Established by German and Irish immigrants in the early 1800s, Butchertown is Louisville’s original meat-packing district. “Historically, the name says it all,” says longtime Louisville resident Barrett Goff, principal broker and founder of Allodium Real Estate. Referring to a slaughterhouse that operates locally to this day, Goff states “Butchertown is still a butcher town, but that doesn’t subtract from the allure of the neighborhood. It’s a rapidly expanding part of Louisville and one of its few historic preservation districts. I like it for the vibrant community, frequent festivals and hidden-gem restaurants.” With relaxing parks along the Ohio River, a central location in the city and preserved 19th-century architecture, Butchertown has a unique combination of amenities. Today, art galleries, artisanal shops, and local businesses can be found alongside vintage homes and working industrial spaces. While the neighborhood continues to grow from its historic roots, Butchertown is anchored by creative cuisine and walkable access to recreation, making it both a desirable destination and a charming home for residents across Louisville.
The neighborhood of Butchertown is located just east of downtown Louisville.
Enjoy side walk dining at Butchertown Grocery.
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Hip Louisville locales and plenty of beer
"Something I love about it here is that Butchertown is a place where small businesses shine," says Sierra White, who is the manager at Lueberry, a nearby acai and healthy food spot. Rather than chain locations, Butchertown welcomes a diverse variety of independent shops and stores. “Market Street is a driving force of the growth in Butchertown,” Goff says. “From local shops, small boutique-style restaurants and art galleries, there are tons of unique places, even in regard to the already very pronounced bar and restaurant scene in Louisville.” Avid beer enthusiasts can hop between favorites like TEN20 Craft, Butchertown Brewing, and Sergio’s World of Beers to try selections of handcrafted and often locally sourced drinks. In terms of dining, residents can choose from a cornucopia of mom-and-pop shops throughout the neighborhood. Chik’n and Mi serves popular Asian-inspired dishes, while Lueberry provides healthy options that aren't boring or bland, with acai bowls, smoothies and other breakfast and lunch foods. For shopping, residents can get ingredients for dinner and freshly baked goods at Butchertown Grocery Bakery, or head to Butchertown Market. In addition to a colorful mural, Butchertown Market is known for its variety of local boutiques and shops like Work the Metal and Moss Hill.
TEN20 in Butchertown offers a relaxed environment for enjoying a beverage with friends.
Stop by Copper & Kings Distillery in Butchertown for a taste of their home distilled products.
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Historic charm and classic Kentucky architecture
In Butchertown, residents will find modern warehouses and apartment buildings located across the street from shotgun-style townhouses and other historic residences built in the 1800s. "Unlike some other areas of the city that have modernized, the Butchertown community prides itself on preserving every bit of that beautiful historic aspect of the neighborhood," says White. Homes are often closely spaced, with vintage wrought-iron gates in front yards and a mixture of Latinate and Victorian facades looking out towards the street. Brightly colored bungalows and row houses can also be found spread amongst more established examples of Kentucky's Classical Revival architecture. "Because of the historic architecture and popular local restaurants and breweries attracting visitors, homes in this neighborhood are highly sought after and tend to sell for more than the Louisville average," says Goff. As a rule of thumb, homes with under 1,000 square feet sell from $150,000 to just under $300,000, while larger homes with over 2,000 square feet can sell from about $350,000 to $750,000. Butchertown receives an 8 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, which is twice the national average. This score is driven by high property crime, with a 9 out 10 for larceny.
The Thomas Edison House is the boyhood home of the inventor in Butchertown.
An early morning job through Butchertown is a treat for the senses.
