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Old Owensboro

Old Owensboro

Urban Pioneer Neighborhood in Owensboro, Kentucky

Daviess County 42303
$156,020 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

The four-mile stretch to downtown

Old Owensboro blends residential streets with industrial and commercial hubs on the banks of the Ohio River. The neighborhood's total length is roughly 4 miles, so parks, stores and primary thoroughfares spread throughout the area. Downtown Owensboro is an important part of the neighborhood, bringing tourism and renewed economic activity. "We have a very active downtown that we've invested a lot into in recent years, so there's a big draw to being downtown now that we never had before," says Glenn Ashby, an area local and Realtor at RE/MAX Professional Realty Group. As one of Owensboro's first neighborhoods, the community has continually changed with the city. Today, it is home to the city's largest employer and most popular park.

Old Owensboro has homes with lush green landscaping.
Old Owensboro has homes with lush green landscaping.
Old Owensboro is home to a variety of housing styles.
Old Owensboro is home to a variety of housing styles.
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At the heart of lively events

Owensboro's downtown area is part of Old Owensboro, and residents are among the first to experience the city's year-round events. The city's largest event is the International Bar-B-Q Festival in May, as Owensboro is the self-proclaimed "Bar-B-Q Capital of the World." During summer, Friday evenings are reserved for 2nd Street Fam Jam, which features live music, food vendors, group activities and one-of-a-kind chalk art. Every Saturday evening, people gather by the river for Live on the Banks, a free concert series. On Sundays, Smothers Park hosts Games on the River. In early fall, the Owensboro Air Show fills the skies over the Ohio River with aerobatic demonstrations and vintage warbird displays. Groovin' on the Green takes place each September on the Owensboro Convention Center's lawn, offering free blues, funk and jazz performances. Throughout the year, the city also hosts various charity walks, marathons and holiday events like Trail of Treats.

Old Owensboro has homes with old growth trees to enjoy.
Old Owensboro has homes with old growth trees to enjoy.
Lazy Dazy Playground was named the top playground in the world in 2015.
Lazy Dazy Playground was named the top playground in the world in 2015.
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Diverse styles range from historic bungalows to Neoclassical estates

Industrial buildings and retail businesses fill most of the neighborhood, creating scattered residential pockets. Housing styles are diverse, ranging from historical designs dating back to the early 1900s to contemporary builds. Throughout the neighborhood are duplexes, bungalows, ranch-style homes, Craftsman-style houses and even some Neoclassical-inspired homes. Single-family prices range between $80,000 and $160,000, but downtown condos, triplexes and multi-family homes sell within the $280,000 to $400,000 range. Prices also increase with size, as most estate-style properties sell between $500,000 and $900,000. Neighbors take pride in maintaining the community. Lawns are trimmed, and the neighborhood alliance hosts a community cleanup day each June. The intersection of Clay and East 7th streets remains brick-laid, preserving a part of the community's history. Although the neighborhood is along the Ohio River, the city's elevation has historically prevented substantial flooding. Even flash flooding in the winter and spring rarely surpasses minor levels and usually resolves quickly.

Craftsman style homes can be found in Old Owensboro.
Craftsman style homes can be found in Old Owensboro.
The first home of Wendell H. Ford is located in the Old Owensboro neighborhood.
The first home of Wendell H. Ford is located in the Old Owensboro neighborhood.
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Playing among the million-dollar trees

The river flows past Old Owensboro's northern border, and many homes along the shoreline feature private docks for boating and fishing. One of the neighborhood's, and the city's, most popular and well-known parks is also along the shore. "Our outdoor venues are the pride of downtown. People come from all over the country to see our park downtown," says Ashby. Smothers Park has seen significant changes within the past decade since being completely overhauled and expanded in 2012. A multi-million-dollar insect-themed playground was installed, complete with two massive concrete trees that caused citywide controversy. "We call them the million-dollar trees," says Ashby, explaining that the nickname is more critical than endearing. Many people question why two seemingly decorative trees came at such a high price, but the trees offer vital support to the playground's three-level structure. Despite the controversy, Smothers continues to bustle with kids playing among larger-than-life bug sculptures while groups relax on the green. Ashby says the expansive splash park and an adjacent snack bar have become hotspots for families during summer. Smothers is also the site of many city events that typically draw hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of people to the area. Other green spaces throughout the neighborhood include Chautauqua Park, Germantown Park and Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Park. Each offers basic amenities, like playgrounds and walking trails, but Chautauqua Park also features a skate park and seasonal public swimming pool.

