Tucked among the rolling hills of rural Kentucky, the city of Somerset has a population of just about 12,000 people. The nearest airport is over an hour away, and downtown spans only a few blocks. But every year, more than 4 million people make their way to this side of the state, thanks to Lake Cumberland. Summers in Somerset thrum with boats, car shows and live music. “On the Fourth of July, there’s half a million people here — it feels like Hilton Head in South Carolina,” says Bobby Clue, the executive director of the Somerset Pulaski Chamber of Commerce. “But this is a sleepy little town in the middle of January." For those who choose to settle down here year-round, Somerset is known for its affordable cost of living.
Outdoor lovers flock to Somerset for RV camping on Lake Cumberland.
The Liberty Nature Center in Somerset helps rehabilitate a variety of animals.
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Own a plot of rural Kentucky land
Homes tend to get newer farther out from the city center. Outside of a small walkable downtown, streets feel rural, with no sidewalks and plenty of mature trees. Especially around the outskirts of town, yards can be several acres or more. “Taxes are relatively cheap compared to the rest of the state,” Clue says. “People often relocate here because they can buy a small farm, get off the grid or build their dream home on a plot of land.” The city’s median home price is $250,000. Smaller ranch styles from the mid-1900s start closer to $150,000. Sprawling lakeside homes can range from $700,000 to over $1 million.
Some residents build on large plots of land just outside Somerset.
The median home price in Somerset is $250,000.
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Dual enrollment and technology pathways at Somerset High
The city is served by Somerset Independent Schools, which gets an overall B-plus rating from Niche. The district has three schools and approximately 1,600 students. Somerset High School offers dual enrollment courses with the local Somerset Community College, as well as specialty programs at the Pulaski County Area Technology Center. “The center has really neat classes in things like industrial manufacturing, nursing, and automotive technology,” Clue says. “In general, we are really fortunate to have really good schools — it’s a driver for people who are looking to move here.”
The city is also home to Somerset Christian School for kindergarten through 12th grade. The private school option receives a B-plus grade.
Pulaski County Area Technology Center serves students from 8-12 grades.
Somerset high school has a graduation rate of 94%.
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Boating on Lake Cumberland, apple-picking at nearby farms
The seasons feel distinct in Somerset, with hot, humid summers and occasional snowfall in the winter. Summer recreation is centered around Lake Cumberland, which is open for boating, swimming and fishing. The lake snakes through the Kentucky countryside, lined with marinas, parks and camping grounds. “The lake is the heart of our community,” Clue says. “But we are also known for our adventure tourism — we’ve got hiking, nature preserves and extensive mountain biking trails.” The farms surrounding Somerset are often open to the public for produce stands or seasonal fruit-picking fields. Haney’s Appledale Farm is one notable example, popular for its peach and apple picking.
Each year, boaters come to Somerset to explore over 63,000 surface acres of Lake Cumberland.
RV owners can lease spaces at Lake Cumberland in Somerset.
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A new bourbon distillery invests $200 million in Somerset
One of the most impactful developments coming to Somerset is the Horse Soldier Distillery, a bourbon company founded by military veterans. Horse Solider has invested $200 million in the city, planning to build both a distillery and a restaurant. It will form the southernmost stop on Kentucky’s famous Bourbon Trail and is expected to open in July 2026. “Since the building of Lake Cumberland in the 1940s, this is probably one of the most transformational projects to happen to Somerset,” Clue says. “It will bring in thousands of visitors.”
As of now, the shopping and dining scene in Somerset is still one of the most robust in the area. “We are a regional hub for about 13 counties,” Clue says. “If people want a higher-end grocery store, more restaurant options or entertainment, they come to Somerset.”
Horse Soldier Bourbon is investing over $200 million in Somerset with it's new distillery.
Somerset became the county seat in 1801.
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Car shows, community centers and churches
Somernites Cruise is a popular car show that earned Somerset the title: “Official Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky.” Downtown streets are blocked off for this monthly summertime celebration of classic cars. Somerset is also home to the annual Master Musicians Festival, an award-winning event showcasing local and national talent.
On the day-to-day, Somerset residents can bring their kids to storytime at the Pulaski County Public Library or catch a show at The Virginia, a historic theater. The Center for Rural Development is a regional community center that plans events and theater productions. Churches play a large role in the community, and there’s a senior center for Somerset’s older residents. “About 20% of our population is 65-plus,” says Clue. “This is a really popular place to retire.”
The Somerset Public library has a wide range of books and materials for all ages.
The Virginia Theater in Somerset hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, and private events.
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A regional hub for healthcare
The city is home to the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital and a surrounding collection of medical offices. “There’s a huge healthcare industry because we are a regional hub for so many people,” Clue says. “So many different kinds of specialists — we have three different dermatologists here!” Other major employers include the local school system and nearby industrial parks.
Major roads that run through the city include U.S. Route 27 and Kentucky Route 80, which leads out to Interstate 75. The closest big city is Lexington, which is 80 miles away and about an hour and a half drive. Somerset is also less than 200 miles from Louisville, Nashville and Cincinnati. All four of these cities have an airport.
In Somerset, the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is a 295-bed acute care facility.
The City Clerk's Office is located in the historic downtown in Somerset.
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Crime
Somerset’s crime rates are slightly above the state average but were lower in 2023 than in 2022. Property crime rates are on par with the national average, and violent crime rates are below the national average.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Minion
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kim Hurst,
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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Build Your Dream Home on 5.57 Stunning Acres in Somerset, Kentucky Discover the perfect setting for your future home with this sprawling 5.57-acre lot in Somerset, Kentucky. Offering a harmonious blend of partially cleared land and natural wooded areas, this property, which has already perc’d for 3 bedrooms, invites you to create a residence that seamlessly combines comfort, luxury, and the
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Fry Estates Apartments is One of Somerset's Newest Communities. It is professionally managed by a friendly on-site staff. We feature top quality apartments with a great location. Come see what makes us Somerset's finest! We look forward to welcoming you home.
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