How walkable is Lexington? These are the 10 most walkable neighborhoods and areas
Lexington and Fayette County are defined by a “hub and spoke” network of highways, which over the years has expanded to accommodate more vehicular traffic, at times at the expense of becoming less walkable.
For those biking, the city has more than 120 miles of trail to ride, but pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is featured more prominently in some areas then others.
A recent analysis from Walk Score, which is aimed at promoting neighborhoods friendly to pedestrians, highlighted some of the best places for a stroll around the city. Overall, Lexington and Fayette County have a Walk Score of 34, making Lexington a “car dependent” city where owning a vehicle is a must.
Still, between the massive roads often clogged with traffic at rush hour, there are some highly walkable areas around town, even two that are considered a “walker’s paradise” by the website.
Here’s what to know about Lexington’s more pedestrian-friendly spots and what they’re known for:
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About Walk Score
The company Walk Score, a subsidiary of the real estate website Redfin, collects and interprets data using its own methodology that helps determine the walkability of ZIP codes throughout the U.S. and some cities abroad.
When grading how walkable a neighborhood is, Walk Score takes into consideration proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, medical services, schools and even restaurants. It also takes into account population density, how long blocks are and how dense intersections can get.
Note: Walk Score is measured on a scale from 0 to 100 broken out into five classifications. Here’s what those scores mean:
0-24: Car dependent, where almost all errands require a car
25-49: Car dependent, but only most errands require a car
50-69: Somewhat walkable, meaning some errands can be done by foot
70-89: Very walkable, meaning most errands can be completed by foot
90-100: Walker’s paradise, meaning daily errands do not require a car
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Historic South Hill
Walk Score: 94/100 Walker’s paradise
Where to go for a walk: The small but bustling historic South Hill neighborhood is a walker’s paradise, but if you’re looking to experience the best this part of Lexington has to offer, take a stroll down South Upper Street. You’ll pass by the charming, historic homes that fill the neighborhood, as well as local businesses, restaurants and cafes.
Distance: 0.5 mile
Downtown
Walk Score: 93/100 Walker’s paradise
Where to go for a walk: Though there is plenty to see and do throughout downtown Lexington, West Main Street is where most of the action is happening. Along this street you’ll find local businesses, restaurants, bars and cafes. You’ll also pass by cultural sites like the Mary Todd House, the Explorium of Lexington children’s museum, the Kentucky Theatre and more.
Distance: 0.6 mile
Aylesford Place-Woodland Park
Walk Score: 89/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: Woodland Park, Lexington’s oldest park, has been known since the 1900s for its aquatic center, which now has a diving pool, a 25-meter lap pool and the new “Paradise Lagoon,” a water play feature designed for children. In addition to the aquatic center, Woodland Park also has a year-round skate park and a playground.
Size: 19 acres
Columbia Heights
Walk Score: 87/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: On the western border of Columbia Heights is the University of Kentucky’s campus, which has a network of sidewalks and paved pathways that help students and neighbors navigate the area. The tree-lined walkways cut through fields and pass by prestigious buildings, including the William T. Young Library.
Size: 918 acres
Ashland Park
Walk Score: 84/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: The history of the Ashland Park neighborhood begins with Henry Clay, who purchased land in the area in the early 1800s and set up his farm and estate. Today, the Henry Clay Estate gives visitors gardens and an arboretum to explore while taking a look into Lexington’s history, including the truth that Henry Clay was a slave owner who had enslaved around 120 people in his lifetime.
Size: 600 acres
Ohio-Chestnut Street
Walk Score: 80/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: Connect with food and nature in a new way at the Ohio Street Community Garden. The Ohio Street Community Garden is a free garden where visitors can pick whatever is ripe.
Size: 6,000 square feet
North Upper Street
Walk Score: 80/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: Gratz Park is a narrow green space lined with historic homes and buildings, giving a lot of charm. In addition to being a place for a serene walk, it’s also home to the Carnegie Center for Literacy, where people of all ages can continue their literary learning.
Size: 2.10 acres
Eastside
Walk Score: 77/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: Charles Young Park offers visitors a family friendly park with plenty of activities for all ages.The new “Splash!” splash pad lets children cool off on hot days. There’s also a playground, a multi-use ball court and open green space to go for a walk or enjoy a picnic.
Size: 3.6 acres
South Broadway Park
Walk Score: 76/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: South of South Broadway Park is Elizabeth Street Park, a wooded park with a paved trail, a playground, a basketball court and a picnic area.
Size: 3.3 acres
Hollywood - Mt. Vernon
Walk Score: 75/100 Very walkable
Where to go for a walk: Open from dawn to dusk, the Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is free to everyone who wants to take a stroll through the garden’s native and horticultural plant collections.
Size: 100 acres
Central service journalism reporter Aaron Mudd contributed to this report.
