10 Best Places To Live In Kentucky In 2025

Kentucky ranks as one of the best states to live in because of its affordable housing, lower cost of living, and low property taxes. It also comprises small, safe cities that attract young families because of their attractions, sites, and friendly communities. This list of the 10 best places to live in Kentucky in 2025 takes into account educational systems, lower crime rates, and overall atmosphere. Numerous state parks, lakes, and other outdoor attractions also exist, and many smaller communities embrace this adventurous spirit. Several annual festivals and live events celebrate this unique, historical state, which draws the community together to celebrate their heritage and create new memories. The Bluegrass State has a lot to offer new and current residents and should be considered by anyone looking to move to the South.

Franklin

Franklin has a lot to offer its residents, including a living cost that is 12% less than the national average and a sound public-school system. It is also an artsy town with historic roots and a close distance between the entertainment hubs of Nashville, Tennessee, and Bowling Green, Kentucky. There are live horse races, numerous museums, other cultural attractions, and downtown shopping and dining options.

Franklin is also attractive because it has a decent housing market with a median home price in the mid- to upper-$200,000s, appealing to new families and young professionals. There is also a good mixture of work opportunities, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, with an average commute under 20 minutes. Franklin has a strong job market, with lower average rent and mortgages, and provides a small-town atmosphere just a short distance from large entertainment hubs, making it one of the best places to live in Kentucky in 2025.

Georgetown

Historic Georgetown is a charming city with five historic districts, 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and a population of less than 40,000. The average cost of living is about 9% below the national average, with the typical housing cost at $265,000. It also has a vibrant job market, primarily in the auto sector, because of Toyota and other manufacturing opportunities. It is also known as the Horse Capital of the World and offers cultural and historical attractions.

Family-friendly attractions include the area known as the "backroads," featuring horse farms, Irish fieldstone fences, and the Elkhorn and Eagle creeks. It is considered a safe location for families and has a sound healthcare system, including Georgetown Community Hospital, with a high rating. The school system, including the college, also ranks high, which is a good option to consider if moving to Kentucky.

Covington

Covington is a tight-knit community with historical and cultural attractions and easy access to Cincinnati. It is affordable, with an average cost of living 12% less than the national average and a median house price much lower than that; some estimates, such as Redfin, peg it at almost 50% lower! It is a good choice for families because the public schools rank higher than the state average, and the average utility bill is less than $200 monthly.

The small community offers many recreational opportunities for the end of the work week. Attractions include museums like the Behringer-Crawford Museum and beautiful houses of worship such as St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. "The Cov" has a friendly, outdoor community, and there are many weekend events at the Riverfront Amphitheater and the Convention Center on Madison Avenue. There is public transportation and reasonable commute times, and, combined with its labor force and other attractions, it is among the best towns to live in in 2025.

Berea

Scenic Berea is framed by natural beauty and an outdoor community that likes to have fun. It is also famous as the Folk Arts and Crafts capital of Kentucky, which is on display at the Artisan Village in "Old Town." The vibrant town also ranks high for residents, with an average cost of living 16.1% lower than the national average and an average home price of $195,900.

Berea has a decent medical system that provides a range of services, including St. Joseph Berea, which recently received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for quality in 2023. It also offers many recreational activities, including outdoor adventure in the Appalachian Mountains and cultural attractions at one of its many arts festivals. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and should top the list of those looking to move.

Frankfort

Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky and an excellent choice for a move in 2025. It is an affordable city for residents, having an 8.3% lower cost of living score than the national average. Median home prices are around $191,000, 43.5% lower than the national average, making Frankfort a wise choice for new families and young professionals. Another attractive option for families is the public-school ranking, with Great Schools awarding them the College Success Award.

Frankfort also has many local attractions and a beautiful and vibrant downtown area filled with red-brick buildings and bright colors. A fun way to get around is by taking the Frankfort Trolley, which makes a 45-minute loop around Historic Downtown. The area doubles as the Art Capital of Kentucky, with public exhibits and murals. A walking tour will show you the historic Liberty Hall and the landmark sculpture, the Floral Clock, comprised of over 10,000 flowers.

