Living in Lexington? With over 100 city parks, green spaces, and plenty of excellent restaurants, there’s always something fun to do in the Horse Capital of The World. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to rent a home, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Lexington!
- Beaumont
- Blueberry Hill-Brigadoon-Stoneybrook-Baralto
- Central Downtown
- Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
Beaumont
- Home Price: $176,260 median purchase price; $737 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of Lexington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the best neighborhoods in Lexington is Beaumont, thanks to its excellent safety rating. Once an empty sprawl of unused land, Beaumont has grown into a popular neighborhood surrounded by picturesque horse ranches, well-maintained green spaces, excellent restaurant options, and convenient access to Blue Grass Airport. Those looking to purchase Lexington real estate can find plenty of housing options to choose from, including luxury condos and Neocolonial homes with large backyards. Plus, families will love the top Lexington schools within the neighborhood like Rosa Parks Elementary School, Beaumont Middle School, and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
Things to Do in Beaumont
Get a behind-the-scenes racing tour, attend a horse auction, or tailgate in the parking lot on race day at the Keeneland Race Track. Jog on the footpaths, play a game of baseball, or have an outdoor picnic at Cardinal Run Park South. Strike the cue ball during billiard tournaments or sing the night away with themed karaoke nights like Motown Hits, Luau Party, and Taylor Swift Night at Yesterday’s Karaoke. Attend events like Summer Nights in Suburbia and Southland Jamboree to enjoy live music and food trucks in Lexington with your neighbors at the Moondance Amphitheater. Treat yourself at Sunday brunch with the Peaches and Cream French Toast, Crab and Artichoke Omelet, and Popcorn’s Hillbilly Benedict at Azur Restaurant and Patio. Dig in to an order of Pulled Pork Beignets, Shrimp & Grit Cakes, and the BBQ Sandwich at J. Render’s. Craving Chinese food in Lexington? Order chef’s specialties like the Hawaii Five “O”, Lemon Chicken, and Rainbow Seafood at China Hut. Or hang out with friends to sip drinks like the Kentucky Mule and Brown Derby with a slice of Bourbon Bacon BBQ Pizza at award-winning whiskey bar Whiskey Bear.
Blueberry Hill-Brigadoon-Stoneybrook-Baralto
- Home Price: $137,792 median purchase price; $768 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Lexington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for a friendly place to live in Kentucky, Blueberry Hill-Brigadoon-Stoneybrook-Baralto could be the neighborhood for you! This safe, affordable Lexington neighborhood houses all kinds of homes—but the most notable ones are the beautifully-renovated Neocolonial brick homes and quaint Craftsman houses with large backyards. While you don’t need to leave Blueberry Hill-Brigadoon-Stoneybrook-Baralto to find quality entertainment, shopping, and restaurants, the rest of the city is highly-accessible to residents via I-27.
Things to Do in Blueberry Hill-Brigadoon-Stoneybrook-Baralto
Spend the day shopping at department stores like Macy’s, Dillards, Coach, and more at Fayette Mall. Hit the links and practice your swing, or play a game of footgolf at Meadowbrook Golf Course. Take a lap with your dog, set up an outdoor picnic, or play a friendly game in the pickleball complex at Kirklevington Park. Attend open mic night, catch a comedy show, or participate in trivia night at Comedy Off Broadway. Enjoy the Sweet Potato Beignets, Beetloaf, and Fried Catfish Plate at Honeywood. Order seasonal Italian dishes like the Scampi Nero, Baked Rigatoni Romano, or Manicotti at Bella Notte. Try the Cracklins, Birria Mac & Cheese, Blackened Salmon, and more Southern dishes at 33 Staves. Or start your dinner with the Kaki Fry and Jumbo Ebi Shumai appetizers and a bowl of Miso Ramen at Zundo Izakaya.
Central Downtown
- Home Price: $272,014 median purchase price; $643 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Lexington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Central Downtown is in the heart of the city and one of the best neighborhoods in Lexington! It’s not hard to find things to do in this historic Lexington district, thanks to plenty of entertainment venues, upscale dining options, exciting nightlife, and a surprising amount of parks scattered throughout the neighborhood like Gratz Park and Triangle Park. Those looking to buy a home in Lexington are sure to find stunning townhomes, apartments, and condos—as well as newly-remodeled historic Craftsman homes that line the Downtown Lexington streets. Central Downtown is also home to Lexington’s top universities and hospitals—including Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, and UK Good Samaritan Hospital—making it one of the best Lexington neighborhoods for students and young professionals!
