$351,881Average Value$239Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Conveniently located Louisville neighborhood with no lack of history
Old Louisville has been described as a place that time forgot. The historic district and neighborhood in central Louisville covers about 48 city blocks between the city center to the north and the University of Louisville to the south. It is the third-largest Historic Preservation District in the U.S., with its most extensive collection of restored Victorian homes. The area was developed between the 1870s and the early 1900s as Louisville's first suburb, originally called the “Southern Extension.” (The name “Old Louisville” did not come about until the 1960s.) Its residents included the region’s wealthiest bourbon barons, equestrian elitists and tobacco titans. But a series of events – the Great Depression, the Ohio River Flood of 1937, two world wars, the evolution of transportation and increased costs for domestic help – spurred an exodus and drastic economic decline. But Old Louisville’s story did not end there. Beginning in the 1970s, with the help of preservation groups and loyal Louisvillians, the neighborhood has undergone a spectacular renaissance. Decades of work have restored the neighborhood’s charm and splendor, yet it is still considered one of the nation’s best-kept secrets. “Old Louisville is a beautiful, urban neighborhood full of historic Victorian architecture,” Jacob Mercier, a Realtor with RE/MAX 100 and resident of the neighborhood for 24 years, says. “It’s a very eclectic neighborhood, with lots of history and charm.”
Neighborhood townhomes with brick design enriches the culture of Old Louisville, Kentucky.
Neighborhood sign flag displays all over Old Louisville, Kentucky.
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A variety of historic homes with a story
Old Louisville is a haven for classic architecture, its most impressive buildings constructed in the late 19th century. Victorian styles dominate, and examples of Queen Anne, Richardsonian and Victorian Gothic are common. Additionally, Federal, Italianate, Beaux-Arts, Chateauesque and Second Empire styles can be found throughout town. Some American Craftsman-style houses were constructed as infills. Many of these homes feature red sandstone trim and stained-glass windows. New construction is rare. “Every home in Old Louisville is unique,” John Rendeiro, a Realtor with Semonin Realtors says. Most homes are purchased for restoration or conversion into rental properties. The neighborhood has a roughly 4-to-1 ratio of renters to owners. Homebuyers can expect to pay anywhere from $130,000 for a historical home in need of complete restoration to $1.2 million for a fully restored historic mansion. The area is greatly walkable as Walk Score gave the neighborhood an 81 out of 100. As for crime, the CAP Index gave Old Louisville a 7 out of 10 Crime Score, higher than the national average.
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a very vintage building converted for public visitation.
Neighborhood homes just like this one can be seen all over Old Louisville, Kentucky.
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Generous green space
Green spaces, large and small, pervade Old Louisville. Central Park, a 17-acre splendor that hosts many of the neighborhood’s most significant events, is the hardest to miss. Central Park was carved out in 1904 on land owned by the DuPont family, who commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted of New York’s Central Park fame to create a green oasis within Louisville. A recent revitalization effort reintroduced Central Park to the public with an ADA-compliant playground, splash pad with wheelchair-accessible surface material and an improved network of sidewalks. The park also features an amphitheater, a pergola and a half-dozen tennis courts. Elsewhere in Old Louisville, Memorial Park, Magnolia Park, Fort George and Toonerville Trolley Park offer space to relax under a beautifully gnarled shade tree, pay homage to a local Revolutionary War hero or let children or pets burn off some steam.
Central Park offers scenic paths and beautiful landscaping in the heart of Old Louisville.
Small neighborhood sitting area is scattered all around to read a nice flick on the benches.
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From spicy noodles at Buck’s to the tasting menu at 610 Magnolia
The neighborhood’s historic charm extends to its local businesses. Old Louisville is home to Buck’s Restaurant & Bar, which serves anything from Spicy Cantonese Noodles to Chicken Gorgonzola. Others looking for an upscale dining experience head over to 610 Magnolia, known for its tasting menu. The restaurant is only open Wednesday through Saturday and dining reservations are required. Residents looking to go grocery shopping can head to Sunshine Grocery or Scheler’s Food Market, both conveniently located in Old Louisville.
