Georgetown, Kentucky sits about 20 minutes north of Lexington, offering a small-town atmosphere with big-city conveniences nearby. With around 35,000 residents, this historic town has experienced significant growth in recent years, largely due to the Toyota Manufacturing plant that employs thousands. While many locals appreciate Georgetown’s charm and community feel, the rapid expansion has brought growing pains – including increased traffic and some infrastructure struggles.
The town balances Kentucky heritage with modern development, featuring a picturesque downtown district alongside newer commercial areas. Housing developments continue to spring up, accommodating the influx of residents drawn to the area’s job opportunities and relative affordability compared to Lexington proper.
Is Georgetown safe?
Georgetown generally maintains a good safety record, with crime rates that align with state averages. Most residents report feeling secure in their neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Great Crossing and the Paynes Depot region.
The northern sections of town tend to have lower crime incidents, while some southwestern neighborhoods occasionally report higher property crime. Local police maintain an active presence throughout the community.
Violent crime remains relatively rare, with most incidents involving property crimes like theft. The downtown historic district, despite being lively, doesn’t typically experience significant safety issues even during evening hours.
The town’s growth has brought some challenges, but the police department has expanded to meet the needs of the increasing population.
Is Georgetown a nice place to live for families?
Georgetown has become increasingly popular with families seeking a balance between small-town living and access to amenities. The community spirit is strong, with numerous family-focused events throughout the year.
Schools
Georgetown’s public education system has expanded to accommodate the growing population. Elementary options include Eastern Elementary, which has a solid reputation for its reading programs, and Western Elementary, known for its active parent-teacher organization.
Creekside Elementary, one of the newer schools, features modern facilities and technology integration that many parents appreciate.
For older students, Scott County Middle School and Royal Spring Middle School offer comprehensive education with varying strengths – Scott County excels in athletics while Royal Spring has gained recognition for its arts programs.
Great Crossing High School, which opened in 2019, features state-of-the-art facilities and has quickly established strong academic and athletic programs alongside the established Scott County High School.
Families seeking private education have options, though most are located in nearby Lexington, requiring a commute.
Family Activities
Georgetown offers several family-friendly venues, including well-maintained parks with playgrounds, splash pads, and recreational facilities. The town hosts seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community events that appeal to families with children of all ages.
Sports leagues for youth are abundant, with soccer, baseball, and basketball being particularly popular. The YMCA provides additional programming for families throughout the year.
Is Georgetown expensive?
Housing costs in Georgetown run higher than many Kentucky communities but remain more affordable than nearby Lexington. The average home price hovers around $305,000, which represents a significant premium compared to the Kentucky average.
The most expensive neighborhoods include the Masterson area with its newer, larger homes averaging around $315,000, and Meadowthorpe with similar pricing. These communities typically feature newer construction and larger lot sizes.
More budget-friendly options exist in the areas near Douglas High School and Hollow Creek, where homes can be found in the $175,000-$180,000 range. These established neighborhoods offer smaller homes with character but may require more maintenance.
The rental market has tightened considerably, with apartments and rental homes commanding around $1,500 monthly – substantially higher than what you’d pay in most Kentucky towns. The influx of Toyota employees and Lexington commuters has driven demand that outpaces supply.
New housing developments continue to emerge, but construction hasn’t kept pace with population growth, keeping prices on an upward trajectory.
What transport links are there?
Georgetown’s transportation system primarily revolves around personal vehicles. Interstate 75 runs alongside the town, providing quick access to Lexington (20 minutes south) and Cincinnati (about an hour north).
Public transportation is limited, with no comprehensive bus system within Georgetown itself. Lextran, the Lexington transit authority, does not extend regular service to Georgetown.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area but may have longer wait times than in larger cities.
For longer trips, the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington is about 25 minutes away, offering connections to major hubs. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport provides more flight options but requires a longer drive of about an hour.
Commuters to Lexington should be aware of morning and evening traffic congestion on I-75, which can add 10-15 minutes during peak hours.
What amenities are available in Georgetown?
Georgetown offers a mix of chain establishments and local businesses that meet most daily needs. The historic downtown features boutique shops, local eateries, and service businesses in charming historic buildings.
For dining, options range from casual to mid-range establishments. Local favorites include Cattleman’s Roadhouse for steaks and hearty fare. Chain restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Cracker Barrel, and Culver’s provide familiar options. The downtown area hosts several independent restaurants and coffee shops beyond the Starbucks on the outskirts.
Grocery shopping options are somewhat limited, with residents relying on convenience stores like Clark Pump-N-Shop, Speedway, and Minit Mart for quick purchases. For major grocery runs, many residents travel to Lexington for greater selection.
Healthcare facilities include several medical practices, dentists, and a pharmacy. Georgetown Community Hospital provides emergency services and common procedures, though specialized care often requires a trip to Lexington’s more comprehensive medical centers.
Fitness enthusiasts can access the YMCA and other fitness facilities, and the town maintains a public swimming pool during summer months.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
Georgetown benefits from Kentucky’s natural beauty with several outdoor recreation options. The Georgetown Skate Park offers facilities for skateboarding enthusiasts, while several community parks provide walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas.
Just a short drive away, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington offers over 1,200 acres of equestrian attractions and beautiful grounds. This world-renowned facility hosts competitions and offers daily horse shows and museum exhibits celebrating Kentucky’s horse heritage.
Elkhorn Creek runs near Georgetown and provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Several access points allow for easy enjoyment of this natural resource.
The surrounding countryside features scenic drives through horse farms and agricultural land, particularly beautiful during spring and fall.
So, what’s the verdict?
Georgetown offers a compelling mix of small-town charm and growing amenities, making it attractive for families and professionals seeking proximity to Lexington without the higher costs. The strong job market, decent schools, and community atmosphere are definite strengths, while the increasing traffic, limited public transportation, and rising housing costs present challenges. For those who value a community in transition – maintaining some small-town feel while embracing growth – Georgetown hits a sweet spot.
What are the alternatives?
Lexington provides a more urban experience with expanded amenities, entertainment options, and public transportation, though at higher housing costs. Versailles offers similar small-town charm with slightly lower housing prices but fewer job opportunities. Paris maintains a more preserved historic feel with less growth pressure, while Frankfort, the state capital, provides government employment opportunities in a mid-sized city environment with comparable housing costs to Georgetown.
