7 Best Places To Call Home In Kentucky In 2025
If you are looking to settle down in a place that is welcoming, affordable, and full of character, the small towns of Kentucky might just be the answer. Across the state, small communities are proving that you do not need a big city to live well. These towns offer walkable downtowns, dependable hospitals, local schools and colleges, farmers markets, and a slower pace of life that keeps you connected. Whether it is a historic museum in Ashland, a scenic state park in Campbellsville, or a local festival in Henderson, each one brings something unique, without the high price tag. Here are seven of the best places to call home in Kentucky in 2025.
Pikeville
Tucked deep in the Appalachian Mountains, Pikeville stands out as a town that brings together tradition, education, and community spirit in all the right ways. Twice named one of the best small towns in America, it holds that honor with pride. Pikeville is home to the University of Pikeville and boasts a rich cultural life anchored by the Appalachian Center for the Arts and the Appalachian Wireless Arena, which draws top performers and big events to its 7,000-seat venue. Each spring, the town comes alive for Hillbilly Days, a beloved festival that honors Appalachian heritage with food, music, and celebration.
Furthermore, the Pikeville Cut-Through, one of the largest earth-moving projects in the Western Hemisphere, is not just an engineering marvel but also a striking reminder of the town’s ability to shape its future. Bob Amos Park offers space to breathe, walk, and picnic against a backdrop of rolling hills, while The Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery showcases local craft and mountain flavor, rounding out a lifestyle that balances comfort with culture.
Families benefit from solid local schools and a library system committed to learning. Simultaneously, the Pike County Farmers Market supports local growers and healthy living. With Pikeville Medical Center providing top-tier healthcare and a solid mix of educational and recreational opportunities, there is little left off the list. And with the average home priced around $121,000 as of June 2025 [Zillow], well below the state median of $223,000, it is easy to see why this town is one of Kentucky’s smartest places to call home.
Middlesboro
Surrounded by the sweeping beauty of southeastern Kentucky, Middlesboro is a place where history, community, and affordability meet in everyday life. The town rests in a rare geological wonder, a meteor crater, adding a unique dimension to its scenic setting. Just minutes away, Pinnacle Overlook in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park offers a stunning view of the town and the original wilderness trail once marked by Daniel Boone. The town takes pride in its community values. In 2012, it became the first city in the country to launch a community-wide organic garden. With 60 raised beds, some designed for accessibility, it remains a shared source of nourishment and generosity. That same spirit echoes in the summer music concerts held downtown, made possible by a Levitt Foundation grant.
The town is home to the oldest continuously operated golf course in the eastern United States at the Middlesboro Country Club. For daily needs and recreation, and shopping, locals enjoy access to the Middlesboro Mall and the newer Middlesboro Crossing. Additionally, the Bell County Public Library branch serves as a hub for learning, and the nearby airport makes travel simple for residents and visitors. With all it brings to the table, from green spaces to cultural events and a strong sense of place, Middlesboro makes settling down feel easy. And with median home prices around $107,000, it is one of Kentucky’s most budget-friendly places to put down roots.
Campbellsville
Campbellsville strikes a rare balance between small-town character and everyday convenience. With Campbellsville University at its heart and Taylor Regional Hospital providing care for the broader region, this town is more than just scenic; it is well-served and rooted in education and health. The walkable downtown, anchored by a designated Historic District, hums with activity. From local shops to civic events, the Main Street program keeps the area thriving with thoughtful planning and community pride.
Green River Lake State Park, just minutes away, opens the door to days filled with swimming, hiking, biking, and riding trails. Whether relaxing on the beach or trekking the 50 miles of nearby paths, the outdoors here feels easy to access and hard to leave. Back in town, Miller Park brings together residents with ballfields, courts, a pool, and green space along the banks of Pitman Creek. Furthermore, Campbellsville’s location puts it within reach of several larger cities—Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, while still feeling far from the noise. With local spots like East First Brewery and the Peddlers Mall, life here includes the pleasure of knowing your neighbors and supporting homegrown businesses. Daily life is practical, too, with Taylor County Airport just around 2.5 miles from downtown. And with homes around $206,000 as of June 2025, it is possible to call it a home without overextending.
