A tight-knit community, Jamestown sits near Lake Cumberland
Situated just north of Lake Cumberland, Jamestown offers buyers plenty of single-family homes, a small downtown and outdoor recreation. “We are the closest little town to Lake Cumberland, that is our claim to fame," says Kimberly Byrom, a broker with Lake Cumberland Properties Ltd. who has 35 years of real estate experience. Though the Russell County seat only has a population of over 1,800, it sees an influx of visitors and tourists who are drawn to the water. However, locals are part of a tight-knit community nestled in Kentucky’s Pennyrile region. “We call it Mayberry because it’s so small — everybody knows everybody,” Byrom says.
Lake Cumberland and parks form the backbone of outdoor recreation
At more than 60,000 acres, Lake Cumberland offers ample spots for fishing, camping and boating. Residents and tourists alike can access the lake by heading south along Highway 92 or visiting the Safe Harbor Jamestown marina and indulge in the vast boating culture that the lake offers. The marina has a public boat launch that costs $5. Other public launches include the Lilly Creek Boat Ramp, southeast of downtown. Southwest of Jamestown, the Wolf Creek Dam has multiple hiking and biking trails surrounding it and camping spots nearby.
Attractions off the water include Jamestown City Park, which has a playground, baseball diamonds and sports courts. Mini Indy has a go-kart track and hosts live music. The Lakewood Country Club is open to the public and has an 18-hole, 5,800-yard layout. Annual events include the Lakefest Independence Day celebration, which features fireworks, a concert and a car show.
A broad mix of housing, with HOAs present
Homes vary from ranch-style houses and cottages to cabins, New Traditionals and estate properties. Condos are also available. The median sales price for homes is $265,000, lower than the national median and even Kentucky’s. However, home prices can range from $150,000 to $700,000 and even climb to the million-dollar range, depending on the age, condition and location. Byrom notes that homes are “definitely not cookie-cutter” and that HOAs oversee some neighborhoods.
Residences near downtown are typically located on gridded streets, with small lots and oak trees accenting lawns. Homes with more acreage can be found toward Lake Cumberland or on Jamestown's outskirts. Properties can also back up to the lake, providing waterside views.
Russell County Schools features career-focused courses in high school
Students are served by Russell County Schools, rated a B-minus on Niche. They can start at Jamestown Elementary School and continue onto Russell County Middle, both graded B. Russell County High earns a B-minus and has career-focused courses in business management, finance and health science.
Dining on Main Street, with larger grocery runs in Russell Springs
Restaurants are concentrated along Main Street in downtown and include several chains and local spots. Giovanni’s Pizza offers wings and sandwiches in addition to Italian fare, while Reel Java has a coffee shop, bakery and sports bar. Downtown also has several boutiques, while Main Street is home to a DG Market and convenience stores. Russell Springs, 5 miles north, has grocery stores, including Kroger and Price Less IGA. South of downtown at the Safe Harbor Jamestown marina, Lakers Tap and Grill serves breakfast items along with seafood, steaks and burgers.
Weather concerns in Jamestown
According to maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, parts of Jamestown, especially near the lake, are at a slight risk of flooding. Tornadoes and severe weather can also be factors.
U.S. Highway 127 serves as the primary connection to other areas
Jamestown does not have any public transportation, with residents needing a vehicle to get around. U.S. Highway 127 cuts through Jamestown, connecting to the Cumberland Parkway in Russell Springs. Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport is 88 miles north. The community has several medical clinics, but Russell County Hospital is 5 miles north.
