Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital city, sits along the Kentucky River with a blend of small-town charm and government-centered activity. Home to about 28,000 residents, this historic city offers a unique living experience that differs significantly from nearby Lexington. The downtown area features beautiful historic buildings and the iconic Capitol, while residential neighborhoods range from well-established communities to newer developments. Before deciding if Frankfort is your next home, it’s worth understanding both its appealing qualities and challenges – from its relatively affordable housing market compared to Lexington to its limited entertainment options and somewhat sleepy atmosphere that some residents find either charming or limiting.
Is Frankfort safe?
Frankfort presents a mixed safety picture typical of many small cities. The eastern neighborhoods like Slickway and Woodlake tend to have lower crime rates and are generally considered the safest parts of town. Meanwhile, some areas in northwest Frankfort experience higher property crime incidents.
Local residents often mention feeling comfortable walking downtown during daylight hours, though some exercise more caution after dark. Car break-ins occasionally spike in commercial areas, particularly around shopping centers during holiday seasons.
The Frankfort Police Department maintains an active community presence, with neighborhood watch programs being particularly strong in the Peaks Mill area. Violent crime isn’t a widespread concern, though property crimes like theft remain the most commonly reported incidents.
Is Frankfort a nice place to live for families?
Frankfort offers families a small-town environment with access to state government resources and activities. The tight-knit community means children often grow up knowing their neighbors, creating a supportive environment for raising kids.
Schools
Frankfort’s school situation is somewhat complicated. The city has two separate school districts: Frankfort Independent Schools and Franklin County Schools, creating some confusion for newcomers.
Peaks Mill Elementary has earned praise for its dedicated teachers and strong parent involvement, while Collins Lane Elementary offers solid special education programs. Second Street School, which serves K-8 students, provides a unique downtown location with walking access to the library and YMCA for field trips.
For high schoolers, Franklin County High School offers more comprehensive sports programs and course selections due to its larger size, while Frankfort High School maintains smaller class sizes that some parents prefer for individualized attention.
For those seeking private education, Frankfort Christian Academy and Good Shepherd Catholic School provide faith-based alternatives, though they have limited enrollment capacity.
Family Activities
Families appreciate Frankfort’s numerous community events, including the popular Downtown Summer Concert series and seasonal festivals at the Farmers Market. The Salato Wildlife Education Center offers hands-on nature experiences that local families visit repeatedly.
The Frankfort YMCA provides year-round activities and camps, while the city maintains several playgrounds, with Dolly Graham Park being a favorite for its updated equipment.
A common complaint, however, is the limited indoor activity options during winter months, with many families making the 25-minute drive to Lexington for more diverse entertainment choices.
Is Frankfort expensive?
Frankfort offers significantly more affordable housing than nearby Lexington, making it attractive to state employees and those seeking value within a short commute to the larger city.
The housing market varies dramatically by neighborhood. The historic Westmorland area commands premium prices around $645,000 for its stately homes and walkable access to downtown. Similarly, the Beaumont neighborhood features newer upscale homes with prices approaching $630,000.
More affordable options exist in neighborhoods like Holiday Hills, where homes typically sell around $220,000, and Cardinal Valley with average prices near $200,000. These areas offer solid starter homes for young families or state employees beginning their careers.
The rental market in Frankfort is tight, with limited apartment inventory driving competitive rates. Most rentals are single-family homes or duplexes rather than large apartment complexes. Monthly rents average around $1,000, which runs slightly higher than most Kentucky cities of similar size.
Many state workers choose to rent near downtown for convenience, creating steady demand despite limited supply. Recent legislative sessions have seen discussions about incentivizing more apartment development to address this shortage.
What transport links are there?
Transportation in Frankfort centers primarily around car ownership, with limited public transit options. The Transit Authority of Frankfort (TAF) operates a small bus system with fixed routes covering major corridors and government buildings, but service frequency is limited to roughly hourly departures.
Interstate 64 runs along the city’s northern edge, providing quick access to Louisville (about 50 minutes west) and Lexington (25 minutes east). Many residents commute to Lexington daily for work, finding the drive manageable in exchange for Frankfort’s lower housing costs.
For air travel, residents typically use Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport (25 minutes away) for domestic flights or Louisville’s larger international airport (50 minutes) for more connection options.
The city has made recent improvements to pedestrian infrastructure downtown, though walking or biking as primary transportation remains practical only for those living near the Capitol complex.
What amenities are available in Frankfort?
Frankfort’s amenities reflect its status as a small state capital rather than a major urban center. Downtown offers a growing selection of local restaurants like City Line Pizza, known for its creative pies and casual atmosphere. QDOBA provides familiar Mexican fare for quick meals.
The bar scene remains limited, with Tacklebox N Sports Bar serving as a popular gathering spot for watching games and casual socializing. Bourbon enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to several distilleries just outside town, including Buffalo Trace, which draws tourists but serves as a point of local pride.
Healthcare services center around Frankfort Regional Medical Center, providing essential care, though specialists often require trips to Lexington. The city maintains a public library with active community programming and several medical practices serving basic needs.
Shopping options are functional but limited, with most retail concentrated along the US-127 corridor. Many residents make monthly shopping trips to Lexington for more extensive options.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
Frankfort’s natural setting along the Kentucky River offers surprising outdoor attractions for a small capital city. The River View Park trail system provides scenic walking paths with views of the Capitol building and historic downtown.
Cove Spring Park and Nature Preserve, just minutes from downtown, features hiking trails, a waterfall, and wildlife viewing opportunities that locals treasure. Dolly Graham Park offers more manicured green space with playgrounds and picnic areas.
The downtown area’s Cheaney Plaza hosts outdoor concerts and community gatherings with river views. For water enthusiasts, the Kentucky River provides fishing and kayaking opportunities, with several access points around the city.
Elkhorn Creek, just outside town, is renowned for smallmouth bass fishing and gentle paddling routes. Within a 30-minute drive, residents can access more extensive trail systems in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
So, what’s the verdict?
Frankfort offers an affordable, small-town alternative to Lexington with the unique character of a state capital. Its strengths lie in reasonable housing costs, outdoor recreation, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Its weaknesses include limited entertainment options, basic amenities, and a sometimes too-quiet downtown. For those prioritizing value and community over urban excitement, Frankfort delivers a comfortable, if somewhat understated, Kentucky lifestyle.
What are the alternatives?
If Frankfort doesn’t quite fit your needs, several nearby options offer different balances of amenities and costs. Lexington, just 25 minutes east, provides significantly more shopping, dining, and entertainment with the trade-off of higher housing costs and more traffic.
Versailles, 15 minutes southeast, offers a similar small-town feel with more horse farm character and slightly higher-end neighborhoods. Georgetown, 20 minutes northeast, benefits from Toyota plant employment while maintaining small-town charm with a more robust downtown than Frankfort.
For those seeking even lower costs, Lawrenceburg provides more affordable housing just 15 minutes west of Frankfort, though with fewer amenities and longer commutes to major employment centers.
