$430,015Average Value$326Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
The old meets the new in Lexington's original suburb
When walking through Lexington's Historic Western Suburb, it doesn't take long to realize that it's one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Residents may notice impressive stone facades, quaint cottages and classically-inspired homes that modern builders no longer make. The oldest standing home in the neighborhood, the Matthew Walker House, was built in 1795, just 15 years after the city of Lexington was first settled. Another famous home is the Mary Todd Lincoln House. Now a museum, residents can walk by or tour the house to learn the history of one of the United States' most famous first ladies and the wife of Abraham Lincoln. Over its long history, however, Lexington's Historic Western Suburb has also seen many ups and downs. "The neighborhood used to be in steep decline, with people moving out of the area and homes falling into disrepair, but it's seen a big transformation since then," says John Hackworth, a local educator and resident who has lived in Lexington for over 30 years. Nowadays, residents of Historic Western Suburb enjoy the neighborhood's unique combination of a storied, old-timey atmosphere with proximity to "The best restaurants, entertainment and shopping that Lexington has to offer, just a block or two away from home," says Hackworth. On any given day, locals can step out from their charming 19th or early 20th-century homes to catch a concert at Rupp Arena or stroll along Jefferson Street, perusing art galleries and stopping for a bite to eat at local restaurants along the way. Among tourists and residents alike, this "vibrant area right in the heart of the city" is becoming one of Lexington's most sought-after neighborhoods.
An aerial view of the Historic Western Suburb.
The front entrance to Sorella Gelateri in the Historic Western Suburb
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Refurbished, historic homes with diverse price points
"Lexington's Historic Western Suburb is an awesome recently renovated area with a combination of smaller affordable houses and large mansion-type houses," says Becky Reinhold, Managing Broker, VP of BG Sotheby’s International Realty. Ambling along the buzzy main streets of this small neighborhood, residents will find homes from an eclectic mix of time periods, reflecting over 200 years of different styles, economies and cultures. Often shaded by black walnut and oak trees or foregrounded by prim lawn spaces and ornamental landscaping, homes in the neighborhood were built as early as the 1700s, though builds from the mid-1800s and early 1900s are much more common. And, thanks to the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, which Hackworth says "Makes a genuine effort to keep Lexington's historic texture intact," many of these historical properties have been protected over time and "Prevented from losing the historic feel that Lexington is known for." At just over $406,000 dollars, the average sales price for homes in Historic Western Suburb is about $65,000 dollars higher than the average throughout Lexington, though affordable options can still be found. Smaller cottage and bungalow homes, usually built in the early 1900s, can sell from as low as $240,000 to about $500,000 dollars, while larger Cape Cod and Colonial-Revival homes can sell from just over $500,000 to over $1.2 million dollars. A major draw for the neighborhood, these refurbished properties often feature all new appliances and plumbing, as well as refinished interiors, while still preserving the unique craftsmanship and historical feel that make these homes so loved.
A beautiful Victorian four square home with lush landscaping in the Historic Western Suburb
A cozy Cape Cod home with lush landscaping in the Historic Western Suburb
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Leisurely shopping and dining in Historic Western Suburb
Shopping and dining is another main highlight of living in Lexington's Historic Western Suburb. Within just a short walk from home, residents can explore locally-owned establishments like Stella's Kentucky Deli, which is "One of Lexington’s quintessential restaurants, known for their weekday lunch and weekend brunches," says Reinhold. Walking into its bright yellow Victorian house, visitors breathe in the aromas of freshly baked pie and homecooked southern food. For lunch, a popular option is the Lamb Burger, with its rosemary and garlic seasoning, while, for breakfast, the Mix & Match special lets visitors pick from buttermilk pancakes, Kentucky farm eggs, hash browns or other breakfast classics. Another popular choice is The Blue Heron Steakhouse. Known for its Southern cuisine and relaxing atmosphere, this restaurant is also housed in a historic home and visitors often enjoy the Porterhouse Steak for Two, which comes with four sides that can range from hand-cut fries to mac and cheese. For dessert, head to Sorella Gelateri. This locally owned shop specializes in handcrafted, small-batch Italian gelato and sorbetto. From Italian Lemon Cookie and Pistachio to Blackberry Nutella, there are plenty of creative flavors for any palette. When cooking at home, groceries can be purchased less than a mile away at the nearby Target Grocery on South Upper Street.
Historic Western Suburb shoppers visit the Lexington Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.
A person walking into Target Grocery in the Historic Western Suburb
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Walk to famous events at the Rupp Arena
Another appeal of living in Lexington's Historic Western Suburb is being close to downtown. "This has made the area really popular with short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb as well. Lots of people like staying here for the access to nearby churches and venues that weddings or other events take place at," says Hackworth. Luckily for residents of Historic Western Suburb, many attractions Lexingtonians drive a long distance to see are also within walking distance. Rupp Arena, the home court of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team, is just down the street, so residents don't have to worry about parking when attending a crowded event. This 23,000-seat arena also hosts concerts, with popular artists like Tim McGraw and Olivia Rodrigo often performing here. The Lexington Opera House and Manchester Music Hall are two other notable attractions as well. The Lexington Opera House is a restored theater that has been around since the late 19th century. Whether heading out to see a rendition of Jersey Boys or the Kentucky Ballet Theatre putting on a production of Dracula, electrifying performances can always be found just around the corner from home.
