Moving/Relocating to Louisville: 8 Key Insider Guides That People Living In Louisville Wants You To Know

Table of Contents

Many people are considering moving to Louisville, Kentucky, because of its fast-paced, diverse, affordable nature (plus, it’s also home to Derby City!). Whether you’re looking to live in the big city or just want a small-town feel, Louisville can accommodate!

This city is known for its affordable housing options, great schools, an up-and-coming downtown scene with plenty of shops, restaurants and museums, as well as its love for Bourbon.

If you’re looking for a “Moving to Louisville KY Guide” and are thinking about living in Louisville, then here are 8 insider facts about this wonderful place that will make you want to pack your bags ASAP!

1. Living In Louisville Neighbourhoods

Which part of a town you live in will definitely be one of the top concerns for anyone who wants to relocate. So let’s take a look at some housing options, shall we?

Image Credit: Unsplash

The Highlands

First up, the Highlands.

Located just 10 minutes east of Downtown and known for its nightlife and dining landscape, it is no surprise that this neighbourhood is a hit among the educated and young professionals. You’d be able to find brewpubs and karaoke bars alongside pizzerias and celebrity chef eateries when you walk down Bardstown Road.

In the Highlands, you’d find charming low-rise houses instead of high-rise apartment buildings due to strict zoning rules.

Bonnycastle

Moving to Louisville, KY, with your family? No problem, as Bonnycastle is an ideal neighbourhood for you!

A mere five miles south of Downtown, it boasts an extremely tight-knit community where neighbours are friendly and get along well.

Bonnycastle also houses plenty of parks and green spaces, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment options, so everyone in the family will have something to look forward to!

The neighbourhood also offers convenient commuting for its residents, thanks to its close proximity to the major highway.

Butchertown

What’s your first impression of a neighbourhood called Butchertown? Probably something to do with meat, right? Well, you’re not wrong!

Butchertown is named after the 19th-century German immigrants who butchered there and is still home to pork processing plant JBS Swift & Co.

However, you may be surprised at how the neighbourhood is now considered an up-and-coming area that is well-liked for its eclectic mix of quirky local businesses, vintage shops and speciality markets!

Located just east of the Downtown area, Butchertown also offers its residents new shops, restaurants, and the opening of the largest soccer-specific stadium in the region called the Lynn Family Stadium.

Germantown

Any guesses for how it got its name? Spoiler alert: it has to do with the influx of German migrants back in the mid-1800s.

OK, so you’re probably assuming it is an old neighbourhood (and you’re not wrong – it IS one of Louisville’s oldest districts), but Germantown might just be your best bet if you’re looking for a vibrant and hip community!

The neighbourhood has now become the go-to district for young couples and campus students, likely due to the cafes, music spots and several high-end dining options it offers.

2. How Much Should You Expect To Spend Living In Louisville, KY?

In addition to friendly neighbours, Louisville offers affordable housing and cost of living.

The Louisville cost of living index is 92.6, slightly less than the national average index of 108.6 dollars, while the median annual income in Louisville is $58,288, significantly more than the state’s median income of $48,375.

According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of 4 is $3,013.87 without rent, while a single person’s estimated monthly costs are $848.65 without rent.

In terms of housing, Louisville has a median property price of $143,100 and a weekly median rent of $748.

3. Major Industries In Louisville

Louisville offers a variety of industries for its residents, so when you relocate there, you can expect to find some job opportunities in one of the following industries:

  • Shipping and logistics
  • Health care and medical sciences
  • Product manufacturing (includes automotive, home appliances, bourbon and more)
  • High tech
  • Independent businesses

Major employers include United Parcel Service (UPS), Norton Healthcare, Ford Motor Co., Humana Inc and the University of Louisville.

4. Getting Around Louisville KY

Image Credit: Unsplash

Louisville is mainly served by TARC or the Transit Authorities of River City. Through 43 routes, the network of buses covers five counties:

  • all parts of downtown Louisville and Jefferson County
  • Kentucky suburbs in Oldham County
  • Bullitt County and the Indiana suburbs of Jeffersonville
  • Clarksville
  • New Albany

Specifically for commute throughout the downtown hotel and shopping districts, residents can use a fleet of zero-emissions buses called LouLift.

