$177,706Average Value$198Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Lexington neighborhood that honors African-American community
Borrowing its name from the abolitionist, writer and former slave, William Wells Brown, this Lexington neighborhood in conjunction with downtown and the artistic North Limestone district, makes up part of the historically Black East End community. “It’s rich in history and culture,” says Christian Adair, the executive director of the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center. The William Wells Brown neighborhood consists of a mix of classic and contemporary houses surrounded by institutions honoring this community's past. The Lyric Theatre. for example, opened in the 1940s as a movie house for the African American community. Today, it remains an active venue for events like weddings, holiday celebrations and live musical performances. This neighborhood is also convenient to several recreational sites like the William Wells Brown Community Center and the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden, the latter of which is named after African American jockey and Hall of Famer, Isaac Burns Muphy.
The Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden honors the earliest African American professional athletes.
William Wells Brown is an urban neighborhood in Lexington, the horse capital of the world.
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Century-old cottages, modern Craftsmen and Traditionals
The housing in William Wells Brown consists of a mix of early 20th-century cottages and homes built throughout the past two decades. The neighborhood features rows of Craftsman-style bungalows, many of which have the distinct narrow structures of shotgun-style houses. Brick and vinyl contemporary Traditionals and Craftsmen make up the newer homes. The neighborhood also has sections of affordable housing, which includes a rental community of modern Georgian-style townhouses. “People will drive by and go, ‘Oh my god, those look like the ones in Washington D.C. that cost a fortune.’ Yes, they do, and it’s public housing,” says Donna Elder, an associate broker with Re/Max Creative Realty. Depending on their age and size, most single-family homes here run between the lower $100,000s and upper $200,000s.
Homes in William Wells Brown have an average value of $172,949.
The median home in William Wells Brown was constructed in 1910.
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Brunch and scratch-made pastries at the DV8 Kitchen
Morning commuters can stop for breakfast and coffee at Frank’s Donuts. More gourmet options exist at the Manchester Coffee Co., where patron enjoy their drinks and treats from the comfort of the cafe’s retro-style furniture. Numerous plants — including a few on the glass shelves behind the counter — make up the cafe’s distinct decor. The DV8 Kitchen - East End is a popular stop for more breakfasts and makes all of its pastries and baked goods from scratch. The restaurant runs out of a brick building adorned with artwork, including murals of downtown Lexington and a nature-themed scene paired with a horse sculpture painted in aquatic blue. The neighborhood is also close to the Warehouse Block, a district of repurposed industrial buildings housing trendy eateries and watering holes. The fare here include plates of barbecued meats at the Blue Door Smokehouse and rounds of craft beers at Mirror Twin Brewing. Kroger provide a nearby grocery store.
William Wells Brown residents can grab a cup of coffee or buy wholesale from Manchester Coffee.
William Wells Brown residents head to La Petite Delicat for custom-designed macarons.
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Activities for all ages at William Wells Brown Community Center
The William Wells Brown Community Center provides amenities and activities for all ages. Its gym can host youth basketball games, practices and camps. The facility also has spaces for yoga or aerobics classes geared toward elderly adults. Those trying to make a greater variety of dishes at home can sign up for cooking classes, while other community center activities include clubs for cyclists, amateur photographers and LEGO enthusiasts. Charles Young Park is a green space with another community center and outdoor amenities like a modern playground and painted basketball court. The Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden honors the horse racing legend. Visitors to the site can relax on its amphitheater-style seating and admire an artistic installation that includes a portrait of Murphy.
The show still goes on at the Lyric
The Lyric Theatre was once a stopping point on the 'Chitlin’ Circuit,' a group of establishments in the east and southern portions of the county that promoted African American performers during the time of segregation. Ray Charles and B.B. King are just two of many famous musicians who performed at the Lyric, and the venue continues to attract big names, from recent hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and the Sugar Hill Gang to Dolly Parton. “Every culture belongs here. This is a platform for people to showcase their talents and skill,” Adair says. “If it’s culture, we celebrate it.” Community events are hosted at the theater including the William Wells Brown Neighborhood Association’s Back to School Carnival in July, where children can enjoy food, play games like ring toss and pick up free backpacks and school supplies. The Lyric also serves as a site for one of the many events during the city’s Juneteenth celebration.
William Wells Brown residents can reserve the community room at Lyric Theater.
The Charles Young Park was established by a $900,000 grant from Blue Grass Community Foundation.
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Neighborhood institution in Williams Wells Brown Elementary
William Wells Brown Elementary is this neighborhood's school and gets a C-plus rating from Niche. Students may then go on to Lexington Traditional Magnet School (LTMS), which receives a C-plus from Niche. LTMS also features a visual and performing arts hub that involves specialized pathways. In addition to providing more challenging courses, the hub — also called VAPA — allows students to participate in school-wide performances. Students here may then finish their secondary education at Frederick Douglass High School, which receives an A-minus from Niche. Frederick Douglass is also ranked by Niche as one of the top high schools in the city. The school also boats a freshman academy that puts students on career-focused pathways.
William Wells Brown Elementary School serves Pre-K through 5th grade in Lexington.
The student population of Lexington Trad Magnet School is 308 and the school serves 6-8.
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On the edge of downtown Lexington
The Lextran provides a public transportation option for residents without cars and includes several bus stops within the community. William Wells Brown is about a mile from downtown Lexington and is also only a few miles from New Circle Road, which serves as a major commuter route and beltway within the city. For out-of-state flights, many here go to the Blue Grass Airport about 8 miles to the west. The UK Good Samaritan and Albert B. Chandler hospitals near the downtown provide major medical services.
Important to know
William Wells Brown has an overall CAP Index crime score of 7 out of 10, putting it above the national average of 4.
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
Ivy Barksdale,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Woodland Park
Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden
Fifth Third Pavilion
Castlewood Park
Gratz Park
Charles Young Park
Legacy Trail
Transit
Airport
Blue Grass
20 min drive
Bus
Bluegrass Park & Shropshire Outbound
Bus
6th & Nelson Inbound
Bus
Shropshire & 5th Outbound
Bus
4th & Race Outbound
Bus
4th & Chestnut Inbound
Bus
Winchester & Tennesse
Bus
Nelson & 5th Inbound
William Wells Brown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in William Wells Brown, Lexington sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in William Wells Brown, Lexington over the last 12 months is $490,500.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ivy Barksdale,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,612
Median Age
34
Population under 18
29%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$26,078
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,296
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
16.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.4%
% Population in Labor Force
65.5%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
64/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 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.
