📍 About LEX & Lexington
Lexington, KY is known as the "Horse Capital of the World" and offers a great balance of city amenities, college town culture, and peaceful suburban and rural surroundings. It’s a welcoming place with vibrant local life, making it great for singles, couples, and families alike.
🏡 Where to Live
Lexington – Singles & Couples
- Downtown – Lively, walkable, close to bars and restaurants.
- Chevy Chase – Trendy, historic homes, near UK campus.
- Beaumont Centre – Newer condos, shopping & restaurants.
Lexington – Families
- Hamburg – Newer subdivisions, retail nearby, good schools.
- Andover Forest – Safe, quiet, family-friendly area.
- Masterson Station – Affordable, spacious homes.
- Tates Creek – Suburban, established, lots of green space.
🚗 Commute Times to LEX
- 10–20 min: Hamburg, Tates Creek, Masterson Station, Andover Forest
- 20–30 min: Georgetown, Nicholasville
- 30–45 min: Richmond, Versailles
🎓 Top School Districts
- Fayette County Public Schools – Strong overall performance
- Jessamine County Schools – Good suburban school options
- Scott County Schools – Well-rated, family-oriented
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Kentucky Horse Park: Equine education and events
- Red River Gorge: Hiking, rock climbing, camping (1.5 hrs)
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary: Great trails and wildlife
- Lake Cumberland: Boating and recreation (2 hrs)
🏛️ Cultural & Indoor Fun
- Downtown Lexington: Bars, UK basketball, Rupp Arena
- Distillery Tours: Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and more
- Museums: Explorium, Aviation Museum of Kentucky
- Shopping: Fayette Mall, Hamburg Pavilion
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Blue Grass Airport (LEX): On-site tower location
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG): ~1.5 hrs – major hub
- Louisville Muhammad Ali Intl (SDF): ~1.25 hrs – international service
💰 Cost of Living
- Median Home Price: ~$300,000
- Rent: 1BR ~$1,000/mo, 2BR ~$1,300/mo
- Utilities: ~$160–$200/month
- Groceries & Dining: 5–10% below national average
- Taxes: State income tax is ~5%
🚇 Transportation & Traffic
- No commuter rail. City is drivable and relatively low traffic.
- New Circle Rd: Main traffic loop around Lexington
- I-75 & I-64: Main interstate access for regional travel
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- UK Chandler Hospital – Level 1 trauma and teaching hospital
- Baptist Health Lexington – Large regional medical center
- Urgent Care: Concentra, Baptist Express Care, UK Urgent Care
🫂 Community & Social Life
- Young Professionals: Downtown nightlife, UK alumni network
- Families: Parks, rec leagues, school events
- Faith/Volunteer: Strong church and nonprofit presence
🍽️ Food & Dining
- Downtown: Carson’s, Jeff Ruby’s, Pies & Pints
- Chevy Chase: Local cafes, bakeries, breweries
- BBQ & Southern Eats: Red State BBQ, Ramsey’s, Drake’s
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Live nearby: Hamburg or Masterson Station are popular with staff
- Shifts: Plan for mids and variable days off — be flexible!
- Networking: LEX controllers are tight-knit — ask around early
📦 Moving Tips
- Peak rentals: Spring and late summer — plan ahead
- Snow gear: Not usually necessary — rare major storms
- Best movers: Wildcat Moving, Two Men and a Truck
❓ FAQs
- Is Lexington safe?
Yes, especially in the south and west neighborhoods. - Does LEX get snow?
Occasionally, but winters are generally mild. - Can I live in Georgetown/Nicholasville and commute?
Yes – both are common options for LEX staff.