Guide to Neighborhoods in Louisville, Kentucky

IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Are you considering buying a property in or moving to Louisville, KY?

Louisville is an urban city with a population of around 1 million people. This community, which is located on the banks of the Ohio River, has entered the national consciousness with its thriving arts scene, a wealth of history and a host of different festivals.

Louisville has a growing number of festivals every year. There is something for every taste, including numerous art fairs, the legendary Kentucky Derby, Humana Festival of New American Plays and the world’s largest annual zombie walk.

Louisville offers a great quality of life for its residents. The people are friendly and there are many recreational opportunities in the area. For instance, there are beautiful parks, basketball courts and walking paths with prime views of the Ohio River.

Now, we are going to take a closer look at the various neighborhoods in Louisville. Learn more about the city’s districts to know what options you have on the table when relocating or investing in the area.

#1: THE HIGHLANDS

This is one of the first neighborhoods in the city. The Highlands is especially famous for its district called the Restaurant Row. You can find many top-class dining opportunities in the area.

Compared to other Louisville KY neighborhoods, the property sale and rent prices are higher. The bigger costs are justified as The Highlands provide plenty of entertainment, nightlife and food options.

#2: GERMANTOWN

Located a few minutes from Downtown Louisville, Germantown is a diverse neighborhood due to its mix of young urban residents and a more traditional, older population. It has some of the most delicious eats in the city.

downtown louisville at sunset

This neighborhood gets its name from the influx of German immigrants in the late 19th century. The early history of Germantown is reflected in numerous historic places across the community.

#3: OLD LOUISVILLE

Old Louisville is a historic district in Louisville that is very close to the downtown. In the last few years, this neighborhood has been regarded as a place with an up-and-coming atmosphere.

The walkability is great in this neighborhood of Louisville. This community is closely tied to the city’s history and features a range of architectural styles. You can see homes boasting Victorian, Queen Anne Italianate and Federal aesthetics.

#4: SOUTH END

South End is one of the more traditional Louisville KY neighborhoods. In recent years, this neighborhood has undergone a renaissance, as young families have started to move into this community.

This neighborhood has great international dining options and is home to the South Points Scenic Area. This is a beautiful space located next to the Ohio River. It has a lot of recreational opportunities for outdoorsy types of all ages.

#5: CRESCENT HILL

Crescent Hill is a family-friendly area about four miles east of Louisville. There is an outstanding selection of public schools that deliver excellent education, together with private schools such as Boyce College.

Similarly to some other communities in the Louisville area, you’ll find plenty of options for spending time in the fresh air. Thurston Park and Seneca Park are great for spending time outdoors. Cochran Hill Dog Run is a well-kept dog park for residents with pets.

#6: CLIFTON

Clifton is a beautiful neighborhood that is easy to walk around. The cobble-stoned streets are lined with dining spots and trendy boutique stores. There is even the craft beer mecca called Apocalypse Brew Works.

close view of apartment building exterior

The area’s name is derived from its location on the Ohio River valley escarpment. Almost all of the homes in this neighborhood have been built in Victorian styles. Clifton has become one of the most desirable locations for real estate in Louisville.

#7: BUTCHERTOWN

Butchertown is an old Louisville neighborhood that has sprung back to life in recent years. This is an artsy, trendy area that is home to several small businesses, including shops with bourbon-inspired products and the brandy distillery, Copper & Kings.

The location of Butchertown is just east of Downtown Louisville. It’s bounded by I-71, I-65 and Main Street. The beautiful community has a lot of prime real estate picks for vintage home lovers.

#8: EAST MARKET DISTRICT

The East Market District, also known as NuLu and New Louisville, is a “happening” neighborhood that has become a hotspot in the last decade. This area of Louisville features boutique stores, art spaces, specialty shops and restaurants that use only local produce.

NuLu is your best pick if you prefer a trendier area of town. The buildings in this area are constantly being renovated to create more hip retail space and housing opportunities.

#9: ST. MATTHEWS

Located in the East End along with The Highlands, St. Matthews is a nice place for families. It’s located around eight miles from the downtown, creating a cozy suburban setting for raising children.

aerial view of subdivision

St. Matthews is notable for its shopping selection as well. The two largest malls in Louisville are situated in St Matthews: Oxmoor Mall and Mall St Matthews. The latter is the second-largest mall in the state of Kentucky.

IN A NUTSHELL: LOUISVILLE KY NEIGHBORHOODS

Louisville is a trendy city in Kentucky that has been on the rise in recent years. As a real estate destination, Louisville offers a variety of neighborhoods with differing styles.

You get hip and trendy areas like NuLu and Butchertown, historic neighborhoods such as Germantown and Old Louisville and communities that are great for families like Crescent Hill. There is tremendous variety, which makes Louisville an appreciated place among property investors. If you are interested in property in one of these areas, contact Alltrade and we can help with your property management needs.

These are the top neighborhoods of Louisville:

  • East Market District or NuLu
  • South End
  • The Highlands
  • Butchertown
  • St. Matthews
  • Old Louisville
  • Germantown
  • Clifton
  • Crescent Hill