In the shadow of a protected mountain range, Berea is a valley town set against a vast pastoral backdrop. “It’s a neat little community, and people are pretty friendly there,” says Realtor Wesley Graves of Rare Earth Realty. “It’s a nice place to raise a family.” The city’s roughly 16,000 residents enjoy a quiet life within commuting distance of Richmond and Lexington. Many homebuyers are drawn to Berea for its moderately rated public school district and access to Berea College, a private liberal arts work college with about 1,450 undergraduates and 140 academic staff members. For recreation, residents have access to a national forest to hike up mountains and catch a glimpse of the city below.
Beyond the college, Berea’s economy is bolstered by its manufacturing base, with two industrial parks employing about 3,500 people. Top employers include Middletown Metalworks, Kentucky Steel Corporation and Vitro/Pittsburgh Glass Works. The city has some room to grow when it comes to shopping and dining. “Berea needs more restaurants,” Graves says. “It’s also probably the largest town in Kentucky without a Kroger, so most people come to Richmond to shop for groceries.” Berea’s commerce has been shaped by its “dry” policy, which banned the sale of alcohol until 2023. “The lack of alcohol has hindered the restaurant scene,” Graves says. “They are hoping for more restaurants, but they don’t have them yet.”
Residents go to Saint Joseph Berea, a 25-bed critical care hospital, for healthcare.
The population of Berea is 16,000.
Berea College opened in 1855.
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A wide selection of mid-century homes
Berea has a median single-family home price of roughly $260,000, which is above the state median and below the national median of around $400,000. Prices generally range from $115,000 for early-20th-century fixer-uppers to $355,000 for contemporary styles from the early 2000s. The city’s population more than quadrupled between the 1930s and the ‘80s, so most homes reflect that period's ranch-style architecture.
Homebuyers looking in Berea can expect to spend around $165 per square foot.
The median single-family home in Berea is $259,900.
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Access to Daniel Boone National Forest
Several walking and biking trails connect to the city, but outdoor options are mainly limited to a campground west of the highway and a public golf course on Berea’s east end. Many residents also spend weekends at Daniel Boone National Forest, which has over 700,000 acres of mountainous terrain.
The Berea Golf Club is a 9-hole course.
Danville nature lovers join 2 million other visitors at Daniel Boone National Forest each year.
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The moderately rated Berea City School District
The Berea City School District has a B-minus Niche rating and an 84% graduation rate. The district’s math and reading proficiencies are higher than state and national averages. One of the school district’s major draws is its sole high school, Berea-Midpark, which was built in 2020.
Farristown Middle School in Berea serves students in grades 6 through 8.
Madison Southern High School in Berea has an enrollment of approximately 1,230 students.
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Limited access to shopping and dining along Chestnut Street
Chestnut Street is lined with fast-food places as well as local Mexican and Italian spots. The bulk of the dining and big-box retail options are clustered along Chestnut Street, just off Interstate 75.
Berea residents enjoy a variety of quick-service and fast-casual restaurants.
Residents in Berea pick up home goods and groceries at Walmart.
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Shows at the Spotlight Playhouse
There are several small entertainment venues within the city. In 2021, Berea opened a Pavillion on Chestnut Street. The space hosts folk and bluegrass jam sessions. The Bluegrass Players stages local performances at the Spotlight Playhouse. Locals also enjoy evenings at the Berea College's planetarium, which hosts shows twice a week.
Commuting to Richmond
There are no public transportation options, so residents are reliant on cars. Interstate 75 runs directly through the city and allows direct access to larger urban centers. Most commuters travel 15 miles north to Richmond via I-75. Residents can also commute 43 miles north to Lexington via I-75. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is 115 miles north of the city via I-75. According to the FBI database, Berea’s violent and property crime rates have fallen precipitously over the past decade and are well below state and national averages.
Written By
William Palicia
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Minion
Video By
Brad Davis
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Berea, KY sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Berea, KY over the last 12 months is $260,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac just minutes from downtown Berea, this well-maintained 4BR/3BA home offers comfort, convenience & updates. This property features 2 driveways & an oversized 2-car garage with ample space for a workshop—ideal for projects or those needing extra storage. The backyard backs up to a peaceful farm setting, and a partial wraparound deck provides a perfect spot for
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning, nearly-new 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom property is just 2 years old and offers the perfect blend of modern style, comfort, and quality. Thoughtfully decorated with tasteful finishes throughout, this home feels like a designer showcase.Step into a bright, open-concept living space featuring a cozy gas fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings and creating a
2 Story classic charmer situated on a nice level .31 acre corner lot with privacy fence around back yard! Home features 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, kitchen with bar top and stainless steel appliances, HUGE master bedroom with walk in closet and master bath. Outside you will find covered front porch and back patio as well as a storage building. This one is immaculate and ready to move into!
Seller offering $7,000.00 in closing costs with accepted offer!!! What a great find within 5 minutes (or less) of I-75 access, schools, Industrial Park, Berea College, stores, restaurants and more! You will not be disappointed in this 4bedroom, 2.5 bath home, with a fenced, flat backyard. The inside has a welcoming flow great for entertaining. Living room, kitchen, dining, laundry, half bath and
This stunning 4BR/2.5BA home in sought-after Vineyard subdivision is packed w/thoughtful features, stylish finishes + an outdoor space you'll fall in love with. One of the true highlights is the massive 52' wide (mostly)covered patio—perfect for outdoor entertaining, relaxing evenings, or weekend gatherings. The fenced backyard also features a large fire pit area & plenty of space for pets, play,
Welcome to your brand-new dream home! This beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath offers the perfect blend of modern features and comfort. The open- concept floorplan begins when entering the living room, featuring a gas log fireplace and the eye-catching coffered ceilings. Moving along to the kitchen you will find stainless appliances, beautiful cabinetry with soft close cabinets and drawers and
Property Id: 1292860This charming 2-bed, 1.5-bath unit in Berea, KY, is ready with modern amenities like Whirlpool stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and range. Utilities provided include water, trash and sewer. Tenant pays electric. Your comfort is our priority. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking and central heating and cooling. Seamlessly combining comfort and
Pictures are of similar unit. Single level living close to I-75. Features 2 primary bedrooms each with their own bathrooms and walk in closets. One bathroom has walk in shower and one has tub/shower. Front porch and large side porch. Oversized two car garage. Kitchen with stainless appliances. Available Mid June 2025.
Single level living close to I-75 with no steps! ! 2 Primary Bedrooms with their own baths (one has walk in shower and the other has tub/shower). Both bedrooms have nice sized walk-in closets. This floor plan has an additional sunroom. Waterproof LVT floor throughout-no carpet! Laundry room with washer & dryer provided. Kitchen with lots of cabinets/bar and stainless appliances. Oversized 2 car
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