Danville has been referred to as Kentucky’s city of firsts — the state’s first courthouse and capitol building were here, and the signing of the state’s first constitution occurred in Danville in 1792. Today, Danville is a commercial and economic hub for its surrounding area. The city's top employers include Centre College and the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. Also, since the city is 35 miles south of Lexington, commutes to the larger city are common.
Danville has a robust performing arts scene, and its historic Main Street has received recognition for its charming appearance and preservation numerous times over the last 20 years. The city continues to grow and develop as more housing units are built to meet rising demand. “What makes Danville stand out from other cities around Lexington is the culture,” says Melanie Crossfield, the city’s community liaison. “Not just the art and the history but also the diversity.”
Constitution Square Historic Site in Danville is a 3-acre park & open-air museum.
Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center is a full-service hospital in Danville.
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Historic homes with new subdivisions on the way
The median home price in Danville is $260,000, on par with the state median and lower than the national median. Downtown's historic properties date back to the late 1800s, and more modern subdivisions have been cropping up on the outskirts of town. Currently, there are few townhomes or condominium complexes, but the city hopes to change that. “We currently have about 200 housing units in production, both single and multi-family,” says Jeff Jewel, the Danville-Boyle Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Which is good because we are a little short on housing availability.”
The median single family home in Danville is $279,450.
Homes in Danville typically sell after 38 days on market.
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World-class entertainment venues and museums
Danville’s collection of art centers, galleries and theaters give the city a creative flair. “For a town of our size, we have a remarkable performing arts scene,” Jewel says. “We’ve got the Norton Center, which attracts the likes of Dolly Parton, and the Pioneer Playhouse, which is the oldest outdoor theater in the state.” The GLASS National Art Museum has a world-class collection of glass pieces, and The Dollhouse Museum traverses through American history — in miniature. One of Danville’s largest events is the Great American Brass Band Festival, a free, three-day celebration of every type of musical horn.
Norton Center for the Arts in Danville is a modern facility featuring 2 theaters for concerts, dance, opera, musicals & Centre College events.
The Art Center of the Bluegrass brings 30,000 people through the doors each year in Danville.
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Football games are big at the local high schools
Danville Independent Schools earns a B-plus grade from Niche. Some of the city’s outskirts are zoned for Boyle County Schools, which gets an A rating. Both Danville High and Boyle County High have won multiple state football championships, creating a healthy rivalry. “The football games are a really big deal,” Jewel says. “Boyle shoots off fireworks when they score.”
Centre College has around 1,400 students, and Niche ranks it the second-best of 20 small colleges in Kentucky. “The college’s study abroad and international students bring a lot of diversity, which enriches our community,” Crossfield says. “And a lot of the students choose to stay.”
The AP® participation rate at Boyle County High School in Danville is 37%.
Centre College in Danville has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,356.
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The community meets at downtown farmers markets
Although some big-box stores are around town's edges, Danville’s main commercial hub is the downtown district. Colorful rows of vintage storefronts serve up handmade pastries or classic Kentucky bourbon. Downtown became an open container district in 2021, allowing alcohol consumption outside establishments, and it recently underwent a $6.5 million renovation to enhance appearance and walkability. Downtown especially gets busy for the weekly Saturday farmers market. “We attract about 1,000 people to downtown for the farmers market,” Jewel says. “People buy produce, but they also hang out, bring their dogs and listen to the live music. There’s a huge sense of community there.”
Danville was incorporated in Kentucky in 1787.
Burke's Bakery in Danville is an old-fashioned bakery serving a variety of cookies, breads, donuts & filled pastries.
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Walking trails and a standout local library
Danville’s Millenium Park is the city's, offering miles of walking trails and sports courts. The surrounding rural land of central Kentucky also has outdoor attractions for the area's hot, humid summers. Hiking and fishing are popular at Herrington Lake. “We have a fantastic trail system for walking, biking or hiking in this area,” Crossfield says.
Located at the center of the city, the Boyle County Public Library is an active in the community. “It’s one of the best libraries I have ever seen in my life,” Jewel says. “I’ve never seen a library so active or located in a building so beautiful.” The library has event programming every day for all ages.
Millennium Park in Danville, Kentucky, spans approximately 138 acres.
The Boyle County Public Library first operated in 1893.
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Commuting 35 miles to Lexington
Lexington is 35 miles north, about a 45-minute drive, though it can be longer with traffic. Blue Grass Airport is there and provides regional flights. Danville's Bluegrass Ride buses are free to take around town and has a regional route to Lexington that takes about an hour and a half.
Crime rates on par with state figures
According to the Kentucky State Police, crime rates are on par with the state average. “We have a very committed police and fire department, so it feels very safe here,” Crossfield says.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Minion
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Danville, KY sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Danville, KY over the last 12 months is $240,000, down 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
''Step into this newly built, 2025 ranch-style gem featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Revel in the modern luxury of granite countertops in the kitchen set facing a black shiplap, white, and grey kitchen. Both bathrooms and the utility room boast sleek tile flooring. Your backyard oasis borders tranquil agricultural land, complete with a covered porch and extended patio for endless relaxation.
Welcome to this beautiful 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,304 sqft home located on Rosemont Ave - in a prime Danville location. The inviting covered front porch sets the tone for the home's warm character. Inside features include original hardwood floors throughout most of the living area, exposed brick fireplace with gas logs, gas range, and stainless steel refrigerator. The basement features a
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-full bath home in the heart of Hunt Farm, Danville. Built in 2024, it's freshly new and well-maintained, offering a low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy the luxury of stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and white cabinets in the kitchen. The spacious corner lot features a white vinyl fence, a dedicated dog area, and a serene outdoor seating space.
''Step into this newly built, 2025 ranch-style gem featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Revel in the modern luxury of granite countertops in the kitchen set facing a black shiplap, white, and grey kitchen. Both bathrooms and the utility room boast sleek tile flooring. Your backyard oasis borders tranquil agricultural land, complete with a covered porch and extended patio for endless relaxation.
Welcome to this beautiful 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,304 sqft home located on Rosemont Ave - in a prime Danville location. The inviting covered front porch sets the tone for the home's warm character. Inside features include original hardwood floors throughout most of the living area, exposed brick fireplace with gas logs, gas range, and stainless steel refrigerator. The basement features a
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-full bath home in the heart of Hunt Farm, Danville. Built in 2024, it's freshly new and well-maintained, offering a low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy the luxury of stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and white cabinets in the kitchen. The spacious corner lot features a white vinyl fence, a dedicated dog area, and a serene outdoor seating space.
Now available: a fully renovated brick duplex for rent in Lexington, blending classic charm with modern luxury! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit offers 1,000 sq ft of updated living space with fresh Alabaster paint by Sherwin Williams, sleek LVP flooring, and stylish fixtures throughout. The kitchen is a standout with Quartz countertops, new appliances, modern cabinetry, and upgraded hardware—perfect
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