Downtown Louisville sits along the Ohio River, serving as the heartbeat of this historic city with around 620,000 residents. As the largest city in the state of Kentucky, Louisvillians have a wide variety of attractions and amenities at their fingertips. Since its founding in 1780, the city has long been a shipping port and even served as a point of organization for Lewis and Clark’s expedition across America. Present-day downtown is known for being a bustling business district, filled with a variety of historic and entertaining attractions.
The city of Louisville owes its founding and early growth to the Ohio River.
The downtown Louisville skyline
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Distilleries, breweries, and more on tap in "Bourbon City"
Louisville's streets are dotted with restaurants and breweries, such as the Mussel & Burger Bar. There’s no shortage of bourbon distilleries here either — Whiskey Row, once the center of the Louisville tobacco and bourbon industries, features Evan Williams and Jim Beam tasting rooms, among many others. “Louisville offers a rich diversity of life; there’s a little bit of everything here,” says Drew Shryock, native Louisvillian, founder of Whiskey Row Walking Tour and longtime resident of downtown. “We’re a very accepting and open community with a deep, rich history.” Fourth Street Live! — the 350,000-square-foot center of the neighborhood’s nightlife — is only a few streets away, which features Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse and the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant. For shopping, many downtown dwellers head to the neighboring NuLu and Butchertown districts to shop in boutiques like Work the Metal and eat at trendy restaurants such as MeeshMeesh Mediterranean. While many residents opt for grocery delivery services, some may drive about 3 miles east to Kroger for groceries and other essentials.
Whiskey Row in Downtown Louisville is known for its Bourbon distilleries.
Mussel & Burger Bar in downtown Louisville is a popular lunch spot.
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Post-pandemic resurgence
One- and two-bedroom condominiums that fall between $200,000 and $750,000 comprise a significant portion of housing in Downtown Louisville. Units with penthouse views of the skyline or in Waterfront Park Place — recognizable for its modern, asymmetric design and green-tinted, floor-to-ceiling windows — may list for just over $1 million. “There’s nothing but growth in Downtown” after the pandemic, says Rex Martinez, leasing manager at Residences at the Omni. “Things have changed a lot, but they are opening back up and getting closer to normal now.”
Waterfront Park Plaza offers condos with a view in downtown Louisville.
The Crescent Condos are a popular housing option in downtown Louisville.
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Historic Louisville parks
Residents can stroll beside the Ohio River at Riverfront Plaza and Belvedere Park, where there are sculptures of George Rogers Clark, the city's founder, and York, the only African American to embark on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Just a few blocks inland lies Jefferson Square Park, the site of the 2020 racial justice protests after the murder of Breonna Taylor. A plaque has since been added to the park to memorialize Taylor and the protests.
Jefferson Park also offers a view of Louisville's City Hall.
P02 Fourth Street - Waterfront
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Derby City gatherings and shindigs
Some of the city’s biggest events are just next door in neighboring NuLu. The Forecastle Festival is a three-day concert series a few blocks away on the Ohio River waterfront, and the Bock & Wurst Fest is a unique tradition honoring a ritual that traces back to the mid-19th Century, featuring goat races, specialty beer and sausage tastings. Aside from Forecastle, Waterfront Park also hosts Waterfront Wednesdays — a free concert series — as well as a Fourth of July celebration for residents to enjoy during the summer. Churchill Downs is further south of the city, but downtown still sees thousands of tourists for Thunder over Louisville, a fireworks show that takes place two weeks before the Kentucky Derby. Another attraction is the Muhammad Ali Center, which sits right on the waterfront and celebrates the Louisville legend’s boxing career and legacy. Just down the road, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory offers baseball fans a closer look at the bat that changed the game. Sitting along Interstate 64 and the Ohio River, the KFC Yum! Center and Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts are additional popular event venues.
The KFC Yum! Center hosts concerts and University of Louisville Cardinal games.
The Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville pays homage to the city's most famous son.
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Center of the action
With Interstates 64 and 65 along the edges of the neighborhood, drivers have a direct path in and out of Downtown Louisville. While there is a public city bus system run by the Transit Authority of River City, many downtown residents use their cars to commute. Some residents can also make their daily trek to work on foot, as offices and major employers, such as Humana and the Norton Hospital, are within a few blocks from many homes.
The city's TARC buses are common sights in downtown Louisville.
Downtown Louisville offers easy access to major interstates.
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Young learners (and pilots?)
Children can choose from several schools within the Downtown Louisville district, including Byck Elementary School for kindergarten through fifth grade, which receives a C-minus from Niche. Byck Elementary’s talent development program brings drama, dance, art and music instructors into the classroom. Students can move on to the C-rated Academy at Shawnee for sixth grade through high school, where they can earn a Federal Aviation Regulations Private Pilot License through the aviation program. However, many families opt for private schools, including Saint Xavier High School for boys, or Sacred Hearts Academy for girls, both of which earn a Niche grade of A.
JCTC graduates 37% of its students.
The Academy at Shawnee is a vital educational institution near the NULU neighborhood.
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Luxurious Penthouse Living in the Heart of NuLu - Unrivaled Views & Location2 BD + Office | 2.5 BA | Balcony | Penthouse | Gas Fireplace | 2 Parking Spaces + Additional Storage Nestled in the vibrant NuLu (East Market District)—one of Louisville's most sought-after and walkable neighborhoods—this stunning top-floor penthouse offers a rare blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
Discover an extraordinary opportunity with this approved STR in the iconic Glassworks Building. Experience breathtaking views from the 6th floor of this exceptional loft. With both commercial and residential zoning, the potential is limitless in this secure building. Conveniently situated near waterfront restaurants and a variety of attractions, this is a rare chance you won't want to miss!
Incredible loft in the heart of the East Market District, built in the 1840s and once home to the Bacon & Sons Dry Goods store. Soaring 18-foot columns rise from the main level to the upper floor (crafted from the building's original supports and thoughtfully preserved). The open concept main living area flows into a well appointed kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, a gas range,
Perched atop the iconic Harbison building in the heart of downtown Louisville, this stunning top-floor condo offers a rare blend of sophistication and style, paired with some of the most breathtaking views in the city. The expansive wraparound terrace captures panoramic scenes of the Ohio River, the vibrant downtown skyline, and charming Main Street—setting the stage for unforgettable sunsets and
Welcome to The Flats on Fifth, a newly remodeled community offering designer one and two bedroom homes. Inside our apartments, you’ll find spacious layouts, ample storage, breakfast nooks, and stackable in-home washer & dryer. Our lovely community is rich with amenities, providing you with a great balance of comfort and convenience. We have move-in ready apartments TODAY!Located in the
Spacious downtown condo just minutes away from The Louisville Palace, Actors theater, Hospitals, and Yum Center. Two bedrooms on the third floor with a possible third bedroom or office- with direct access- to the attached garage on the first floor. Eat in kitchen, half bath, and spacious family room with wood burning fireplace are all located on the 2nd floor that leads outside to a small patio
Live a life that is all your own with the luxuries and conveniences of downtown living at The Vue at 3rd Street. Embrace life each morning with breath taking views of the city and experience the most popular attractions located right at your doorstep. Whether it’s the nightlife of 4th Street Live, a concert at the KFC Yum Center or a baseball game at Louisville Slugger Field, there is truly no
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,110
Median Age
41
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,362
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$58,830
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.6%
College Graduates
22.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.9%
% Population in Labor Force
30.5%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
81/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
56/ 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.