Ashland
Ashland, set along the Ohio River in northeastern Kentucky, mixes city convenience with a slower pace that makes everyday living feel easier. Its economy rests on solid ground—healthcare, education, and manufacturing, while the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to feel part of something. From the waterfront to the wide open spaces of Central Park, the outdoors play a big role in daily life. The Ashland Riverfront stands out with its views, walking areas, and seasonal performances. Central Park, with its sports fields, fitness paths, and dog-friendly spaces, stays active year-round. At the same time, the Paramount Arts Center, a 1930 Art Deco gem, draws crowds for shows and hosts educational programs for kids. Just down the road, the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center ties together regional history, country music roots, and interactive learning.
Ashland celebrates together, too. Whether it is the sparkle of the Festival of Trees, the liveliness of Poage Landing Days, or the buzz around Summer Motion and the popular Firkin Fest, there is always something happening. Even cigar aficionados find their place at My Old Kentucky Herf, the region’s standout festival. Add to that the low housing cost of around $117,000, and you have the kind of town where homeownership is within reach.
Henderson
Henderson truly stands out as an exceptional place to call home, driven by a robust and diverse local economy spanning industries like aluminum production, automotive parts, and food processing. It is also a significant producer of corn and soybeans, reflecting a strong agricultural base. Beyond its economic strengths, Henderson thrives with annual events like the Tri-Fest street festival, the free Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival honoring W. C. Handy, and the Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival, continuing a tradition of community gatherings dating back to 1926. The town boasts a strong educational system, including Henderson Community College and a local public library, with additional university options nearby in Evansville.
Nature and recreation abound at John James Audubon State Park, having woodlands for exploration and a museum detailing Audubon's life. The Henderson Riverwalk provides a well-maintained space for family strolls, enjoying views, and relaxing outdoors. For dining, Hometown Roots restaurant is a welcoming spot for family dinners. At the same time, Healthcare is provided by Deaconess Henderson Hospital. With homeownership accessible at around $195,000, Henderson truly has everything needed to establish a fulfilling permanent residence.
Paducah
Paducah blends creativity, culture, and community in a way that makes it an ideal place to make a home. As one of just nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the U.S., it is known for its dedication to craft and folk art. The National Quilt Museum and the annual quilt show at the Schroeder Expo Center draw visitors from across the country, while the Luther F. Carson Center For The Performing Arts keeps the arts alive with year-round performances. Outdoor lovers appreciate Fort Massac State Park’s trails, disc golf, and camping. The park is around 20 minutes away in neighboring Illinois. The Purple Toad Winery adds a unique local flavor with its small-batch wines. Restaurants like Freight House showcase southern cooking made from locally sourced ingredients.
Education is strong here, with two private school systems and college-level options including West Kentucky Community and Technical College, a branch of the University of Kentucky College of Engineering, and a Murray State University campus. The McCracken County Public Library and Paducah Area Transit System help make everyday life convenient and connected. With home prices hovering around $177,000 as of June 2025, Paducah is reasonably priced, alongside being a smart, soulful place to settle down.
Hopkinsville
Hopkinsville is a place where opportunity and enjoyment go hand in hand. With a median home price of about $193,000, it is possible to become a homeowner without sacrificing the ability to enjoy life. The town is a regional hub for industry, with more than 50 companies, some tied to Fortune 500 names, supporting a strong local economy and diverse job market. Simultaneously, cultural life also thrives here. The Alhambra Theatre, dating back to 1928, now hosts live performances thanks to the Pennyroyal Arts Council. The Hopkinsville Art Guild offers both exhibitions and classes, keeping visual arts accessible to residents of all ages. Each May, downtown comes alive during Little River Days, a family-friendly festival packed with canoe races, live music, arts, and food at Merchant Park. Families benefit from strong education options, including public schools and three private institutions. The Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library adds another layer of enrichment with its wide range of resources and programming.
When it is time to unwind, locals head to the Bluegrass Splash Family Aquatic Center, whether for a slow float down the lazy river, thrills on twisting slides, or simply lounging by the water. Outdoor lovers and history enthusiasts alike find meaning at the Cherokee Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, where an annual intertribal Pow Wow honors Native American traditions. Nearby, the Casey Jones Distillery offers a taste of Kentucky spirit with handcrafted bourbon and beautiful views.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are drawn to the artsy energy of Hopkinsville, the historic charm of Campbellsville, or the scenic riverwalks in Henderson, these seven Kentucky towns each bring something special to the table. Scattered across the Bluegrass State, they combine the essentials, walkable streets, quality healthcare, access to education, and tight-knit communities, with the kind of affordability that lets you build a life without financial strain. With median home prices well below the state average, these towns make it easier to put down roots, pursue what matters, and truly feel at home.
