Communities

About Lexington

As Kentucky’s second largest city, Lexington is centrally located in the world renowned Bluegrass Region of the state. Surrounded by gently rolling countryside, beautiful horse farms, and pastoral scenery, Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world. The Kentucky Horse Park offers a full schedule of diverse events and activities showcasing horses of all breeds. Additionally, Lexington is home to the famous Keeneland race track and the Red Mile trotting track. Keeneland offers thoroughbred racing twice a year in an historical and magical park-like setting. Keeneland draws global attention to its thoroughbred horse auctions which contribute greatly to Kentucky’s economy.

Lexingtonians enjoy a high quality of life with access to religious diversity, safe parks, a multitude of unique neighborhoods and a good school system. Recreational activities include museums, art galleries, a wide range of concerts and theater, biking, nearby hiking and much more. UK basketball, football and other collegiate sports bring the city and state together as a source of great pride and enthusiasm. “Business Week” rated Lexington “The Best Place to Raise Kids” and #9 in “America's Best Affordable Places to Retire”. “Next Cities” rated us #13 in the “Top Hotspots for Young, Talented Workers”. “Relocate America” put us in the “Top 10 Best Places to Live”.

Recognized for its educated workforce, education is itself a primary influence on Lexington’s culture. Both the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University are in the core of the city. The University of Kentucky is the area’s top employer and that, along with a strong healthcare sector, helps Lexington maintain a low unemployment rate and resiliency. While evolving from an agriculturally-based economy, Lexington’s growth in research, technology, and manufacturing is contributing to economic expansion and population-growth bringing new energy and ideas to the community.

As a thriving center at the crossroads of interstates 64 and 75, Lexington enjoys the many benefits of a mid-size city surrounded by a beautiful, rural landscape and is known as one of the best cities in the world in which to live and work.

Demographics

Lexington Statistics

• County Population: 260,512
• County Houses: 116,167
• Land area: 284.5 sq. mi.
• Water area: 1.0 sq. mi.
• Median resident age: 33.0 years
• Median household income: $39,813 (year 2000)
• Median house value: $110,800 (year 2000)
• Industries providing employment: Educational, Health and Social Services (26.6%), Manufacturing (12.0%), Retail trade (11.9%)

Population Diversity in Fayette County:

• White Non-Hispanic (79.1%)
• Black (13.5%)
• Hispanic (3.3%)
• Two or more races (1.6%)
• Other (1.2%)
• Chinese (0.8%)
• American Indian (0.6%)
• Asian Indian (0.6%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Average Weather

Education

Lexington has a diverse education system that focuses on the development of:

• Arts and Humanities
• Math
• Practical Living
• Reading
• Science
• Social Studies
• Vocational Studies
• Writing

in order to prepare them for our higher education facilities.

They offer a variety of extra curricular activities for the students that attend as well as social events throughout the year.

Lexington Area Public Schools

School attendance is compulsory in Kentucky for children between the ages of 6 and 16.

A child is eligible for the Preschool Program (Early Start) if the child becomes 4 years-of-age before October 1 and is income eligible to participate in the Free Lunch Program. Also eligible is any 3 or 4 year-old child, or a child who will become 5 after October 1, who has a special need and would benefit from an early intervention program.

Any child who becomes 5 years-of-age on or before October 1 is eligible for the Primary School Program and will be placed in a primary level class. Any child who becomes 6 years-of-age on or before October 1, who has successfully completed an entry level program prior to the start of the school year, must be enrolled in the Primary School Program. These students will be placed in a single-year, dual-year, or multi-year class.

Links:

Colleges and Universities

School Boards

Health Care

Utilities

Churches

Lexington houses a diverse spectrum of religious facilities where practices of faith and social gatherings are very welcome.

Link:
Yellow Pages

Shopping

Lexington Area Parks and Recreation

Horse Parks

Keeneland

Keeneland is located six miles west of Lexington in the heart of the Bluegrass Region. It is both a combination thoroughbred course and sales company. Keeneland is fun and affordable for everyone. Not only can you go and enjoy watching some of the finest race horses but you can also participate in the simulcasting and horse sales. Keeneland has had many top name winning horses on their grounds and are proud to keep up the tradition.

The Red Mile

Harness racing has been going on at the Red Mile for 130 years. Some of the top trainers and drivers have found a home at the Red Mile during the fall season. There is also simulcasting, so you can view horse races year round. Not only is it the Red Mile for racing, but can also be used as a social gathering place. It is the perfect setting for family reunions and corporate gatherings.

Kentucky Horse Park

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, the Kentucky Horse Park is 1200 acres of beautiful farmland encompassed by 30 miles of white plank fencing. It is a breathtaking view of the bluegrass country. The park is home to almost 50 different breeds of horses, and the land has been a home to horses for more then 200 years. It is the only park in the world dedicated to man's relationship with the horse that is open to the public.

