Small-town living just 30 miles east of Louisville
Surrounded by horse farms and rolling Kentucky countryside, Shelbyville is a small city that offers enough space for farming and keeping horses, as well as access to Louisville just 30 miles away. "Shelbyville perfectly combines rural and suburban living. It has a small-town feel, but right outside town, the area immediately turns into beautiful farmland," says Tom Waggener, an area local and Realtor with Caperton Realty.
In addition to being the County Seat of Shelby County, Shelbyville is called "The Saddlebred Capital of the World," with over 80 American Saddlebred farms (a breed of American riding horse) in and around the area. Established as a farming town in 1792, the city has grown to a population of 17,800 people and now has its own walkable downtown area. Other than those commuting into Louisville, Shelbyville's largest employers include the city government, Walmart and the Postal Service.
Farmland surrounds the neighborhoods in Shelbyville.
Explore Shelbyville's downtown and marvel at its unique architecture.
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Historic Kentucky homes and a growing Shelbyville market
Shelbyville's small downtown first boomed at the turn of the 19th century, coloring the city with intriguing architecture and a historically charming atmosphere. Buyers can find Victorian-era designs woven amongst bungalows, cottages and ramblers from the midcentury. Farther away from the center of town, traditional builds and larger lots are more common.
"People love being in our beautiful Bluegrass State,” says Larry Rogers, the Principal Broker of Rogers Realty. “There are lakes, all kinds and sizes of farms and a sense of peace that have made the area really popular in recent years." The median sales price has risen in recent years to $344,000, which is still lower than the Louisville or national median. Prices range from older farmhouses and split-level homes selling for $155,000 to contemporary homes on newly developed lots selling for $600,000.
Enjoy a meal with friends at The Bell House Restaurant in Shelbyville.
Newer homes in Shelbyville tend to be larger than average.
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Walkable shopping and dining on Main Street
Main Street is full of local shops and restaurants, with colorful storefronts that decorate downtown's vintage, Latinate buildings. "Residents can peruse the stores, get gelato or walk to plenty of places to meet friends for lunch and dinner- it feels like something out of a Hallmark movie," says Theresa Shaver, a local resident and employee of Shelby County Parks.
The intersection of Sixth and Main streets is a pedestrian-only space open for social gatherings, outdoor dining and live music. While the city has brand-name grocers, La Doña, a Latin grocery store, and Shallow Creek Farm are two locally sourced options.
The streets of Shelbyville have lots of places to shop and visit.
Sixth and Main Coffee House is a great place to meet up with friends.
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Shelby County options for public schooling
Shelby County Public Schools receives a B-minus from Niche, with 10 different schools and nearly 7,000 students. High schoolers in Shelby County have access to advanced academic programs like Project Lead the Way, which teaches students how to use disciplines like biomedical science or engineering to solve real-world problems.
Jefferson Community & Technical College is also in the community. It is known for its nursing, mechanics, and information sciences programs.
The student population of Shelby County West Middle School is 594 and the school serves 6-8.
The student population of Painted Stone Elementary is 461 and the school serves K-5.
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Heading outdoors in Shelbyville and Clear Creek Park
One of Shelbyville's highlights is its well-kept system of parks and natural spaces. The Shelby County Parks and Recreation oversees 14 lakes, hiking areas and playgrounds across the city. "Clear Creek Park and its Family Activity Center offers everything from fitness classes to an outdoor splash pool for kids, so it's a draw for the entire area," says Shaver. In addition to Lake Shelby, residents can fish or access the park's RV-friendly campground.
Shelbyville experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters that see an average of 16 inches of snow fall annually. Kentucky is part of Hoosier Alley, the eastern offshoot of Tornado Alley. While the city sees less than the national average of tornadoes, it is still at risk.
Clear Creek Park has it all—baseball, basketball, a playground, and even a pool for the perfect day of fun and relaxation!
Clear Creek Park features a playground in the neighborhood of
Outer Shelby County.
