7 Most Affordable and Safe Places to Live in Kentucky

With home prices going through the roof, many are moving to places known to be affordable. One state that is ranked the most inexpensive to buy a home is the Bluegrass State, better known as Kentucky. 

Despite what some may think, Kentucky can be a great state to live in. Nature lovers will love locations such as Mammoth Cave, the many nature trails you can find through the expansive state parks, and the mountains near the eastern border. Those looking for city life will enjoy Louisville, while Bowling Green can be a fantastic place for a college student or those who are young at heart. While the summers can get swampy, the winters are usually mild, and the rain invites plenty of fauna for you to enjoy!

Those looking for a safe place to move can also rejoice, knowing that Kentucky is ranked 7th lowest violent crime rates and public safety. Knowing that, we decided to look at seven places that are affordable and safe to live in. 

That said, total affordability and safety are difficult to achieve, with some not achieving that perfect balance. Many places are affordable due to poverty, and poverty can lead to crime. On the other hand, safe communities tend to be tightly-knit suburban towns where the prices can go high. So, some places may slide one way or the other. Keep that in mind. 

When considering what town to settle down in, research the neighborhoods and ask the locals what the safest places are. The data is important, but so are the residents’ lived experiences. That said, let’s look at seven towns that you can settle down in!

1. Middlesboro – Best for Affordable Homes

Despite its name being called this, it’s located in the bottom right corner of the state. All jokes aside, Middlesboro is one of the most affordable places to live in Kentucky, with some sources putting the median home price as low as $98,499. Nowadays, the idea of a house being below six digits is unheard of in most areas! It’s a whopping 67% lower than the national average. 

Despite its affordable prices, Middlesboro is so low on this list because the crime rate is a little high, with 362 annual crimes. This may be due to its poverty rate, which is nearly 30%. But like any location, it’s all about where you live. The north side of Middlesboro is considered the safest, so you can balance safety and affordable home prices. 

Middlesboro also has plenty to do. It’s near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, where Daniel Boone’s original trail originates. It also has a mall, and there are plenty of events on its Main Street for you to enjoy.

Also, if you want to go to a bigger city, it’s only about an hour and a half drive from Knoxville, TN, where you can enjoy city life and get lost in nature.

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2. Madisonville – The Best Balance of Affordability and Safety

If you’re looking for an industrial career, Madisonville is one of the best places to live. This is because of all the highways and railways the city is located next to. And even if you’re not, there’s still plenty to do and see in Madisonville. 

At $152k for an average home, Madisonville is decently affordable, with many home options available. It is ranked 48% safer than other US cities, making it a place where you can rest easy.

Madisonville is a town that is close to cities with plenty to do. For example, it’s close to Evansville, Indiana. But on its own, Madisonville has plenty of sites to see. The Mahr Park Arboretum has gorgeous trees and crystal-clear bodies of water. If you like to go golfing, Madisonville City Park has a sprawling golf course, even with a mini golf course for kids or casual players. 

There are also plenty of events to do in this town. One example is the Illuminated Hot Air Ballon Glow. You can see hot air balloons fly high in the sky, lighting up the night. It’s mind-blowing, especially if you’re sitting around in nature.

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3. Princeton – Peak Small Town Life

Situated in the western Kentucky area is Princeton. It’s the picture-perfect small-town experience, with a population of a little over 6,000. So, if you want someplace to live a quiet life, Princeton may be for you. And if you want a little more excitement in your life, Princeton is just an hour and a half from the Music City itself, Nashville, TN!

It’s also a relatively safe town, being safer than 28% of the cities in the US. While not the safest location, it’s also a town where people keep to themselves. You should be safe as long as you live a quiet life and do not bother anyone. 

Princeton is a great place to enjoy nature. It’s near the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation area, where you can camp, boat, or just disappear from nature for a while. 

Because it’s a tightly-knit small town, there’s also a lot of local culture. For example, do you want to eat fresh? The Caldwell County Farmers Market can give you freshly-grown fruits and veggies. If you like experiencing history and culture, Big Springs Park has a historic Cherokee campsite, and the Adsmore Museum can give you a look into life back in the day. Enjoy some country ham? Head on over to Newsom’s Old Mill Store to get some aged country ham that will make your mouth water. 

4. Owensboro – A Growing, Affordable Town

Owensboro sits right at the northern border, with you reaching Indiana by crossing the Ohio River. If you’re looking for a Kentucky town that’s safe, affordable, and has things to do, Owensboro may be the town you’re looking for. 

