News Summary
U.S. News has ranked Lexington as the 199th best place to live in the U.S., attributing its appeal to a low cost of living and a vibrant culture. Elizabethtown follows closely at 223rd, praised for its small-town feel and affordable housing. Both cities exemplify Kentucky’s rising status as a desirable place for young families and retirees.
Lexington and Elizabethtown Rank Among U.S. News’ Top 250 Best Places to Live
Lexington, Kentucky, has been recognized as the 199th best place to live in the United States according to a recent ranking by U.S. News. The city’s low cost of living and a variety of affordable rental properties played a significant role in its positive evaluation.
Specifically, Lexington attracts a diverse population, particularly young and educated individuals, largely due to its status as a college town and home to the University of Kentucky. The area’s affordability stands out when compared to other metropolitan regions across the country. In addition to its economic benefits, Lexington is well-known for its robust equestrian industry, which serves as a key driving force for the local economy.
Lexington’s culture is also rich and unique. Streets throughout the city are often named after Triple Crown winners, and various horse statues can be spotted in public spaces, celebrating the city’s equestrian heritage. Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle that includes a passion for college basketball, a thriving local food scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the burgeoning bourbon industry. With a temperate climate and diverse industries, Lexington provides ample opportunities for a high quality of life.
Furthermore, despite experiencing a population increase, the cost of living in Lexington remains relatively low, making it appealing to young professionals, families, and retirees. It holds the distinction of being the #1 best place to live in Kentucky and has been recognized as the 16th best place to retire in the nation.
Elizabethtown Recognition
Elizabethtown is another Kentucky city making a mark on the list, ranking 223rd best place to live in America. Its small-town atmosphere, coupled with a reasonable housing market, has contributed to a favorable perception among potential residents.
With a population of 32,363 and a median age of 36.8, Elizabethtown is particularly appealing to young families who are budget-conscious. The city’s housing market is characterized by affordability, with a median home value of $228,992 and a median monthly rent of $725.
Positioned as the #2 best place to live in Kentucky, Elizabethtown offers a close-knit community feeling that resonates with many residents. Its charm is complemented by numerous amenities and access to essential services, making it a conducive environment for families and individuals alike.
A Broader Context
Both Lexington and Elizabethtown exemplify the increasing recognition of Kentucky as an appealing place to live. The rankings consider a variety of factors, including cost of living, job market stability, community features, and overall lifestyle quality. These assessments highlight the potential for growth and quality of life improvements in the state, showcasing what makes Kentucky unique in the broader national landscape.
In summary, Lexington and Elizabethtown have both earned prestigious spots in the U.S. News’ Top 250 Best Places to Live list, reflecting their livability, opportunities, and family-friendly environments. As more individuals and families consider relocating, Kentucky’s cities stand to benefit from their notable rankings and the attributes that come with them.
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Additional Resources
- WHAS11
- Kentucky.com
- Fox 56 News
- VisitLex
- Ramsey Solutions
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Google Search: Best Places to Live in Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Lexington Kentucky Quality of Life
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky Living
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
