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
Rita Walker,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Elizabethtown, KY sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Elizabethtown, KY over the last 12 months is $309,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautiful, like-new property nestled on a spacious 1-acre lot in one of Elizabethtown's desirable rural settings. Built in 2021, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with an open-concept layout that's perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the main living area,
Veronica Paulk
SCHULER BAUER REAL ESTATE SERVICES ERA POWERED- Elizabethtown
Welcome home to this one owner Cape Cod nestled on a .94 acre lot! Offering 2,550 finished sq. ft., including 462 sq. ft. of finished basement space, this home also features additional unfinished basement space and your own sauna. The main level includes a spacious primary suite with a walk in closet and double vanity, a large eat in kitchen with pantry, a comfortable living room, and a half
Veronica Paulk
SCHULER BAUER REAL ESTATE SERVICES ERA POWERED- Elizabethtown
Plant your roots at 113 Purse Lane in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a new home in the beautiful Ashton Park community. This home features a covered front porch, stone accents, and dimensional shingles for timeless curb appeal. Step inside to find luxury vinyl plank flooring flowing throughout the foyer, kitchen, dining area, great room, study, and bathrooms. The open-concept design creates a seamless
Located on the outskirts of Elizabethtown, this well-maintained two-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,680 square feet of functional living space on a spacious 0.71-acre lot. The thoughtfully designed layout features comfortable entertaining areas on the main level while keeping all bedrooms upstairs for added privacy. Multiple flex spaces provide options for a home office,
David Earls
SCHULER BAUER REAL ESTATE SERVICES ERA POWERED- Elizabethtown
ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT TAKING BACKUP OFFERS. Spacious, beautifully maintained, and designed for comfortable everyday living, this all-brick ranch offers the space, flexibility, and functionality buyers are looking for. The open-concept main living area features vaulted ceilings, hardwood flooring, recessed lighting, and a welcoming flow between the living room, dining area, and kitchen. The
This is a C-2 lot in a prime location that has been well maintained. Because it is located on N Dixie Hwy, it has high visibility with a traffic count of approximately 25,000. It is a level lot and partially cleared. The state has given approval for a right in, right out entrance from N. Dixie Highway.
PRICE REDUCTIONS AND SELLERS OFFERING 5K IN BUYER CLOSING COSTS WITH ACCEPTABLE OFFER!! Welcome to 80 Mayfield Ct — a spacious 2,108 sq ft home situated on 1.75 acres in Elizabethtown with an attached garage, in-ground pool, covered outdoor kitchen, and major improvements already completed. Recent updates include a new roof, new HVAC, 6-inch gutters with downspouts, concrete driveway, sidewalks,
Freshly reimagined and full of character, this remodeled brick home sits just moments from the local college, blending everyday convenience with the kind of thoughtful updates that make settling in effortless. The main level opens to a bright living room where large windows usher in the daylight and a woodburning fireplace stands ready for cooler evenings. Just around the corner, the kitchen
This beautiful brick and vinyl home features 3 bedrooms, 2 1⁄2 baths, and plenty of extra room in the fully finished basement. You are greeted immediately by tall ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors leading into the formal dining room and eat-in kitchen as well as main floor laundry. All 3 spacious bedrooms are upstairs for privacy. Set up the basement for family fun or have a quiet office
Set on a corner lot in a prime Elizabethtown area, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom charmer proves that location and personality can absolutely coexist. Schools sit just minutes away, the local water park is practically calling your name, and everyday conveniences are never far from reach. Lovingly maintained over the years, this home wears its updates well. Fresh laminate flooring, installed by
Welcome to this beautiful ranch home, perfectly situated on nearly an acre corner lot. Offering over 2,300 square feet of living space, this home combines comfort, space, and functionality in all the right ways. Step inside to find large, open rooms designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The spacious eat-in kitchen features a generous island, making it the perfect
Welcome home to this beautiful, like-new property nestled on a spacious 1-acre lot in one of Elizabethtown's desirable rural settings. Built in 2021, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with an open-concept layout that's perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the main living area,
Veronica Paulk
SCHULER BAUER REAL ESTATE SERVICES ERA POWERED- Elizabethtown
NEW PRICE – $499,900! Located in the highly desirable Freeman Creek Estates in Elizabethtown, KY, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers the space, comfort, and versatility today’s buyers are looking for. Step inside to a welcoming family room with soaring ceilings and a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect gathering space. Just off the main living area, a bright four-season
Incredible opportunity to own approximately 10 acres of land with a preliminary plan already approved to subdivide into five (5) lots—or keep the parcel intact for a private single-family estate. The property features a fairly flat, usable layout, making it ideal for an easy driveway installation or future development. Whether you’re a builder, investor, or someone looking for space to create
Welcome to 1711B Cliff Ridge Ct in Elizabethtown, KY. This home is a duplex with newer LVP flooring, all bedrooms on the main floor and 2 full bathrooms. You will love the unfinished, walkout basement that gives you plenty of room to entertain. This home is pet friendly with a pet deposit.
Welcome to Buffalo Ridge Apartments and Townhomes—Elizabethtown, Kentucky's newest luxury townhome community, now leasing with homes ready for immediate occupancy. Discover contemporary living at its finest in our brand-new residences, where you'll be the very first to call home. Choose from generously sized 2- and 3-bedroom floorplans, each thoughtfully designed with upscale finishes and the
Ridge Pointe Duplexes is a brand-new townhome-style rental community offering modern design, private outdoor space, and the comfort of single-family living within a professionally managed setting. Built in 2025, this community consists of 40 two-story duplex-style townhomes, each thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of today’s renters.Each residence features a spacious 3-bedroom,
Claysville Landing Apartments are unlike any other apartment community you will find in the Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Glendale and Fort Knox area. Each beautiful suite has as much space as a private residence. A pool, hot tub and beautiful lounge chairs grace our facility. We have a dog park for our pet friendly community, a playground, and a 24 hour on site fitness room is available for our
Discover your new home at Sage Springs, newly developed apartments in Elizabethtown, KY. This garden-style luxury apartment community boasts spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans complemented by an array of upscale amenities. Enjoy features including a resort-style heated pool, gourmet grilling stations, inviting fire pits, a state-of-the-art fitness center and convenient package receiving
The Joule will offer residents a wide variety of on-site amenities, including a resort-style pool with an outdoor kitchen and grills, fitness center, cyber-café, conference room, hospitality kitchen, pet spa and pet park, mail room with secure package delivery and electric vehicle charging stations.Lease term options: 3, 6, 12 month lease terms available. 3-month leases only available on
Spacious 2-4 bedroom apartments and townhomes in Elizabethtown, KY surrounded by nature. Private garages, washer/dryer in unit, 2 fitness centers, Tesla/EV chargers, dog park, valet trash, and storm shelters. Minutes from Fort Knox, Ford Energy Plant, and downtown E-town. Schedule a tour today!Explore Your Neighborhood:*Downtown Life: Located minutes from Historic Downtown Etown
Brookefield Apartment Homes is happy to welcome you to our beautiful, modern, pet friendly property. With new construction and state of the art amenities, our spacious 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes provide everything you need to make yourself at home in the Elizabethtown, Radcliff and Fort Knox areas. We have designed everything to be of the utmost convenience for you, with attached garages in our
Welcome to The Villas of Pine Valley, a newly renovated apartment community located at 1000 Pine Valley Dr in Elizabethtown, KY—offering the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and value.Our spacious two-bedroom, two-bath apartment homes are designed for practical, everyday living. Each home features full-size washer and dryer hookups, updated interiors, and functional layouts that give
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