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Outdoor and historic recreation in Louisville
With a prime location right along the Ohio River and a variety of unique parks and outdoor spaces, Butchertown appeals to a variety of outdoor interests. Residents can find a series of connected parks along the river, ranging from the skate ramps at Dave Armstrong Extreme Park to a splash pad and imaginative decorations at Adventure Playground. Officially considered the “front door to the city,” Waterfront Park is where residents of all ages come to enjoy concerts, lay out on the lawn or look at the spectacular lights of the Big Four Bridge. Transformed from a landfill, the nearby Waterfront Botanical Gardens provide an urban space full of beauty and tranquility with 10 different walkable gardens. Just across Interstate 64, soccer fans flock to Lynn Family Stadium, which is the largest soccer stadium in the region, to watch Louisville City FC games. Alternatively, history buffs can visit the 19th-century Paget House, a historic landmark that's known for being "Louisville's last intact structure of the early neighborhood," according to Louisville Parks. Residents might also recognize a more familiar historic name at the childhood home of Thomas Edison, which has been converted into a museum that celebrates his local ties and inventions.
Facade
The Waterfront Botanical Gardens in Butchertown features native and exotic flora.
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Butchertown events that celebrate a vibrant community
Another highlight of Butchertown is the neighborhood's frequent and lively public festivals, events and celebrations. According to White, "There are so many events here, especially when the weather is nice out, I can't always keep them all straight. But just a few months ago they had a baby goat festival with races and everything. It was super cute!" With such colorful events, Butchertown's public gatherings garner attention across the city and even expand past neighborhood lines. The neighborhood's annual chili cook-off extends all the way down Main Street to neighboring NuLu, while Bock Fest is celebrated by both neighborhoods. The annual September event celebrates goats and beer after the Bock-style beers of the area’s German lineage. “It’s a very cool scene that lots of people come out to enjoy,” says Goff. To keep the party going, Butchertown is also home to the city's biggest LGBTQ nightclub, Play Louisville. For live music, residents can visit local bars like The Whirling Tiger or High Horse Bar and listen to independent artists perform in relaxed, fun settings.
Busy sidewalks and proximity to Downtown Louisville
Thanks to its central location, transportation and finding a way around town are no problem for those living in Butchertown. In addition to being a highly walkable neighborhood, Butchertown is right by Interstate 64 and the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, so businesses, destinations and other communities throughout the greater Louisville area are just a short drive away. Downtown Louisville is just over a 2-mile drive west of Butchertown, though commuters can also take the bus from the many stops found along Story Avenue and East Main Street. Those seeking a complete change in scenery can catch flights from the Louisville International Airport, which is less than 7 miles south, while, in the case of a medical emergency, Norton Hospital can be found just 2 miles away downtown.
Walking furry friends is a popular pastime on Butchertown's wife sidewalks.
Butchertown residents have easy access to major interstates.
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Small classrooms in Jefferson County schools
Though there aren't any public schools within Butchertown, young students can still attend schools like Breckinridge Franklin Elementary, which boasts an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and earns a C-minus overall grade from Niche. Serving 6th through 12th grades, the Academy at Shawnee offers a unique Private Pilot License course certified by Federal Aviation Regulations for aspiring pilots to build a strong knowledge base and pursue their dreams of flight. The school receives a C overall score from Niche.
The Academy at Shawnee in Louisville is 1 of 5 HS in partnership with the Univ. of Louisville.
Breckinridge/Franklin Elementary School is located in the Irish Hill neighborhood of Louisville.
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Charming shotgun-style home in Butchertown! Featuring a rare large garage and workshop, perfect for hobbies or additional storage. This 2 bed 1 bath home offers a convenient location near local shops and restaurants. Features include a spacious living room, eat-in kitchen, and a laundry/mud room with extra storage space. Enjoy the deck and fully fenced backyard.
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Make your new home in a bit of Louisville history at Grocers Ice Lofts. Conveniently located minutes from Downtown, Grocers Ice Lofts offers residents luxury 1 and 2-bedroom apartments within walking distance of many of Louisville's most iconic attractions. These eclectic and unique homes feature a wide variety of styles meant to meet individual needs and preserve the original beauty of this
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Enjoy waterfront living and all the amenities of a world-class park just outside your front door. With beautiful views, luxury amenities, and a convenient location, there are lots of reasons to love life at WaterSide. Adjacent to Louisville’s wharf and the Belvedere, Louisville Waterfront Park is an award-winning park with miles of paved trails. Waterfront Park also hosts events like Thunder Over
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,773
Median Age
38
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$62,195
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,624
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.9%
College Graduates
59.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.7%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 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.