Things to Do in Central Downtown
Catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters, summer classics like The Maltese Falcon and The Princess Bride, or midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the historic Kentucky Theatre. Watch the Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA D-1) dribble down the court, attend a comedy show, or catch your favorite music artists performing at Rupp Arena. Attend a Broadway musical like Pretty Woman, Come From Away, and Little Women at the Lexington Opera House. Bowl the night away, watch classic and new movies, or play arcade games at the amusement center, LexLive. Start your morning with hot chocolate and iced coffee drinks like the Sleeping Bear, Chocolate Chai, and Brownie Batter at Chocolate Holler. Order signature French dishes like Escargot, Mussels au Diable, and Filet Mignon with Fries at La Folie. Head to a popular Kentucky restaurant—in service since 1948—to order the Nighthawk Special, Diego Salad Bowl, and Bacon-Wrapped Chopped Tenderloin at Columbia Steak House. Or enjoy Latin cuisine with a modern twist like the Mojo Shrimp and Machete Quesadilla while sipping a Prickly Pear Margarita at eclectic Corto Lima.
Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Home Price: $223,562 median purchase price; $754 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 21% of Lexington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located just east of Downtown Lexington and once a part of Henry Clay’s apple orchard, Fairway-Liberty Heights is an affordable neighborhood filled with lots of character—as seen through beautifully-restored Craftsman bungalows and charming cottages. Lexington residents looking for an active area will appreciate Fairway-Liberty Heights’ walking distance to many local coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and more. Plus, there are many community events always happening throughout the year—including drive-in movie nights, neighborhood yard sales, and more!
Things to Do in Fairway-Liberty Heights
Shop from a curated mix of modern and vintage clothing, furniture, rugs, accessories, and more at The Domestic. Try a free CrossFit intro class or take specialty training classes like endurance training and Olympic lifting at CrossFit Maximus. Tour the peaceful garden grounds, learn about the historic mansion, and browse the gift shop at The Henry Clay Estate. Enjoy a game of tennis, practice your golf skills, or dip your toes in the pool when you become a member of Idle Hour Country Club. Start your morning with a Cramer Campfire latte and Sherman Shaker espresso—or come back during the evening to enjoy Boozy Beverages and live music at Kenwick Table. Order the Beef Bulgogi, Pan Fried Dumplings, and Korean BBQ Taco at JY Kitchen. Try fresh pasta dishes like the Ragu Alla Bolognese, Baked Ravioli, and Fettuccine Carbonara at Pasta Garage. Or meet up with neighborhood friends and order a pint of Fincastle Caramel Cider, Bad Penny IPA, and Kentucky Sunrise Cherry Cider at Pivot Brewing.
Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
- Home Price: $154,767 median purchase price; $899 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Lexington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
With plenty of unique retail shops, restaurants, and family-friendly activities, it’s no surprise that Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates is one of the best Lexington neighborhoods for families. Residents looking to settle down in this quiet neighborhood can find plenty of Ranch and Colonial brick homes built in the ’50s and ’60s with large backyards. During the warmer months, you’ll run into your fellow neighbors while supporting local businesses and vendors at the Southland Drive Farmers Market. Families will also love that K-12 Lexington schools like Clays Mill Elementary School, Lafayette High School, and Lexington Catholic High School are located within this set of combined Southland Corridor neighborhoods.
Things to Do in Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
See who gets the most strikes when you join a bowling league at Southland Lanes. Let the kids battle it out in the indoor-foam-gun-combat arena at Foam Warriorz. Experience virtual reality, practice your mini-golf putts, and zoom around the go-kart track at Malibu Jack’s. Shop for gourmet truffles, moonshine-infused chocolates, and chocolate-covered bourbon cherries at Old Kentucky Chocolates. Order a Bakers Dozen of specialty bagels or pick up the Bebop and Hulk Smash breakfast sammies at Southland Bagel. Try Pizza Bones, Chicken Pot Pizza Pie, and Baber Beer Cheese Pizza at PieTana. Head to one of the best sports bars in Lexington and try the Almond Crusted Trout, Kentucky Hot Brown, and Cornmeal Fried Oysters at Winchell’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. Or play a game of sand volleyball and order a pint from an extensive list of world beers—like the Mythos Hellenic, Palma Louca, Aspall Blush Suffolk Cyder, and more—at Marikka’s German Bier Stube.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes