Country living among Science Hill’s acres of farmland
Science Hill is a rural city with a few local businesses and many acres of farmland, about 7 miles north of Somerset. “The community’s economy is agriculture, and it’s home to a strong school system,” says Katie Shea, assistant marketing director and information specialist at Lake Cumberland Tourism. “They move here for the quiet, slow pace of life that the area has to offer and cheaper living. For those moving, they want to have that country living but be able to still have plenty of options like dining, shopping and recreation. Also, living in the area, you can be in major cities like Lexington, Bowling Green and Nashville within a half-day's drive or less.”
Local restaurants and stores on Kentucky highways and in Somerset
Science Hill does not have many commercial areas. A strip mall on U.S. Highway 27 is home to a Dollar General and locally owned restaurants, including Downtown Pizza and Speedy Tacos. Science Hill Milling Company was established in 1967 on Kentucky Highway 635, and is a family-owned and operated mill that sells feed and farm supplies. The Science Hill Dairy Mart ice cream shop stands alone on Kentucky Highway 1247. “They are a walk-up restaurant that accepts cash only, open April through September, with a small seating area serving burgers, hot dogs, fries and milkshakes,” Shea says.
Somerset’s region of US-27, about 7 miles away, has national chains, such as Ace Hardware. An IGA grocery store and a downtown area with local shops and various restaurants are also in Somerset. “Other things to do while in downtown are catch a show from Flashback Theater Co., a concert or other performance at The Virginia or do a mural or history walk through downtown,” she says.
Homes include ranch-style and New Traditional with farmhouse features
Ranch-style homes in the area range in price from about $180,000 to $420,000. Some of these single-story homes have brick exteriors, and others feature paneling. Basements and front porches are popular features on both ranch-style homes with contemporary and traditional influences. New Traditional homes, some farmhouse-inspired, are also in the area. They are priced from about $220,000 to $620,000. Properties often span at least an acre, and some have tributaries or creeks that run through them. Science Hill residents are encouraged to research which flood zone they occupy and have proper insurance.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Science Hill is 2 out of 10, much lower than the national average of 4.
Playing baseball and watersports on Lake Cumberland and Fishing Creek
Science Hill Park includes baseball fields that are the home base of Pulaski County Little League. A playground with swings is in a fenced area near the fields. In Science Hill’s western region, Lake Cumberland Wildlife Management Area opens seasonally for hunting wild game, including rabbit and quail. Fishing Creek Campground is on a tributary of Lake Cumberland that travels through the wildlife management area. It includes a boat ramp and a playground. “Pretty much anybody who just wants to be on the lake can use Lake Cumberland. There are so many little inlets around it. People can easily go down into one of the coves and anchor down for several days if they desire with their houseboat and then take their fishing boat or pontoon and head out for the day,” says Matt Fouch, a Realtor with Keller Williams Commonwealth who has over 5 years of experience.
Academics from Science Hill to the Pulaski County School District
Science Hill Independent School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade institution, is in the central region of the area and the only school in the Science Hill Independent School District. It earns an A from Niche. Pulaski County School District also serves the region. It offers inter- and intra-district transfers, so students may apply to attend Northern Elementary and Northern Middle schools, both of which score A-minuses. Pulaski County High School receives a B and offers advanced placement courses such as computer science principles.
Cities are a drive down U.S. Highway 27 and large metro airports
U.S. Highway 27 connects Science Hill to nearby cities, such as Somerset. Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset is one of the closest emergency medical centers. “It’s got your typical rolling hills of Kentucky, pastureland,” Fouch says. “Many of the folks that I help there are choosing the Science Hill area because it’s close to Lake Cumberland and its rural setting, yet still being able to be in Lexington in [about] an hour and a half or hit one of the major international airports in Louisville, Cincinnati or Nashville.” Freight trains travel through the region; when they do, noise and traffic near intersections may occur.
