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
Jill Sizemore,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Somerset, KY sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Somerset, KY over the last 12 months is $288,900, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained brick home located in one of Somerset's most desirable neighborhoods, just approximately 5 minutes from the nearest boat ramp, offering the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and lifestyle! This well-cared-for property features a long list of recent updates, including a brand new roof, fresh interior updates, and a new pool liner, giving buyers
The Dream Team Real Estate Professionals - Dreama BolinLake Cumberland Real Estate Professionals
Beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with walk-out basement on 1.561 ACRES (DOUBLE LOT) with a convenient location just minutes to Lake Cumberland boat ramps, marinas, and shopping and walking distance to Firebrook Park. A welcoming front porch spanning the width of the home provides additional outdoor living space and enhances curb appeal, offering the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the
Cassandra AkinWeichert Realtors Ford Brothers, Inc.
Welcome to this beautiful ranch-style brick home nestled in a quiet neighborhood conveniently located near local schools, shopping, and everyday amenities. With attractive curb appeal, a two-car attached garage, and a well-maintained exterior, this home offers comfort, functionality, and timeless appeal. Step inside to find a spacious living room featuring vaulted ceilings that create an open,
The Dream Team Real Estate Professionals - Dreama BolinLake Cumberland Real Estate Professionals
Welcome to Village Place - One of Somerset's Most Prestigious Communities!This beautiful building lot offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in Village Place subdivision. Nestled in a well-maintained and restricted neighborhood, this lot is surrounded by elegant homes and is flanked by adjoining parcels for sale. The community is known for its charm, curb appeal, and pride of
A rare opportunity to own a luxury escape that doubles as a proven turnkey investment. Welcome to lakefront luxury that performs. Fully furnished and turnkey, this Lake Cumberland retreat delivers breathtaking views from the moment you walk in. Vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings, multiple ensuite bedrooms, and expansive indoor/outdoor living make it perfect for entertaining or hosting. The
Introducing Lot #43, a remarkable residential lot situated in the prestigious Waitsboro Estates, an exclusive community renowned for its elegance and sophistication. Located less than a mile away from the public ramp of the breathtaking Lake Cumberland, this corner lot offers a coveted position. As you approach the lot, you'll notice its prime location, providing a little view of the magnificent
Welcome to Village Place - One of Somerset's Most Prestigious Communities!This beautiful building lot offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in Village Place subdivision. Nestled in a well-maintained and restricted neighborhood, this lot is surrounded by elegant homes and is flanked by 2 adjoining parcels for sale. The community is known for its charm, curb appeal, and pride
Welcome to Village Place - One of Somerset's Most Prestigious Communities!This beautiful building lot offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in Village Place subdivision. Nestled in a well-maintained and restricted neighborhood, this lot is surrounded by elegant homes and is flanked by adjoining parcels for sale. The community is known for its charm, curb appeal, and pride
Exquisite Building Lot in Waitsboro Estates: Your Dream Home Awaits! Nestled within the prestigious and upscale Waitsboro Estates, this remarkable 1.06-acre lot offers an unparalleled opportunity to build your executive dream home in an exclusive, restricted setting. With a prime location that backs onto a serene wooded area, you'll enjoy the perfect blend of natural beauty and luxury living.