Sports In and Around the Bluegrass

University of Kentucky Basketball

The pride of Kentucky is the University of Kentucky basketball team. Their home is Rupp Arena. Rupp has been a legacy in Lexington for many years and houses millions of people every year. The UK Wildcats basketball team holds an impeccable record and is one of the most exciting teams to watch. They have won seven National Championships and are the most winning program in the history of collegiate basketball. Led by head coach Tubby Smith, the UK basketball team is Kentucky's claim to fame and a definite must see.

Rupp Arena

Situated in downtown Lexington, Kentucky and within five hours of such major cities as Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville and Atlanta, the completely updated Rupp Arena is prepared to stage your event with professional ease in state-of-the-art comfort. With a $50 million renovation of both the arena and the adjacent Lexington Convention Center this multi-use entertainment, convention, and shopping complex has been transformed to meet the demands of the most discerning presenter. Home to University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, Rupp Arena offers dozens of staging and seating configurations for all types of events. Need space for a circus? This multi-function facility seats up to 23,000 people. Looking for an intimate concert setting? With our special curtaining system, we offer spaces customized to accommodate as few as 2,300 people and as many as 8,500.

Lexington Legends

The Lexington Legends is Lexington's minor league baseball team. Their home is located in the Applebee's Park. It has a 6,033 seat capacity, a jumbotron and a seven story high scoreboard. There are also restaurants, picnic areas, and a supervised children's play area. It is fun and affordable for the whole family. For more information or tickets go online at www.lexingtonlegends.com.

Lexington Horsemen

The Lexington Horsemen are Lexington's own United Indoor Football team. They were the 2004 National Champions. With that under their belt there is not doubt that the years to follow are going to be exciting. Tickets are available at prices ranging form $8-$25. For more information or to order tickets go online at www.lexigntonhorsemen.com

Sports Just Outside of Lexington

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati's pro football team the Cincinnati Bengals are also nearby. The Bengals became members of the NFL in 1968 when the NFL and AFL merged. They host games with some of the best teams in the league, and are within fairly close driving distance of Lexington. For more information go online at www.cincinnatibengals.com.

Cincinnati Reds

Also not far from Lexington are the Cincinnati Reds. Most people in America have heard of the Reds, they are a very well-known professional baseball team. The Reds hold a World Series Title, and have had some very exciting seasons. Recently they moved to their new home called the Great American Ball Park. You can expect only the best from this new stadium, and should definitely plan to go visit the Reds there. For more information go online at www.cincinnatireds.com.

Fayette County Parks

The Division of Parks and Recreation has established a Parks Information Office to provide the residents of Fayette County with easy access to information. The phone number for Parks Information is (859)-288-2900.

Shillito Park

Located on Reynolds Road, it covers 105 acres and contains three softball fields, two baseball fields, three soccer fields, thirteen tennis courts, two football fields, a 50-meter swimming pool, and a fitness trail.

Jacobson Park

Located off Richmond Road, is ideal for individuals who enjoy open spaces. Its 216 acres include a stocked lake (fishing license required). Pedalboats are available for rental at the boatdock.

Veteran's Park at Hickman Creek

It contains 200-acres with spectacular vistas of hillsides, woods, meandering streams, and spacious meadows. Located just south of Man O'War Boulevard on Tates Creek Road. The park features a recreation area consisting of bicycle and jogging trails, picnic shelters, ball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, concession and restroom areas, and playgrounds.

Masterson Station Park

This park covers 732 acres, and is located off Leestown Road and is the site for comprehensive equestrian programs. Prefessionally-trained personnel conduct horseback riding lessons to all ages. Picnic areas are also located on the park grounds. Dogs may run in designated areas.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

This is a unique 274-acre tract dedicated to the preservation of the Kentucky River Palisades' natural beauty. It's seven-mile network of hiking trails provides access to the streams, meadows and woodlands characterizing this area.

Libraries

Important Numbers & Links

• AAA Blue Grass/Kentucky: (859)-233-1111 or (800)-568-5222
• Blue Grass Airport: (859)-425-3114
• Downtown Lexington Corporation: (859)-231-7335
• Greyhound Bus Line: (859)-231-2222
• Kentucky Horse Park: (859)-233-4303 or (800)-568-8813
• Keeneland Race Course: (859)-254-3412 or (800)-456-3412
• Lexington Center Corporation: (859)-233-4567
• Lexington Chamber of Commerce: (859)-254-4447
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government: (859)-258-3000
• Lexington Herald-Leader: (859)-231-3100
• Lexington Public Library: (859)-231-5500
• LexTran (Public Buses): (859)-253-4636
• Mayor's Office: (859)-258-3100
• Parks & Recreation: (859)-288-2900
• Red Mile Harness Track: (859)-255-0752
• Ticketmaster: (859)-281-6644
• Translation Services: (800)-882-5776
• U.S. Customs Service: (800)-452-3111
• Emergency: 911

Map of Community

Enlarge Map