Farming roots and local pride define West Liberty
Found in the rolling hills of Appalachia, West Liberty is a tiny community that serves as the seat of Morgan County in eastern Kentucky. After its settlement in the early 19th century, West Liberty faced its fair share of hardships. It was badly burned in the Civil War and damaged after an EF3 tornado swept through in 2012. According to those who grew up there, West Liberty is better known for its resilience and ability to rebuild. “It’s traditionally a farming, blue-collar community, and everything revolves around the local. People stick together through everything. There’s definitely grit,” says Phillip Francis, a Realtor with Homeland Real Estate, who started his career in 2023. “It’s my hometown, so it’s interesting to see the new things they’re trying out to hopefully get some tourism and provide for the locals. The churches and local organizations fuel a lot of it.”
Many homes offer space for gardens, animals or privacy
Swaths of rural farmland surround West Liberty, defined by its winding backroads and expansive acreage. “The bulk of people moving here want to build their own home or buy a house on a big plot of land,” Francis says. “They love the escapism you can find. Of course, it’s not for everyone, but this is a great place if you want to have animals or do big gardens.” While some custom and New Traditional homes in the area were constructed in the 21st century, many sprang up between 1950 and 1990. Ranch-style homes and farmhouses are familiar sights, set back in their spacious yards. West Liberty's median home price is $180,000, much lower than the $480,000 median in nearby Lexington.
Parks, golf courses and nearby Cave Run Lake
A few pocket parks are scattered throughout West Liberty, but Old Mill Park is arguably the most popular green space. Sitting at the bend of Licking River, it has a playground, walking trails, covered picnic areas and the Old Mill Park Amphitheatre. Nearby Pleasant Valley Country Club, open to the public, features a nine-hole course for players of all skill levels. West Liberty is only 19 miles from the 8,000-acre Cave Run Lake, meaning residents can access boating, kayaking and fishing within a 20- to 25-minute drive.
Community-oriented events and sports games
West Liberty may be small, but it’s also a dynamic community. “Churches are extremely active. They do a ton of fundraisers and little events,” Francis says. “Local sporting events are big there, and they’ll do car shows on Main Street." An amphitheater at Old Mill Park also hosts live music acts throughout the year.
Education with Morgan County Schools
Kentucky offers school choice during open enrollment periods. Children may go to one of several elementary schools in the Morgan County Schools district, but most kids in West Liberty will start at Morgan Central Elementary, then move on to Morgan County Middle and Morgan County High. All three schools get a C-plus from Niche. According to the district, all Morgan County High graduates enroll in a four-year college.
Staples on Main Street and shopping in Morehead
While West Liberty doesn’t have expansive shopping centers, it does have the basics, including Dollar General and Save A Lot. “Downtown is very small. There are a couple of restaurants and businesses, and there’s a dairy stand that’s been there forever,” Francis says, referencing Freezer Fresh Dairy, a West Liberty staple for milkshakes and burgers. “We joke that downtown is mostly for the churches. The locals drive to Morehead to do big shopping trips or go out to eat, since it’s considered a hub for the area.”
Major roadways and localized health care
Several main roads travel through West Liberty, including State Route 7 and U.S. Route 460. Route 7 intersects Route 512, which spans 24 miles into Morehead. Near the community's center is a small medical center, Morgan County ARH Hospital.
