Living in Bowling Green, KY

Are you considering a move to Bowling Green, KY? Ensure you know these seven things about life in Bowling Green, like the cost of living, weather, and crime rates. 

Bowling Green, a charming Southern town in Kentucky, is home to the assembly plant of America's sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette. For sports enthusiasts, the city also boasts a minor-league baseball team called the Hot Rods.

Bowling Green, located in Warren County, is considered one of the best places to reside in Kentucky. With a population of 73,529 residents, it is the third most populous city in the state.

Bowling Green has been named one of The South's Best Cities on the Rise in 2022 and ranks in the Top 25 Places to Retire. The city has received high rankings in many categories. It offers all the amenities you would expect in a big city, such as a downtown area and beautiful green spaces.

Bowling Green is a lively community with a low cost of living, moderate climate, excellent education, and high-quality healthcare. This large city offers various activities to suit everyone's interests. No matter what you're looking for, Bowling Green has it.

Suppose you are seeking to relocate to a thriving and beautiful city. In that case, you should consider exploring the beautiful homes for sale in Bowling Green and available real estate throughout Kentucky. 

Here are the seven things you should know about life in Bowling Green, KY.

Low Cost of Living

It is worth noting that Bowling Green has a cost of living that is 13 percent lower than the national average. To break it down further, housing expenses are 29 percent lower than the national average, utility prices are 7 percent higher, transportation expenses are 21 percent lower, food prices are 8 percent lower, and healthcare is 14 percent lower than the national average.

The total cost of living for the year in Bowling Green is about $34,555, which is lower than the national average but slightly higher than the state average. 

It is essential to acknowledge that every individual's financial situation is unique. Compared to other cities of similar size, this metro city offers more economical living arrangements than others.

Below are some of the standard median prices of things in Bowling Green to help you better understand what things are like in this city. 

Sourced from Payscale. 

Affordable Real Estate

The median home price in Bowling Green is $321,952, up 7% YoY; however, the city's housing cost is still affordable at 29% below the national average.

You're in luck if you're looking for a new place to live in Bowling Green. As of August 2023, the housing market is considered a buyer's market, which means that more homes are available for sale than buyers. This gives you an excellent opportunity to find the home of your dreams with plenty of options.

In Bowling Green, homes' median time on the market is approximately 50 days, which can vary. The homes range in age from 1939 to 2014 and beyond. Each home in Bowling Green possesses unique qualities, so depending on your preferences, you can find the perfect home that meets all your needs.

If you are considering a move to this area, staying aware of the market trends is essential. Check out single-family homes, luxury homes, and townhomes for sale in Bowling Green, Kentucky and best neighborhoods in Bowling Green. 

Moderate Weather

In Bowling Green, the summers are hot and muggy, while the winters are short and cold. Over the course of the year, temperatures usually vary from 28 degrees Fahrenheit to 88 degrees Fahrenheit and are rarely below 13 or even above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The hot season in this city typically lasts for about four months, with July being the hottest month, while the cold season lasts about three months, with January being the coldest month of the year. 

On the other hand, rain falls throughout the year here. The wettest month in Bowling Green would be May, with an average rainfall of about 5 inches, while August would be considered the dryest month. 

As with rain, Bowling Green does experience some seasonal snowfall, with an average of 3 inches during February. The snowy period lasts over three months, from December until March. 

Overall, if you are looking for a place to live that experiences all four seasons, not drastically, Bowling Green may be the perfect location for you to move to. 

Crime Rates

Bowling Green is considered a relatively safe city, ranking in the 49th percentile for safety. This means that 49 percent of cities in the United States are more dangerous than Bowling Green. The city's crime rate is 28.49 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. Locals say that the eastern part of the city is the safest area to live in.

Your chance of being a victim of crime in Bowling Green may be as high as 1 in 22 in the central part of the city and as low as 1 in 53 in the eastern part of Bowling Green. 

When comparing property crime to violent crime, it is evident that property crime is much more prevalent in this city than violent crime. Violent crime accounts for only a tiny percentage of the population, especially in this city. According to Neighborhood Scout, the number of violent crimes here is 3.67 per 1,000 residents, whereas the number of property crimes is 38.31 per 1,000 residents.

