Jump Ahead To:
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 up and coming neighborhoods in Louisville, so you don’t have to.
(and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—your friendly Louisville movers). 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.
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 and find the Louisville hoods that’re hottest on today’s market.
Crescent Hill
This quaint neighborhood, which was annexed into the city near the end of the 19th century, combines 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.
What’s Happening in Crescent Hill
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. 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. The neighborhood is also home to lots of local shops, like Just Creations, The Peacock Boutique, or the Crescent Hill Trading Company.
Schools in Crescent Hill
Families are drawn to the area for its excellent nearby schools. These include Field Elementary School. Barret Traditional Middle School, and Highlands Latin School among others.
Homes in Crescent Hill
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.
Shelby Park
Located two miles southeast of downtown Louisville, this up-and-coming neighborhood is warm and friendly. It was first populated by German immigrants in the early 1900s, and today the neighborhood blends ethnic and economic diversity. Residents from all walks of life join together here and form Shelby Park’s vibrant and art-filled community.
What’s Happening in Shelby Park
This neighborhood is known for its 17-acre park, designed back in 1907. Shelby Park is also home to Logan Street Market, Louisville’s first and only year-round indoor market. Here, residents and visitors peruse food vendors, artisans, coffee stands, and a brewery. Throughout the neighborhood, once empty storefronts are now bustling with coffee roasters and bourbon bars.
Shelby Park’s real estate is on fire. Some of its houses sell within hours of listing. Investors are swooping down on the area, but locals are desperately trying to hold onto what has made Shelby Park a wonderful neighborhood over the decades. The long-term residents have built a tight-knit community, and that’s what really makes this neighborhood unique.
Schools in Shelby Park
Shelby Park’s top-rated schools include Shelby Traditional Academy, Noe Middle School, and Jefferson County High School among others.
Houses in Shelby Park
People are sweeping through Shelby Park, snagging houses for $25K, and turning them into beautiful $250K homes. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can move into an affordable and newly renovated home in Shelby Park, or take a $20-grand risk and turn an old home around yourself. Either way, your home will certainly be full of character and unique charm.
Butchertown
Butchertown is the ‘it’ spot in Louisville. This hip neighborhood is full of renovated warehouses, local markets, and artisan chocolate shops. In Butchertown, you can buy handmade soaps and creative homeward.
Sitting just to the east of downtown Louisville, Butchertown is home to one last urban slaughterhouse. But back in the day, the neighborhood was aptly named after the German immigrants who butchered there in the 19th century. Today, at Butchertown Pizza Hall, you can dig into the “Notorious Pig,” a thin pizza crust piled with marinara, whole-milk mozzarella, house-made sausage, meatballs, bacon, pepperoni, and ham.
What’s Happening in Butchertown
Many of Butchertown’s 19th-century buildings now house trendy Modern American eateries, craft breweries, and cocktail bars. Visit Copper & Kings distillery, one of the best drinking spots in the city, during their brandy tastings. Nearby on Washington St., you’ll find Butchertown Grocery and its upstairs speakeasy, Lola, which serves creative food and cocktails.
Big hogs are moving into Butchertown. As the Louisville City FC stadium opens in the northeast part of the neighborhood, it’s drawing in strings of retail, restaurants, and apartments with it.
Schools in Butchertown
Butchertown’s best local schools include Breckinridge Franklin Elementary School, Engelhard Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts School, Meyzeek Middle School, and Nativity Academy at St Boniface among others.
Houses in Butchertown
From charming shotgun homes to tall and stately brick houses, Butchertown offers a range of housing options. While you can certainly find beautiful, large, and elegant houses for up to $1.3-million, the area is still home to many smaller, fixer-upper homes for as low as $20-grand.
There you have it: the 3 hottest up and coming neighborhoods in Louisville!
We hope this 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 long-distance and local moving services in Louisville, and we would love to help.
- The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Saint Louis (Updated 2024) - March 15, 2024
- Is Moving to Pennsylvania Right for You? A 2024 Guide. - March 4, 2024
- The Best Neighborhoods in Cleveland (Updated 2024) - February 15, 2024
