Located on the border of Kentucky and Indiana, on the banks of the Ohio River, Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky. Famous for being the home of the Kentucky Derby, the city is steeped in history and serves as a cultural and financial hub.
With stunning natural surroundings and a friendly atmosphere, the city has become a popular choice for renters in recent years. But for anyone who hasn’t yet made the move, it’s important to know if Louisville is the right choice.
With that in mind, here are 5 things to ask before moving to Louisville.
1. Does Louisville Have a Diverse Job Market?
Louisville’s economy is driven by a number of key sectors, with job opportunities for people of various professional backgrounds. Some of the largest industries include manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and education. Around 75% of the workforce works in white-collar roles, and just under 8% of workers are self-employed.
United Parcel Service (UPS) is one of the biggest employers in the city, with a workforce of more than 26,000. But, with around a third of all American Bourbon being produced in the city, Louisville is particularly famous for Bourbon production. Several distilleries and related businesses operate in and around Louisville, providing a variety of specialist jobs.
2. What Kind of Homes Are Available in Louisville?
At around 64% of the total stock, detached, single-family homes make up the majority of Louisville’s housing landscape. Smaller attached options, such as duplexes and townhouses, make up just over 4% of the stock, while multifamily buildings, such as condos and apartments, add up to about 30% of the stock.
The median construction age of homes in Louisville is 1965, though just under 20% of residential dwellings in the city were built after 2000, and 13.5% were built before 1940. This provides a good mix of old and new, and caters to the differing tastes of renters who may be seeking anything from modern, open-plan homes to charming older houses that ooze character.
3. Does Louisville Experience Extreme Weather?
For the most part, Louisville doesn’t experience weather extremes that are common in other parts of the country. Having said that, due to its location, Louisville does occasionally suffer from tornadoes, with warnings occurring year-round, but predominantly in late spring. However, they don’t often touch down in the city, and the ones that do tend to be fairly small.
Typically, the city enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers tend to be hot and humid, and while temperatures typically average out at 88 degrees, there may be short periods where temperatures reach the high 90s or even creep into the 100s. Winters are cold and often bring a mix of rain and sleet, with occasional snow and freezing temperatures.
Locals will often say the weather is changeable in Louisville, and a popular saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Louisville, just wait 15 minutes!”.
4. How Easy Is It To Get Around Louisville?
On the whole, Louisville is considered a rather car-dependent city, although there are exceptions. Those living in the suburbs will almost certainly rely on a car to get around easily, but several central areas are extremely walkable/bikeable, such as Downtown, the Central Business District, Phoenix Hill, Highlands, and Old Louisville, for example.
In terms of public transport, TARC (the Transit Authority of River City) provides a mix of bus routes and a downtown trolley service. There are regular routes in central Louisville, but they become fewer and farther between towards the suburbs. Locals can also make use of electric bike and scooter share programs.
5. What Fun Activities Are There To Do in Louisville?
Louisville is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and there’s no shortage of national and city parks in and around the city. Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, archery, and camping are just some of the outdoor pursuits that locals can indulge in at places such as the Parklands of Floyds Fork or Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Alternatively, why not try out the local culinary scene? With over 2,500 restaurants and food trucks to choose from, and Southern delicacies such as Burgoo Stew as well as international fusions, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
Meanwhile, a stroll through Old Louisville, the largest Victorian architecture district in the country, takes in numerous fascinating buildings, with plenty of cafes and bakeries to stop at along the way. Finally, the city plays host to plenty of exciting festivals and events throughout the year. The Kentucky Derby is the most well-known, but there’s also the Kentucky State Fair, and regular live music events in venues along the iconic Bardstown Road.
Image credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
