Moving to Lexington? One of the largest cities in Kentucky, Lexington offers families safe, affordable neighborhoods, fun things to do, top-rated schools, and more. If you’re looking to live in The Bluegrass State, consider moving to one of these top family-friendly neighborhoods in Lexington!
Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
- Home Price: $448,371 median purchase price; $685 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Kentucky cities
Looking for a safe, centrally-located neighborhood in Lexington? Check out Chevy Chase-Ashland Park! Parts of this neighborhood were designed by famed landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and John Charles Olmsted, resulting in its status as a historic district. The area is great for families looking to live in a quieter Lexington neighborhood that’s still close to Downton Lexington. Those looking to buy a home in Lexington will find Ranch, Cape Cod, and Colonial homes with large yards and trees for shaded playing. And families can send their kids to Cassidy Elementary School and Morton Middle School—while college students wanting to stay close to home can attend the nearby University of Kentucky, located just five minutes away.
Things to Do in Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
Head over to Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate to tour the home and grounds of politician Henry Clay or attend events like “Black History at Ashland – The Slave Dwelling Project” and the annual Jazz on the Lawn. Pick up fresh fruits, veggies, and meats from the Chevy Chase Farmers’ Market. Visit the University of Kentucky campus to watch the Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA) play at Kroger Field. Play a game of doubles, pull off a 180 at the skatepark, or grow herbs and vegetables in the community garden at Woodland Park. Start your morning with Pork Chops and Eggs, the Sweet and Meat Special, or Florentine Eggs Benedict from Josie’s. Pick up a Vanilla Latte, Mocha, or Cortado from Brevede Coffee Shop. Order farm-to-table dishes like the Red, Hot & Boom Burger, Dreamy Mac & Cheese, or Paris in Saigon Bowl from The Sage Rabbit. Or try the Catfish Fingers, Spicy Shrimp Wrap, or Pork Chops from A.P. Suggins Bar & Grill.
Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Home Price: $223,562 median purchase price; $754 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of Kentucky cities
Fairway-Liberty Heights is another excellent neighborhood for families wanting to live near the city center. This Lexington neighborhood is known for charming streets full of restored single-family homes with well-tended yards. Parents can send their young children to nearby schools like Ashland Elementary and Breckinridge Elementary. And there are plenty of ways for families to enjoy living in Fairway-Liberty Heights—from frequenting local vintage shops like The Domestic and Scout Antique & Modern, to shooting hoops with the neighbors at Kenwick Park. Plus, the neighborhood is a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in Downtown Lexington.
Things to Do in Fairway-Liberty Heights
See local stage productions or attend the 10-minute Play Festival at the Studio Players at The Carriage House Theatre. Attend performances of The Nutcracker, Dracula, and Peter Pan put on by the Kentucky Ballet Theatre. Find your inner zen by taking a yoga class with Wildfire Yoga. Play a game of pickleball or pick-up basketball, or compete against friends in the game room at Kenwick Community Center. Stop for brunch in Lexington at Epping’s on Eastside and order the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, French Toast, or Avocado Toast. Savor homemade Italian entrees like Fried Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, or Cocio E Pepe, and save room for a piece of Tiramisu from Pasta Garage Italian Cafe. Have a family dinner with seaside eats like Kalua Pork, Loco Moco, and Teriyaki Chicken at Big Kahuna Hawaiin BBQ. Pick up delicious treats like Fruit Tarts, Zebra Granola, and Croissants at La Petite Delicat—and then sign up for the Macaron Class!
Georgetown
- Home Price: $151,700 median purchase price; $786 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 24% of Kentucky cities
Located north of the Lexington metro, Georgetown is a suburb filled with ranches and two-story single-family homes. Georgetown residents looking for outdoor activities will appreciate the area’s 11 parks, which feature ball fields, boat launches, walking trails, pools, recreation centers, and more. Parents can send their kids to Scott County Schools like Anne Mason Elementary and Georgetown Middle School, or opt for private schools in Georgetown—like Providence Christian Academy and St. John Catholic School. And if you need to commute to the Lexington city center, it’s just a 30-minute drive via US-25 or I-75!
