For a city along the Ohio River’s banks, Louisville, Kentucky, is more than the location of a waterway. 

The effortless combination of local charm and modernity is a standout quality of Louisville. Known for its bourbon, horse racing, and warm Southern hospitality, this city isn’t just the birthplace of Muhammad Ali or the home of the iconic Kentucky Derby. 

But is Louisville, KY, a good place to live? Well, that depends on what you are looking for in a home base.

Dollar Signs and Derby Dreams — The Cost of Living in Louisville

Louisville’s cost of living is one of its standout features. 

Compared to other major U.S. cities, living here won’t break the bank. You can manage most of your living expenses at a cost 5% lower than the national average. 

Housing prices are particularly appealing, with the median home price well below the national average. Renters also get a slice of the affordability cake, with an average rent of less than most cities its size per month for an apartment.

• Average House Rent: $1,291
• Median Home Value: $262,000

Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all reasonably priced, making living in Louisville an attractive option for families, young professionals, and retirees. 

 

Expense Category	Compared to the National Average
Housing	19% lower
Utilities	15% lower
Groceries	0
Transportation	4% lower
Healthcare	16% higher

However, while the cost of living is affordable, the property tax, at 1.32%, is slightly higher than in some neighboring states. Still, many residents agree that the affordability outweighs this drawback.

Economy and Employment in Louisville

The hundreds of people who move into Louisville, KY, from cities such as Chicago, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, most certainly don’t move here just for the relative affordability.

As the movers in Louisville are recording increasing bookings, Louisville’s economy has been growing steadily. 

Although the median household income is lower than the national average, your earnings here can comfortably sustain your lifestyle.

• Median Household Income: $69,444
• Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
• Poverty Rate: 15.6%

Is Louisville, KY, a good place to live, economy-wise? 

Well, the economy, driven by industries like healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and transportation, presents diverse career options for residents. 

As UPS’s global headquarters, the city is a logistics hub, providing a wealth of job opportunities in this field.

Schools and Smarts — Education in Derby City

Suppose you have kids, their education may give you a little something to worry about in Louisville.

Here’s a fact: the schools in Louisville aren’t exactly the best the state has to offer.

The average number of students expected to be in one class exceeds the state average in Louisville. With over 95,200 students enrolled in the Jefferson County School District, it’s not hard to see that overcrowding is a challenge.

In the end, the long-term impact is schools with depleted resources and poorer student outcomes. This is evident in the school district’s school quality ranking, which is better than only 18% of all Kentucky school districts and about 28% of all U.S. school districts.

However…

Louisville offers a range of schooling options, from public and private K-12 schools to higher education institutions. The University of Louisville stands out with expansive academic programs on the higher education front.

If you’re to make your pick, your best bet should be any of the schools below:

• Anchorage Independent Public School
• duPont Manual High
• Norton Elementary
• J. Graham Brown School 
• Ballard High

Southern Charm Meets Global Culture — The Louisville Lifestyle

Living in Louisville means immersing yourself in a culture that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

The city’s arts scene is lively, and there’s no shortage of music festivals. If you love to nod your head to the beat of songs, you won’t be stepping amiss in Louisville. 

To light up your weekend and make it an adventure, the Hot Browns and bourbon-infused everything is the jostle your tongue has been watering for.

Note:

Louisville also proudly displays its diversity. But like any city, it’s not all roses. The city grapples with issues like racial inequality and urban sprawl, and some residents feel this disparity impacts their sense of community.

Louisville’s Healthcare Scene

Top-tier hospitals and specialty centers anchor Louisville’s healthcare system. 

Norton Healthcare and the University of Louisville Health are pillars of the community, offering cutting-edge care and medical research.

However, health outcomes are mixed!

Kentucky has higher-than-average rates of smoking and obesity, and these challenges are reflected in the city’s overall public health statistics. 

For instance, Louisville’s water quality index is 13, compared to the U.S. average of 55, and the optimal score is 100. 

But is Louisville, KY, a good place to live regardless of this challenge? Well, yes!

When it comes to healthcare access, you are in for some of the best circumstances in the country. The physician availability is 335 physicians per 100,000 people (the national average is 210 physicians per 100,000 people). 

Where Louisville Shines (and Struggles) — Everything Else You Need to Know

Other aspects of living in Louisville that you should know about include:

• Transportation

The city’s public transportation, primarily TARC buses, is functional but not extensive. 

Many residents rely on cars (about 83.5% of residents drive). Some have taken up cycling, but the number is not significantly disruptive.

The good news is that you are unlikely to get caught in a traffic jam beyond the peak hours. The average commute time is 27 minutes, 5 minutes less than the national average.

• Weather 

Louisville offers all four seasons. 

Expect hot and humid summers with a mix of chilly and snowy winters. Spring and fall are lovely, showcasing Kentucky’s lush greenery and vibrant foliage.

Average Seasonal Temperature in Louisville:

• Winter — 41°F
• Fall — 60°F
• Spring — 60°F
• Summer — 79°F

• Safety

Is Louisville, KY, a good place to live when it comes to crime?

Crime rates here are higher than the national average, and particularly notorious in some urban neighborhoods. 

However, many safe, family-friendly areas exist, such as Todds Point, Fisherville, Lake Forest, and Saratoga Woods.

 

per 1,000 residents	Louisville Median	Kentucky Median	National Median
Violent Crime	7.51	2.14	4.0
Property Crime	29.17	14.49	20.0

Bottom Line: Is Louisville the Place for You?

Louisville is a place to be if you value affordability. It has a diverse cultural scene, and if you don’t mind trading some urban conveniences for a slower pace of life, Louisville has a spot ready for you.

On the flip side, challenges like uneven public schooling outcomes and high crime rates might give you pause. Even at the chance of receiving proper health care, it can be quite expensive.

So, is Louisville, KY, a good place to live? 

It depends on what you prioritize. Perhaps you could visit and see for yourself. While at it, indulge in some bourbon tasting, explore the city’s festivals, and who knows? You might just find yourself calling Louisville home.