Scottsville offers quiet living near Bowling Green and the lake
Scottsville’s quiet South Kentucky landscapes set the scene for the birth of a retail empire. Dollar General originated from a 1939 wholesale store in Scottsville, paving the way for the small-box corporation’s now 20,000-plus locations. Several Dollar General stores dot the community today, but Scottville remains small-business-minded with many locally owned restaurants and businesses proudly supported by residents and civic organizations. “There aren’t a lot of chain restaurants. There’s not even a Walmart,” says local Realtor Leslie Stark of Keller Williams First Choice Realty. She’s sold homes across the region for about five years and lives in Bowling Green. “It’s a very charming small town.” Additionally, Scottsville’s rural surroundings offer quiet living within reach of Bowling Green and Barren River Lake. “You get that small-town feel but can be in the big city in about 30 minutes,” Stark says.
Mix of historic homes and new builds on spacious lots
Within Scottsville’s town limits, streets have slight slopes and homes have been around for a few decades. A few historic country-style houses and bungalows blend with mid-20th-century ranch-style homes; they typically sit on lots measuring less than an acre. Several recently constructed homes sit on larger lots among the community’s rural outskirts. “There’s more land than in Bowling Green,” Stark says. “You can get a three-bedroom, three-bathroom new construction on an acre of land, which you can’t get in Bowling Green.” Many of those homes on the outskirts boast lot sizes of five acres or more. The median sale price for a home in Scottsville is around $240,000. “You’re going to get a little more for your money,” Stark says.
Allen County Schools offers various elective courses
Allen County Schools serves over 3,000 students and scores an overall C on Niche. Pre-kindergarten through third-grade students can attend Allen County Primary Center, which has a C-plus, and fourth through sixth-grade students can attend the C-rated Allen County Intermediate Center. James E. Bazzell Middle School receives a B and Allen County-Scottsville High School earns a C-plus. The high school offers a robust list of career-driven courses, from the principles of agricultural science and technology to introduction to architecture.
Community parks and nearby lake access invite outdoor recreation
Scottsville’s rural setting and public parks encourage outdoor activities. Dugas Community Park at Dumont Hill is arguably one of the community’s most popular outdoor spaces, with trails, playgrounds and an amphitheater. “They do a lot of events,” Stark says. “They have the fireworks show there, a couple of little concerts, Halloween activities and back-to-school events.” The park is grassy and woodsy, offering residents plenty of green space to explore. Among Scottsville’s northern rural countryside, River Bend Bloom hosts frequent workshops and events where visitors can craft bouquets of freshly cut flowers. Barren River Lake offers additional recreational opportunities about 10 miles from Scottsville. “A lot of people go to the lake in the summer to fish,” Stark says. Walnut Creek Marina offers lake access about 10 miles from central Scottsville.
Locally owned restaurants and farm-fresh grocery options
Much of Scottsville’s dining scene comprises family-owned restaurants that have been around for a few decades. “My childhood best friend’s family owns Harper’s Catfish,” Stark says. “We used to hang out there on Friday nights. Very ‘Hart of Dixie’.” Stark adds that folks come from out of town for a seafood plate. “They drive through Scottsville just to eat at Harpers,” she says. Earl G. Dumplin’s offers home-style cooking with daily specials. Stark says the restaurant is particularly popular for after-church crowds on Sundays; Springfield Baptist Church and United Methodist Church engage the community. A few more local spots, from China King to Sam’s Restaurant, lie in and around its developing downtown. Food Lion and Save A Lot are primary grocery sources, and the Allen County Farmers Market sells seasonal, locally sourced produce in the heart of the community. Stark says that residents typically head into Bowling Green for big-box shopping.
The Jacksonian Festival draws residents for food and fun
Residents gather on Main Street each year for one of Scottsville’s biggest events, the Jacksonian Festival. The celebration honors the community’s history and spirit through vendors, live music and historical exhibits. “It’s almost like a farmers market, but bigger,” Stark says. “They have a lot of vendors, stuff for the kids and a lot of good food.” The event usually takes place in September.
Navigating Allen County
Residents depend on cars to get around, and several highways cut through the community. U.S. Route 231 connects locals with Bowling Green, about 15 miles northwest, and Nashville, around 65 miles southwest. Commuters also have access to U.S. Route 31E, which connects Scottsville with Glasgow, and Kentucky routes 100 and 98. The Medical Center at Scottsville is the community’s primary medical facility with two health clinics, and the Nashville International Airport is about 65 miles away.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
