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Lexington, KY

Frequently asked questions

Lexington, KY

Lexington is a consolidated city coterminous with, and the county seat of, Fayette County, Kentucky, United States. As of the 2020 census the city's population was 322,570, making it the second-most populous city in Kentucky (after Louisville), and the 60th-most populous city in the United States. By land area, it is the country's 30th-largest city.

Lexington is known as the "Horse Capital of the World" due to the hundreds of horse farms in the region, as well as the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile, and Keeneland race courses. It is within the state's Bluegrass region. Notable locations within the city include venues Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center, colleges and universities such as the University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Headquarters.

The city anchors the Lexington–Fayette metropolitan area of 516,811 people and the greater Lexington–Fayette–Richmond–Frankfort combined statistical area of 747,919 people. It has been consolidated entirely within Fayette County since 1974 and has a nonpartisan mayor-council form of government, with 12 council districts and three members elected at large, with the highest vote-getter designated vice mayor.

The Lexington-Fayette metro area includes five additional counties: Clark, Jessamine, Bourbon, Woodford, and Scott. This is the second-largest metro area in Kentucky after Louisville. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 285.5 sq mi (739 km²). 284.5 sq mi (737 km²) of it is land and 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) of it (0.35%) is covered by water.

Lexington was named in June 1775, in what was then considered Fincastle County, Virginia, 17 years before Kentucky became a state. A party of frontiersmen, led by William McConnell, camped on the Middle Fork of Elkhorn Creek (now known as Town Branch and rerouted under Vine Street) at the site of the present-day McConnell Springs. Upon hearing of the colonists' victory in the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, they named the site Lexington. It was the first of many American places to be named after the Massachusetts town.

On January 25, 1780, 45 original settlers signed the Lexington Compact, known also as the "Articles of Agreement, made by the inhabitants of the town of Lexington, in the County of Kentucky." The settlement at Lexington at this time was also known as Fort Lexington, as it was surrounded by fortifications to protect from potential attacks from British-allied Indians. The Articles allocated land by granting "In" lots of 1/2 acre to each share, along with "Out" lots of 5 acres for each share. Presumably, the "In" lots were for the family dwelling inside the fortifications, while the "Out" lots were to be "cleared" for farming. (Corn is the only crop specifically mentioned in the Articles.) It is known that several of these original settlers (perhaps many of them) served under General George Rogers Clark in the Illinois campaign (also called the Northwestern campaign) against the British in 1778–79. While the ostensible founder of Lexington, William McConnell, is not one of the signees, Alexander McConnell is. Within two years of signing the Agreement, both John and Jacob Wymore were killed by Indians in separate incidents outside the walls of "Fort Lexington".

Health and wellness are paramount in Lexington, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The UK HealthCare stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Lexington Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Proof Fitness, Wildcat Fitness, and Lexington Athletic Club. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Lexington, such as the Raven Run Red Trail and Veterans Park Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Lexington, KY are Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Association Inc., and Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate.

Population: 329,437 (2024). ZIP codes: 40502–40517, 40522–40524, 40526, 40533, 40536, 40544, 40546, 40550, 40555, 40574–40583, 40588, 40591, 40598. Area: 285.54 sq mi (739.54 km²). Area code: 859. Elevation: 978 ft (298 m).

FAQs

Is Lexington, KY a good city to live in?

Lexington is in Fayette County and is one of the best places to live in Kentucky. Living in Lexington offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Lexington, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Lexington and residents tend to have moderate political views. 

Is Lexington, KY expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Lexington, KY is 1% lower than the state average and 8% lower than the national average. Lexington, KY housing is 26% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 4% pricier. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 1% more in Lexington, KY than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 1% more.

Why is Lexington, KY famous?

Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington, KY, is a city that perfectly blends urban sophistication with southern charm. With its rolling bluegrass fields, vibrant cultural scene, and a strong sense of community, Lexington offers a unique and high-quality living experience. Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a history buff, or a young professional, Lexington has something to offer everyone. Lexington is renowned for its equestrian heritage, with numerous horse farms, training facilities, and the Kentucky Horse Park. Residents can enjoy watching thoroughbred racing at Keeneland or simply take in the beautiful landscapes dotted with grazing horses.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lexington

UK HealthCare 

Lexington Parks and Recreation Department

Proof Fitness

Wildcat Fitness 

Lexington Athletic Club

Raven Run Red Trail 

Veterans Park Trail

Kentucky Horse Park

Keeneland Association Inc.

Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate

Niche

RentCafe

Squeegee Squad

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