In 2016, Louisville was ranked 43rd “most walkable” of 141 U.S. cities with a population greater than 200,000, though most residents drive.

5. Explore Art And History When You’re Living In Louisville

If you’re a history buff or an art and culture enthusiast, then you’d thank yourself for moving to Louisville!

The city is home to the Louisville University Museum, Frazer History Museum, 21c Museum Hotel and Louisville Museum. It is also home to the well-known Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory!

Image Credit: Unsplash

If you’re a baseball fan, you’d probably know that Louisville Slugger is a brand of baseball bats. And yes, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a whole museum dedicated to it!

It is one of the most popular destinations in the state of Kentucky, and you don’t even have to enter the museum to know it houses the World’s Largest Baseball Bat that weighs 68,000 pounds and stands at almost 130 feet tall.

6. Bourbon Is A Must For Those Living In Louisville

Image Credit: Unsplash

With plenty of bars and Bourbon distilleries throughout the city, this is your chance to taste over 100 varieties of wines and bourbons!

Some bars you should definitely try are:

Kentucky is well-known for being the birthplace of Bourbon as a bluegrass plantation and has been producing more than 20 million barrels since the 1850s. You might want to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to observe the history of bourbon in Louisville.

7. Louisville AKA Derby City

Image Credit: Unsplash

It’s impossible to talk about Louisville without mentioning the Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, which almost always falls on the first Saturday in May.

Other nicknames of the event such as “The Run for the Roses”, stemming from the blanket of roses draped over the winning horse, and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” or “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”.

But don’t be fooled. Although the race takes place in a mere two minutes, Kentucky Derby holds the record for best attendance in North America, surpassing other stakes races such as the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup.

So when you’re living in Louisville, KY, be sure to join in the fun and catch the Kentucky Derby!

8. Weather & Climate

Before moving to Louisville, be prepared to experience four distinct seasons, similar to Indianapolis.

Spring typically begins in mid-to-late March, hot and humid summer from mid-to-late-May to late September, with fall in October–November.

Winter in Louisville typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing, with several days of low temperatures of about 10 °F (−12 °C).

Rainfall is fairly consistent year-round, though spring and summer are the wettest seasons in Louisville.

Louisville is also known to be vulnerable to flooding and tornadoes, so do read through the available resources to be well-informed on what to do in the event of a natural catastrophe.

Conclusion About Moving To Louisville Insider Guide

Louisville is a city with plenty of history, art, entertainment and natural beauty to offer. Louisville KY moving tips are summarized in this article so you can make the most informed decision for your relocation needs. From the job market to neighbourhoods that will best suit your family’s needs, we cover all the bases here! If you want help moving or relocating to Louisville, KY, be sure to engage Sanelo today!

Find out more about nearby cities like Cincinnati, Columbus and Pittsburgh through our guides!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moving To Louisville

What Outdoor Recreation And Parks Does Louisville Provide?

Louisville offers many outdoor activities and parks such as

If you are an outdoor person that lives and breathes adventures, relocating to Louisville might be one of your top choices in your relocation list.

What Are Some Notable Schools and Universities In Louisville?

Louisville is home to several institutions of higher learning, including the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University, Jefferson Community and Technical College and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.

Whether you are a student, someone planning to have a family or perhaps, you already have a family, moving to Louisville, KY, might just be one of the best decisions for consideration.

How Much Would It Cost To Move To Louisville?

Here at Sanelo, we understand that the cost of moving is of utmost importance to you. As such, we have provided some resources for you to obtain a not-to-exceed estimate, be it international moving or local moving.

Would My Items Be Well Protected During The Move?

Yes! Sanelo holds on to the belief that there’s no such thing as anyone’s belongings being anything less than personal. Learn more about our shipment protection.

Contact us today!

ESTIMATE ENQUIRY FORM

For what moves you