Settled along the southern bend of the Ohio River, Henderson attracts buyers with an A-rated school district and a stock of entry-level-priced homes. “We’re a small urban city near larger metro areas like Evansville,” says Tammy Willet, Community Development Specialist for the City of Henderson. “It’s great for boaters and only two hours from major cities like Nashville and Louisville.” Established as a city in 1867, Henderson was initially occupied by the Cherokee people as an agricultural hub along the river. It was later purchased by Richard Henderson, a land surveyor the city was named after, and continued to develop its economy through farming and producing wagons. Today, the city is home to around 27,000 residents. Top employers, such as Henderson County Schools and Gibbs Die Casting Corporation, contribute to a growing education and automotive manufacturing specialty. While the city has made significant industrial growth, it is still recognized as one of Kentucky's top producers of soybeans and corn. Amenities like John James Audubon State Park and the annual Bluegrass in the Park Festival occupy residents year-round and contribute to a larger sense of community. With a riverfront lifestyle and a small-town feel, Henderson pleads a strong case on the Indiana-Kentucky border.
Sunset Park is a family friendly playground on the waterfront.
Sunset Park is a family friendly playground on the waterfront.
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Steady market with ongoing new construction
Henderson offers a range of housing options and is known for its affordable pricing. The real estate market is competitive due to a, “lack of housing stock nationwide,” says Willett. “And buyers are attracted to the lower housing costs compared to other neighboring communities.” With a median sales price of $208,000, homes cost around $200,000 less than the average property in the U.S. For example, prices range from as low as $80,000 for a multi-family twin home to upwards of $700,000 for a five-bedroom two-story traditional with expansive acreage. Prices tend to be more expensive in neighborhoods like Henderson North End, which offer larger lot sizes, while areas like Downtown Henderson are more modest in size and are desirable for their proximity to urban amenities. Most homes were constructed in the late 1900s; however, new builds continue to develop on the city's outskirts, starting around $300,000.
Homes are often fronted by mid-sized lawns with paved driveways and detached garages.
Downtown Henderson homes have a median sales price of $230,000.
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A-rated education at Henderson County Schools
Families in Henderson are zoned for Henderson County Schools, which earns an A-minus from the educational review site Niche. It serves 7,000 students and is ranked 21st out of 159 of the best school districts in Kentucky. Most students attend Henderson County High School, which earns a B-plus and has a Career and Technical Education program that provides hands-on experience in industries like construction, welding and automotive. Private options like Holy Name Elementary School are also available. Those interested in pursuing higher education degrees can look to Henderson Community College, which is known for its affordability and awarding graduates with two-year associate degrees in 16 subjects.
Henderson County High School is ranked 23rd within Kentucky.
The student population of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School is 324.
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Gathering spaces and horse racing at Ellis Park
Henderson maintains 24 city-owned public recreation spaces. Audubon Mill Park is a primary gathering spot downtown, with a jungle gym, boat ramp and scenic views of the Ohio River. Atkinson Park is another option, offering a playground, community pool and access to the paved 2-mile Henderson River Walk, which is lighted and connects to Red Banks Park. John James Audubon State Park is the largest greenspace, spanning over 659 acres. There are pickleball courts, a fishing pier along Scenic Lake and over 6 miles of hiking trails to explore. The John James Audubon Museum & Nature Center is located here. It displays a collection of paintings, manuscripts and bird exhibits from John James Audubon, a French-American ornithologist who studied the behavior of local birds in Kentucky. Golfers can head to the John J. Audubon State Park Golf Course, which offers a 9-hole layout known for its hilly terrain. On the northside, Ellis Park Racing & Gaming offers live horse racing, slot machines and simulcast wagering just 6 miles across the Ohio River. Hendersonians are accustomed to all four seasons, with humid summers reaching a maximum of 87 degrees and winters with an average low of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Central Park is a popular place for locals to bring their families for a fun day.
Sunset Park is a family friendly playground on the waterfront.
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The annual Bluegrass in the Park Festival
In the summer, residents can attend the annual Bluegrass in the Park Festival at Audubon Mill Park. This two-day music festival is hosted on the second weekend of August and features local vendors, food trucks and live bluegrass music concerts. The event is highly anticipated and attracts around 4,000 visitors from across the region. It has been a long-standing tradition for over 38 years.
Audubon Mill Park is a great place on the waterfront for a cookout, boating, or a walk.
Sunset Park is a family friendly playground on the waterfront.
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Northside grocers, boutiques and eateries in Downtown Henderson
Most residents shop on the city's north side, off U.S. Route 41. There’s a mix of name-brand grocers like Walmart Supercenter or Ruler Foods and big-box retailers like Ollie's Bargain Outlet and Lowe's Home Improvement along the thoroughfare. Local shops like The Black Dahlia, for candles and crystals, or Olive + Mae Boutique, for a curated selection of clothing, maintain a small-town feel in Downtown Henderson. Folks can grab a bite to eat at one of the fast-food chains or locally owned eateries scattered throughout the city. Notable mentions include Rockhouse On The River, which serves Italian fare and offers scenic views of the Ohio River.
Homer's Barbecue can be your next favorite restaurant to meet with friends and family.
Rockhouse on the River is a staple of Downtown Henderson.
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Nearby healthcare and trips downtown on U.S. Route 60
U.S. Route 60 runs through the heart of Henderson, connecting residents to U.S. Route 41 and neighboring cities like Evansville across the Ohio River. The Henderson Area Rapid Transit (HART) bus provides public rides throughout the city. For out-of-state trips, the Evansville Regional Airport is 17 miles north and serves major airlines like American and Delta. Healthcare is provided at the Deaconess Henderson Hospital, less than 2 miles from downtown Henderson.
Crime
According to the Henderson Police Department, the city’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime increased slightly in 2023, while property crimes rose by 15%.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Henderson, KY sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Henderson, KY over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located just minutes from downtown Henderson, this tri-plex features three 1-bedroom, 1-bath units, along with additional storage space and room for future expansion. Two of the units have updated flooring, paint, bathrooms, and cabinets. All three units are currently rented for $750 per month each. Each unit has washer and dryer hookups and separate electric and gas meters; water is paid by the
3 BDR, 2 full bath ranch home located at 337 Tree Line Rd. This is a slab home built in 2008 with a split bedroom floor plan and an open concept living room/kitchen. Patio out back offers a place to relax. Primary BDR offers plenty of space for a king size bed if desired, and it has a walk-in closet. New roof was just installed August 2025 and all of the ceilings have been freshly painted as
Welcome to 1649 S Green St – Move-In Ready with Endless Potential - New roof installed in October 2025! This charming single-level home has been thoughtfully updated and is ready for its new owner. Freshly painted inside and out, this property boasts excellent curb appeal and a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Step inside to discover fresh paint throughout, stylish new light
Canoe Creek Apartments offer One, Two and Three bedroom units with ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED. The entire complex have been completely renovated from floor to ceiling with new bathroom, new kitchen, and all new appliances all utilities. Pet friendly with an on-site laundry facility, community room for private parties and many other desirable amenities come enjoy our friendly, neighborhood community.
Located in Henderson, KY - Graystone is currently under full renovation! 48 1 bedroom, nice units! Every unit has been gutted and remodeled! Brand new layouts, brand new appliances - everything is brand new! These units are super nice! One side is of Graystone is finished and one side will be completed soon! This complex is close to food, shopping and downtown! Please visit RFI's website to apply!
2 bedroom remodeled units! 15 minutes from Evansville, located in a secluded area, on a private dead end street. It's a quiet area surrounded by trees. It's also just 3 minutes from food and shopping on highway 41!
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