Prime Building Lot in Prestigious Village Place Subdivision!Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to own a beautiful building lot in the highly desirable Village Place—a well-maintained, restricted community known for its charm and quality homes. Located within Somerset city limits, this lot offers the best of both worlds: the peace and tranquility of a country setting with the convenience
Welcome to this beautiful all brick ranch offering space, comfort, and a location that is hard to beat. Positioned directly across the road from Lake Cumberland views, this home combines the feel of lake living with the convenience of being close to everything Somerset has to offer. Step inside and you are greeted by tall ceilings that create an open and inviting atmosphere. The layout flows into
Prime Cumberland Heights Living - Updated 3,073 Sq Ft Home Minutes from Burnside Marina This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers an ideal layout for multi-generational living, featuring two primary suites—perfect for a mother-in-law suite or private guest accommodations. Located in the highly sought-after Cumberland Heights subdivision, this spacious 3,073 sq ft residence is less
Positioned in a highly desirable subdivision just minutes from town and near Lake Cumberland, this beautifully maintained home offers an exceptional blend of space, style, and everyday functionality. Spanning three fully finished levels and nearly 4,000 square feet, the layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate both comfortable living and effortless entertaining. The main level features a
The Dream Team Real Estate Professionals - Dreama BolinLake Cumberland Real Estate Professionals
Custom Built Home with Restricted Plan! Makes this property One of a Kind! Upon entering the home you walk into a Gallery style foyer that features a custom staircase that sets the tone for this beautifully designed home. From the Gallery you will find a formal living room is located to right with a spacious dining area to the left. Master Suite features walk-in closet and luxurious private bath
Luxurious Lakeside Estate with cutting-edge upgrades and stunning views. This architect-designed 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers approximately 4,330 sq ft on a 1-acre lot at the tip of a scenic peninsula, capturing two remarkable lake views: a sweeping southwest panorama from the dining room and intimate sunset views to the west. Thoughtfully planned living spaces, abundant natural light from
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.
Now offering this executive rental which embodies downtown living. Located within perfect walking distance to all downtown amenities, festivals, and shops this property will allows the full experience of downtown living. This home, built around 1851, is a rare find as properties on North Main Street sparsely come available. This perfect historical home retains much of its original character with
Nathanael SearsKeller Williams Commonwealth - Somerset
Please submit an application and a background check through this website. We prefer contacts through email since we do have limited office hours. We do not take phone calls after 5pm or before 9am and no calls on Sunday. Creek side apartments located next to Somerset Community College and Aviation Maintenance Technology. We have become SMOKE/VAPE free buildings. ABSOLUTLEY NO PETS ALLOWED.
2 bed 1 bath duplex located in town close to all amenities, pet friendly for additional fees upon approval, tenant is responsible for all utilities. KU electric, and all city utilities.
APPLY NOW to secure your NEWLY BUILT apartment! If you are looking for newly built apartments right off the golf course then we have you covered. Located directly off of the 9th fairway at Somerset Country Club. The 9th fairway can be viewed from your back porch offering scenic views that you cannot find anywhere else in town. All apartments are equipped with washer and dryer hookup, stainless
3 bed 1 bath brick home that is located close to town and all amenities. Features a full unfinished basement, open concept living and kitchen area, and a nice carport.
2 BR 2 BA Duplex. This home is newly up for lease and is finished with hardwood floors and lots of natural lighting, as well as conveniently located close to Highway 27. All living area is on main floor while laundry and garage can be found in the massive lower level. All utilities are to be covered by tenants & pets are accepted with fees.
This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom property located at 190 Scarlet Oak Dr. offers 1,500 square feet of living space. The living room provides ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and has a dining area. Each bedroom offers sufficient storage and natural light. The full bathroom features essential fixtures, while the half bath adds convenience for
1BR 1BA Apartment located off of N Highway 1247 on a quiet dead-end street. Property is surrounded by a peaceful farm yet still close to town. Unit has plenty of character with nice finishes and plenty of natural light. Tenant is responsible for Electric & Garbage while owner pays for Water & Lawn Care.
Beautiful, newly built townhomes, with stainless steel appliances and washer and dryer hookup. This property is located approximately 1 mile from main Highway 27 in a quiet cul-de-sac directly off of 1247. We are approximately 1 mile from Somerset High School and 1/2 mile from Pulaski County High School. Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is 2.5 mi away. All shopping centers, grocery stores, and
2 bed 2 bath apartment with open concept kitchen and living. Features a master ensuite with stand up shower, eat in kitchen, and spacious living room. Located in a nice subdivision.
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