Local

Explore why Kentucky cities are gaining spotlight for livability and growth

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights why Kentucky cities are drawing attention for livability and new growth.

Lexington ranks as a top place to live nationwide and brought in $54 million last year through Airbnb stays. Southern Living recently picked Lexington and Red River Gorge as must-visit destinations for travel. New residents flock to Eastern Kentucky for lower taxes, more space, and lower housing costs. Towns like Paducah and Henderson gain recognition for friendliness and hospitality, while Lexington also stands out as one of the best cities in America to buy a home.

Read the stories below.

Vehicles drive along West Main Street in downtown Lexington, Ky., on Friday, July 24, 2020. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 1: LOVE LEXINGTON? IT’S ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE COUNTRY TO LIVE, US NEWS & WORLD SAYS

Here’s why it ranked among the top 25 cities across the U.S. | Published May 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

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

NO. 2: 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

The sun sets in Harlan County, Ky., on Thursday, June 13, 2024. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 3: LOWER TAXES, MORE SPACE, BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE BRINGING NEW RESIDENTS TO EASTERN KENTUCKY

The region has lost population for decades, but the rise of remote work has enabled some people to move in as well in recent years. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bill Estep

In this stock image, a “for sale” sign stands outside a home on the market. By fstop123

NO. 4: POPULAR REVIEW WEBSITE CALLS LEXINGTON ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO BUY A HOME. IS IT?

How much house you can get in Fayette County for the median home price? Look at three on the market. | Published July 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Kroger Field, on the University of Kentucky campus and home of the Kentucky Wildcats, is photographed Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 5: THESE ARE THE TOP COLLEGES IN KENTUCKY, REPORT SAYS. SEE WHICH UNIVERSITIES MADE TOP 10

The University of Kentucky ranked high, but one small private college has it beat for value. | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by amudd@herald-leader.comAaron Mudd

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

NO. 6: 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

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.