It is crucial to feel safe in your neighborhood. Each area of Bowling Green has varying safety rates, so it is essential to locate the safest communities to ensure you can reside in a place where you don't have to worry about higher rates.

Food and Dining Options

According to Payscale, food prices in Bowling Green are 8% lower than the national average. On average, a single adult will spend about $2,807 on food annually, while a family of four will spend about $8,105. These numbers are relatively cheaper than the state and national average.

Check out some of the local favorites in Bowling Green below. 

Anna's Greek Restaurant

1202 State St, Bowling Green, KY 42101 - $$ - Fine Dining

This fine dining restaurant is a destination for Greek cuisine paired with Greek wine in spacious digs, with weekly belly dancing. You can also reserve a table or order online through their website. 

440 Main

440 E Main Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101 - $$$ - Seafood

This intimate, upscale eatery in a 19th-century building serves Cajun-tingest fare, wines, and more. This is one of the most pricey places in the city, but it is worth the visit. You can also order online through the website. 

Shogun Bistro

761 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, KY 42104 - $$ - Japanese

This modern Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar offers a typical menu of food and drinks amid a festive vibe. You can order online or join the waitlist through their website. 

Job Market

Bowling Green is shifting to a more knowledge-based and technology-driven economy. Having one major university and one technical college, this city also serves as an educational hub with many leading medical and commercial centers. 

The average income of a resident in Bowling Green is $19,489, below the national average. Additionally, the median household income is $43,633 per year. The unemployment rate in Bowling Green is 4.7%, which is lower than the US average.

Over the past year, the job market in Bowling Green has grown by 2.6 percent. Furthermore, the predicted job growth for the next decade is expected to be 46 percent, which is higher than the national average.

High-Quality Education

Public education is provided by the Bowling Green Independent School District and by Warren County Public Schools. There are also a few private schools throughout this city.  

Bowling Green Independency contains about 11 schools and nearly 4,151 students. There are two preschools, six elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools, and the student-to-teacher ratio is about 1 to 15. 

There is a high school graduation rate of 97 percent for schools in Bowling Green. 

Here are some of the top schools located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In addition, the education district invests an average of $11,596 per student annually and generates a total revenue of $55 million. The city takes pride in its education system and outstanding community contribution.

Moving to Bowling Green Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low cost of living
• Affordable real estate
• Excellent Education
• Diverse
• Lots of things to do

Cons:

• High poverty rate
• Dry and unpredictable weather
• Higher crime
• Low median income

FAQS

Why is Bowling Green, KY, voted one of the best places to live?

Residents love this city because of many reasons. The lively art scene, great food, thriving economy, affordable living, and excellent education are just a few reasons why this place is one of the best places to live. 

How safe is Bowling Green, KY?

Bowling Green has a high crime rate of 42 per 1,000 residents compared to other communities of similar size. However, the eastern part of the city is known to be the safest area.

Is it expensive to live in Bowling Green, KY?

Bowling Green boasts a cost of living 13 percent lower than the national average. While several factors contribute to the overall cost of living, the total cost of living for a year in this city is approximately $34,555, which is lower than the national average but slightly higher than the state average.

Moving to Bowling Green - The Bottom Line

Bowling Green is a charming Southern town in Kentucky home to the assembly plant of America's sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette. For sports enthusiasts, the city also boasts a minor-league baseball team called the Hot Rods.

Bowling Green is a lively community with a low cost of living, moderate climate, excellent education, and high-quality healthcare. 

Bowling Green, located in Warren County, is considered one of the best places to reside in Kentucky. This large city offers various activities to suit everyone's interests. No matter what you're looking for, Bowling Green has it.

Bowling Green has been recognized as one of The South's Best Cities on the Rise in 2022 and ranks in the Top 25 Places to Retire. The city has received high category rankings thanks to its excellent amenities. It boasts a beautiful downtown area and green spaces, perfectly combining urban and natural living.

If you or someone you know is looking for homes for sale in Bowling Green, please contact us so we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists to guide you through the transition. Also, check out moving to Kentucky and the best places to live in Kentucky to better understand the state. 

Feel free to contact us here today for any questions or help.