Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

What's the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Lexington's population is growing, which has contributed to a slow increase in the cost of living. Despite this, Lexington is still very affordable compared with other metro areas around the country. Due to the city's large college population, rental housing is abundant and inexpensive. Whether renting or purchasing a home, your dollar will go further in Lexington than in most other towns.

What's the best way to get around Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Lexington is a driving city, and it would be difficult to live in most areas outside the city center without a car. There is a public transit system – Lextran – that operates bus routes throughout the greater Lexington area, but coverage is limited in more suburban areas. Cabs are generally only readily available near bars and on the weekends.

Due to traffic congestion and public demand, the transportation department is actively trying to make the city more bike-friendly, with more dedicated lanes being added all the time. Some residents are beginning to take advantage of the changes, but it's still uncommon to see bicycle commuters outside of the downtown and college areas.  

Residents looking to travel beyond the greater Lexington area can do so by car, bus or plane. The metro area is located at the convergence of several major interstates and is serviced by inter-city bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus. For destinations further afield, residents rely on the Blue Grass Airport, which is serviced by American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, offering nonstop flights to domestic destinations like Chicago, Atlanta, New York City and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Who lives in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

As the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington is a major draw for equestrians. The low cost of living and moderate climate appeals to retirees, and high-quality schools attract families with children.  

While most residents are not college students, Lexington is a college town. The University of Kentucky, Transylvania University and Bluegrass Community & Technical College are responsible for an influx of college students, some of whom remain in the city after graduation. 

The median age of the Lexington area population is lower than the national median, which makes the area a good fit for young professionals. When it comes to religion, the majority of Lexington residents are unaffiliated; those who are mostly identify as Protestant.

The city is neither notably poor nor notably affluent. Less than 20 percent of the population is living at or below the poverty level, and the stable economy keeps the middle class strong.

What is there to do in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Lexington is serious about college basketball. Residents support the University of Kentucky Wildcats with a fervor that surpasses the fan base of most professional teams. Kentucky fans camp out for tickets to "Big Blue Madness," the official kickoff to the season, which features an exhibition-style team scrimmage. When UK is playing, streets and restaurants are deserted, and when they win a national championship (which is often), the downtown streets look like New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

Lexington is also home to two horse race tracks, and when Keeneland is in session, residents show up in suits and dresses to place bets, drink bourbon and tailgate in style.

Families enjoy multiple picturesque parks like the urban Woodland Park, which hosts a large art fair every August, or Jacobson Park, where residents can kayak around the lake, fish, fly a kite or play Frisbee golf. Lexington also has the popular Legacy Trail, a 12-mile paved shared-use path that runs from the urban north side of town to the Kentucky Horse Park. More adventurous Lexingtonians take advantage of nice weather to hike, kayak, raft and camp in nearby areas like Red River Gorge or Cumberland Falls.