Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington captivates residents with its prestigious Keeneland Race Course, which hosts thrilling thoroughbred racing during Spring and Fall meets. The Kentucky Horse Park stands as a working horse farm where visitors experience diverse horse breeds and demonstrations. Beyond equestrian attractions, the city features cultural landmarks like the historic Lexington Opera House and the Mary Todd Lincoln House. The dining scene includes upscale establishments such as Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, featuring a grand piano stage, and farm-to-table restaurants like Honeywood.
The Lexington housing market presents diverse options across price points. The median sale price for homes sits at $332,500. Single family homes have a median price of $356,000, while townhomes have a median price of $286,000. One-bedroom condos start at a median price of $178,000, and two-bedroom condos have a median price of $254,800. Luxury neighborhoods like Ashland Park command a median single family home price of $826,500, while areas like Meadowthorpe maintain a median single family home price of $335,600.
Lexington's cost of living registers 8% below the national average. A family with children ages 6 to 17 needs $97,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require $52,000. The property tax rate in Fayette County is 0.89%, comparing favorably to Cincinnati's Hamilton County rate of 1.53%. Kentucky maintains a 6% state sales tax with no additional local tax.
The University of Kentucky anchors the education system, complemented by highly rated schools like Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Sayre School, both earning A ratings. The city's 100 plus parks include the Arboretum and Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, which features historic mill ruins along its hiking trails. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute, with most major attractions accessible within 15 minutes from downtown via personal vehicle or the Lextran public bus system.