Things to Do in Georgetown
Play a game of soccer and have a picnic at Scott County Community Park. Admire the Koi Pond, marvel at the Tokugawa Gates, walk the Wallace Dam, learn about Raku pottery at the Kiln House, and more at Yuko-en on the Elkhorn—the official Kentucky Japan Friendship Garden. Tour Ward Hall, Kentucky’s grandest Greek Revival home, or attend events like the Christmas Candlelight Tours or Vintage Baseball Day with the kids. Escape the Kentucky heat and cool off in the spray park, relax on the lazy river, or race down the waterslides at Suffoletta Family Aquatic Center. Find great BBQ in Lexington at Dave’s Blazin BBQ, with a Full Rack of Ribs, Pulled Chicken Plate, or Classic BBQ Sandwich. Order the Old School Combo Pizza, Cheezinator Pizza, and Baked Spaghetti from FatKats Pizzeria & Restaurant. Get your fix of Southern classics with dishes like the Catfish Plate, Uncle Charlies Pork Tenderloin, or Open-Faced Roast Beef paired with a Sweet Tea from Fava’s of Georgetown. Or devour a plate of Buffalo Wings, Philly Stromboli, or The Gertrude Burger from Galvin’s on Main.
Paris
- Home Price: $110,000 median purchase price; $665 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 26% of Kentucky cities
Paris has renovated Cape Cod, Colonial, and Ranch homes ideal for settling down with a family in Lexington. Once known as the town of Hopewell, Paris got its current name after the Revolutionary War as a way to thank the French for their help. It is now a rural, home rule city, known for its small-town hospitality, charm, and affordable living. This family-friendly Lexington suburb even has its own independent school system to guide your child through their educational journey—including Paris Preschool, Paris Elementary School, Paris Middle School, and Paris High School. The area is also home to Bourbon Community Hospital, which has been recognized for its high-quality patient care—so you can trust your family is in good hands! And if you’re looking for fun things to do with family, you can attend community events like the annual Bourbon County Fair and Horse Show—featuring a petting zoo, live performers, and much more.
Things to Do in Paris
Watch the latest blockbusters or classic favorites like Clueless and Jaws at the family-owned Bourbon Drive-In Theatre. Have a family picnic, watch your little ones climb around on the playground, or attend the annual Bourbon County Fair at Bourbon County Park. Enroll your kid in hands-on educational programs to learn about regional history and art, or participate in fun family events in Lexington like the Fall ArtWalk and the Family Fun Series at Hopewell Museum. Shop for fresh produce, authentic beef, and free-range chicken and eggs outside at scenic Pope Family Farms. Wake the kids up bright and early for a classic American breakfast with entrees like the Veggie Omelette, Cinnamon French Toast, and Jerry’s Breakfast Bowl at Jerry’s Restaurant. Chow down Loaded Nachos, Pork Carnitas Street Tacos, and Quesadillas at the family-friendly Tex-Mex joint Burnaco’s. Grab sandwiches and subs like the Southwest Wrap and Turkey Supreme, or have a delicious Turtle Sundae at The Rock Cafe. Or barrel through home-style Kentucky fare like Fried Chicken Dinner, Trackside Smashed Cheeseburger, and Ribeye at the Trackside Restaurant and Bourbon Bar.
Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
- Home Price: $154,767 median purchase price; $899 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Kentucky cities
Located southwest of the city center, Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates is a friendly Lexington neighborhood perfect for families. Residents can go shopping, stop into local restaurants, or visit beautiful parks and green spaces like Wellington Park or Hill N Dale Park. Homebuyers in this area are able to choose from quaint brick ranches and classic Colonial homes. Residents looking for healthcare jobs in Lexington can find opportunities while living here, as Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates is home to a number of hospitals, such as Baptist Health Lexington, Albert B Chandler Hospital, and CHI Saint Joseph Hospital. To top it off, children living in Lexington receive high-quality education within some of the best schools in the Fayette County Public Schools system, including Clays Mill Elementary School, Lafayette High School, and SCAPA at Bluegrass.
Things to Do in Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
Have a family fun day playing Laser Tag, racing on the Go Karts track, playing arcade games, and more at Malibu Jack’s—”Kentucky’s best all indoor family fun park!” Stroll through the Rose Garden, watch the kids explore in the Kentucky Children’s Garden, and take in the smells of fresh herbs and flowers in the Fragrance Garden at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. Take a Pilates class, lift weights, or sign the kids up for a Youth Strength & Conditioning Camp at Big Blue Strength. Shoot billiards with the family, participate in weekly tournaments, or join a league at The Cue Club. Grab a Macchiato and a glazed donut from McLeod’s Coffee House on your way to work. Enjoy classic diner favorites like hamburgers or the Traditional Reuben, Fried Chicken Sandwich, and more at Ramsey’s Diner. Spend date night on the outdoor patio at Marikka’s German Bier Stube for some beach volleyball and Potato Pancakes or Schnitzel a la Holstein paired with draft beers. Or chow down Nana’s Garlic Knots, The Colonel Pizza, and Chicken Pot Pizza Pie at PieTana.
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Neighborhood & suburb statistics from AreaVibes