Sunshine Grocery provides residents of Old Louisville a convenient corner store location.
The decor at Buck's Restaurant is breathtaking and draws all of Old Louisville.
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There is no shortage of entertainment and events
The St. James Court Art Show, which was founded in 1957 to help sustain a declining Old Louisville economy, is perhaps the town’s biggest draw. Each year during the first weekend in October, the free outdoor arts and crafts show attracts about 300,000 patrons – about a third from out of state. “The art show brings artists from around the world,” Rendeiro says. For those looking to learn more about the neighborhood's history, guided walking tours run year-round, revealing stories and architectural details about Old Louisville’s most impressive structures. In the evening hours, guided ghost tours delve into tales of supernatural activity. The annual Victorian Ghost Walk adds a theatrical aspect one weekend in October, with local actors portraying spirits, and the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour shows a selection of festively adorned Victorian mansions and townhouses in early December. The neighborhood also comes to life for Old Louisville Live, a free summer concert series, and the Old Lou Brew Craft Beer Festival in late August. The town's main indoor entertainment venue is the Louisville Memorial Auditorium on South Fourth Street. The beautiful Greek Revival structure, dedicated in 1929 as a memorial to local World War I veterans, hosts concerts, theatrical performances, graduations, fashion shows, dance recitals and competitions throughout the year. It houses the world’s largest Pilcher Pipe Organ and an extensive historic flag collection, and is also available for private rental.
Bus Tours pass by St. James Fountain in Old Louisville, Kentucky.
The Filson Historical Society interior has a very classical design in Old Louisville, Kentucky.
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Parents choose among the Jefferson County Public Schools
Serving nearly 100,000 students across 168 schools, Jefferson County Public Schools is all about choice. An online enrollment process guides parents to a cluster of four to eight elementary schools based on their address, allowing them to rank each according to their preference. Parents may also apply to one of the district’s magnet schools or programs, which provide a particular learning style or theme, such as technology, environmental studies or health and fitness. Engelhard Elementary School, Noe Middle School and DuPont Manual High School are located inside Old Louisville, although choices are plentiful. Engelhard Elementary School earned a C-minus grade from Niche, Noe Middle School earned an A-minus and Dupont Manual High School an A-plus.
Entrance Shot shows the beautiful trees and building architecture at Du Mont Manual High School.
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Located near some of Louisville’s favorites
Old Louisville is near several major attractions. Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, is just 3 miles from the neighborhood. Downtown Louisville’s vibrant entertainment and dining scene is less than a half-mile to the north. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Muhammad Ali Center Museum, the Kentucky Science Center and several big-name distilleries are within a mile north. Louisville International Airport is about a 5-mile drive to the south for those looking to get out of town. For those who prefer not to get behind the wheel, the Transit Authority of River City’s bus lines cover the entire area surrounding Old Louisville. Medical attention can be found at the University of Louisville Hospital, a mile north of the neighborhood.
Old Louisville's proximity to downtown means residents have more retail options.
Downtown Louisville is just a short bus ride using the TARC system.
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The Filson Historical Society
The Filson Historical Society, housed in the Edwin Hite Ferguson Mansion along South Third Street, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley. It offers weekly lectures, historical tours and exhibits at its sprawling campus, which has undergone several expansions to house its impressive collection of artifacts.
The Filson Historical Society has a lot of history to learn about in Old Louisville, Kentucky.
The Filson Historical Society interior has a very classical design in Old Louisville, Kentucky.
