When you think of Kentucky, the first things that come to mind are probably the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Fried Chicken. Known for its distinct culture in horse racing, bourbon, bluegrass music and southern cuisine. Kentucky offers a rural and quiet way of life or the opportunity to live in a big city. The average home price in Kentucky is around $197,458, so the cost of living is fairly low compared to other states. With a population of 4,512,310, Kentucky is a small state with a lot of history.

The state is slightly diverse, with eight percent of Black residents and it’s an excellent place for raising Black families. Homeownership is more accessible in this state because of the low cost of living and the quiet suburbs. The state also stands out as a great place to live because of its gorgeous landscapes, warm and inviting communities, restaurant scene and sports.

Discover Southern hospitality with this list of the best places to live in Kentucky.

Louisville

• Population: 62,444
• Public School Rating: B
• Average Home Price: $255,000
• Walkability: Moderate

By far the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville sits at a population of 624,444. As Kentucky’s modern metropolitan area, Louisville offers locally-owned restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, derby shows and more. The average home price in Louisville is $255,000 with the housing market being somewhat competitive. Neighborhoods tend to be walkable and transit-friendly

For Black Families: Over 24 percent of Black residents live in Louisville. It’s a great place to raise families because of the many kid-friendly attractions including the Kentucky Science Center, multiple parks, museums and more.

For Young Professionals: Because it’s the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville is one of the best places to live in Kentucky for young professionals. Louisville is less expensive to live in than other major cities in the U.S., with $1,212 being the average rent for apartments. Breweries, bourbon distilleries, outdoor recreational activities, brunch spots and shopping attract young professionals to the area. The average salary for professionals in Louisville is $52,310, just slightly less than the national average. Product manufacturing, electrician, engineering and health care jobs are among some of the most popular industries in the city.

Lexington

• Population: 320,347
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $289,234
• Walkability: Low to moderate

Home to the University of Kentucky is Lexington, Kentucky’s second-largest city with a population of over 320,000 people. The typical home value in Lexington is $289,234, making this an affordable city for families, couples and singles. Lexington’s housing market is very competitive with many homes selling in a little less than a month.

For Black Families: For families wanting to live in a city that is large, but not too large, Lexington is the perfect place to raise a family. With a diverse population, over 14 percent of Black residents live in Lexington, which is around 46,000 out of Lexington’s population.

For Young Professionals: Because Kentucky’s major university is in Lexington, this city is the perfect place for young professionals to thrive. With many bars, coffee shops, restaurants and nightclubs in the city, many young graduates and professionals enjoy living here. The job market and economy in Lexington is stable, with the average salary being $50,030, around $8,000 lower than the national average. Thanks to Lexington’s diverse industries, many professionals have the opportunity to work in the agriculture, health care, technology, manufacturing and higher education sectors.

Frankfort

• Population: 28,391
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $205,000
• Walkability: Low to moderate

Lying in between Kentucky’s largest cities, Louisville and Lexington, is Frankfort, the state’s capital. Known for its rich history and culture, Frankfort has a population of over 28,000. This small city is filled with parks, trendy restaurants, distilleries and outdoor activities by the Kentucky River. Frankfort offers a suburban feel with the average home price being around $205,000. Because of its close proximity to Kentucky’s major cities, the housing market is very competitive because the cost of living is lower compared to other areas of Kentucky.

For Black Families: A little over 5,000 Black residents live in Frankfort, making the Black population in this area around 14 percent. Frankfort has many family-friendly neighborhoods along with places like the aquatic center, wildlife education center, candy museum and more.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals looking to live in a smaller city with a lower cost of living, Frankfort is the perfect area. With an average rent of around $1,130, the cost of living is much lower and this city is a great option for those who work in either Louisville or Lexington.

Fort Thomas

• Population: 17,133
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $283,000
• Walkability: Moderate

Known for its beautiful homes and rich military history, Fort Thomas is one of the best places to live in Kentucky. The excellent public school system in Fort Thomas, along with the family-friendly suburbs, draw families to this area. Just a short drive from Cincinnati, Ohio, Fort Thomas is the perfect location. The area offers access to a large city while being a small town. The average price of a home in Fort Thomas is over $283,000, and the housing market is very competitive, meaning this is an affordable city that people are continuing to move to.

For Black Families: Black residents make up 0.7 percent of the population in Fort Thomas. While less diverse than other Kentucky cities, the good thing about living in this area is the close proximity to Cincinnati, which is incredibly diverse. Fort Thomas also has a lot of family fun attractions from water parks to aquariums.

For Young Professionals: For young professionals, Fort Thomas is a great place to live for those who work in Cincinnati but want to live in a smaller and less expensive area. Fort Thomas offers small boutiques and bookstores to explore. Just a 20-minute drive to Cincinnati, living here allows you to go to the city whenever you want.