Somerset, Kentucky sits nestled in the heart of Pulaski County, offering residents a blend of small-town charm with enough amenities to keep things interesting. This south-central Kentucky city of roughly 11,500 residents has developed a reputation as the “Car Capital of Kentucky” due to its numerous dealerships, but there’s much more to this Lake Cumberland gateway than just automotive options. The community features a growing downtown area, reasonable cost of living, and access to stunning natural resources. However, like any place, Somerset has its drawbacks including limited public transportation, some safety concerns in certain neighborhoods, and fewer entertainment options compared to larger cities.
Is Somerset safe?
Somerset’s safety profile presents a mixed picture. The city experiences crime rates somewhat higher than state averages, but this varies dramatically by neighborhood. Most residents report feeling safe in their day-to-day activities.
The Shafter area and the Bandy/Bobtown communities tend to be among the safest parts of Somerset, with residents often leaving doors unlocked and knowing their neighbors by name. One local resident recently told the Commonwealth Journal, “I’ve lived in Shafter for 15 years and never once worried about crime.”
Conversely, parts of northern Somerset and the Elihu community have experienced more property crimes and occasional drug-related incidents. Local police have increased patrols in these areas over the past year.
The downtown area has seen significant improvement in safety with the recent revitalization efforts, making it increasingly popular for evening activities and family outings.
Is Somerset a nice place to live for families?
Somerset offers a family-friendly environment with several advantages for those raising children, though it comes with certain limitations typical of smaller cities.
Elementary Schools
The elementary school options in Somerset provide solid educational foundations. Oak Hill Elementary has built a strong reputation for its reading program and community involvement. Parents frequently praise the dedicated teachers and administration.
Pulaski Elementary School offers excellent special education resources and has recently expanded its STEM curriculum, garnering positive feedback from families. Hopkins Elementary maintains smaller class sizes than some neighboring districts, allowing for more individualized attention.
While these schools perform well, some parents mention that extracurricular offerings can be limited compared to larger districts in Kentucky.
Middle and High Schools
Northern Middle School stands out for its advanced math program and competitive sports teams. The school recently celebrated several students winning regional academic competitions.
Southwestern High School offers solid college preparation courses and has sent graduates to prestigious universities throughout the Southeast. Their vocational programs provide practical skills for students pursuing trades.
Southern Middle School has struggled with some resource limitations but maintains strong community support and dedicated faculty working to improve outcomes.
Family Activities
Somerset shines when it comes to outdoor family activities. The SomerSplash Waterpark provides summer entertainment, while numerous parks offer playgrounds and sports facilities. The annual Downtown Somerset Christmas Parade and summer Somernites Cruise car shows have become beloved family traditions.
The city has a growing number of family-friendly restaurants, though some residents wish for more diverse dining options and indoor entertainment venues for rainy days and winter months.
Is Somerset expensive?
Housing costs in Somerset remain one of its strongest selling points. The average home price hovers around $185,000, making it more affordable than much of Kentucky. First-time homebuyers frequently find Somerset an accessible market to enter.
The Reservoir area represents Somerset’s luxury market, with homes often exceeding $575,000 and featuring lake views or substantial acreage. Similarly, the Crestwood-Hinda Heights neighborhood offers upscale housing options around $500,000, typically featuring newer construction and larger lots.
For more budget-conscious buyers, Jamestown and River Park areas provide solid options around $225,000 and $200,000 respectively. These neighborhoods offer established homes with character, though some might require updates.
The rental market in Somerset is robust, with most city residents choosing to rent rather than buy. Monthly rents average around $800, making Somerset notably more affordable than nearby cities like Lexington or Louisville. Apartment complexes like The Highlands and Stonegate offer modern amenities, while numerous single-family rentals provide options for families.
Housing availability remains healthy throughout Somerset, giving prospective residents plenty of options without the fierce competition seen in larger markets.
What transport links are there?
Transportation presents one of Somerset’s bigger challenges. The city operates a limited Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated (RTEC) bus service, but routes and operating hours are restricted, making personal vehicles essential for most residents.
Highway access is excellent, with the Cumberland Parkway and US-27 providing quick connections to Interstate 75 and broader Kentucky. The recently completed Somerset Southwest Bypass has significantly improved traffic flow around the city.
For those commuting to work, Somerset serves as a hub for Pulaski County, with many residents driving 15-30 minutes from surrounding communities. Commutes to Lexington take approximately 1.5 hours, making daily travel impractical but weekend trips very doable.
The Lake Cumberland Regional Airport offers limited commercial service through Contour Airlines to Nashville, though most residents drive to Lexington or Louisville for more flight options.
What amenities are available in Somerset?
Somerset punches above its weight class regarding amenities, particularly for a city its size. The downtown area has undergone significant revitalization, adding charm and new businesses.
Restaurant options provide solid variety, from southern comfort food at Cracker Barrel to fast-casual options like Chick-fil-A and Cook Out. Local favorites include King Buffet for affordable dining and Starbucks for coffee enthusiasts. Chili’s Grill & Bar offers a familiar menu for those craving American classics.
Grocery shopping is convenient with two Kroger locations, including the expansive Kroger Marketplace carrying everything from produce to home goods. Walmart provides another option for one-stop shopping, with grocery pickup services increasingly popular among busy families.
Healthcare services are accessible through Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, which serves as the medical hub for several surrounding counties. Multiple doctors’ offices, pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS, and veterinary clinics ensure residents’ basic health needs are covered without traveling to larger cities.
Personal services including hair salons, barbershops, and day spas round out the amenities, though some residents note that specialty shopping requires trips to larger cities.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
Outdoor recreation represents Somerset’s crown jewel. Lake Cumberland, just minutes away, offers 1,255 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake draws visitors from across the Midwest, but locals enjoy year-round access to this stunning resource.
General Burnside Island State Park provides golf, picnicking, and camping opportunities on Kentucky’s only island state park. Somerset’s Rocky Hollow Park features walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities for family recreation.
The nearby Daniel Boone National Forest offers hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities within a short drive. Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – home to the “Moonbow,” a rare lunar rainbow – provide unforgettable day trips.
Fishing enthusiasts appreciate access to both Lake Cumberland and the Cumberland River, known for excellent bass, walleye, and trout fishing.
So, what’s the verdict?
Somerset offers an appealing package for those seeking affordable living with abundant outdoor recreation. Its family-friendly atmosphere, growing downtown, and reasonable cost of living make it attractive, particularly for those tired of big-city expenses and traffic. However, limited public transportation, fewer entertainment options, and some safety concerns in specific neighborhoods represent legitimate drawbacks. For many, the access to natural beauty and tight-knit community outweigh these limitations.
What are the alternatives?
Those considering Somerset might also explore nearby London, which offers similar amenities with slightly higher housing costs but better shopping options. Corbin provides comparable affordability with the added benefit of proximity to the stunning Cumberland Falls. For those desiring more urban amenities while maintaining access to nature, Richmond offers a college-town atmosphere with Eastern Kentucky University, more diverse dining, and entertainment while still being near outdoor recreation opportunities.