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
Kay Cummins-Maum,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Magnolia Park
Fightmaster Playground
Central Park
Preston Park
Grills
Playground
Memorial Park
Ben Washer Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
Louisville Muhammad Ali International
11 min drive
Bus
E Hill & S Floyd
Bus
W College & Brook
Bus
E Oak & S Brook
Bus
2nd & Breckenridge
Bus
4th & Ormsby
Bus
4th & Fountain Court
Bus
2nd & Hill
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.717 Reviews
4.0Current Resident
6/1/2023Niche Review
Old Lousiville is a history rich area with beautiful Victorian homes. The history is rich and embedded in the community. Many of the buildings have been restored and are used as tourist sites. The area is walkable and features many coffee shops, local shops, and parks.
4.0Current Resident
6/5/2023Niche Review
It has it's very quaint and historic areas with great architecture. Areas of Old Louisville are rundown and need a big community effort to renew the pride in the area.
5.0Current Resident
4/30/2017Niche Review
I enjoy the old Louisville area, it is the heart of downtown Louisville close to many attraction downtown. I like it because when I didn't have a car i was able to still get everywhere I needed, even school because everything is so close to where i live or there is a bus route.
5.0Current Resident
9/15/2021Niche Review
Bucks and 610 are two of the best restaurants in Louisville. It's a nice neighborhood by the campus which made walking to class easy during college.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Louisville
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Louisville Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Louisville, Louisville sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Louisville, Louisville over the last 12 months is $310,201, down 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into a piece of Louisville history with this 2-bedroom, 1-bath camelback home, nestled on a tree-lined street in iconic Old Louisville. This classic residence blends timeless character with thoughtful updates. The inviting living room flows effortlessly into a spacious dining room both featuring tall ceilings, original molding, and decorative fireplaces that echo the charm of a bygone era.
What an amazing opportunity in Old Louisville where Old World Charm & Modern Conveniences are melded together seamlessly. This magnificent property offers over 4657 Sq. Ft of living space in the main house which offers 2 First floor bedrooms and a full bath, there is a newer brick carriage house offering a 3-car garage plus a deluxe 1000+ Sq. Ft. 1-bedroom apartment w/laundry, a heated saltwater
This magnificent circa 1890 Italianate Mansion is completely renovated and offers a total of 6374 Sq. Ft. of incredible finished living space on 4 floors with 12 1/2' ceilings, a beautiful new inground heated pool, a deluxe-finished basement, dual HVAC systems & off-street parking. Enter the gorgeous front door into the massive entry foyer with sweeping staircase and soaring ceilings leading
An absolute must see Old Louisville Mansion on ''Millionaires Row'' with exquisite finishes, incredible curb appeal & landscape w/irrigation systems, an incredible finished lower level, a fiberglass heated in-ground pool, an electronic rear gate that access's the 3-car carport, huge outdoor living space with a custom pergola. The hardwood floors with bordered inlays, tall ceilings, leaded and
Minutes from Downtown Louisville's major employers and top attractions, 800 Tower City Club Apartments delivers apartment hotel experiential living within minutes of Humana, University of Louisville, GE, Amazon, and more. Our community also features resort-class amenities including 24/7 Whole Body Fitness, Sky Club with Rooftop Pool, Indoor Theater, and on-site restaurant, CC's Kitchen. Tour our
Available Immediately. Welcome to 1426 S Brook St, Unit 2, Louisville, KY 40208, nestled in the heart of vibrant and historic Old Louisville. This thoughtfully updated duplex is on the 2nd Floor, featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, stylish new flooring, generous closet space, and a fully renovated kitchen complete with sleek appliances and washer/dryer hookups. It's minutes from I-65, major
Discover our premier apartment community, Lofts on Ormsby, in Louisville, KY. This vibrantcommunity in the Old Louisvilleneighborhood is close to vibrant restaurants and local shops and stores. Allour apartments are pet-friendly and theperfect home for professionals, students, families, seniors, and everyone inbetween. Take a closer look ateverything we have in store for
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kay Cummins-Maum,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,386
Median Age
33
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$30,729
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,057
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.7%
College Graduates
38%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
88/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
82/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
43/ 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.
