Get to know Louisville from the people who know Louisville best.
We know how difficult it is to move to new town. Fortunately, no one knows this city quite like we do at Semonin Realtors®. It is our promise to you to serve as your trusted advisor and your most valuable resource to the city from your very first day here, and every day after.
Together we will explore all that the Louisville area has to offer and immerse you in its unique culture and vibrant neighborhoods. Once you have gotten to know the area, we will navigate through the real estate journey and provide an experience that is honest, informative, reliable, creative and tailored to you. From getting preapproved, to closing on your new Louisville home, your WR Realtor® will be there every step of the way.
We are your advocate in this real estate journey and your lifelong community advisor.
DID YOU KNOW?
Louisville is named to honor France’s King Louis XVI, in honor of France’s assistance during the American Revolution. Hence, the city’s symbol is the fleur-de-lis.
WELCOME TO
LOUISVILLE
It’s the place that gave the world bourbon, Kentucky Fried Chicken and the fastest two minutes in sports—the Kentucky Derby. It’s the hometown of Muhammad Ali, Diane Sawyer, and Jennifer Lawrence. These are all reasons for our community’s claim to fame, but there is much more to Louisville and the surrounding metropolitan region that makes it such a unique and special place to live!
A celebrated creative culinary scene, more than 120 parks (with a massive Waterfront Botanical Gardens in development), a variety of fascinating museums and historical sites, a thriving performing and visual arts scene, thrilling attractions and an incredible educational ecosystem are just a few of the amenities Kentuckiana has to offer visitors and residents all year round.
Despite being the 45th largest metropolitan area in America, Louisville has a small town feel with Southern charm and an unbridled spirit. It’s a community that embraces its rich history for riverboats, horse racing and bourbon, but continues to persist in developing cutting-edge ideas and investing in the future.
CITY ACCOLADES
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
CENTRAL & CONVENIENT
FUN FACT!
Louisville is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population!
Nearby Major Cities:
Lexington: 78 miles
Cincinnati: 99 miles
Nashville: 176 miles
Chicago: 299 miles
Atlanta: 420 miles
The Ohio River creates the geographical divide between Kentucky and Indiana, with Louisville situated just south of the Indiana border. As the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville is the center of the Metropolitan Statistical Area commonly referred to as “Kentuckiana” because it includes counties in both Kentucky and Indiana.
Greater Louisville has a culture that is hard to define not only because it blends the elements of two separate states, but also because it straddles the line between Southern and Midwestern. Influenced by the cultures of both regions, Louisville is rich in diversity and often said to be our nation’s northernmost city of the South and the southernmost city of the North.
DID YOU KNOW?
The original cheeseburger is said to have been created in Louisville at Kaelin’s Restaurant in 1934.
SCHOOL SYSTEMS
Education is always in the forefront of conversation in Metro Louisville and its surrounding counties. The community is always interested in investing in the future by providing innovative and impressive educational opportunities for all citizens. A commitment to educational excellence has led schools in Kentucky and Indiana to receive national attention for the scope and quality of their teaching methods and reform initiatives. Local students can choose between highly esteemed public systems, private schools, and universities and colleges big or small.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
www.jefferson.kyschools.us
JCPS is the largest of the local school systems and educates nearly 100,000 students. “From preschool to adult education, JCPS is known for educational innovation, for dedication to students, and for highly qualified teachers and administrators.” JCPS offers a wide variety of educational opportunities including magnet, advanced and optional programs at each level.
ARCHDIOCESE OF LOUISVILLE SCHOOLS
www.archlou.org
This is the most popular alternative to the public school system. Today, there are 49 Catholic elementary and secondary schools serving more than 19,000 students from grades PK-12 in seven counties of the Archdiocese.
The Oldham County School District is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Louisville and serves over 12,000 students. “Oldham County Schools has ranked in the 98th percentile on the state assessment, and each school in the district maintains the highest possible accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), designating OCS as an award-winning school district both on the state and national levels.”
BULLITT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
www.bullittschools.org
The Bullitt County Public Schools learning community will educate all students to high levels of academic performance as measured by state and national standards by creating and maintaining a positive learning environment with a comprehensive system.
DID YOU KNOW? Louisville is the world’s center for Braille printing.
DID YOU KNOW?
The first woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Tori Murden-McClure, is a Louisvillian.
