Living in Kentucky

Are you moving to Kentucky? Here are ten things you should know about life in Kentucky, like the low cost of living, affordable real estate, and weather. 

Home to the famous Kentucky Derby, this state is filled with 4.5 million residents who get to enjoy the wonders this large state offers. Known for its culture, Kentucky is famous for racing, bourbon, college basketball, Louisville Slugger, and many more things. 

Kentucky is located in the southeastern region of the United States, with Frankfort as its state capital. This state is filled with a rich cultural history that has deep roots. This state may be large, but it has some of the most friendly residents who live here and love it. 

Kentucky is known for its affordable housing and low cost of living. This state is a perfect location for people who are looking for a fresh start or a place to settle down and find their forever home. There are many beautiful cities throughout this state that are work looking at, like Louisville, Lexington, and Georgetown. If you are interested in moving to this gorgeous and fun-filled state, you should check out beautiful homes for sale here to jump-start the process. 

Here are the things you should know about living in Kentucky. 

Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Kentucky is 8 percent lower than the national average. Breaking that down, the housing costs are 23 percent lower, the utilities are 4 percent higher, and food and groceries are 3 percent lower. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, you will need about $40,816 a year to live comfortably. However, keep in mind that everyone is different, and the overall cost of living will depend on your own personal needs and lifestyle. 

Kentucky is a relatively affordable state, and there is no expected rise in living costs anytime soon. Even with the large metropolitan cities throughout, overall, you will still be able to live here affordably. Lousiville is the biggest city here, and the cost of living here is still 4 percent lower than the national average. Homes in Louisville are also 21 percent lower! Check out a few of the expenses broken down from this city to help get a better understanding of the costs. 

Sourced from Payscale. 

Affordable Real Estate Market

Housing costs are 23 percent lower than the national average in Kentucky. Both renting and owning, the prices of homes here are more affordable than most places in the United States. Over the past year, home values have risen 9 percent, which is faster than the average growth of home prices. 

Whether you are searching for homes in urban or rural areas, Kentucky has it. It is known that Louisville and Lexington do have more demand for housing, but the market does tend to be more competitive. Finding the perfect location to move is important, so just keep an eye out on the market and the areas you are looking to live in. 

The median home price of a house is $355,319, and the median rent cost a month is $1,080. On average, places will stay on the market for about 27 days and up to 4 years. Currently, the Kentucky housing market is a seller's market. Their demand has strengthened over the years, and due to the economy, it is only on the up. If you are interested in moving to Kentucky and are looking for homes for sale, check out our website and get help from agents.

Check out the best places to live in Kentucky, best neighborhoods in Louisville, moving to Lexington and moving to Louisville for more help. 

All Four Seasons

The state of Kentucky luckily experiences all four seasons. They tend to have warm summers and modestly cold winters. The average temperature range during the summer is from 65 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and fall has cooler temperatures like the 40s and 50s and highs of 70s. On the other hand, the winters are cold and range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The snowfall for their state does vary and can either be a few inches to 25 inches depending on where you are located in the state. Over the year, Kentucky will get about 50 inches of rain with about 190 days of sunny days. The most pleasant months around be September, May, and June, while January and December are considered to be the least comfortable times of the year.

Education

Kentucky ranks as the 5th state with the highest high school graduation rates, and it also holds the 21st highest college rates. Overall, Kentucky ranks #32 for education. The Kentucky Public School System operated within various districts. There are about 1,473 schools in 171 different school districts that hold about 690,667 students. There is a one-teacher-to-16-student ratio, which is almost the same as the national average. The state's overall graduation rate was 91 percent. 

If you are looking for a place to live where it ranks high on education, then this state is perfect for you. This state is also home to some of the most popular colleges like the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Eastern Kentucky University. Finding the best education and school systems is essential, significantly if you are raising a family or going back to school. 

Crime Rates

Kentucky's violent crime rate is 2.8, which is the second lowerest in the area and the 14th lowerest in the nation. Kentucky also has lower property crime rates than the regional and national average. Crime is less common rather than in other states. You have a 1.9 percent chance of being a property crime victim in this state. However, keep in mind that other areas of the state may have higher rates than others, so make sure you find the best places to live and the safest cities. The best places to feel safe in Kentucky are Pioneer Village, West Liberty, Columbia, and Paintsville.

Growing Job Market

Kentucky has the number 8th best job market in the nation in 2023. there has been about a 3 percent employment growth, and the unemployment rate is 5 percent, and a 7 percent increase in job openings. The largest sectors in Kentucky are healthcare, manufacturing, construction, education, and hospitality. Thankfully, if you are interested in moving to this state, you will be able to find a job since the state's economy is expected to continue to grow in the next few months. 