Lazy Dazy Playground has been named the top playground in the world in 2015.
Lazy Dazy Playground has been named the top playground in the world in 2015.
Estates on larger parcels of land can be found on the eastern side of Old Owensboro.
Estates on larger parcels of land can be found on the eastern side of Old Owensboro.
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Historic restaurants and downtown attractions

Most of the neighborhood's stores and restaurants are concentrated downtown, but a few options sit on the east side. Wonder Whip is a nostalgic, 1950s-style drive-in and home to the original Wonderburger and Dole Whip ice cream. Nearby are a few chain restaurants, a Kroger and specialty shops like Secret Castle Toys and Games. In the western part of the neighborhood are Dee's Diner, Corner Café and the seasonal Owensboro Regional Farmers Market. From August to October, the market is open three times a week from 8 a.m. to noon. Local farmers and vendors sell fresh produce, meat, dairy products and artisan crafts under a massive open-air tent. Deep within downtown are diverse dining options, like Goodwood Owensboro gastropub, Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits and The Miller House, a historic home turned upscale restaurant and lounge. Another longtime favorite is The Crème Coffee House, a quirky spot for specialty drinks and baked goods. "The Crème has been around since I was a kid. I remember going as a child and always getting their hot chocolate," says Gracie Adelman, an Owensboro local and guest service manager at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. Downtown is also home to many city attractions, such as the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum and RiverPark Center, a nearly 100,000-square-foot performing arts center.

Wonder Whip offers fresh made shakes for the whole family.
Wonder Whip offers fresh made shakes for the whole family.
Miller House offers an eclectic bar experience to the locals of Old Owensboro.
Miller House offers an eclectic bar experience to the locals of Old Owensboro.
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Brescia University is inside the neighborhood

Students attend Estes Elementary School, followed by Owensboro Middle School. Both schools earn a B-minus rating from Niche. Next is Owensboro High School, which has a B-plus rating. The school offers dual enrollment courses through Brescia University, which sits on the far west side of the neighborhood. Brescia is a B-rated private Catholic university specializing in business, social work and psychology degrees. The university also partners with many city industries and professional organizations to provide students with diverse off-campus learning opportunities.

Owensboro High School has 1,334 students in attendance.
Owensboro High School has 1,334 students in attendance.
Estes Elementary School has students in PK, K-5.
Estes Elementary School has students in PK, K-5.
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Locals live next to the city’s largest employer

Since Old Owensboro includes a significant amount of industry, residents have short commutes to major employers. The city's largest employer, Owensboro Health, is right inside the neighborhood. The hospital provides high-quality medical services as an accredited Comprehensive Cancer Center. Important thoroughfares include Kentucky State Route 54, Highway 60 and roads like East 2nd and 4th streets. J R Miller Boulevard turns into the Owensboro Bridge, offering passage over the river into Indiana. Public transit is unavailable, but Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport is roughly 5 miles away.

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital is a major employer in the Old Owensboro area.
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital is a major employer in the Old Owensboro area.
There are public transit bus routes that criss cross the neighborhood of Old Owensboro.
There are public transit bus routes that criss cross the neighborhood of Old Owensboro.
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Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Andrew Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Nelson
Charles Kennedy
Video By
Charles Kennedy

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Joetta O'Brien, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Evansville Regional

62 min drive

Old Owensboro Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$439,957
Median Sale Price
$584,914
Median Single Family Sale Price
$417,495
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
70%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$198

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,437
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1946
Months of Supply
3.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,304
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,459
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 1pm

    732 Crittenden St, Owensboro, KY 42303

    $249,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,724 Sq Ft
    • 732 Crittenden St
    • New 9 days ago

    This beautiful brick 2-story home in the heart of downtown Owensboro offers a perfect blend of timeless charm and modern updates — all with a gorgeous park view! Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors, a spacious eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a separate formal dining room perfect for entertaining. You’ll love the updated bathrooms, dedicated laundry room, and a layout

    THE HARRIS GROUP KELLER WILLIAMS ELITE

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joetta O'Brien, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,868
Median Age
37
Population under 18
22.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$44,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,197

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.5%
College Graduates
7.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4%
% Population in Labor Force
51.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

33 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Old Owensboro
Joetta O'Brien
RISNER & ASSOCIATES REALTY INC
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