PARKS
The Kentuckiana region is blessed with the natural beauty of rolling hills, peaceful waterways, and lush trees, making the area’s parks one of the biggest draws for residents and visitors. In just the Metro Louisville area alone, more than 120 public parks offer visitors a wide variety of outdoor experiences. To make things even more interesting, a number of Louisville’s parks were designed and created by nationally-renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead, who is most famous for creating Central Park in New York City. Olmstead’s vision for Louisville’s park systems was to bring nature into neighborhoods in a way that would shape the city’s geography, social interactions, and economies - a vision that is still very prominent in the city’s landscape today.
Outside Louisville’s Metro Parks are even more options for people to play, grow, learn, and be healthy. Kentuckiana has a number of State and National parks that are a must-see for any nature lover. Some of these have a rich historic relevance while others that are simply striking with beauty.
Rustic campsites, multi-purpose trails for scenic hiking and biking, well-managed wildlife habitats, and sparkling lakes for boating and water sports encourage residents to relax and explore the beauty of the great outdoors. Kentuciana’s parks offer a variety of facilities and services to ensure year-round activities and adventures.
THE OLMSTEAD PARKS
OlmstedParks.org
CHEROKEE PARK 745 Cochran Hill Rd.
SENECA PARK 3151 Pee Wee Reese Rd.
IROQUOIS PARK 2120 Rundill Rd.
SHAWNEE PARK 4501 W Broadway
LOUISVILLE WATERFRONT PARK
LouisvilleWaterfront.com
Downtown Louisville
E.P. TOM SAWYER STATE PARK
3000 Freys Hill Rd. Louisville, KY 40241
jeffparks.org Big Four Pedestrian Bridge Jeffersonville, IN 47130 SOME OF OUR FAVORITES: DID YOU KNOW? The nearly 375 million-year-old, fossilized coral beds at the Falls of the Ohio create the only point in the 981-mile-long Ohio River that was unnavigable (before the river was dammed).
THE PARKLANDS OF FLOYDS FORK
TheParklands.org
BECKLEY CREEK PARK Beckley Creek Parkway
BROAD RUN PARK Broad Run Parkway
TURKEY RUN PARK
Seatonville Rd. to Broad Run Rd.
ANCHORAGE TRAIL
1500 Evergreen Rd. Louisville, KY 40223
BIG 4 STATION PARK
ATTRACTIONS
The recreational and sightseeing attractions that can be found in and around Louisville are popular among residents and visitors near and far. No matter what your idea of fun might be, whether it’s soaring on a thrilling roller coaster, dancing with hundreds of people at Forecastle, taking a bike ride across the Big Four Bridge, watching a play at the Kentucky Center, or taking in the inspiring sounds of the Kentucky Opera or Louisville Orchestra, Kentuckiana has something that will attract you.
The Arts: Louisville has it all!
Concert Series
Fine Arts Museums
Broadway Series
Louisvile Orchestra
Kentucky Opera
Louisville Ballet and more!
PERFORMING ARTS: SOME OF OUR FAVORITES:
KENTUCKY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
501 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
kentuckyperformingarts.org
ACTOR’S THEATRE
316 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 actorstheatre.org
DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE
525 Marriott Dr, Clarksville, IN 47129 derbydinner.com
LOUISVILLE BALLET
315 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
louisvilleballet.org
LOUISVILLE
1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213 louisvillemegacavern.com
1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213 louisvillezoo.org
937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209 kentuckykingdom.com
452 East Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579 holidayworld.com
BOURBON DISTILLERIES
Throughout our state’s history, Kentucky and bourbon have become synonymous, and the growing popularity of distillery tours and tastings has only added to an already booming industry. 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in the Bluegrass State, and bourbon lovers from all over the world come to our area to visit our distilleries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® includes nearly 40 disterillies, with some in the heart of Downtown Louisville and others in the outskirts of the suburbs, each with its own unique flare, experience, and fascinating history.
DID YOU KNOW?
Louisville company Omega National Products produces 90% of the country’s disco balls.
