Firstly why Lexington, Kentucky?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Lexington
• State: Kentucky
• Population: 324,581 people
• Lexington’s quick summary would be Known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’ for its numerous horse farms and the Kentucky Horse Park.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 8000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its horse racing and agricultural heritage attracting tourists and residents

Perk #1: Lexington Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $60,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lexington is $59,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-1000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Lexington’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,425
• Property Tax %: 1.17%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Fayette Mall
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Lexington, Nicholasville, Winchester, Richmond, and probably could include Versailles
• Avg. Age of Homes in Lexington: 76 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Lexington’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Lexington are  Healthcare, Education, and Manufacturing
• Lexington Job Scene: stable job market focused on education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech ecosystem with strong emphasis on healthcare and education technologies , ,
• Lexington Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Lexington: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 11

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lexington

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-75 provides critical access through Lexington
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on New Circle Road
• Transportation Score: 34 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Lexington: 150,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 10 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Lexington: drive.ky.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 of 100
• Local Airport: Blue Grass

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Lexington’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Lexington is best described as has a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers mild winters and a transition between spring and fall providing beautiful seasonal landscapes
• Winter Weather in Lexington i’d describe as mild and wet
• Spring Weather in Lexington can be described as mild with occasional showers
• Summer’s in Lexington are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Lexington is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 13 days in summer
• Days in a row in Lexington below Freezing: 12
• Average Annual Rainfall: 43 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by urban activity
• Lexington Winter Air generally good air quality with few significant issues

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Lexington Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Lexington 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Lexingtons’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lexington Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Lexington Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Lexington only Doctors is about 190
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time Lexington only Police Officers is about 460
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Lexington’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Lexington’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Lexington’s Water Quality Score: 80

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lexington

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 9 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: horse capital of the world known for its rich equestrian culture
• You might enjoy shows at the Lexington Opera House
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lexington  has a vibrant nightlife scene with local breweries bars restaurants and live music appealing to various tastes

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lexington

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of local dining options and chain restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around Lexington
• The Popular Sports Team is Lexington Legends
• Top Level Political Climate in Lexington can be described as liberal city with a significant focus on education and social issues
• Lexington’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lexington Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Lexington Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Lexington has 60 Parks?
• Masterson Station Park is Lexington’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Lexington Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and distillery tours

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Lexington Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Lexington can be described as steady urban life with a focus on education and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lexington hiking local trails picnics visiting local farms
• The Cities people commute to from Lexington are Georgetown 12 miles away Nicholasville 10 miles away Richmond 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Lexington or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on New Circle Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Lexington’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Fayette Mall is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lexington are Georgetown 12 miles away Nicholasville 10 miles away Richmond 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Lexington has 12 days in a row below freezing and 13 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Lexington people have an average (positive or negative) $-1000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   800 homeless people living in Lexington. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal city with a significant focus on education and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lexington.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lexington

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for property tax reductions that ease financial burdens
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Willows
• Lexington Senior Center provides meal programs health resources and community activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Lexington, Kentucky?

If Lexington, Kentucky ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lexington, Kentucky, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!