Every job market has its strengths and weaknesses, but you need to keep in mind that the economy can change at any moment, so always be aware and prepare for the best and worse case scenarios. On the plus side, Kentucky's economy is very diverse and has strong sectors throughout, so if you are searching for new job opportunities, keep your eye out because this state has a lot to offer. 

Dining Options

Kentucky has a lot of different and unique foods that you need to try if you are here. Some of the most popular dishes are fried catfish, hushpuppies, fried chicken, and country-fried steak. If you are looking for some delicious eats, then this state is perfect for food lovers. Some of the most popular restaurants are listed below that you should check out if you live here or are visiting. 

Claudia Sanders Dinner House

3202 Shelbyville Rd, Shelbyville KY 40065 - $$

This American restaurant has southern-style fare in a replica of an elegant, old home opened by Colonel Sanders of KFC fame. You are also able to order online through their website!

Hall's On The River

1225 Athens Boonesboro Rd, Winchester KY 40391 - $$

This restaurant offers fried catfish and other Southern-inspired comfort fares that are also served in a quaint, casual riverside setting. 

Wunderbar!

1132 Lee St, Covington KY 41011 - $

This German restaurant is in a funky neighborhood nook with housemade sausages and other German nibbles, plus craft beers and a patio to enjoy hanging out on. You are able to order online for pickup or delivery on their website. 

Hunting is Very Popular

Kentucky is a great state for hunting; it offers opportunities for deer, eld, bear, and small game like rabbits, grouse, quail, and squirrels. Hardin County is known to be the number one deer-producing county in the whole state, while Breckinridge and Grayson Counties are also good to look at. The new law requires residents in Kentucky to have a license to hunt and fish on their own property as well if it is less than 5 acres. 

If you are looking for a big buck state, Kentucky is one of the top states in the country for Boone and Crockett bucks!

The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The 3-year-old Thoroughbreds run this race at a distance of 1+3/4 miles, the first time horses in the field race that distance. Churchill Downs is the world's most legendary racetrack and has been this way since 1875. With crowds of more than 150,000, this is a tradition that is unique and known as the "Greatest Bucket-list Sporting Event" in America. 

On the other hand, this derby is also known for the largest and most entertaining fashion show with spectacular hats and outfits as well. If you are looking for an overall great experience, do not miss this! The 150th Kentucky Derby is on sale now, Saturday, May 4th, 2024.

Sports

Basketball is the most popular sport in Kentucky today. This state has an overall rich history of basketball and is home to successful college basketball programs. Some of the most popular sports teams in Kentucky are Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, and Louisville Bats. Since this state does have an absence of a pro sports team, the popularity here is college sports. If you are a sports lover, you should check out the schedules for these teams!

Pros and Cons - Kentucky

Pros:

• Low cost of living
• Centralized location
• Rich cultural history
• Great sports scenes
• Low crime rates
• Affordable housing
• Delicious food

Cons:

• Limited transportation 
• Natural disasters
• Bugs during summer
• Infrastructure issues

FAQS

Is Kentucky a good state to move to?

Kentucky has a low cost of living, beautiful scenery, a rich cultural history, and a thriving sports scene—something for everyone. 

Why are so many people moving to Kentucky?

Many people are moving to Kentucky because of the job opportunities, retirement, family, and lifestyle here. 

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Kentucky?

A living wage for an indidivual here is about $29,459 a year while a family of ofur requires about $83,274 to cover basic needs. 

Moving to Kentucky - The Bottom Line

Known for its rich history and culture, this state is a trendy option for those who are interested in sports, hunting, food, and more. Not only does this state have a lot to offer its residents, but it also has a low cost of living, affordable housing, and low crime rates.

Full of southern charm and vibrant sceneries, Kentucky is home to many events, festivals, and art that you should not miss out on. whether you are looking into moving here or even just taking a trip here, both residents and visitors will be welcomed and fit right in no matter what. 

If you are looking for a place to live where you will always have something to do while also feeling like you are at home, Kentucky is the place for you. Beautiful views, friendly residents, and many things to do is some of the main reasons why people love living in Kentucky.

If you or anyone you know is interested in searching for homes for sale in Kentucky, please get in touch with us here so we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists to help make this transition for you go smoothly. No matter the location, price, or preferences, we are here to help you through every step of the home-buying process to ensure we find you the perfect home that meets your needs and lifestyle perfectly. 

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