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Frankfort

Frankfort

Located in Franklin County

$272,602 Average Value
$156 Average Price per Sq Ft
98 Homes For Sale

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 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.
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.
Frankfort features homes built in the 1800's.
Homes in Frankfort have an average value of around $305,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.

Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Ryan Minion
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Minion
Mallory Nolte
Video By
Mallory Nolte

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
9,329
Number of Homes for Sale
98
Median Year Built
1990
Months of Supply
2.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,678
Below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,914
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,415
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
661
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
501
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890

Open Houses

  • Friday, Jun 5
    Open House 6/05

    200 Paul Sawyier Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601

    $375,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,740 Sq Ft
    • 200 Paul Sawyier Dr
    • New 20 days ago

    Fully renovated and move-in ready, this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and historic charm in the Heart of Frankfort, Kentucky. Every detail has been thoughtfully upgraded & completely rebuilt from inside out, offering a rare opportunity to own a like-new home in a well-established residential neighborhood. New features include:

    Hunter Foster Heart of KY Real Estate

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  • Sunday, May 31
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    863 Mink Run Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601

    $684,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,370 Sq Ft
    • 863 Mink Run Rd
    • New 3 days ago

    Beautifully positioned on 12+ scenic acres, this custom-built home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and peaceful country living. Offering 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and an additional spacious finished lower-level flex room with natural light and walk-out French doors, ideal for a home office, recreation space, gym, guest area, or a variety of other uses, this property

    Penny Varble Transactionbroker.com

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  • Wednesday, May 27

    201-203 W Campbell St Unit A-D, Frankfort, KY 40601

    $420,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,400 Sq Ft
    • 201-203 W Campbell St
    • Unit A-D
    • New 6 days ago

    201-203 Campbell is a well-located 4-unit multifamily property in Frankfort with strong current cash flow and additional upside potential. Each unit features a large 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom layout with oversized living rooms that could potentially function as a second bedroom or flex space. Current rents total $3,425 per month with room to increase rents toward market rates. Property is

    M Scott Peace Lifstyl Real Estate

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Frankfort

Property Mix - Square Feet

Frankfort Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
16
Median Rent
$1,050
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,475
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,850
Median Townhouse Rent
$995
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,325
Median Condo Rent
$850
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$900

Demographics

Total Population
27,106
Median Age
39
Population under 18
23.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$53,553
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$69,353

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.7%
College Graduates
27.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
19''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bikeability®

40 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walkability®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Frankfort
Ivy Barksdale
Guide Realty, Inc.
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