoy polo matches, horseback riding, and the annual Lexington Junior League Horse Show, a beloved event by the community.
If you love horses, then Lexington is the best place for you to be.
4. Exceptional Outdoor Recreation
For those who love nature and being outside, plenty of options exist in the Lexington area.
Stunning landscapes surround the city, including the Daniel Boone National Forest and Kentucky Horse Country.
Also, the Legacy Trai is a 12-mile paved trail ideal for cycling, running, and walking while offering breathtaking city views.
Lexington also boasts an extensive park system with countless green spaces and parks, offering many outdoor recreation opportunities, relaxation, and picnicking.
5. Friendly Neighbors
One of the best aspects of moving to Lexington is its welcoming and friendly community.
Residents are known for their genuine friendliness, neighborly kindness, and warm Southern hospitality.
The city boasts a robust sense of community with countless gatherings, festivals, and events that unite everyone.
The community is proud of their city and works together on new initiatives, supports local businesses, and engages in volunteer work.
If you’re a newcomer to the city, your neighbors will welcome you with open arms.
6. Low Unemployment
Another major advantage of moving to Lexington is the unemployment rate is relatively low across the region compared to the national average.
While the job options are limited to specific fields, it’s easier to find a position in Lexington than in other cities of similar size.
This means you can find a job and move quickly, and if you happen to get laid off, there’s no need to deal with long unemployment periods since there are plenty of vacant positions.
7. Plenty of Family Attractions
There are endless fun activities to do with your children in Lexington.
Explore the world of fossils and bugs at the Small World and Bone Zone.
Ice skate at the Lexington Ice Center or teach your children about space at the planetarium.
Other family-friendly activities include the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Southland Bowling, arts and crafts classes at the Living Arts and Science Center, and the Kentucky Reptile Expo.
8. Rich History
Lexington is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., so it boasts a rich culture and history that is regularly celebrated.
From events and cultural festivals to museums and historic landmarks, the city has endless opportunities for visitors to immerse in the local heritage.
The Henry Clay Estate, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Lexington History Center, and Lexington Opera House are several of the many examples showcasing the city’s history and cultural contributions to the United States.
Lexington also has the Lexington Art Fair, which showcases local artists’ works.
Cons of Living in Lexington
Although many positive aspects exist for living in Lexington, several downsides must be considered, including the following:
1. Brutal Summers
Given its U.S. location, Lexington experiences humid and hot summers, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees.
The high humidity and heat levels can be incredibly uncomfortable for those who don’t like or aren’t used to the warm weather.
Also, Lexington is not a good option for potential residents with health concerns related to humidity and heat.
Since Kentucky is in the middle of the country, summers last longer than northern cities, so escaping this weather is challenging.
2. Could Miss the Big City Life
While Lexington is diversifying its cultural scene with increased vibrancy, those from large cities like New York may miss the amenities big-city living offers.
If you want to feel like you’re in the heart of the universe, then Lexington is not the best option.
However, if you want a smaller town southern feel with some amenities and are willing to part with the big city feel, then Lexington is an excellent option.
3. Fluctuating Weather
Lexington experiences a drastic range of weather conditions, like most other areas of the state.
In addition to the brutal summers, the area experiences cold winters with occasional ice and snowfall.
Also, the region is prone to flooding, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms, especially in the spring.
This causes an increase in homeowners insurance premiums and requires extra precautions and preparation to ensure safety and property protection.
4. Inadequate Advanced Education
While Lexington public schools are average, the number of good colleges in the area is poor compared to other cities of similar size.
The University of Kentucky is in Lexington, the best higher education institution in the state, but other colleges and universities in the area are subpar.
Also, for a city this size, there are limited choices.
This results in students leaving the area with some “brain drain” occurring, which doesn’t help the city expand.
5. Limited Employment Opportunities
Although Lexington is a growing community that continues to diversify its economy, job opportunities are not as readily available as larger cities.
Industries like government, education, and healthcare are prevalent, but beyond those fields are limited options.
This could significantly impact those with specific careers and must be a significant consideration for those looking to move to Lexington.
6. No Major Sports Teams
Although University of Kentucky basketball and football are fun to watch, there are no professional sports teams in the area, just minor league.
The closest city with professional sports teams is Cincinnati, a few hours’ drive from Lexington.
Although live professional sporting events are easily accessible from Lexington, they are not in resident’s backyards.
The Kentucky Derby continues to be the biggest event for locals and visitors.
7. Poor Mass Transit
If you’re moving from a city with excellent mass transit options, you will be severely disappointed by Lexington’s lack of public transit.
Although the area has Lextran, the public transit system, it’s limited and infrequent compared to larger cities.
The bus covers the city’s most important areas and some surrounding areas.
Still, it’s not as convenient or comprehensive as other cities, which could impact relying on public transit.
Depending on where you choose to live, you will likely need a car for daily activities.
8. Subpar Nightlife Options
Compared to other larger cities, Lexington has a limited nightlife scene.
Although entertainment venues, restaurants, and bars are within the city limits, the options aren’t as numerous or diverse as large metropolitan areas.
Lexington may not be your best choice for those searching for a bustling or vibrant nightlife with numerous socializing, entertainment, and dining options.
Pros and Cons of Living in Lexington, KY – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Lexington | Cons of Living in Lexington |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordability | 1. Brutal Summers |
| 2. Booming Culinary Scene | 2. Could Miss the Big City Life |
| 3. Equestrian Heaven | 3. Fluctuating Weather |
| 4. Exceptional Outdoor Recreation | 4. Inadequate Advanced Education |
| 5. Friendly Neighbors | 5. Limited Employment Opportunities |
| 6. Low Unemployment | 6. No Major Sports Teams |
| 7. Plenty of Family Attractions | 7. Poor Mass Transit |
| 8. Rich History | 8. Subpar Nightlife Options |
Lexington Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Lexington Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth living in Lexington?
Lexington delivers an exclusive blend of culture, history, and charm you cannot experience elsewhere.
Retaining the title, Horse Capital of the World, Lexington is the center of the universe for those who like being outdoors and love horses.
Also, the city boasts a vibrant food scene with new restaurants and innovative foods regularly being introduced.
However, Lexington has downsides, so it’s important to evaluate all factors before moving to determine what fits your needs.
What are winters like in Lexington?
January and February are the coldest, darkest, and snowiest months.
The city averages 14.5 inches of snow annually, with heavier snowfall reported yearly near the Ohio River to the north.
What taxes do residents pay?
Kentucky has a low 4.50 percent income tax rate, 5.00 percent corporate income tax, and 6.00 percent sales tax with no additional local taxes.
This is a massive bargain compared to many northeastern and west coast cities and states.
Is Lexington a good place to invest in real estate?
The city boasts a strong rental market, with a significant population percentage choosing to rent over buying.
This demand for rental properties offers a high potential for consistent rental income with competitive rental rates.
In addition to having a low home purchasing cost, renting out an apartment is a great method of generating passive income each month.
Why has Lexington become so popular in recent years?
Since the city is called the Horse Capital of the World, horse farmers, equestrians, and animal lovers flock to the area to support this industry.
Thousands of visitors and residents attend the annual horse races and purchase thoroughbreds during the yearly sales.
As a local, I can confidently say that living in Lexington offers the perfect blend of southern charm and Midwest hospitality, with its affordable cost of living, friendly community, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. However, it may not be suitable for those seeking big city amenities or advanced education options.
Living in Lexington, KY is a delight for horse lovers and foodies alike with its rich equestrian culture and booming culinary scene; however, the brutal summers and limited job opportunities can be challenging.