Step back in time, just minutes from downtown Lexington
While the area surrounding Gratz Park has changed over the years, the residences of this historic district stand in all their preserved glory. “Gratz Park is a Historic District in downtown Lexington with a city park in the center, surrounded by large historic residences,” says Becky Reinhold, managing broker of BG Sotheby’s International Realty. “It is bordered by Transylvania University and downtown Lexington. It’s the perfect venue for picnics, weddings, art fairs and a popular spot for photo shoots, but mostly it's for people to enjoy being outside in a beautiful spot in Lexington," says Reinhold. As one of Lexington's original neighborhoods, Gratz Park residents are just steps away from the busy shopping and dining scene downtown while still having a more quiet, historical feel at home. "Even though Gratz Park is right downtown, it's not very loud, thanks to all the tall buildings around," says Brittany Miller, front-of-house manager at Dudley's On Short. Walking through the area, residents can travel back in time, admiring the neighborhood's historic architecture and leafy, 100-year-old oaks backgrounded by Lexington's city skyline. Historic residences like the Mary Todd Lincoln House or Henry Clay's law office are also in walking distance from Gratz Park, as well as some of Lexington's most popular attractions; from Rupp Arena, home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team, to The Lexington Opera House. Living in a neighborhood that looks nearly the same as it did in the 1800s, it's easy for Gratz Park residents to appreciate the best that modern life in Lexington has to offer.
Gratz Park residents can step back in time, just minutes from downtown Lexington.
Many Federal style homes can be found in Gratz Park, just East of downtown.
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Queen Annes and other classic designs from Victorian Kentucky
In addition to being built throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, Homes in Gratz Park are surrounded by antiquated scenery like old-fashioned streetlights, narrow alleyways leading to carriage houses and Gratz Park itself, which has been carefully preserved by the Gratz Park Neighborhood Association to look the same as it did almost 100 years ago. "I love just walking around the area; there's so much beautiful architecture. All the frontward-facing details and classical facades are really nice to see," says Miller. Ranging in style from Federal to Italianate and even Queen Anne, homes in Gratz Park offer vintage exteriors and interior detailing like 17-foot ceilings, crown moldings, and original hardwood flooring that buyers are hard-pressed to find elsewhere. The well-known Goodloe Sisters' homes are good examples of this. Built in 1901, these three Queen Anne Victorian houses were the last to be built in the neighborhood and, though renovated over the years, their early 20th-century roots can still be seen in their ornate brickwork and light-filled bay windows. “If a home in Gratz Park comes on the market, one would expect to see multiple offers that are likely over the asking price because of the limited inventory surrounding the Park,” says Reinhold. The average sales price is just over $745,000 dollars, with “prices ranging from $650,000 up to and in excess of $2 million dollars depending on the level of renovations.” There are also options, however, for buyers looking for something smaller; condos with two bedrooms and about 950 square feet of space sell between $200,000 and $300,000 dollars.
The Goodloe Sisters' residences were built in 1901 in Gratz Park and have identical floor plans.
The median home in Gratz Park was built in 1900.
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Kentucky's finest eats, just around the corner from home
A main highlight of living in Gratz Park is being surrounded by some of Lexington's best shopping and dining. Dudley's on Short is a fine dining establishment that offers nightly valet service, though Gratz Park residents can easily walk over to enjoy New American fusion dishes in their historic building or sitting outside on their oasis-like rooftop patio. Highlights include the Tournedos Maxwell, which is petite filets, crab, potato puree and house-made Bearnaise sauce as well as their Prince Edward Island muscles, served in 'Nduja broth with notes of fennel and garlic. Operating out of a refurbished gas station, Doodles Breakfast and Lunch is a breakfast and lunch spot known for their organic ingredients and creole flavors, while Third Street Stuff is a colorful spot serving coffee and other confections in a very positive, art-clad setting. Bars, breweries and art galleries like Artists' Attic are also within walking distance, as well as "Any other bookstore, museum or service you could want really. The only thing we don't have in walking distance is a grocery store," says Miller. For the closest option, residents can head to M&M Grocery or the Target Grocery on Upper Street.
Gratz Park diners head to Corta Lima, which was voted "Best Downtown Restaurant" in 2023.
Sawyers Burgers serves lunch to hungry Gratz Park diners.
