The state’s capital feels like “Kentucky Distilled”
Home to the state capitol building and one of the world's most famous bourbon distilleries, Frankfort lives up to its slogan: “Kentucky Distilled.” But with a population of just under 30,000, it’s far from the state’s biggest city. “Frankfort has a small-town feel,” says Brent Simpson, a Realtor with Century 21 Simpson & Associates. Simpson's family-run business has worked in the city for generations. “It’s a great place to raise a family; there’s hardly any traffic, and people look out for each other."
Some of the city's most notable landmarks include the capitol building and the governor's mansion. Both impressive structures were built in the early 1900s and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More than a quarter of the city’s workforce is in public administration. “Being the seat of government means we have a lot of movement in and out,” Simpson says. “But that also means we have more cultural events going on.” However, for big-city amenities and entertainment, locals tend to drive to Lexington or Louisville.
The state capitol building in Frankfort was completed in 1910.
The Governor's Mansion in Frankfort was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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Mid-century homes are more affordable than Lexington
The average home price is $230,000, with most homes under $500,000. “Frankfort is more affordable than Lexington and Louisville,” Simpson says. “But we are seeing prices continually go up here because we just don’t have the supply.” Downtown has some colorful Victorians and vintage bungalows. The outskirts of the city are seeing some modern construction. However, the majority of Frankfort’s housing stock was constructed in the mid to late 1900s. “There hasn’t been a lot of recent development,” Simpson says. “We don’t have any of those modern neighborhoods that have community pools and tennis courts.”
The city has historically experienced major floods, leading to the construction of levees and floodwalls. However, some homes along the river’s banks and watershed are still at a slight risk.
Frankfort features homes built in the 1800's.
Homes in Frankfort have an average value of around $305,000.
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Buffalo Trace is a centerpiece of Frankfort’s bourbon scene
Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon, and its capital has some of the best in the state. The city is home to five different distilleries, most notably Buffalo Trace, the oldest continually operating distillery in the United States. A couple of hundred people line up outside Buffalo Trace each morning to see which bottle will be on offer that day. “Buffalo Trace is one of the world’s most famous distilleries,” says Robin Antenucci, the executive director of Visit Frankfort. “There’s only one person who knows what is going to be on the shelf each day, so it creates a lot of demand.” Thousands of visitors stop by Frankfort as they follow the state-wide Bourbon Trail, and the city offers regular tasting tours and bourbon-themed celebrations.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort offers 7 different complimentary tours and bourbon tastings.
Distilled in Frankfort, Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon was the first single barrel bourbon to be sold commercially and was released in 1984.
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A historic downtown and brand-new retail hub
A curve of the Kentucky River outlines a walkable downtown with vintage storefronts from the 1800s. Used bookstores and antique shops sit next to trendy brewpubs with river views. Downtown comes to life for summer concerts, Bourbon Week and derby celebrations. But shopping and dining options can be lacking outside the city's quaint center. “Our population and lack of growth have hurt us because we don’t have enough people to maintain new restaurants,” Simpson says.
One of the city's biggest upcoming projects is the Paddocks of Frankfort. This $150 million endeavor will be the city’s largest mixed-use development, anchored by Franklin County’s first Target. It is expected to be completed in late 2025. “It’s a big stride in the right direction,” Simpson says.
Temperatures in Frankfort range from 88º in the summer to 25º in the winter.
Many retail shops in downtown Frankfort now occupy buildings that were originally built in the 1800s.
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Biking and hiking on the Frankfort’s preserved parkland
Frankfort has hundreds of acres of preserved woodland right within the city, with miles of trails. “We have some of the best mountain biking trails in the central part of the state,” Antenucci says. In the hot, humid summers, the Kentucky River is open for paddle boating, and the Juniper Hill Aquatic Center gets packed with visitors. Riverview Park is one of the most visited in the city, with waterside views and a summer farmers market. Come winter, Frankfort typically gets a few inches of snow. Indoor recreation options include shows at the historic Grand Theater, fitness classes at the YMCA or storytime at the Paul Sawyier Public Library.
The Miller Trail in Frankfort was named for the British officer who died as a prisoner of war while being held there during the war of 1812.
The Leslie Morris Park in Frankfort has a trail loop distance of 1.38 miles.
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Two school districts and Kentucky State University
Frankfort Independent School District serves the city center and has a B-plus rating from Niche. There are only two schools in the district, with less than 1,000 students, so class sizes tend to be small and full of familiar faces. Outside of downtown, kids are zoned for Franklin County Public Schools, which has a B-minus rating. Private school options in the city include The Frankfort Christian Academy, which Niche ranks as the third-best Christian high school in the Lexington area.
The city is also home to Kentucky State University, a historically black university with around 2,000 students. High schoolers in the area can take dual enrollment courses at the university.
Kentucky State University in Frankfort has more than 135 full-time instructional faculty members and about 2,200 students.
The student population of The Frankfort Christian Academy is 255.
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Many miles to nearby airports in Lexington and Louisville
U.S. Route 421 runs through Frankfort, connecting into downtown Lexington, 25 miles away. It's usually a 40-minute commute. Lexington is home to the Blue Grass Airport, which offers domestic flights. Downtown Louisville is 55 miles away, typically an hour trip. Louisville has an international airport. Interstate 64 is just south of Frankfort, and is a major thoroughfare to get to both larger cities. Frankfort has its own hospital, the Frankfort Regional Medical Center.
Crime
Violent crime and property crime rates in Frankfort are slightly higher than the state and national average.
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