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Saddle up for the Shelbyville Horse Show
The Shelbyville Horse Show is one of the city’s most-attended events and celebrates the city’s roots in Saddlebred horses for more than 30 years. Held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in late July or early August, the multiday event, which benefits local nonprofits, has horse-themed art, vendors and entertainment.
Shelby Trails Park has both indoor and outdoor arenas for year-round riding.
The Winner’s Circle Horse Supply is your go-to destination for all your equestrian needs.
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Convenient location near Interstate 64
Shelbyville's location also benefits locals, as Interstate 64 passes nearby and connects with Louisville and Lexington. Louisville is 32 miles west, so it only takes 40 minutes to drive to. Lexington takes nearly an hour to get to, at 46 miles from Shelbyville. Louisville International Airport is about 30 towards Louisville with flights around the country. While other bigger amenities are located in Lexington or Louisville, the city does have the University of Louisville Health Shelbyville Hospital, west of downtown.
Important to know
According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Shelbyville's rates for violent and property crimes are lower than the national average. Shelbyville Police Department’s community resource officer has set up neighborhood watch programs and offers community ride-alongs. The opportunities have contributed to the city’s property crime rates decreasing by nearly 30% in the last decade.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Photography Contributed By
Dale Rushing
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristi Brizendine,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Shelbyville, KY sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Shelbyville, KY over the last 12 months is $320,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Trendy new Magnolia plan by Fischer Homes in beautiful Discovery Point featuring a welcoming covered front porch. Once inside you'll find an open concept design with an island kitchen with stainless steel appliances, upgraded maple cabinetry with 42 inch uppers and soft close hinges, quartz counters, walk-in pantry and expanded walk-out morning room and all open to the large family room. The
New construction by Fischer Homes in the beautiful Discovery Point community with the Calvin plan, featuring a stunning kitchen with lots of cabinet space and granite countertops. Spacious family room expands to light-filled morning room. Private study with double doors. Primary Suite with private bath and walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms and hall bath. Two car garage.
Timeless Charm Meets Modern Updates in the Heart of Shelbyville Welcome to 601 Brown Avenue — where classic character and thoughtful modern improvements come together beautifully. Located on one of Shelbyville's most desirable streets, this stunning home offers the perfect blend of historic charm and updated comfort. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the home's inviting presence and
Space, function, and flexibility come together here. This 4-bedroom, 4 full and 1 half bath home is designed to adapt to the way you live—offering room to spread out, entertain, and create. The main level features a spacious primary suite with walk-in closet and private bath, along with the convenience of first-floor laundry. The kitchen is equipped with updated Café appliances and flows
Build your dream home on Tract 6 at Stallard Springs, a 5.53-acre walkout lot with west-facing frontage for beautiful evening shade. This vacant lot offers a rare chance to enjoy sunsets and country living in one of eastern Shelby County's most scenic communities. Stallard Springs is a 565-acre development with 5-12 acre lots, hiking trails to a creek and waterfall, fall-away lots for walkout
Welcome home. This 3 bedroom property offers a functional open concept layout with plenty of opportunity to make it your own. The home features a newer roof and a rear entry garage with additional driveway space for extra parking and convenience. Located in the Cloverbrook Farms neighborhood, residents enjoy access to a community pool and playground through the HOA. The location provides easy
New Construction in the beautiful Discovery Point community with the Wembley Plan. This plan offers an island kitchen with pantry, oak cabinetry, upgraded countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Spacious family room expands to dining area. Primary Suite with private bath featuring double bowl vanity, shower and private commode and walk-in closet. One additional secondary bedroom and hall
Trendy new Wembley Western Craftsman plan by Fischer Homes in beautiful Discovery Point featuring a private 1st floor study with double doors. Open concept with an island kitchen with stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry with 42 inch uppers and soft close hinges, gleaming granite counters, pantry and breakfast room that flows into the spacious walk-out family room. Upstairs you'll find
Welcome to 849 Bass Lane in Shelbyville, KY. This well-cared-for 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits among mature trees that provide privacy and a peaceful setting that's hard to find. The property feels tucked away, yet it's still convenient to town and nearby attractions. Inside, the home has seen extensive updates that make it move-in ready. New flooring runs throughout, giving the space a fresh,
Welcome to 108 Gloria Drive! This well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath bi-level home sits on a spacious 0.38-acre lot on a quiet, dead-end street with minimal traffic. Inside, you'll find a functional layout with great natural light. The partially finished basement offers additional living space and includes dedicated office areas, perfect for working from home or extra flexibility. Recent updates
You must see the one of a kind home in Shelby County. Nestled on a quiet, dead end street, it boasts .53 acre that backs up to a farm. There is a stream running through the back yard with a walking bridge that goes over it to a serene park like setting. Perfect for a firepit on a cool spring night. There are 3 bedrooms, but one has a bonus, it has a toilet and vanity, perfect as a room for
Great location! Downtown Shelbyville. Nice starter home or investment property. Near fire department, health department, stores and business offices. Nice front porch.
