Once the home of Muhammed Ali, Chickasaw is also known as one of the longest-standing communities in Louisville's West End. The neighborhood's namesake green space, Chickasaw Park, is located right along Southwestern Parkway and was created in 1923 by the same architect who designed New York's Central Park, Frederick Law Olmstead. Today, the park remains a centerpiece of this community — where residents might play dominoes, shoot baskets or simply spend some time together. The park's mature oak trees still stand tall, and visitors can walk beneath them, following the very same route where Muhammed Ali once took his daily jogs. "This is a low-income community, but we took those lemons and turned them into lemonade," says Dr. Aretha Fuqua, president of the West Louisville Tennis Club, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary in the park. "We have a great opportunity here to mentor our local kids. We love them to death, it's just about supporting the youth and our community," Fuqua adds. With the Ohio River contouring the western edge of this neighborhood, Chickasaw offers residents a walkable community supported by a tight-knit group of locals and active volunteer organizations.
There are a variety of home styles in the Chickasaw neighborhood.
Chickasaw Park is located along the bank of the Ohio River.
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20th-century bungalows with relatively low pricing
With sidewalks and red maples lining its gridded streets, Chickasaw’s homes include a mix of bungalows, shotgun-styles and cottages that date back to the 1920s. "Lot sizes here are smaller than in other parts of town, but you can get a nice size house for a great price, which is hard to get in America these days," explains Monica Dunlap, managing broker and owner at Totally About Houses. Wide front porches, solid brick construction and charming midcentury facades all add to the neighborhood's appeal and provide investment opportunities for buyers looking to fix up a relatively affordable property. For those homes in need of significant renovations, prices can go as low as $20,000, although most tend to cost between $50,000 and $100,000. While bungalows and cottages that have updated finishings can sell for $110,000 to $220,000. The community is also home to a couple of senior living apartment complexes. Chickasaw has a 6 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, which is higher than the national average of 4. This score is driven by a higher-than-average violent crime score.
Many residents of Chickasaw keep their yards trim and near.
Attractive bungalows are a common home style in Chickasaw.
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Scenic views and community activities at Chickasaw Park
The center of outdoor life here is Chickasaw Park. Spread across 61 acres, the park is lightly forested, with a tall canopy of old-growth oaks, a new playground and a lookout point, featuring one of the city's best views of the Ohio River. On the weekends and on weekday evenings, the park is full of community members playing sports and spending time with each other. "In 1923, it was the only park in the city that Black people were allowed in, and it still gets used a lot by people of all ages. You'll see retired guys playing dominoes and young people playing ball, but everyone has learned to coexist and use the space together," Fuqua says. Programs like the West Louisville Tennis Club organize regular matches and tournaments in addition to supporting the community via partnerships with the Olmstead Parks Conservancy and Louisville Metro Parks. "We're strictly volunteer-based and we work with youth to provide professional help, access to equipment and even college scholarships for those who are serious about tennis," Fuqua says. Less than a mile north, Shawnee Park covers 284 acres with an expansive grassy field, a public golf course and a boat ramp for residents to get out onto the Ohio River.
A walk around Chickasaw Park is a great way to start the morning.
Muhammad Ali's childhood home is in Chickasaw.
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Grab takeout from Soulful Choices
Chickasaw is a predominantly residential community, but it's also home to several commercial offerings. West Broadway has a spread of popular fast-food options like Long John Silver's and a Kroger grocery store 1-mile east. Nearby, the Happy Market is a convenience store selling shelf-stable items and snacks. The Family Ties of Louisville restaurant is known for its barbecue and smothered pork chops, which are cooked on outdoor grills. Or for a locally-owned option within walking distance, Soulful Choices is located right by Shawnee Park and boasts a rotating menu of comfort food classics like mac and cheese and chicken wings. A popular spot, Soulful Choices caters to the younger generations with its colorful punch flavors like Gucci Green or Icespice Orange, named after rappers. "Sundays are most popular because of our pot roast and we also do catering over holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas," says Neka Booker, owner of Soulful Choices. For a hot meal unique to the area, street vendors can also be found occasionally selling smoked meats. "If you see someone pulled-up with a grill and a line of people waiting to pay cash, it'll be some of the best meat you've ever had," says Robert Butler, an area local and Realtor at Semonin Realtors.
Soulful Choices is a favorite among residents of Chickasaw.
The food at Southern Hospitality in Chickasaw is sure to please.
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Sidewalk-lined streets lead to bus stops
Sidewalks line the streets throughout Chickasaw, creating pedestrian walkways that connect locals to parks, schools and nearby gathering spaces like Bible Way Church. Bike lanes are found along major thoroughfares like Cecil Avenue and Broadway, which are also lined with bus stops operated by the Transit Authority of River City. "Public transportation is my one complaint about Louisville, the public transportation is definitely not as frequent or reliable as it should be. But the highway system does a great job of keeping everything nearby," adds Butler. On the road, commute times will vary due to traffic, but Interstate 64 covers the 7-mile route to downtown in about 12 minutes, while Broadway takes closer to 14 minutes to go just under 5 miles. For medical emergencies, the University of Louisville Hospital is also located downtown on Jackson Street. For those traveling out of state, the Louisville International Airport is about 9 miles away off of the Watterson Expressway.
