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See how Kentucky cities make national lists for friendliness and lifestyle

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights how cities in Kentucky earn recognition for their friendliness, lifestyle and livability on national lists.

Paducah and Henderson appear among the friendliest towns in the South, reflecting welcoming communities in Kentucky.

Newport stands out as one of the nation's best historic small towns, showing how Kentucky blends history with quality of life.

Lexington earns national attention both as a top place to visit and as one of the best affordable cities to retire, supported by its cost of living at 9% below the national average.

Southern Living editors also named Lexington their top travel destination, and Red River Gorge received praise for its natural wonders and growing tourism appeal.

Read the stories below.

Clarks River is photographed in Paducah, Ky., on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 1: SOUTHERN LIVING SAYS 2 KENTUCKY SPOTS ARE AMONG THE ‘FRIENDLIEST TOWNS’ IN THE SOUTH

The publication reviewed 20,000 reader responses for the ranking. | Published May 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Meredith Howard

Horses stand in a field at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

NO. 2: SOUTHERN LIVING EDITORS SELECTED A KENTUCKY SPOT AS THE BEST PLACE THEY TRAVELED IN 2024

Another locale in the Bluegrass State also made the top 10 list. | Published December 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Newport on the Levee and the Purple People Bridge seen from Mt. Adams Sunday, May 26, 2023. By Cara Owsley/The Enquirer

NO. 3: A KENTUCKY SPOT IS AMONG THE NATION’S ‘BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS,’ RANKING STATES

It was once known as “Sin City” and a hotbed for Prohibition-era gangsters. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

A horse stands in a field at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 4: FORBES SAYS KENTUCKY CITY IS AMONG TOP 25 BEST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO RETIRE IN US

The cost of living is significantly lower than national average. | Published May 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.