Fountain Avenue is a historic Paducah neighborhood with wide, tree-lined streets and a storied past. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the neighborhood was home to some of the city's most influential residents, including Vice President Alben Barkley, whose former home was recently put on the market for $125,000. These prominent residents utilized electric streetcar lines for transportation into and out of downtown, contributing to the neighborhood's rise in popularity. Fountain Avenue has been described as Rockwellian in nature and, over the past decade, has experienced extensive renovations to restore homes to their former grandeur. "You often see people out walking their dogs or sitting out on their porches," says Nancy Upchurch, executive assistant of the Paducah planning department and a resident since 1972. "It's a very friendly neighborhood. Very diverse."
Restoring a historic neighborhood
In the 1920s, when cars replaced streetcars, Fountain Avenue's popularity declined. Over the years, the stately homes fell into disrepair and stopped attracting new buyers. In 2007, the city initiated the Fountain Avenue Revitalization Plan in conjunction with federal and nonprofit programs. It started by offering residents incentives, such as the opportunity to purchase a home for $1 to move into and renovate run-down homes. The project was a success, and the community continues to draw new homeowners.
The Fountain Avenue was established in 1884 in Paducah, KY.
Lang Park provides information on the Fountain Avenue revitalization program.
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Diverse collection of homes
As the decades went on and the city expanded, a variety of home styles began to populate the streetscape, ranging from Victorian to tidy bungalows, creating an eclectic display of suburban architecture. For around $200,000, a buyer can get an updated three-bedroom Victorian. A two-bedroom bungalow in need of renovation sells for around $51,000. The lots are small, measuring less than 1/8 acre, suitable for a garden, and residents enter their homes through alleyways behind the houses.
Victorian era homes are peppered throughout the Fountain Avenue neighborhood.
Some homeowners live in brick-faced bungalows and keep their lawn well kept in Fountain Avenue.
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Enjoy a cigar with a cup of coffee
Patrons can relax in comfortable dark leather seats while enjoying a sandwich and coffee at the House of Ross Coffee Bar. The eatery is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days and sells fresh, hand-rolled cigars. Just outside the neighborhood, the Artisan Kitchen has been serving locals for 18 years. Chefs David Jones and Karla Lawrence prepare soups, sandwiches and desserts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on weekends. For more extensive retail and dining choices, residents can go to Kentucky Oaks Mall, which houses over 100 stores and chain restaurants. For grocery runs, Kroger is a 3-mile drive.
The House of Ross Coffee Bar serves lattes and cocktails to locals near Fountain Avenue.
Artisan Kitchen serves fresh baked pastries for locals near Fountain Avenue.
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Community's first park
At the turn of the 20th century, the city built its first park in the neighborhood, a round patch of green space they dubbed "Lange Park." The park was later encircled by a roundabout, creating one of the community's most significant elements. The 3.2-acre park has a grassy area and a statue of General Lloyd Tilghman, a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. Locals can walk to the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park, established as a venue to educate the community about proper diet and exercise. The space features an open field, a 1/3-mile walking trail, an inclusive playground, an expansion of the community garden, outdoor fitness equipment, a spray pad, an obstacle course and picnic areas. Residents can stay active all year long at the Paducah Recreation Center, which has ball court space and exercise classes for all ages.
Lang Park has a historical statue of General Lloyd Tilgman in Fountain Avenue.
Families love to bring their kids to the Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park playground.
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Innovation Hub has new location
Students can walk to McNabb Elementary School, which has a C grade from Niche. Paducah Middle School has a C-plus grade. Behind Paducah Tilghman High School, which has a B-plus, is the Innovation Hub, the new location of the Paducah Area Technology Center. This technical school annex provides interactive instruction on industrial and STEM careers.
Paducah Tilghman High School enrolls over 900 students every year in Paducah.
McNabb Elementary enrolls around 361 every year in Paducah.
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I-24 connects major cities
The nearest major highway is Interstate 24, which connects Chattanooga, Nashville and Paducah. Downtown Paducah is a 2-mile drive, and Barclay Regional Airport is 10 miles away. The Paducah Area Transit System has a bus stop at the Paducah Bus Station, but most people use their cars. Baptist Health Paducah and Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital are each within 3 miles in the event of an emergency.
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
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Robert Coleman Park
Schultz Park & Riverfront
Lang Park
Carson Park
Bob Noble Park
Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Fountain Avenue
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Fountain Avenue Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Fountain Avenue, Paducah sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Fountain Avenue, Paducah over the last 12 months is $492,000, down 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming, 100 yr old home with a welcoming front porch inviting relaxation. Once used as a furnished rental, it offers a perfect blend of classic character and modern convenience. Spaciousness that allows plenty of room for comfortable living, yet boasts an updated kitchen and bath. With convenient back-door parking and a wonderful fenced yard it's ideally situated in a neighborhood perfect for
Suzy GillandBetter Homes & Gardens Fern Leaf Group
This historic 1897 home in the desirable Fountain Avenue district presents a prime restoration opportunity for investors. With 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and approximately 2,560 sq. ft., this two-story property offers incredible potential but requires significant renovation. The home sits on a 50x150 lot in Paducah city limits, near schools and amenities. Featuring a two-car garage, public
Own a piece of Paducah and Jefferson Street History. Once owned by Vice President Alben Barkley, one of Paducah's most famous residents. This home was originally located at 200 Fountain Ave when Vice President Barkley first came to Paducah to start his law career which later catapulted into a lifelong political career. Some time after he sold the home it was moved to the back of the property
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jan Matthews,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,117
Median Age
42
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,467
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,863
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
11.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.8%
% Population in Labor Force
44.1%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
42/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
52/ 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.
