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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best neighborhoods in Louisville, so you don’t have to.
We’ve examined what it’s like living in each of these highlighted neighborhoods. And we’ve created in-depth guides with insider scoops on close-by, popular destinations. Soon, you’ll be living like a local. (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—your friendly Louisville movers).
A Little About Louisville and its Neighborhoods
Louisville is the largest city in its state. This city is full of newer, family-friendly neighborhoods, older treasured spots, and high-end hubs. Sitting in Northern Kentucky along the Ohio River at the Indiana border, Louisville features a prosperous river-town character and offers a long list of recreational opportunities via their excellent park system.
Many of Louisville’s neighborhoods have been given names that go back nearly two centuries and have strong ties to local lore and tradition, like Schnitzelburg and Smoketown. And residents of Louisville (pronounced lou-ah-vul) sport a distinct accent that adds to the city’s charm and appeal.
On the east side, the city rolls with hills and is full of mostly residential areas. Throughout this side of the city, Southern-style Victorian homes speckle the many shady historic districts east and south of town. Most of the fine, luxury neighborhoods are located in the north close to the river moving eastward into Oldham County.
On the west, you’ll find the flat floodplains with more of the industrial and urban buildings as well as some treasured, smaller neighborhoods and more affordable housing options. And unlike many other suburban areas in the country, Louisville’s suburbs seem more like individual and unique communities of their own than residential pockets that house spillover residents trying to live close to the city.
So, whether you’re looking for a spot that’s urban or suburban, small or large, old or new, Louisville has a home to fit everyone! Below, we dive into the specific neighborhoods in this city that rank the highest. Review our list of the best neighborhoods in Louisville and find the one best suited for you.
Highlands
There are a number of great neighborhoods in Louisville, each with its own unique personality and character. But if you ask any local where to live in the city, Highlands will most likely be on the list. This is because it features many amenities that appeal to a wide audience. Highlands is full of great nightlife and shopping spots, good schools, beautiful homes, and friendly neighbors.
Highlands, located near the center of the city, is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Louisville. Its hilly streets are lined by aged trees and clean sidewalks. And crime is low in this little hub. Highlands is also home to Cherokee Park, a popular outdoor destination in the city. The area emits its own quirky vibes, giving its residents a good dosage of neighborhood pride.
This neighborhood is its own little city within Louisville, full of diversity, entertainment, restaurants, shops, boutiques, and quirky homes. While Highlands is popular among and great for young professionals, many families settle down in the area’s large Victorian homes. But you’ll find a wide range of housing options and price points here that allow for many to find a welcome home in the area. There are a number of multi-million dollar mini-mansions and luxury condos. And down the road, you’ll find single-family homes for under $200k.
Even city locals who have not grown up in this popular spot admit that there are few neighborhoods in the city that can beat the Highlands. Traveling outside the city is easy for locals of Highlands who can easily access I-64. But, after snagging such a great spot in the city, many locals like to stay put and enjoy their surroundings on the weekends. We’re sure you can see now why Highlands was first on our list of the best neighborhoods in Louisville.
Crescent Hill
Next on our list for best neighborhoods in Louisville is the quaint Crescent Hill, which was annexed into the city near the end of the 19th century, combing old-world charm with modern amenities. Crescent Hill is one of the larger and most family-friendly neighborhoods in Louisville. This residential area is lined with trees and boasts of low crime rates and affordable living. And families are drawn to the area for its excellent nearby schools.
Crescent Hill features a wide range of housing options with everything from cottages and bungalows to modern ranges, Victorian homes, and Southern-style estates. Located across the Ohio River from Jeffersonville, Crescent Hill is home to 9,900 happy residents. Homes in the area have a median value of $253,250. And the median household income is just above the national average at $62,301.
Crescent Hills is also home to many local boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor destinations. Joggers and explorers love the neighborhood’s local gem, Crescent Hill Reservoir. And local photographers have captured shots of the gorgeous and fully restored historic Gatehouse that is open to visitors from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month. The Crescent Hill Golf Course welcomes players of all skill levels. And the Mary T Meagher Aquatic Center has a pool where kids can take swimming lessons while their parents can attend a fitness class.
In Crescent Hill, you’re never too far away from a watering hole. One of the best spots to grab some grub and beer is at the Crescent Hill Craft House. Con Huevos, Porcini, Red Hog, and Joella’s Hot Chicken are some of the most popular restaurants in the area. And the neighborhood is also home to lots of local shops, like Just Creations, The Peacock Boutique, or the Crescent Hill Trading Company.
Clifton / Clifton Heights
This set of nearby neighborhoods sits less than 4 miles east of downtown Louisville. It features walkable streets, affordable houses, and lower crime rates. Budget-friendly condos, townhomes, and single-family houses are easy to find. The low cost of living and easy commute makes this an ideal spot for young families and first-time homebuyers. And kids will love playing at the nearby Louisville Champion Park.
This beautiful area located near the Highlands and has become a trendy hot spot in the city. Centered around Frankfort Avenue, Clifton is very eclectic and home to a collection of local shops, coffee shops, pubs, diverse restaurants. The area has recently become popular among both young professionals and families. And housing is split between homeowners and renters.
This neighborhood grew over a period of about 60 years. It features lots of Victorian houses. And many of its smaller home offerings are built in the shotgun-style with long, narrow layouts.
There has been a 5% increase in home values in the last year, with some hot areas increasing up to 20% in value.
Today, Clifton is known for offering some of the best dining and drinking experiences in the city. Check out The Silver Dollar and Apocalypse Brew Works for a taste of the best watering holes in the area. Or for a bite to eat, visit Bistro 160, El Mundo, Ramiro’s, or Cafe Aroma. Clifton Donut Shop makes for a great family outing. Or order a few high-end dishes during date night at Volare Italian Restorante.
If you come and visit, check out the Thomas Edison House. Or enjoy a lights and animation performance at the Holiday Laser Dome. Locals also love attending a class at the Payne Street Pottery. But the most loved tradition for Cliftonians is decorating and launching their lanterns into the river during the magical Water Lantern Festival, making it one of the most interesting areas on our list of best neighborhoods in Louisville.
There you have it: the best neighborhoods in Louisville!
We hope this list of the 3 best neighborhoods in Louisville was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Louisville, and we would love to help.
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