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Heading outdoors in Gratz Park
At the center of the neighborhood is the park itself, Gratz Park. Residents and area locals alike can often be seen strolling along the park's winding brick trail, relaxing on the shady lawn or getting together for public events. One notable spot is the park's fountain. A gift from Kentucky author James Lane Allen, the fountain is dedicated to the children of Lexington and features a sculpture of two kids playing together. Another fun option is Triangle Park, right by Main Street and Broadway. In addition to open green space, the park offers outdoor performances on the grass, tree-lighting during the holidays and ice skating in the winter. To get some exercise indoors, Proof Fitness is an expansive indoor gym, complete with a track, weights and rooms for group exercise. Members can take in views of the city from this seventh-floor location while training in boxing, yoga or pilates.
"The Fountain" in Gratz Park was sculpted by New York artist Joseph Pollia in 1933.
Gratz Park is a green space just East of downtown Lexington.
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Fun Lexington events throughout the year
In May, Gratz Park welcomes the Mayfest Arts Fair, which combines art, music, dance and food for a worthwhile experience of fun and creativity. Over its two days, more than 15,000 people come out, buying and admiring art from local artists, digging in on concessions and watching dance and musical performances. Another popular event space is the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion. Located right on Main Street, residents can walk over to get fresh produce from the weekly farmers market or listen to live music at Thursday Night Live. Just a hop over West Third Street, the private Transylvania University is another great spot for enjoying art and culture. On the 4th of July, residents grab their lawn chairs and head to the lawn of the Old Morrison building for a concert put on by the Lexington Philharmonic and the Lexington singers.
The Lexington Farmer's Market is a popular Saturday morning destination for Gratz Park shoppers.
Downtown Lexington offers a variety of restaurants and shops near Gratz Park.
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Fayette County schools within walking distance
Students living in Gratz Park attend nearby schools like Harrison Elementary and Lexington Traditional Middle, both of which receive C-plus ratings on Niche. Lafayette High earns an A from Niche and is also home to the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA). At SCAPA, students who are gifted in the literary, visual and performing arts are given the opportunity to work in a supportive environment that helps them grow their talents. The graduation rate is 98%, which is above the 90% state average.
Harrison Elementary School enrolls around 200 students every year.
The student population of Lexington Trad Magnet School is 308 and the school serves 6-8.
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Getting around Gratz Park
Heading to one place or another in the Gratz Park area is no problem with plenty to find within walking distance and LexTran buses circulating residents throughout the neighborhood's main thoroughfares. When traveling to other Kentucky destinations like Frankfort or Louisville, Interstate 64 provides direct access while, when traveling out of state, Blue Grass Airport is just over 6 miles to the west. In the case of a medical emergency, the University of Kentucky Good Samaritan Hospital is less than a mile southwest of Gratz Park, just off Maxwell Street.
Gratz Park riders enjoy a sunny day in Downtown Lexington.
Lextran offers Gratz Park residents access to a network of bus 25 routes.
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Welcome home to The Lofts at Gratz Park! This charming condo offers two spacious bedrooms and one full bathroom. With an open layout that showcases exposed brick walls. The beautifully restored building features a private entry foyer, secure exterior entrance, building security cameras, and elevator access. Ideally located in the heart of downtown—just steps from Rupp Arena, Transylvania
Welcome to the Peter Paul House, one of Central Kentucky's most iconic & storied homes. Recognized for its distinctive, pink-painted brick, this early 1800s Federal-style residence is a beloved landmark in the heart of Lexington's Gratz Park Historic District. Named for its original owner, the home blends rich architectural heritage with generations of thoughtful updates, while preserving period
Rusty UnderwoodChristies International Real Estate Bluegrass
Rare opportunity to own a two-story penthouse in a prime downtown location—just steps from Rupp Arena, Transylvania University, Gratz Park, the Opera House, and a variety of local dining and entertainment options. This open-concept loft features exposed brick, hardwood floors, and a striking spiral staircase. Large windows flood the space with natural light. The first-floor bedroom includes a
Emily MillerBluegrass Sotheby's International Realty
Beautiful downtown 2nd floor one bedroom apartment within walking distance to Gratz Park, area restaurants and Rupp Arena. Enjoy the historic charm of this spacious unit that offers hardwood flooring, arched door ways,10 ft ceilings, big windows and french doors Kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator and gas stove. Located in an small apartment building with locked entrance. Laundry is on
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Erica Clark,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
283
Median Age
43
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,406
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.4%
College Graduates
46.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
26''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
81/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
64/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
