Hartford offers small-town living in western Kentucky
Home to less than 2,700 residents, Hartford is a small, mostly residential community offering peace and quiet in rural Kentucky. Connected to surrounding towns by Route 231 and Interstate 165, Hartford itself has few businesses or restaurants aside from a Walmart and a small downtown district, which hosts a local festival in October. Still, Hartford is one of the largest communities in the area and offers some additional resources as the seat of Ohio County. “We have a great county hospital and a new surgery center, as well,” says Delia Osborne, a lifelong resident of Ohio County and local real estate agent with Triple Crown Realty Group. “Everything you need is in the county. However, if you want bigger shopping, we’re 45 minutes away from Bowling Green and around 25 minutes away from Owensboro.” Ohio County Park, just outside of town, is the community's main recreational space with many athletic fields and other amenities.
Mostly midcentury homes with some new builds
Midcentury ranch-style homes make up the bulk of the housing in Hartford, along with some new traditional and modern farmhouse properties from the 21st century. In town, properties sit on flat, grassy lots along quiet sidewalk-less streets, while in the surrounding countryside there are opportunities for multi-acre properties with space for hobby farms. “I get asked about acreage all the time,” Osborne says. “It’s the number one thing people are looking for.” Streetscapes are colored by maple and pine trees, providing a sense of seclusion in some areas as well. Prices largely depend on the home's condition, usually ranging from $90,000 to $380,000.
Ellis and Ohio County Parks have playgrounds and sports fields
Ellis Park acts as a neighborhood gathering spot, with a playground and softball fields. On the other side of I-165, Ohio County Park is much larger, with several playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course and a paved nature trail that encircles the green space. The park also includes lots of different athletic facilities, including an archery and gun range, soccer fields and basketball courts. Campgrounds are available to rent with onsite bathrooms, and the Ohio County Golf Club is just next door with a nine-hole layout open to the public.
Route 231 and Interstate 165 are the main highways in the area
Route 231 runs through Hartford, connecting with the neighboring town of Beaver Dam, about 4 miles south. I-165 borders the community on the east, leading 25 miles north to Owensboro and over 45 miles south to Bowling Green. Ohio County Healthcare Hospital is based in Hartford, and Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport is about 30 miles away.
Local schools earn B and B-minus ratings
Wayland Alexander Elementary earns a B-minus from Niche, while Ohio County Middle earns a B. The B-minus-rated Ohio County High offers pathways in animal science and horticulture, with several hands-on laboratory courses. Students can also take dual credit courses at the Ohio County Area Technology Center, including welding, web development and automotive technology programs.
Limited options for restaurants and shopping
Downtown Hartford spans a few blocks with a few secondhand stores and other businesses. Local restaurants are extremely limited, though Soreheads Gifts & Sundries includes a café with house-made sandwiches and soups. Further south on Route 231, there’s a Walmart surrounded by fast-food chains and a few more local eateries like Los Amigos Restaurant, which serves Mexican food. Other Grocery stores include Hometown IGA.
The annual October Festival is held downtown
The annual October Fest takes place in downtown Hartford, including live music and a vendor fair. The celebration usually spans two days and also features various family-friendly activities like a cornhole tournament, a 5K fun run, and mini golf.
