Thinking about making the move to Louisville, KY? Prepare yourself to be southern-charmed!
As the largest city in the state of Kentucky, Louisville has so much to offer. From its lively arts scene and historic neighborhoods to its famous Southern hospitality, there’s so much to do, see, and explore when you live in this area. But before you dive into all that Derby City charm, it’s helpful to know a few things that can make your transition smoother.
Whether you’re curious about the best spots to live, what the locals love to eat, or just how to navigate your new home, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore everything you need to know before calling Louisville your new home!
It’s Getting Hot in Here: Climate Considerations
So you’re in the south now — but does that mean temperature-wise?
Well, you can still expect four distinct seasons, but with a mild winter and hot, sticky summers to round the full year out. Hottest temps will be reached in the July/August months, but don’t worry — those summer thunderstorms will roll in regularly to cool things off all year long!
What’s the Job Market Like in Louisville?
When it comes to the job market in Derby City, there are a ton of opportunities just waiting for you. Some of the largest employers in the area include the United Parcel Service (UPS), Humana Inc., and Ford Motor Co.
Jefferson County Public Schools also employ quite a few faculty and staff positions, as well as the nearby University of Louisville.
There are plenty of healthcare opportunities in the area, too. As the regional hub for hospitals and clinics, you will find Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, University of Louisville Health — Jewish Hospital and Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, as well as the University of Louisville Hospital that employ a full range of positions.
Housing & Rental Market Outlooks
It’s no surprise that Kentucky’s housing and rental markets are growing — with lower prices than the national average to boot!
Currently, the average rent in Louisville is around $1346 (lower than the national average of $2108). The housing market has tons of activity surrounding it, too!
While the housing market continues to be competitive (selling often in less than a month!), the median home price rests around $259k. That’s 41% lower than the national average — and this, paired with the 6% lower cost of living associated with the Louisville area, makes for a promising future for you and your family.
Educational Opportunities
Living in the Louisville, KY area means having access to fantastic educational opportunities for everyone in the family! From top-notch public and private schools for the kids to well-respected universities like the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University, there’s something for every learner.
Plus, if you’re into lifelong learning or looking to learn new skills, there are plenty of community programs, vocational schools, and fun enrichment courses to explore. Whether you’re aiming for a degree or just want to learn something new, Louisville’s got you covered!
Arts & Entertainment for All Ages
There are more than 120 local attractions in the Louisville area, so you’re not likely to get bored anytime soon. Whether you’re excited to explore the famous Churchill Downs and associated Kentucky Derby Museum, or exploring the area where Muhammad Ali grew up at the Muhammad Ali Center on a self-guided tour, the possibilities are endless.
Here are a few things to add to your Louisville bucket list:
- Take a ride on the oldest operating steamboat, the Belle of Louisville
- Visit the Louisville Zoo to see a range of different animals and attractions
- Check out the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to get some hands-on experience with the most iconic baseball accessory to date
- Stop by the Louisville Mega Cavern for an underground adventure like no other
- Admire the Speed Art Museum’s permanent collection on a rainy day
- Spend a hot day soaking up the sun & splashing around at Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Let’s Talk Sports
It’s no surprise that Louisville is still home to a variety of major and minor league professional teams, as well as college sports teams, including:
- Louisville Bats (Class AAA Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds)
- Louisville City FC (USL Championship League)
- Racing Louisville FC (National Women’s Soccer League)
- University of Louisville Cardinals (NCAA Division I)
- Bellarmine University Knights (NCAA Division I)
- Spalding University Golden Eagles (NCAA Division II)
Most famously known for being home to Churchill Downs and the annual Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks horse racing events, there are plenty of other equestrian sporting events to enjoy throughout the year.
Food & Drink in Louisville
If there’s one thing you should know about Louisville, it’s that this city loves its bourbon. And while you don’t need to be a professional Bourbon connoisseur to join in on the fun — you might just be one when you leave! Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon veteran or just love exploring new flavors, there’s something here for everyone.
Some famous distilleries to add to your Bourbon Trail list include:
- Stitzel-Weller Distillery
- Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
- Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Woodford Distillery
- Four Roses Distillery
- Wild Turkey Distillery
- Old Forester Distillery
But Louisville is also a dream come true for food enthusiasts, too. Regularly enjoy a meal at one of the many local restaurants serving up everything from farm-to-table dishes to good old Southern comfort food. And don’t miss the food festivals—like Bourbon & Beyond—where you can indulge in tasty bites, drinks, and live music. If you’re looking for a great meal or a fun night out, Louisville has got you covered!
Let Morningstar Storage Help You Make the Move to the Louisville Area
No matter why you’ve decided to call the Louisville area home for the foreseeable future, moving to a new city can be an overwhelming situation for even the most prepared person.
Let Morningstar Storage help make your transition that much easier. With multiple locations throughout the Louisville metro area, our team of dedicated storage experts can help to keep your things safe and secure while you look for a new place to call home. Learn more about all the ways Morningstar Storage can help you get adjusted — find your nearest Morningstar location to get started.