Grayson has rural charm and lots of outdoor recreation
Grayson, a small town in Eastern Kentucky, offers a convenient location on Interstate 65, close to outdoor recreation like fishing and camping at Grayson Lake. “There’s not a lot of frill, but we have natural beauty and good people,” says Jody Mayo, a Grayson resident and local real estate agent at Realty Exchange. “We had a huge influx of people from out of state in the last 5 years. People are looking for that community feel.” The town has also embraced travel sports, recently building a new athletic complex that’s brought new business and youth leagues to the community. Many Grayson locals grow up to attend or work at Kentucky Christian University, though the school’s size means the college lifestyle doesn't intrude on the town’s otherwise quiet feel. “Most students are either commuters or live on campus, since it’s so small,” Mayo says.
Late-20th and early-21st-century homes, some on multiacre lots
Late-20th-century ranch-style homes make up most of Grayson's housing, along with some new traditional properties from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Homes near the town’s center are close-set along narrow streets. Farther out, properties are on quarter-acre or even full-acre lots, often dotted with tall pine trees. Prices mainly range from $100,000 to $460,000, though fixer-uppers can sell for less. Acreage is usually a determining factor in price, with larger properties on sprawling multiacre lots selling between $400,000 and $600,000. Minimalist manufactured homes are also available for between $25,000 and $200,000.
Local parks, a sports complex and fishing at Lake Grayson
Grayson City Park has playgrounds and a picnic shelter on Main Street, close to local shops. Grayson Sports Park has several baseball, softball and soccer fields that host traveling and youth sports leagues. “They have huge tournaments there on the weekends, so we get a lot of people coming out of town and staying here for that,” Mayo says. About 10 miles south, Grayson Lake State Park is a boating and fishing destination with campgrounds. The 3-mile Lick Falls Trails is one of several multiuse trails that wind around the lake, overlooking scenic cliffs and other scenery. The state park is also home to Hidden Cove Golf Course, an 18-hole facility that’s open to the public.
Public schools and higher education at Kentucky Christian University
Prichard Elementary and East Carter Middle both earn a B-minus rating from Niche. The latter offers athletic programs like softball, basketball and volleyball. The B-rated East Carter High has an agriculture program and a Future Farmers of America chapter. Additional programs are available through the Carter County Career and Technical Center, including welding, pharmacy tech and mechanical engineering pathways. Kentucky Christian University, a non-denominational private institution, is based in Grayson and has five schools offering degrees in humanities and science, ministry, business, nursing and education.
Concerts hosted at the university and other community events
Kentucky Christian University holds an annual concert series in June, often hosting nationally recognized Christian, bluegrass and country musicians. Grayson also holds community gatherings throughout the year. For example, the Appalachian Herb and Handcrafters Festival is held at Grayson Sports Park with dozens of herbalists and artisan vendors, underscored by live folk music.
Small businesses stand alongside regional chain eateries
Businesses are located along Main Street and State Route 7, including Walgreens, hardware stores and auto shops. Folks can head to chain stores like DG Market and Ralph’s Food Fair for groceries. Local chains make up much of the local dining scene. Melini Cucina serves pasta, pizza and other Italian dishes, while Tres Hermanos Nunez offers authentic Mexican food.
Easy access to Route 60 and Interstate 65
Route 60 and Interstate 65 run through Grayson, leading less than 30 miles east to Ashland and about 100 miles west to Lexington . University of Kentucky King’s Daughters Medical Center is the nearest hospital, about 30 miles away. Huntington Tri-State Airport is about 25 miles away.
