Manufacturing jobs and acreage bring buyers to Cynthiana
The growing town of Cynthiana, a rural Kentucky bedroom community, attracts many of its residents because they get jobs at 3M or the Toyota plant in nearby Georgetown. The town’s 3M factory is the global producer of Post-It Notes, creating billions annually, and the Toyota plant is the largest in the U.S. Acreage properties are especially popular and sell for much lower rates than in Georgetown and other communities closer to Lexington. “In Cynthiana, you can drive 15 minutes and save 15 or 20 percent on your house cost,” says Realtor Rita Jones with Keller Williams Greater Lexington. For many, Cynthiana’s claim to fame is as the hometown of Robert Kirkman, the creator of “The Walking Dead” who based the series in the town and included real locations like Harrison Memorial Hospital and the police station. A “The Walking Dead” mural in the city celebrates his legacy.
Single-family homes on acreage lots at low prices for the area
Homes are available on small neighborhood lots and on acreage. “The acreage you’re getting there is about half the price of what you would pay close to Georgetown,” Jones says. Ranch-style homes and bungalows are the most common architecture. Prices vary with acreage, but most fall between $150,000 and $500,000. Homes sometimes sell for over $500,000, and these usually sit on at least 10 acres. Some, but not all, residential streets have sidewalks, and many are shaded by mature trees.
Harrison County Schools and St. Edward Catholic School
Students can attend Harrison County Schools, such as the B-minus-rated Westside Elementary, the B-minus-rated Harrison County Middle School and the B-rated Harrison County High School. The district is home to the Harrison County Area Tech Center, where students can explore career pathways such as automotive technology, business education and health sciences. St. Edward Catholic School is a private school in Cynthiana for preschool through fifth-grade students.
Parks, trails and the South Fork Licking River
The South Fork Licking River runs through the community, offering residents opportunities for paddling and fishing. Quiet Trails Nature Preserve offers a 1-mile hike to the river. Griffith Woods Wildlife Management Area is a nearly 750-acre nature preserve home to Kentucky’s largest chinquapin oak tree. Flat Run Veterans Park has over 140 acres of land, including wooded trails, sports courts, a playground, a disc golf course and a 2-mile walking track. River Road Park has ballfields, a playground and a boat ramp. Hero’s Park has a picnic shelter, a basketball court and a playground. Indoor recreation options include roller skating at Charley’s Roller Rink and bowling at Galactic Alley.
Local and chain restaurants and groceries
Leono’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy dining room, known by “The Walking Dead” fans for its mention in the series. Biancke’s is a charming local restaurant that’s been in business since the late 1800s, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don Senor is a local Mexican restaurant and bar with big portion sizes in a vibrant dining room. Chain restaurants in town include McDonald’s, Dairy Queen and Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. Groceries are available at Walmart and Save A Lot.
Skeletons take over the town each October
“Halloween’s big” in Cynthiana, according to Jones, as skeletons take over the town each year. Starting October 1, two 12-foot skeletons greet everyone who enters downtown Cynthiana. This decoration promotes the town’s Skeleton Adoption Agency, where residents and businesses can “adopt” life-size skeletons to dress up and display around town. Other events throughout the month include guided ghost walks, fall markets, trunk or treat and the annual Giant Pumpkin Contest, where participants can compete in categories such as biggest, smallest and most unique pumpkin.
Getting to Lexington, Harrison Memorial Hospital and the Blue Grass Ai
Cynthiana is a car-dependent community about 20 miles from Georgetown and 30 miles from Lexington. Medical services are available in town at Harrison Memorial Hospital. The Blue Grass Airport is less than 35 miles away.
