Prestonsburg is home to sprawling wooded landscapes on U.S. Route 23
Prestonsburg, a small town on U.S. Route 23, offers rural charm surrounded by hilly forested landscapes and outdoor recreation at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. “Most people from outside the area like it here because it’s secluded and private,” says Jessica Holcomb, a Prestonsburg resident, Realtor and co-owner of Blu Horizon Real Estate. “We’re not off the grid, either. People love moving here to work from home.” Though most of the area is spread out, the town center is home to local shops and satellite campuses for Big Sandy Community and Technical College and Morehead State University. The Mountain Arts Center, a well-regarded venue that hosts touring musicians, boosts the local music scene.
Local playgrounds and more recreation at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
Archer Park is the largest gathering space in the area, with tennis courts, playgrounds and a pool. Rosenberg Square, a small green space in the town’s downtown area, has places to sit and relax, along with a colorful mural and a water fountain. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park sits on the banks of Dewey Lake, making it a great spot for bass fishing and boating. The Sugarcamp Mountain Trail system runs throughout the park, used for mountain biking, hiking and horse riding. Visitors can also take elk viewing tours or go birdwatching for spring warblers and bald eagles. The nearby StoneCrest Golf Course has an 18-hole layout that’s open to the public.
Ranch-style homes and cottages, often with large lots
Ranch-style homes and early 20th-century cottages comprise most of Prestonsburg's inventory. In the town center, homes tend to be close-set along narrow roads lined with sidewalks, while larger lots and hobby farms are found further into the county. Most homes range from $20,000 to $300,000, though some newer 21st-century homes with spacious wooded lots outside of town limits can sell for between $300,000 and $500,000.
Concerts at The Mountain Arts Center and holiday light shows
The Mountain Arts Center (MAC), a local performing arts venue, hosts touring musicians and regional organizations like the Mountain Arts Center Wind Orchestra and the Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry. “It’s great for local talent,” says Holocomb. “A lot of country singers come from U.S. 23, which is the highway that runs through here, and many of them start at MAC like Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers.” During the holiday season, Archer Park is decorated with over a million Christmas lights, which locals can visit on foot or drive through after the sun goes down. The light display lasts from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day and includes games, kids' carnival rides, and Santa Claus meet-and-greets on Saturdays.
Nearby public schools and satellite university campuses
Prestonsburg Elementary and Adams Middle both earn a C from Niche. Prestonsburg High earns a C-plus and offers athletic programs like archery, basketball and wrestling. Big Sandy Community and Technical College has a campus on the community’s north side, offering degrees in construction technology and business administration. The college also partners with Morehead State University to offer bachelor’s programs in addition to associate degrees.
Locally owned restaurants serve Mexican and American cuisine
There’s a small downtown district in the center of town with vintage storefronts and local eateries like Billy Ray’s Restaurant, a longstanding favorite for homestyle American fare. More shopping centers are on the town’s north side, including a Food City grocery store and Mexican restaurants like El Azul Grande.
Traveling the region on U.S. Route 23
The neighboring town of Paintsville is under 15 miles away on U.S. Route 23, while larger cities like Ashland are about 70 miles away. Lexington is about 120 miles away. Highlands Appalachian Regional Healthcare Regional Medical Center is the nearest hospital, about 5 miles north of the town center. Huntington Tri-State Airport is less than 70 miles away.
