Best College Towns In Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky has its fair share of vibrant cities and quaint towns, and many of these communities have the bonus of being college towns. Being a true “college town” means more than being a community home to a higher education institution; instead, it indicates a town or city with a deep connection with the local college or university. A true college town also has to be a fun place to visit! To help plan a trip to the Bluegrass State, or help decide on a college, these most lively and picturesque towns in Kentucky can deliver just that.
Lexington
Lexington is best known as the self-proclaimed “horse capital of the world” and as the home of the University of Kentucky (and its storied college basketball team). Lexington also happens to be Kentucky’s second-largest city, with about 330,000 residents and has a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel. This international flair comes partly from Lexington’s long history as a regional economic and educational center—it was once known as the “Athens of the West”—and in part due to the global connections of its thoroughbred horse breeding and racing operations. The 31,000 students on the UK campus get to experience a taste of the world right in the heart of the Bluegrass State, with a diverse array of Lexington restaurants offering international cuisines.
Louisville
Louisville is bigger than most people realize; with 630,000 residents, it is Kentucky’s largest city and the 27th largest city in the United States. Established as a port in the late 1700s along a key section of the Ohio River, Louisville has long been Kentucky’s most important commercial hub. It has also, since 1798, been home to the University of Louisville, which now hosts about 21,000 students. Members of the campus community have easy access to the city’s large and vibrant downtown area, which includes excellent bars and live music scenes. Louisville is also home to Churchill Downs, the annual site of the world-famous Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horse race.
Murray
Murray is the seat of Callaway County in southwestern Kentucky, home to about 17,000 residents, and the site of Murray State University, which was founded in 1922 and has a student population of about 9,400. Murray has a nice mix of college town vibe and small southern town charm, a combination that helps explain why it was once named the “friendliest town in America” by Rand McNally and USA Today. Along with a nice downtown area, an art museum, and a history museum, Murray has numerous historic markers and sites. Overall, Murray is a safe, affordable, and welcoming community for students and locals alike.
Berea
Conveniently located about 40 miles south of Lexington and 135 miles north of Knoxville, Tennessee along I-75, the central Kentucky town of Berea has a growing population that has now surpassed 15,000. Berea is known most for its historic architecture, its frequent arts festivals, and its local institution of higher learning, Berea College. A well-regarded liberal arts institution, Berea College was founded in 1855 as the first coeducational and racially integrated college in the American South. Berea is also a “work college,” meaning students are required to work on-campus jobs for a set number of hours per week. That said, the college’s 1,500 students still find time to add to the vitality of the Berea community, particularly its distinctive arts scene.
Frankfort
Frankfort, established in 1786 at the site of a Ford across the Kentucky River, is one of the smallest state capitals in the United States, with a population of a little over 28,000. Frankfort feels like a bigger community, however, due to the presence of the state government as well as the campus of Kentucky State University. A historically Black institution of higher learning (HBCU), Kentucky State was founded in 1886 and currently has about 2,200 students. KSU’s campus is right near the center of Frankfort, surrounded by several parks that are great for exercise and relaxation. Additionally, the campus is just a quick trip across the Kentucky River from the state capital and Frankfort's downtown area, which offers a good bar scene.
Morehead
Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northeastern Kentucky, the town of Morehead has a population of a little under 7,000. Morehead has a charming downtown area that has been added to the National Register of Historic Places and is also regionally known as the home of Morehead State University. Established as a teacher's college in 1887, Morehead State has a current enrollment of about 8,800. The campus is located just north of downtown Morehead, but many students are most drawn to the surrounding natural beauty, including the Sheltowee Trace Trail, Cave Run Lake (the largest lake in eastern Kentucky), and Daniel Boone National Forest.
Owensboro
Owensboro, home to about 60,000 residents, is on a U-shaped bend along the Ohio River in western Kentucky. Despite having a small city's commercial and cultural amenities, Owensboro maintains a deep connection to the surrounding countryside. Called the “Bluegrass Capital of the World,” the city is home to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, maintains a bustling live music scene, and has several award-winning restaurants in the downtown area. Owensboro is a music-rich, fun-loving home for students at institutions including Brescia University (1,300 students) and Kentucky Wesleyan College (800 students), along with Owensboro Community College and branch campuses of Daymar College and Western Kentucky University.
Conclusion
Some people enjoy a college town with a more party atmosphere, packed bars, and a lively social scene. Others prefer a quiet, serene college town where the campus and community blend seamlessly. No matter what type of college town prospective students may prefer, they will find it in Kentucky. Even if visitors here are not potential students, the Bluegrass State is worth a visit!
