Country living in Ferguson with quick access to shopping and dining
Ferguson was initially a home for rail workers. The railroad still has a presence there, as freight trains continue to pass through the community. Today, it's a small city mostly made up of homes and a few pockets of farmland. “It’s not super big,” says Epp Walls, owner of United Country Kentucky Lifestyle Properties. “When you drive there, you’ll be through Ferguson in 2 minutes.” The city of less than 1,000 people offers a slower-paced lifestyle within a few miles of the restaurants, bars and shops of neighboring Somerset’s historic downtown. “You can kind of feel like you’re in the country a little bit, but you’re just minutes from a pretty good-sized town,” Walls says.
Ranch-style homes and bungalows are next to farmland
Ferguson has many narrow roads with no sidewalks and several lots with dirt and gravel driveways. While some homes here are only yards apart, others are next to vast open spaces. Horses and other farm animals roam the rural land. The area’s housing includes many brick ranch-style homes and Craftsman bungalows. “It’s a good mixture of older homes,” Walls says. “A lot of them have been updated. A good majority of them.” Homes don’t often go on the market in Ferguson, with only four selling between January and August 2025. Costs go from $160,000 for a home with less than 1,000 square feet to $390,000 for one more than three times the size. Also, nearly half of Ferguson rents.
Nearby Somerset has shopping and dining options
From the Vine Produce & Marketplace is a community grocery store in Ferguson that sells fresh food and household items. However, many go to Somerset to shop and eat out. Ferguson is minutes from El Tesoro, a Mexican restaurant in a small brick house. Its menu includes traditional tacos, various tortas and sopes. Other Somerset restaurants include I Love You A Brunch, which has French toast, waffles and classic breakfast staples like eggs and bacon. The Urban Stillhouse offers comfort foods and cocktails in an upscale setting. The restaurant has a fireplace and ornate light fixtures, including a chandelier made with antlers. Somerset also has Walmart and Kroger for retail and grocery shopping.
Many make short trips for recreation
Ferguson City Park is one of the city’s few recreational amenities. The park has a playground with swings and a couple of small slides. Otherwise, many usually leave the city for sports and outdoor activities. Nearby spots include Somerset’s Rocky Hollow Park, where there is a walking and running trail, a colorful basketball court and a disc golf course. There’s also the Rocky Hollow Recreation Center, which has a basketball gym and fitness room. Less than 10 miles west of Ferguson, Lee’s Ford Marina rents pontoons to those looking to get out on Lake Cumberland. The lake is also popular for its bass and crappie fishing.
Students may attend two public school districts
Depending on where they live, students may go to Somerset or Pulaski County schools. They may start at Southern and Hopkins elementary schools, both of which get A-minus grades from Niche. Southern Middle receives an A-minus, while Meece Middle gets a B. Students may finish at Southwestern High or Somerset High, both of which receive B-plus grades. High schoolers looking to learn trades may take courses at the Pulaski County Area Technology Center. The facility’s programs include welding and nursing.
Somerset provides nearby entertainment
Somerset is the usual destination for events like the Master Musicians Festival in July. Over two days, numerous bands and individual artists play on a couple of stages at Somerset Community College. The lineup typically features a few well-known names in genres like Southern rock, blues and country. Past performers have included Counting Crows and Jamey Johnson.
The neighboring city provides key services
Ferguson is located off U.S. Highway 27, which commuters may take to other communities in the region. Ferguson residents also go to neighboring Somerset for services like medical care. Somerset has the 295-bed Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Many here may go to Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport for air travel, nearly 80 miles north.
The area may get tornadoes
Southern Kentucky may receive tornadoes. During the spring of 2025, a severe tornado cut through Daniel Boone National Forest and the Somerset area.