WOODFORD RESERVE
7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383 woodfordreserve.com
MAKER’S MARK
3350 Burks Spring Rd., Loretto, KY 40037 makersmark.com
ANGEL’S ENVY
500 E. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 angelsenvy.com
FOUR ROSES
1224 Bonds Mill Rd., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 fourrosesbourbon.com
BUFFALO TRACE
113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601 buffalotracedistillery.com
COPPER & KINGS
1121 E Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206 copperandkings.com
JIM BEAM
Urban Stillhouse: 404 S 4th St. Louisville KY 40202
American Stillhouse: 568 Happy Hollow Rd., Clermont, KY jimbeam.com
HEAVEN HILL
1311 Gilkey Run Rd., Bardstown, KY 40004 heavenhilldistillery.com
EVAN WILLIAMS
528 West Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 evanwilliams.com
OLD FORESTER
119 West Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 oldforester.com
MUSEUMS
When many people think about museums they think about history, but here in Kentuckiana we take it to a whole other level. The variety of museums in the area celebrate more than just the history of Kentucky and Indiana, and also boast a sense of pride and appreciation for our diverse culture, arts, talents, and accomplishments. Many of the museums in Louisville and the surrounding area are truly original museums that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Enjoy the permanent and rotating collections in the various art and history museums, such as the Frazier History Museum, or visit a site significant to our nation’s history, like Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace, or immerse yourself in the history and craft of one of Kentucky’s famous bourbon distilleries.
DID YOU KNOW?
Thomas Edison worked in Louisville as a telegraph operator. He was fired (so the story goes) for spilling acid on his boss’ desk
SPEED ART MUSEUM
2035 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40208 speedmuseum.org
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208 derbymuseum.org
KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER
727 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 kysciencecenter.org
FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM
829 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 fraziermuseum.org
21C MUSEUM HOTEL
700 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 21cmuseumhotels.com
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM
800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 sluggermuseum.com
MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER
144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202 alicenter.org
KENTUCKY MUSEUM OF ART & CRAFT
715 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 kmacmuseum.org
GLASSWORKS
815 W Market St, Louisville, KY 40202 louisvilleglassworks.com
EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE
528 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202 evanwilliams.com/visit
NEIGHBORHOODS
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Greater Louisville’s real unique asset is its neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity, culture and lifestyle. From the hipster communities and elegant, historic neighborhoods nestled in the heart of the city, to the charming small towns and rural landscapes that lie beyond the city limits, residents are able to choose from a virtually unlimited number of settings and lifestyles.
AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT
Through the next several pages, we will highlight several areas that each offer their own unique flare and lifestyle. While this list does not include every neighborhood, it will provide you with a good overview of the different areas in town.
Downtown
Old Louisville
Butchertown & NuLu
The Highlands
Germantown
Crescent Hill
Clifton
The West End
The South End
The East End
Oldham County
Bullitt County
Shelby County
Southern Indiana
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE
DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
In the last several years Louisville has seen an uptick in the number of residential units downtown. More and more urban dwellers have been flocking to the many lofts, apartments, and condos scattered in and around the heart of downtown Louisville. Residents are attracted to living near downtown workplaces and the activity that occurs near the city center with attractions like Yum Center, 4th Street Live, and Waterfront Park all nearby.
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN OLD LOUISVILLE
AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
OLD
LOUISVILLE
With the largest collection of Victorian homes in the U.S., old brick walkways, cast-iron gas lamps, stained glass windows, picturesque courtyards and fountains Old Louisville has an appealing sense of decades past. The community attracts a mix of resid3ents from established families and young professionals, to college students attending the nearby University of Louisville. The community serves as a hub for fine arts and culture with the annual St. James Art Fair, Shakespeare performances in Central Park, and more.
Scan the QR code on the back cover to click this button in the digital magazine.
AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
BUTCHERTOWN & NULU
Just east of downtown Louisville, is the East Market District which you will often hear referred to as NuLu also includes the neighborhood of Butchertown. This area is a culturally diverse community with an appreciation for art, shopping, dining, and nightlife. On tree-lined streets, the historic community’s homes feature exquisite architecture, some dating back to the early 1800s.
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN THE HIGHLANDS
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AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
THE HIGHLANDS
The Highlands is known to be one of the most popular, eccentric, and energized areas of the city. Built around the infamous Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue, the Highlands is dense with eclectic local shops, unique restaurants, and lively bars and nightclubs. The area expresses a strong sense of passion for arts and culture giving the community has a unique flare. Neighborhood streets are lined with older homes with historic architectural features.
AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
GERMANTOWN
Just southeast of downtown Louisville, Germantown was established in the mid-1800s. Its wellbuilt, historic shotgun houses and other affordable housing have attracted young creatives who like to put their own touch in restoring them. The community demonstates a strong sense of community and neighborhood atmosphere.
TO HIGHLIGHT:
CRESCENT HILL AREAS
The Crescent Hill community surrounds Frankfort Ave, popular with residents and visitors for its unique shops, restaurants, small businesses, cafes, and art scene. Homes in the neighborhood range from well-kept cottages to large Victorian homes.
