Despite being home to General Motors’ lone Corvette manufacturing facility, life in the fast lane isn’t how most folks choose to live in Kentucky’s third-largest city, which has an identity informed by its past but focused on its future. Bowling Green’s rich history dates back to the 1770s, a history recognized today by its eight nationally registered historical sites. More recently, the area has grown with its population increasing from more than 18,000 to roughly 76,200 since 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. “I think the largest draw for a home buyer to Bowling Green is the economic development,” says Nikki Adams, a Realtor with Keller Williams First Choice Realty. “Bowling Green offers really great job opportunities.” In addition to the aforementioned Corvette assembly plant, major companies ranging from Fruit of the Loom to Tyson Foods do business in the Kentucky city.
Yet, Bowling Green maintains a small-town feel, Adams says. Residents run into people they know everywhere they go, whether shopping at a local business in Bowling Green’s lively downtown, out at one of the city’s assortment of events or visiting one of the two dozen parks. The area’s housing balances the past with progress as its historic neighborhoods and newer developments contain everything from modest bungalows to million-dollar mansions. “There’s a house for everyone,” says Adams.
Learn all about the history of the Corvette at the Corvette Museum.
There are many historic business in Bowling Green.
There are several historic victorian homes in Downtown Bowling Green.
There are serveral Greek Revial style homes in Bowling Green.
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A market that covers a wide spectrum
Much of the city’s original buildings are concentrated downtown with a variety of housing fanning out into the surrounding developments. Historic and classic architectural styles, built from the 19th century through the early 20th, may be found town’s center, around the College Hill Historic District. The homes primarily consists of bungalows and American Foursquares. Midcentury bungalows and ranch-style homes are clustered around the historic district, in subdivisions like Crestmoor and Richland. Prices range from $40,000 to $500,000 in these areas, depending on the square footage and condition. New single-family homes and townhouses are organized into neighborhoods like Rivers Landing and The Orchard on the city’s outskirts and go for between $200,000 and $900,000. “We’ve got a lot of building going on,” says GeMonee Brown, a Realtor with Crye-Leike Executive Realty and an alumnus of the city’s Western Kentucky University, who played on the school’s football team. “There are several new developments going up. Bowling Green is definitely on the upswing right now.”
The average sale price here is $324,400, cheaper than Nashville, 65 miles south. “I think that helps us a lot because we’re very close to a large city, and our prices are a lot more affordable,” Adams says.
Bowling green is a quiet city with a small town feel.
There are several ranch style homes in Bowling green.
There are several victorian homes in Bowling Green.
You can find several condo style townhomes in Bowling Green.
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Multiple industries roll through Bowling Green
The city’s 1.7-million-square-foot Corvette plant is its most well-known employer. Open since 1981, the plant employs more than 1,345 people. However, several other employers feature prominently in the area. Tyson Foods opened a 400,000-square-foot facility in 2023 to produce bacon products. Fruit of the Loom's corporate headquarters is also in Bowling Green. Western Kentucky University is the largest employer with more than 4,600 employees followed by The Medical Center at Bowling Green, which has more than 2,200. The city shows no signs of slowing economic growth with an additional $118 million in business investments in 2023, according to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Fruit of the Loom headquarters is located in Bowling Green.
The Medical Center is one of the largest hospitals in the area.
There are several large factories that employ most of the residnets of Bowling Green.
The Corvette Museum has several interactive exibits.
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Kereiakes can suit a range of enthusiasts
Bowling Green’s 25 parks sport 800 acres of recreation space. Brown says Kereiakes Park, which packs 10 tennis courts, a disc golf course, a playground, a trail and more into its 48 acres, is among the most popular. Russell Sims Aquatic Center offers two towering slides and summertime refuge. The Kummer/Little Recreation Center, F.O. Moxley Community Center and Parker-Bennett Community Center are indoor options.
Also, the 53,000-acre Mammoth Cave National Park, located about 30 miles outside the city, is home to the most expansive cave system in the country and 80 miles of trails. Brown explains locals frequent the park, and it is a big draw for tourists.
The city also hosts several events. The Michelin National Corvette Museum Bash occurs in late April while the International Festival at Circus Square Park is in September. Duncan Hines Days takes place over a week in June and is named after the famed food critic, well-known for the cake mixes that also bear his name. The annual celebration features live music, a parade, a community ice cream social and more.
Bowling Green experiences all four seasons, including hot summers and chilly winters. But, the city only sees an average of 8 inches of snow per year.
Kereiakes Park has tennis courts, a playground and several miles of walking trails.
There are a few Community centers located throughout Bowling Green
The Hot Rods minor league baseball team calls Bowling Green home.
The Lost River cave is a historic cave system you can explore in Bowling Green.
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Fountain Row fosters downtown fun
Downtown Bowling Green is full of local shops and restaurants, packed into several tall, brick buildings. “There are a lot of historic buildings that have been turned into shops or businesses,” Adams says. “Which helps the community keep its charm.” One particular section of downtown was designated as Fountain Row in 2022, an Entertainment Destination Center where people are permitted to sip alcoholic beverages in designated to-go cups while walking through the district. More shopping is available at the city’s Greenwood Mall.
The Historic Downtown Bowling Green has a square surrounded by several businesses.
There are several eclectic shops in downtown Bowling Green.
You can find all things vintage at Vette City Vintage in downtown Bowling Green.
The Famous Great American Donut is located in Bowling Green.
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Bowling Green, Warren County schools offer consistent quality
Bowling Green Independent School District and Warren County Public Schools serve the city. Bowling Green ISD covers the center of town and earns an A grade on Niche, while the Warren County district carries an A-minus grade and is responsible for surrounding areas. “One of the cool things about Bowling Green is we don’t really have any bad schools,” Brown says. “All of our schools perform really well. That is a draw, where you can live pretty much anywhere in the city and know that your child is going to get an education.”
Western Kentucky has more than 16,000 students, and its College of Business and School of Media & Communication are among its high-performing departments. Many WKU students stay in town after graduation because of the job opportunities available here, Adams says.
There are several schools to choose from the Warren County school system.
Bowling Green is home to the Bowling Green Independant School board.
You can watch one of WKUs famous basketball games at Diddle Arena.
Bowling Green is home to Western Kentucky University.
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Interstate 65 is a window to the region
Part of Interstate 65 runs through Bowling Green, giving residents quick access to it for trips to places like Nashville and Louisville, which is 122 miles away. The Nashville International Airport is also 70 miles away on I-65. Bowling Green also has a bus service, dubbed GoBG Transit, whose rides are $2 apiece for adults.
Crime
Bowling Green experienced drops in violent crime and property crimes, like burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft, from 2022 to 2023, according to Kentucky State Police stats. FBI Crime Data Explorer reports the city’s population-adjusted property crime rate ranks above the national rate, while violent crime rates lower.
Hello! I’m Kimberly Lynn, a dedicated Realtor in the Waco area with a strong focus on putting my clients first. My passion for real estate began with my own home-buying experience—it was truly love at first closing! Now, I strive to bring that same enthusiasm to help you navigate the process of buying or selling a home. My goal is to be a reliable resource, providing the knowledge and support you need every step of the way.
Having grown up in Kentucky, I infuse my work with a touch of southern hospitality, while also bringing the determination and grit necessary for effective negotiations. Building long-lasting relationships with my clients is at the heart of my business, and I’m committed to turning your real estate dreams into reality.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