Fayette County schools close to home
Students living in Historic Western Suburb can attend Harrison Elementary, which receives a C-plus from Niche, before moving on to Lexington Traditional Magnet School, which also earns a C-plus rating and boasts a relatively low student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1. Older students from the neighborhood attend Lafayette High, which has an overall A rating on Niche and is also home to the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA). SCAPA supports those students gifted in the visual and performing arts. Instructors work closely with these students to cultivate their skills in literature, dance, painting and other mediums.
The student population of Lexington Trad Magnet School is 308 and the school serves 6-8.
Lafayette High School offers a district-wide pre-engineering program.
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Heading outdoors in the heart of Lexington
Being at the center of Lexington, the one thing Historic Western Suburb isn't particularly close to is open green space and parks for residents to enjoy getting outside, though great options can still be found not too far away. One peaceful option for an afternoon stroll is the Lexington Cemetery. With beautified grounds full of flowering trees, winding roads and decorative ponds, this cemetery is a surprisingly peaceful area that's brimming with plant life and scenic views. Another fun option is Triangle Park, located right on 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. When wanting to see some more of the city, residents can also grab their bike or running shoes and hop on The Legacy Trail, which can be accessed right along Third Street and Midland Avenue. The 12-mile route travels from the rolling hills of Kentucky's bucolic countryside to art installations and historical markers for residents to explore in the city. Another resource for getting outside is the Town Branch Commons, a trail that traces Lexington's history through the city's downtown area and connects several different parks with a scenic band of green space. There are also plans for a new park, called Town Branch Park, which will be located behind the Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena and will feature a large stage and performance lawn, dog park and playgrounds for local kids to play on.
Historic Western Suburb residents grab a walk-up taco in Triangle Park.
The Lexington Cemetery is a local attraction, bringing thousands of visitors each Spring.
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Getting around Historic Western Suburb
Finding a way from one place to the next in Lexington's Historic Western Suburb is no problem for its residents, with some of the city's most popular establishments 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 also less than a mile south of the neighborhood, just off Maxwell Street.
The Lextrans bus has several stops in the Historic Western Suburb.
Bike riders enjoy a trip around Triangle Park in Historic Western Suburb.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erica Sardar,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Woodland Park
Cheapside Park
Court Square Fountain
Thoroughbred Park
Fifth Third Pavilion
Town Branch Park
Gratz Park
Triangle Park
Northeastern Park
Transit
Airport
Blue Grass
15 min drive
Bus
Oliver Lewis Way & Main
Bus
South Broadway & Maxwell
Bus
Jefferson & 176 (Still Alley)
Bus
Main & 722 (Salvation Army)
Bus
High & Hyatt Regency
Bus
Main & Tucker
Bus
Connie Griffith
Historic Western Suburb Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Historic Western Suburb, Lexington sell after 3 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Western Suburb, Lexington over the last 12 months is $560,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience refined downtown living in this elegant, two-story penthouse perched atop the 500s on Main, offering stunning views of Lexington's skyline. Ideally located with downtown attractions, dining, and shopping right outside your door. This three-bedroom, three-bath condo features upscale, thoughtfully curated finishes & stylish decor throughout. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the open living
Rusty UnderwoodChristies International Real Estate Bluegrass
A rooftop pool and stunning downtown Lexington views are just two favorite features of Centre City Condominiums. Add to that close proximity to LexLive and Rupp Arena, and you have a winning combination! A generous entry foyer leads to a great room and spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets and updated appliances. Two full bathrooms and in-unit laundry are perfect for hosting guests or
Coming Soon!! In the heart of downtown Lexington. No expense spared in this head turning remodeled '23, 2 full BDRM 2 full BA condo. Experience true indoor/outdoor living in the city with the folding glass doors open to the wrap around terrace with its' own living/bar area. Terrace area also features gas fire-pit and turf. Seldom offered 1st floor unit. Only 4 in the building have this extended
Artek Lofts is located in the heart of a thriving and revitalized downtown Lexington, Kentucky neighborhood. The innovative and contemporary architecture utilizes a blend of steel, concrete, wood, and brick. Our contemporary one bedroom flats and lofts and two bedroom lofts offer 38 unique homes with 6 distinct floorplans that feature amenities such as polished concrete flooring, track lighting,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erica Sardar,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
996
Median Age
49
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$39,499
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,121
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.7%
College Graduates
46.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
30.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.4%
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®
76/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
67/ 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.