City TARC buses connect residents of Chickasaw with points around Louisville.
I-264 is easily accessible from Chickasaw.
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Learning to fly through the Academy at Shawnee
Chickasaw is served by the Jefferson County Public School system, which offers a school choice program. Parents of new students and kindergarteners must first apply and be accepted to their child’s school of choice, prior to enrolling in a variety of academic concentrations. Students may start at Foster Traditional Academy, which has a C-minus rating from Niche and is located within the neighborhood on 41st Street. The Academy at Shawnee is about a mile to the north and serves both middle and high school students, earning a C rating from Niche. Dating back to 1925, The Academy at Shawnee was recently renovated and now offers an active JROTC program and one of Kentucky's only high school aviation courses. Here, students can learn the mechanics of flight and proper aviation maintenance while studying the school's Cessna airplane. The county also offers a variety of additional high school choice options, ranging from schools specializing in science and arts programs, as well as career pathways focusing on business, health sciences and engineering.
ground shot of schools front entrance
Doss High School is a public school in Louisville.
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SummerFest and other Chickasaw Park gatherings
The Chickasaw Neighborhood Federation hosts regular weekly meetings and encourages residents to take an active role within their community. Local events, like SummerFest at Chickasaw Park, is another way neighbors can meet one another. Sponsored by the WLOU radio station, SummerFest attracts locals excited to listen to live gospel music while they enjoy picnics and kid-friendly activities. Community groups like the West Louisville Tennis Club also hold events in the park on a regular basis. "We just had 'community day' recently," explains Fuqua. "It's a great way to enjoy some fellowship together and free food for everyone." For city-wide celebrations, college sports at the University of Louisville are particularly popular, along with horse racing and gaming. And of course, the first Saturday of every May, Louisville nearly shuts down for the Kentucky Derby, which takes place at the iconic Churchill Downs.
Industrial employers in Louisville
Industrial sectors like the one just south of Chickasaw provide employment opportunities for many residents within the area. Teasdale Latin Foods, for example, has a facility here, with both an industrial bakery and distribution center. Similarly, Louisville is also home to well-known companies like Boyd CAT, UPS, Ford and General Electric, all of which have major operations within the city.
GE Appliances is one of Louisville's largest employers, employing many residents of Chickasaw.
The Ford Truck Plant employs many residents of Chickasaw.
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
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Parks in this Area
Shawnee Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Russell Lee Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Chickasaw Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Golf
Flaget Field Park
Football
Trails
Playground
35th Street Park
Basketball
Playground
Elliot Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
Louisville Muhammad Ali International
17 min drive
Bus
Southwestern & Varble
Bus
Broadway & Shawnee Park Loop
Bus
S 34th & Hale
Bus
W Broadway & S 38th
Bus
Virginia & S 43rd
Bus
S 34th & W Kentucky
Bus
Cecil & Grand
Chickasaw Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Chickasaw, Louisville sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Chickasaw, Louisville over the last 12 months is $129,950, up 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully Renovated 2 Bedroom Charmer with Open Concept & Waterproofed BasementFall in love with this stunning fully renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bath home that perfectly blends modern style with everyday comfort. Step inside to a bright, open concept layout featuring fresh finishes, stylish fixtures, and seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas — perfect for entertaining or
$15,000 down payment assistance available to qualified buyer on this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home. You will love the blends modern upgrades with classic comfort. This property features a bright and open layout with brand-new flooring, fresh paint, and stylish finishes throughout. The first floor features a bedroom, a half bath and first-floor laundry. Upstairs, you'll find
Charming 4-Unit multifamily property in the heart of Chickasaw neighborhood. Located right across from TARC bus stop, making transportation all over the city a breeze. At just a short walk or a couple minutes car ride away from Chickasaw park, it is also just as easy to get away for a day at the park. There are 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom units available for you convenience and the vacant units have
This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath, home in Louisville's West End is ready for your designing touches. This move-in ready home offers 1,204sq ft of space with luxury vinyl flooring, fresh paint, spacious living and dining rooms, and a kitchen with new appliances. Enjoy a large covered front porch, fenced backyard, and off-street parking. Located near Shawnee Park, schools, and public
Charming 4-Unit multifamily property in the heart of Chickasaw neighborhood. Located right across from TARC bus stop, making transportation all over the city a breeze. At just a short walk or a couple minutes car ride away from Chickasaw park, it is also just as easy to get away for a day at the park. There are 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom units available for you convenience and the vacant units have
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rita Walker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,557
Median Age
39
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,798
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$39,950
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.1%
College Graduates
10.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
28/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
