A Revitalized Downtown
Downtown Lexington, Kentucky, is a vibrant and dynamic city center that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Whether you’re looking to live, work, or play, downtown Lexington has something to offer for everyone. With its charming streets, diverse culinary scene, thriving arts community, and a variety of recreational opportunities, downtown Lexington is an exciting place to call home.
Living in downtown Lexington offers a distinct urban lifestyle with a touch of southern charm. The area is home to a mix of historic buildings and modern developments, providing a range of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets. From stylish lofts and apartments to beautifully restored historic homes, downtown Lexington offers a variety of living spaces. Many residential areas are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it easy to enjoy the city’s offerings.
The downtown area boasts an excellent selection of dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Food lovers can explore a wide range of cuisines, including traditional southern fare, international flavors, and farm-to-table experiences. The Lexington Farmers’ Market, showcases fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts, offering residents the chance to support local businesses and enjoy the best of the region’s offerings.
Beyond its culinary delights, downtown Lexington is rich in history and culture. The city is home to numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Lexington History Museum, the Lexington Opera House, and the Lexington Art League. These cultural institutions provide opportunities to explore the city’s past, appreciate local art, and engage in various educational programs and events.
Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center are also downtown. Rupp Arena is classically known as the home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball, but also hosts many concerts and events. The Central Bank Center, which manages Rupp Arena, attracts many conventions and large shows including the Kentucky Crafted Market and the Incredible Food Show.
Another popular spot downtown is The Square–a 14,000 square foot collection of retail shops, dining, and entertainment on one city block. Originally built in the 1880s, this beautiful building adds to the historic architecture of downtown and was recently spruced up in a $2.3 million renovation. There are a handful of museums and galleries at The Square, with a mix of shopping and dining.
Downtown Lexington also hosts several annual festivals and events that draw visitors from near and far. The Festival Latino de Lexington, Thursday Night Live, and the Lexington Gallery Hop are just a few examples of the vibrant cultural scene that residents can enjoy. The city’s vibrant music scene offers live performances in intimate venues and larger concert halls, catering to diverse musical tastes.
For those seeking outdoor recreation, downtown Lexington has plenty to offer. The city is known for its beautiful parks, such as the scenic Thoroughbred Park and the McConnell Springs Nature Center. These green spaces provide opportunities for jogging, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, the Legacy Trail is a popular destination for cyclists and walkers, offering a scenic route connecting downtown Lexington with the surrounding countryside.
To further increase Lexington’s walkability and bicycle access, Lexington developed the Town Branch Park. The Town Branch Park expands bicycle and pedestrian access to all areas of the city by connecting existing parks, trails, and bikeways to create 19.5 miles of uninterrupted pedestrian and bicycle transit trails, including 3.8 miles in downtown Lexington. Residents, tourists, students, and employees can travel by foot or by bicycle to shopping, dining, and working downtown, as well as to the beautiful farms, eclectic neighborhoods and suburbs, shopping, dining, and recreation throughout Lexington.
In terms of employment opportunities, downtown Lexington is a hub for various industries. The city’s central business district houses numerous corporate offices, law firms, healthcare facilities, and government institutions. The University of Kentucky, located just south of downtown, also contributes to the city’s economy and provides employment opportunities in education and research fields. The proximity of workplaces to residential areas makes for convenient commutes, reducing the stress associated with long travel times.
Moreover, downtown Lexington’s business-friendly environment has fostered the growth of small businesses and startups. Entrepreneurs and creative professionals are drawn to the area due to its supportive community and access to resources. Co-working spaces and business incubators provide a collaborative atmosphere for networking and innovation.
Transportation options in downtown Lexington are well-developed, making it easy for residents and workers to get around. The city has a public bus system, Lextran, bike lanes, and sidewalks that encourage alternative modes of transportation. For those traveling outside the city, the Blue Grass Airport is conveniently located nearby, offering domestic and international flights.
For more information and a list of events and attractions in the downtown area, please visit the Downtown Lexington Partnership.