Charming home in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to the interstate. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath property offers a comfortable layout filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy the added benefit of a fenced-in yard—perfect for pets, outdoor gatherings, or simply relaxing in your own private space. The unfinished basement provides extra room for storage or future
An equestrian's dream set in the heart of Kentucky horse country, 3192 Frankfort Road offers the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern comfort on 28 picturesque acres of lush bluegrass. A scenic tree-lined driveway welcomes you to the property, setting the tone for the privacy and beauty that await. This meticulously maintained sprawling ranch embodies quintessential Kentucky living,
New construction by Fischer Homes in the beautiful Discovery Point community, featuring the stunning Winston design. This unique plan offers 4 bedrooms 2 full baths, and 1 half baths. The expansive family room is the perfect gathering space. Spacious open kitchen with a large island and walk-in pantry connects to the morning room, that walks out to the patio. The owner's suite features a spacious
We are excited about our new renovated apartments! PLEASE CALL US FOR OUR MOVE IN SPECIAL! They have been beautifully renovated with brush chrome ceiling fans in the livingroom and bedroom(s) new kitchen deep well sink with high arc faucet, quartz counter tops, built in microwaves, stainless steel appliances and walk in showers are just a few of the updates that are being done.
This pet-friendly home features modern finishes and a functional layout with ample kitchen storage, spacious living areas, and abundant natural light throughout. Conveniently located near schools, parks, dining, and local amenities. Self-touring is available daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. App Fees: one-time application fee of $50 per adult, a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and applicable
Welcome to Shelbyville Place, located at 159 Baker Drive in Shelbyville, KY 40065. Our pet-friendly community offers spacious standard and deluxe two-bedroom apartments ranging from 1,000 to 1,100 sq.ft., designed for style and comfort.Each home features central heating and air conditioning, large closets, vaulted ceilings, and private patios or balconies, with easy access to local shopping,
New Construction! Granite countertops, fitness center, splash park, dog park, private storage closets, and close to the outlet mall. Water, sewer, and trash collection are included! Close to I-64 and easy access to Louisville and Frankfort. Come see all we have to offer.
Discover your next home at Brook Haven Townhomes. These 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath townhomes offer 1,200 sq/ft of living space in Shelbyville. Priced at $1,100/month located at 519 Midland Blvd. Call today to schedule an appointment for application and tour!
Shelby Oaks is conveniently located on Breighton Circle in Shelbyville, KY. Your new apartment home is accessible to I-64, near local shops and dining. Shelby Oaks Apartments will offer Two and Three Bedroom Apartment homes to rent.
Moesser House Senior is just minutes away from shopping, dining, and parks to enjoy the great outdoors in Shelbyville, KY. Each home is equipped with washer and dryer connections, spacious closets, and a full kitchen. This affordable 55+ community features controlled access, elevators, and wheelchair accessibility throughout the building. Visit us today and see how Moesser House Senior is the
All brick townhouse community in the heart of Shelbyville that backs up to woods and small brook. Units are all brick with front porches and back decks. Interior filled with natural light from the many large windows.
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
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