Paris

Paris is a small community with a charming atmosphere and is considered one of the best places to live in 2025. Its quaint Southern charm and low cost of living make it an attractive option. The total cost of food, housing, and other necessities is 18% below the national average, making it affordable for new families or those on a budget.

The public-school systems are ranked high, ranging from pre-K to High School. The community features numerous family-friendly things to do, such as the Bourbon Drive-in Theatre, Hopewell Museum, and the annual Pumpkin Festival. Mustard Hill should be one of the first places to visit. It is a historic campus surrounded by meticulous horse farms and exudes the spirit of the Bluegrass Region. If you want to relocate to Kentucky, Paris should be on your list of charming, affordable cities with many fun attractions.

Campbellsville

Campbellsville offers a classic Americana feel with its quaint downtown district lined with small, brick commercial structures and a friendly community. It is known for Campbell University, the robust Taylor Regional Hospital, and its proximity to Green River State Park. The healthcare system, cost of living, and public-school systems are just a few reasons it is one of the best towns in 2025.

The cost of living is just under 27% lower than the national average, and Campbellsville High School ranks 3,550th in the nation and 40th in the state, according to US News. The average house cost is $163,000, an astounding 51% less than the national average, making it a prime market for those starting and those on a budget. The city offers a pleasant mix of outdoor activities like fishing, watersports, and cultural interests, particularly Civil War sites.

Elizabethtown

Scenic Elizabethtown is known for its historical attractions, connection to Abraham Lincoln, and pivotal role as a Civil War railroad waypoint. It is also an affordable city with a small-town mindset and one of the best towns to consider for a move in 2025. BestPlaces gives it a score of 82.8, meaning its overall transportation, food, and other costs are 17.2% lower than the US average.

Typical homes cost, on average, $222,400, considerably less than the national average of $338,100. There is also a robust healthcare system, with US News giving Baptist Health Hardin a high-performance rating based on procedures and conditions. The town boasts many family-friendly attractions like Elizabethtown Nature Park, Hardin County History Museum, and more than 100 restaurants, including The Cafe and J.R. Neighbors.

Richmond

Richmond is a charming community with a compact, Southern downtown on the banks of the Kentucky River. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living is 16.1% lower than the national average, with the typical home costing $249,300. It is a good community for families, and Great Schools ranks the middle and elementary schools reasonably high.

The small town also offers quick commutes and a reputable health care system. US News ranks Baptist Health Richmond four out of five stars for its patient experience and medical-surgical ICU. There are many fun things to do at the end of the work week, which is appealing to those looking to move here, such as Paradise Cove Aquatic Center and Battlefield Park. The park is ideal for history buffs and explores the landmark Battle of Richmond.

Paducah

Paducah is famous as a commercial maritime hub because of its location at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers. It is also known for its vibrant Art District and cultural vibe, with UNESCO deeming it a Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art, primarily for its National Quilt Museum. According to Payscale, Paducah's cost of living is 6.1% lower than the national average, and the median home price is in the mid- to upper-$200,000s.

Paducah has a thriving healthcare system, and US News ranks Baptist Health as a high performer in procedures and conditions. It is a good community for children, and many elementary, middle, and high schools have a five-star rating on Great Schools. Attractions range from cultural venues like the National Quilt Museum to historic sites such as the Lloyd Tilghman House and the Civil War Museum.

Kentucky is among the best states in the Union to live in because of its job market, lower property taxes, and family-friendly communities. There are also many outdoor and historical attractions to see, and many of these communities celebrate these events with community events, making the small towns even more charming. These ten cities are among the best places to move in 2025 because of the cost of living, educational opportunities, and fun communities.

The 10 best places to live in Kentucky in 2025 are relatively small cities that maintain a community atmosphere and offer many outdoor attractions and family-friendly venues, an essential consideration for any move. The venues are interpreted between many historical sites and homes, especially Civil War locations. The quaint downtown districts offer distinct restaurants and local shopping offers that give them a traditional, down-home feel, which is attractive to many families.