Lancaster offers small-town living in the Bluegrass region
In the heart of Kentucky’s bluegrass region, Lancaster offers buyers a small downtown with plenty of access to single-family homes, restaurants and shopping locations. The Garrard County seat has over 3,800 residents and is south of Lexington, but has several highways cutting through, providing easy access to local entertainment and job centers. “It’s a small town feel,” says Debbie Kobernick, a Realtor with Keller Williams Greater Lexington, who sells in the locale. “There’s a lot to offer with easy access to [the] Fayette County, Lexington area and Richmond, so it’s a great location with lots of fun activities.”
Variety of housing styles and pricing
Homes in Lancaster can range from historical Victorians and Greek Revivals to ranch-styles, split levels and New Traditionals. The median home price is $185,000, lower than the state and national medians. Properties also move quickly, typically selling after 33 days, compared to the national average of 52 days. However, prices can range from over $100,000 to around $600,000, with some housing reaching the million-dollar threshold. Kobernick says there is some HOA activity.
Properties are typically on gridded streets with smaller lots and oak trees accenting lawns. Some subdivisions have less tree cover. Farms and housing with larger acreage surround Lancaster. Kobernick notes that the community has attracted a mix of families and retirees.
Garrard County School serves students
Students can attend Garrard County Schools, rated B-minus on Niche. They can start at Lancaster Elementary, earning a B-minus, and continue to C-plus-graded Garrard Middle. Garrard County High scores a B-minus. The district’s technology center offers programs in automotive technology, health sciences and carpentry.
Parks, Herrington Lake and nature preserves form outdoor fun
Logan Hubble Park has multiple amenities, including a playground, disc golf course and trails. The 2,300-acre Herrington Lake, northwest of downtown, is the deepest in the state and has plenty of fishing spots, marinas and events such as live concerts. The Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve has trails and birding spots near the Kentucky River.
The Peninsula Golf Resort, adjacent to Herrington Lake, has a 6,700-yard Pete Dye-designed course and is open to the public. The historic Governor William Owsley House is available for private events. The Lancaster Grand Theatre has been in town since 1925 and hosts concerts. Events and attractions in downtown Lexington are 36 miles north.
Dining in downtown, farmers' market and other shopping options
Restaurants on Stanford Street and Danville Road feature a mix of chain and local spots. Keys and Crows serves pizza, pasta dishes and sandwiches. Los Agaves Grill offers Mexican cuisine. Bradford BBQ & Grill has sandwiches, tacos and wings.
Downtown also has several boutiques, a produce market while Save A Lot grocery store is further south. Smaller convenience and dollar stores are located off Lexington Road and Stanford Street. The Garrard County Farmers Market is also held downtown during the Summer.
Weather risks in Lancaster
Maps show a slight flooding risk in Lancaster. Tornadoes and other severe storms can also occur.
Local highways connect to Lexington and to Interstate 75
Lancaster does not have any public transit links and is primarily car-dependent. U.S. Highway 27 runs through Lancaster, connecting to Lexington. Highway 52 links to Danville, 11 miles west, while the entrance to Interstate 75 is 18 miles east. Blue Grass Airport is 35 miles north. Lancaster has several clinics, but Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital is 7 miles south.