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN CLIFTON
CLIFTON AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
Neighboring the Crescent Hill area is the buzzing community of Clifton. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Clifton is also a Historic Preservation District filled with an eclectic mix of architecture including Italianate, Queen Anne, and shotgun houses. This area is also known for its walkability and thriving locally owned restaurants, pubs and shops.
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN THE WEST END
TO HIGHLIGHT:
THE WEST END AREAS
Located against the Ohio River, the neighborhoods of Louisville’s West End, including Portland, Park Duvalle, Shawnee and Russell among many others, are rich in history and culture and include many densely residential areas. Much of the West End is amidst an urban revival as many old buildings are being architecturally preserved, renovated and modernized, and occupied by artists, galleries, chic restaurants, and creative nonprofits.
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN THE SOUTH END
THE SOUTH END AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
Made up of neighborhoods including Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP), Okolona, Shivley, and Valley Station, the South End of Louisville offers residents the opportunity to live close to the conveniences of the city but still have plenty of space on quiet residential streets in moderately priced homes.
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN THE EAST END
THE EAST END AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
Popular neighborhoods like St. Matthews, Anchorage, Middletown, Hurstbourne, Prospect, and Jeffersontown make up Louisville’s East End. The unique flare each East End neighborhood has to offer attracts a wide variety of residents.
St. Matthews, for example, is characterized by sturdy, traditional homes that vary in size and style and lined along friendly, tree-lined neighborhoods that blend a mix of retirees, young professionals, and children. Norton Commons, on the other hand, is brand new to Louisville and is one of the most unusual and charismatic communities designed to resemble an old-fashioned neighborhood with its own city center and living activities like block parties, holiday celebrations, and movie nights. Middletown and the more southeastern areas of Jeffersontown and Fern Creek both have a bustling and growing commercial scene and offer diverse housing options from apartment homes, to traditional and historic homes, to new subdivision developments.
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN OLDHAM COUNTY
OLDHAM COUNTY AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
The growth of Oldham County initially boomed in the 1970s when I-71 was completed between Cincinnati and Louisville. Oldham County is located just northeast of Louisville (less than 25 miles) via I-71. Its award-winning school system and high per capita income level draw families and businesses to the area, leading Oldham County to be one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. With sweeping views of the Ohio River, rolling landscapes, and meticulously manicured neighborhoods and properties, the area is also known for its picturesque scenery.
Notable Oldham County Cities:
Crestwood
Pewee Valley
Prospect
Goshen
Buckner
La Grange
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN BULLITT COUNTY
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AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
BULLITT COUNTY
A short drive 15-minute from Louisville down I-65 lies Bullitt County where residents enjoy a balance of convenient services and country pleasures. Rural countryside, antique shopping, authentic Southern cuisine, lively country music and frequent festivals are just some of the highlights of life in Bullitt County. The area is also home to one of a kind attractions, including the Jim Beam Distillery, the Bernheim Forest, and the region’s finest flea market, that are frequently explored by residents and tourists alike. Notable Bullitt County Cities:
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN SHELBY COUNTY
SHELBY COUNTY AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
Known as the “Saddlebred Capital of the World,” Shelby County has hundreds of beautiful equine and nature-lover endeavors. Strategically located between Louisville and Lexington, Shelby County residents enjoy an idyllic lifestyle—one that harmonizes the beauty and tranquility of the country with easy access to urban advantages. With the serenity of its horse farms, charm of historic downtown Shelbyville, flavor of Claudia Sanders Dinner House, and energetic buzz of the new Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, Shelby County has a lot to offer.
Notable Shelby County Cities:
Simpsonville
Shelbyville
Bagdad
Finchville
Waddy
BROWSE HOMES FOR SALE IN SOUTHERN INDIANA
AREAS TO HIGHLIGHT:
SOUTHERN INDIANA
Southern Indiana, or SoIn, as locals might call it, lies just 1 mile north of Louisville across the Ohio River. With populous cities like Jeffersonville and Clarksville, Clark County is the second largest county in the Greater Louisville area (behind Jefferson County, KY). Nature lovers flock to Clark County’s Falls of the Ohio to discover fascinating fossils, while theater goers enjoy dinner and a live show at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Despite its charming historic ambiance, Floyd County has driving economic growth and offers many modern conveniences. Minutes from New Albany’s infamous historic Mansion Row are growing manufacturing, education, and health industries.