Owensboro has a median home price of around $197k, making it one of the most affordable places in the state. Its violent crime rate is also 7 points below the US national average. 

One reason you may want to move to Owensboro is because there is a variety of places to visit, including stores and restaurants. If you’re a fan of Bluegrass, you can enjoy the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Downtown Owensboro is also filled with beautiful views of the Ohio River. During the summer, Owensboro has Friday after 5, which is a street festival in the downtown area. They feature a ton of great live music and delicious food. If you’re into geek or anime culture, you can attend OMGcon, an annual anime convention.

If you’re a nature fan, you’ll also be in heaven in Owensboro, with plenty of parks and nature trails. Enjoy Panther Creek Park’s historic buildings and bridges, or bike at Rudy Mines Mountain. 

Owensboro is a growing town with plenty to do, so you should get situated there before prices go up!

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5. Central City – Both Safety and Affordability

Again, the balance of safety and affordability can be difficult to achieve, as affordability is often linked to crime. But Central City does a good job. The city has a “B” ranking in crime, safer than 65% of most cities. However, the median home price is affordable, about $127k. With a population of over 6,000, it’s another way to enjoy small-town Kentucky life. 

While not much of a “city,” Central City does deserve the “Central” part of its name for being near many major locations. It’s not too far from Bowling Green, so if you have a college-aged child, they can attend Western Kentucky University. If you want to go on a night out in the town, it’s only 80 miles away from Nashville. It’s a great town if you love to travel and have a car that’s easy on gas. 

But this isn’t to say that there isn’t anything to do in Central City. If you love music, there’s the Muhlenberg Musical Mission, where many music events take place. It also has several parks and unique bites to eat. It’s not the most exciting place for someone young and full of energy, but if you’re willing to travel or like the quiet, Central City may be the place for you!

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6. Williamsburg – Great For Outdoorsy Types

Williamsburg is an eastern town that won’t cost much to live in. Its median home rate is $101k, meaning you can find affordable homes with plenty of legroom. As for the crime rate, Williamsburg is safer than 46% of US cities, so you can relax in your home without worrying too much about an uninvited guest. 

Williamsburg is also a great place to live because there is so much to do, especially if you like to get out and explore nature. As you may know, Kentucky summers get hot and humid, and there are times when it feels like it never cools down! That’s why there’s the Kentucky Splash Water Park, which has big slides and an 18,000-square-foot wave pool. 

Are you feeling a little more adventurous? Williamsburg is near Cumberland Falls State Park, which has one of the most breathtaking waterfalls you’ll ever see. There’s also plenty of canoeing, hiking, and other events. If you’re the type of person who loves going outdoors, there are two words you’ll never say in Williamsburg, and that is “I’m bored.”

Another little piece of trivia is that Williamsburg is near the original Kentucky Fried Chicken. There’s even a little museum that gives you the history of Colonel Sanders. You won’t find the secret recipe here, but you may find some good chicken!

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7. Old Louisville – Best for Those Living in Louisville

Finally, we have Old Louisville, a Louisville neighborhood. We wanted to include a place in Louisville here, as some readers may be looking to move to the city for career reasons or because they want to live close to all the action. 

As the name implies, this is Louisville’s historic district. Here, you can expect Victorian architecture, plenty of historical building signs, and the feeling that you’re away from the city but close to it at the same time.

The average home price is $259k, which is a little higher than others on this list, but it’s still below the state median of $268k. This makes it an affordable option if you want to live in the Louisville area. 

Louisville has a bad rep for low crime, but Old Louisville is one of the better neighborhoods. The price is 21% below the national average, so you can be in the city without worrying about being robbed or attacked. 

Besides being close to everything happening in Louisville, Old Louisville has plenty within walking distance. You can find plenty of unique breweries and food places, and some museums give you a glimpse into Louisville’s rich history. It’s also near Central Park, so you can enjoy nature without taking a road trip. 

Conclusion

These seven places provide a decent balance between affordability and safety. As mentioned, striking that perfect balance can be difficult, and it can all depend on what neighborhood you live in and who your neighbor is. 

Also, even if you move to a safe place, crime can happen to anyone. So, no matter where you live, be sure to have a sound home security system, lock your doors, and maybe even get a dog. 

Finally, home prices can fluctuate, so always check to see if the towns we listed are still affordable or if you need to look somewhere else. In Kentucky, home prices are always quite affordable. No matter where you choose, you can rest easy knowing that it will probably be in an affordable, quiet area with plenty of stuff to do!