Etown's rich history surrounded by modern amenities
Nicknamed "Etown" by locals, Elizabethtown sits surrounded by rolling hills in the middle of Hardin County. The city has a historic feel, with traditional buildings lining the downtown district and roots to President Abraham Lincoln’s family spread throughout the city. However, that doesn’t mean Etown is done growing. “When I first moved here around 15 years ago, you had to go to Louisville to get this and get that,” says broker Bradford Travis with Best Realty. “But Etown has become a nucleus for all the towns around it. It makes you feel neat about your town.” Today, Elizabethtown is home to about 31,000 people, with a strong military presence supported by the U.S. Army's Fort Knox just north of the city.
Elizabethtown has a sprawling downtown area with lots of personality.
Elizabethtown City Hall has a beautiful veterans memorial out front.
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Historic downtown restaurants and renovations to Towne Mall
Centered around Public Square and stretching down Main Street and Dixie Avenue, Downtown Elizabethtown’s coffee shops and restaurants occupy the brick Italianate buildings, each painted in bright colors with ornate detailing over the windows. People can also find plenty of bars and pubs for an active nightlife. While downtown feels distinctly historic, Towne Mall represents the city’s more modern retail spaces, though the city is in the process of revamping it further. “Part of it is going to be a mall, but they’re creating some front-entry stores and more mortar storefront instead of just retail,” Travis says. Supermarkets and shopping centers with big box stores surround the mall, along with more lining Dixie Avenue.
Towne Mall in Elizabethtown is a popular retail hub with a delicious food court.
There are lots of great restaurants in downtown Elizabethtown.
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Etown's history outlined in multiple museums
In addition to downtown’s dining options, residents can also explore the area’s history. Hardin County History Museum’s exhibits showcase history from the 1700s through the present day. Abraham Lincoln’s mother and father lived in the area, so exhibits highlight what life was like for them in historic Etown. Originally built in 1825, the Brown-Pusey House features the Pusey family’s heirlooms and décor. Called just The State by locals, the Historic State Theater’s Art Deco design and old-fashioned neon sign and marquee play to a different era of Etown’s history. “It was a movie theater for years, and now they play Christmas movies, and local businesses do sponsored movies,” Travis says. “We have a lot of retro bands paying tribute to groups like ZZ Top.” A bit up Dixie Avenue from downtown, Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum features vintage and antique cars.
The Hardin County History Museum showcases the deep roots of Elizabethtown.
The Historic State Theater is still hosting events and shows for Elizabethtown residents.
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Fishing and boating on Freeman Lake in Elizabethtown
Right in the center of Elizabethtown, Freeman Lake Park’s centerpiece offers fishing and boating. Sports facilities such as tennis courts and a disc golf course and trails wind around its circumference. On the western side, the bandstand overlooks the water. In southwest Etown, Elizabethtown Sports Park hosts leagues for kids and adults. Etown gets mild winters, but the summers are humid.
Nearby Freeman Lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
The Elizabethtown Sports Complex has multiple fields and hosts games for the whole the town.
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Multi-million dollar homes along Freeman Lake
Elizabethtown’s median housing price is about $320,000. Ranch-style homes built between the 1950s through 1980s are common, though there are also New Traditionals built in the past couple of years. People can also live along the lake, though these properties tend to sell for much higher than the city median, ranging between $650,000 and $2.5 million, especially in communities such as Lakeshire. Rates of reported property and violent crimes in Elizabethtown are lower than the state and national rates.
Elizabethtown homes range in a variety of prices and styles.
Many of the homes in Elizabethtown have large yards and private driveways.
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Elizabethtown's two school districts
Etown students are served by two school districts. Students living closer to the town center, mostly between Interstate 65 and Highway 31, attend Elizabethtown Independent Schools, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The rest of the city heads to Hardin County Schools, which receives a B ranking.
Central Hardin High School is a great education option in Elizabethtown.
Elizabethtown High School is attended by kids from all over the county.
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Etown's homecoming parade and Christmas light displays
Late every September, Heartland Harvest Festival offers free concerts, fishing derbies and a 5K race. Taking place about a month before the festival, the Heartland Homecoming Parade features over 80 floats, and residents can vote on their choices for the best. From Thanksgiving to New Years, Christmas in the Park is a 35-year tradition. The city sets up over 100 light displays around Freeman Lake Park and syncs them with music from a local radio station. “Of course, we’re just a short drive to Louisville with all the derbies and stuff,” Travis adds.
Traversing Interstate 65 and Dixie Highway
Etown is a more car-dependent community and thoroughfares like Dixie Highway link residents with shopping centers and the military base. When heading the 41 miles up to Louisville, residents can take I-65, but construction along the road can cause traffic to back up during rush hour.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Cory Cornelius
Video By
Kellan Beaver
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
William Kramer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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