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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ivy Barksdale,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Berea, KY over the last 12 months is $269,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious and Beautifully REMODELED ranch-style home just minutes from Berea College! This Large single-level residence showcases two gorgeous wood-burning fireplaces, creating warmth and charm throughout. The open layout offers plenty of room for both everyday living and entertaining, while the thoughtfully updated design blends modern convenience with timeless character. Step outside to a
Looking for a well maintained brick ranch home that's in pristine condition? Congratulations ... you have found it! Located in the Mountain View subdivision, this home has 3 bedrooms (which includes the Primary Bedroom) and 2 full baths. Relax in the spacious sunroom off the dining area with views of the large level, fenced backyard. Also, there's a separate utility room with the washer and
Step back in time with this beautiful 1908 Craftsman style home, full of character and charm! Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths, dining room, living room and bonus room/library on a partial basement. This home blends timeless architecture with modern convenience.Nestled right in the heart of Downtown Berea, you'll be convenient to local shops, galleries, Old Town Berea, Berea
Welcome home to this beautifully updated property offering the perfect blend of modern style and peaceful country living. Nestled on nearly 3 acres with picture-worthy views, this home provides both privacy and convenience. Step inside to find a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace, perfect for gatherings and relaxing evenings. The updated kitchen features sleek black appliances, ample
Build your dream home in Berkley Hall Subdivision! This beautiful 1.63-acre lot (#47), is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, offering privacy, space and endless potential. The property's natural contours make it perfectly suited for a walk-out basement design home. Mizzenmast Court is a desired location, as it is located in the newest section of the subdivision. Secure this lot and be in your
Meticulously maintained 4BR/2BA brick ranch with an attached 2-car garage in the desirable Oaks subdivision of Berea. No detail has been overlooked—over the years, the owner has updated the roof, windows, HVAC, garage door, water heater, and more. Step inside to find an open-concept layout featuring soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, a spacious dining area, and a great room w/a cozy fireplace and
Worry-free rental - you pay one price for everything: high speed internet, electric, water, lawncare, trash collection - all included in your rent. The unit will be available for showing after September 22nd and available for vacancy after the same time.
Good as new single level living close to I-75 with fiber internet included. 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 and tray ceilings. This floor plan has an additional sunroom. Waterproof LVT floor throughout-no carpet! Laundry room with washer & dryer provided. Kitchen with white cabinets,
4 bedroom single family home in beautiful Berea. Minutes from I 75 with a quick commute to Richmond or Lexington. Home features well appointed kitchen with granite and tile, eat in kitchen, family room with wood burning fireplace and beautiful built ins. Separate dining room and office (or 5th bedroom) all on the first floor. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and laundry room all upstairs which is great for
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