Providence presents a more affordable alternative to other communities
Providence is a Western Kentucky outpost with deep coal mining roots, where buyers are still discovering value beneath the community’s quiet landscape. Homes here are generally available at prices lower than those in Madisonville, a larger city where many in this area work. The houses offer proximity to a limited but varied assortment of amenities, including restaurants, outdoor attractions and schools. “The clients that I have had, the big thing for them, I feel like it was close to their job, but it was not in a big town,” says LaVena Cavanaugh, a local Realtor with BHG Realty who has five years of industry experience. “They didn’t want to be right in Madisonville, because the houses are closer together. Providence was still close enough that they didn't have a long commute to work.”
Homes of various ages can attract a variety of buyers
Providence has a broad base of established houses, some dating to the early 20th century. However, there are some modern options in the area, built in the 21st century. Bungalows and ranch-style homes are common across eras. “There’s a little bit of newer construction,” Cavanaugh says. “Then there’s some older homes that are being revamped in that area. And then, of course, there are just more affordable older homes that could possibly use some updating.” Properties have space to breathe — the median lot size is about a half-acre. Houses needing updates sell for $40,000 to $70,000, while others go for anywhere from $70,000 to $170,000.
Webster County schools offer extracurricular instruction
The Webster County Public Schools system covers this area and gets a C-plus rating from Niche. Students at the B-minus-rated Providence Elementary can participate in Webster County 4-H for a range of instructional outdoor activities. Webster County Middle carries a C-plus grade and offers the APEX Learning Center, which provides before- and after-school programming in robotics, art, music and more. Webster County High also gets a C-plus and features student groups from a fashion club to a pep club.
Area highway makes commutes easier
Drivers in Providence are close to U.S. Route 41, a roadway that provides a direct connection to Madisonville, a 17-mile trip. Madisonville is a notable jobs center, and more are on the way thanks to a new 100,000-square-foot E. Hofmann Packaging production center in the works. Mining still has a presence in this region, too. “It’s not booming like it used to be, but there still are good mining jobs,” Cavanaugh says. Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville is the closest hospital, just under 20 miles away, and employs well over 1,000 people. Locals can catch commercial flights 50 miles away at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport — the facility offers daily flights to Chicago.
Providence has space for an assortment of outdoor activities
Residents have quick access to Providence City Park, a sprawling space featuring multiple ball diamonds, a track, and basketball and tennis courts. The community has a nine-hole golf facility that’s open to the public, the Providence Municipal Golf Course. The course includes a public pool available in the summer and an on-site restaurant dubbed On The Green.
Local restaurants offer a variety of cuisine
Locals craving a close-by bite to eat can swing by spots like Paula’Z, which specializes in comfort food, from catfish to roast beef. Conquistadors is a Mexican restaurant with $1.50 tacos on Tuesdays. Those with a taste for pizza have Sam’s Una, located across the road from a Sureway grocery store. Providence Home Center is an option for hardware and other household needs. The locally owned Providence Pharmacy features a drive-through.
Annual festival is a staple of fall
The Providence Uptown Fall Festival takes over part of North Broadway Street early every October. The event includes a car show, petting zoo, live music and food. The Providence Tourism Commission also hosts a Sundays at the Providence Park series, encouraging residents to bring snacks and chairs for communion and play.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
