Richmond, Kentucky sits about 25 miles south of Lexington, offering small-town charm with proximity to a larger city. Home to Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond combines college-town energy with traditional Kentucky values. The city of roughly 35,000 residents offers more affordable living than nearby Lexington but struggles with higher crime rates than the state average. Locals appreciate the friendly community atmosphere and lower cost of living, though some complain about limited entertainment options and the need to travel to Lexington for certain amenities. The downtown area has seen revitalization efforts in recent years, adding character to this otherwise ordinary mid-sized Kentucky town.
Is Richmond safe?
Richmond’s safety profile raises some concerns for potential residents. The city experiences crime rates noticeably higher than Kentucky averages, particularly for property crimes. The western portions of Richmond and areas surrounding Eastern Kentucky University report more incidents than other neighborhoods.
The areas of Caleast and Doylesville tend to be among the safest in town, with lower reported incidents and more family-oriented communities. Richmond West, by contrast, experiences more property crime issues, particularly after dark.
Local police have increased patrols around campus areas following several incidents, and community watch programs are active in many neighborhoods. Longtime residents often mention feeling safe in their immediate neighborhoods while exercising caution in certain areas after dark.
Home security systems are common in Richmond homes due to burglary rates exceeding state averages. The police department offers free home security assessments for residents looking to improve their property’s safety.
Is Richmond a nice place to live for families?
Richmond offers mixed opportunities for families, with some strong points and definite challenges.
Schools
The school situation in Richmond presents a varied landscape. Elementary options include Kit Carson Elementary, which has a solid reputation for its reading program, and Glenn R Marshall Elementary, known for its engaged parent-teacher association. Daniel Boone Elementary serves the northern neighborhoods with average academic performance.
For older students, B. Michael Caudill Middle School offers strong extracurricular programs, while Model Laboratory High School (associated with EKU) provides more rigorous academic standards but has limited enrollment. Clark Moores Middle School has recently improved its test scores but still faces challenges with resources.
Richmond has a handful of private school options, though fewer than Lexington just up the road. Families serious about private education often look to neighboring communities for more established institutions, requiring longer commutes for students.
Family Activities
Richmond offers several family-friendly attractions, including Lake Reba Recreational Complex with its playground, fishing lake, and walking trails. The Paradise Cove Aquatic Center provides summer fun with water slides and pools.
The presence of Eastern Kentucky University brings family-oriented cultural events and sports games throughout the year. Local youth sports leagues are active, though facilities can be crowded during peak seasons.
Richmond hosts several annual festivals, including the Richmond Fourth of July Celebration and Richmond Christmas Parade, providing community gathering opportunities for families.
Is Richmond expensive?
Richmond offers a significantly more affordable lifestyle than nearby Lexington, making it attractive to those seeking Kentucky living without big-city prices.
The average home price in Richmond hovers around $280,000, which exceeds Kentucky’s state average but remains reasonable compared to many parts of the country. Housing availability is generally good, with more options than similarly-sized Kentucky towns.
The most expensive neighborhoods include the Reservoir area, where homes can reach $575,000, and the Crestwood-Hinda Heights area, with properties around $500,000. These areas feature larger lots and newer construction.
Budget-conscious buyers should look to Jamestown and River Park neighborhoods, where homes can be found around $225,000 and $200,000 respectively. These areas offer older homes with character but may require some updates.
The rental market in Richmond is dominated by student housing near Eastern Kentucky University. Most Richmond residents rent rather than own, creating a competitive market. Rental prices have been climbing faster than in other parts of Kentucky, with average monthly rents around $1,100 – higher than typical for Kentucky towns this size.
Utility costs align with Kentucky averages, while groceries and everyday expenses typically run lower than in Lexington.
What transport links are there?
Richmond’s transportation system centers primarily around car travel, with Interstate 75 providing the main north-south connection. This major highway makes Lexington accessible in about 30 minutes and offers a direct route to Cincinnati (about 2 hours north) or Knoxville (about 2.5 hours south).
Public transportation options are limited. Kentucky River Foothills Development Council operates a small bus service with fixed routes through Richmond and Madison County, but schedules are limited and primarily serve daytime hours on weekdays.
For commuters to Lexington, carpooling is common, with several informal park-and-ride locations along the I-75 corridor. The lack of comprehensive public transit makes car ownership practically essential for Richmond residents.
Richmond has no passenger rail service, and the nearest commercial airport is Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, about 35 minutes away by car. For international flights, most residents drive to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, roughly 1.5 hours away.
What amenities are available in Richmond?
Richmond offers a standard range of amenities for a college town its size, though residents often visit Lexington for more specialized shopping and entertainment.
For dining, Richmond has several chain restaurants including Red Lobster for seafood and fast-food options like Sonic Drive-In and White Castle. Coffee lovers can choose between Dutch Bros Coffee, Purdy’s Coffee Co. (a local favorite), and Starbucks.
The bar scene is limited, with Gillum’s Sports Lounge standing out as a popular gathering spot for watching games and enjoying casual drinks. The presence of EKU means there are a few college-oriented bars near campus as well.
Grocery shopping options include ALDI and Walmart for budget-conscious shoppers, while Redi-Mart convenience stores dot the city for quick purchases. The Richmond Farmers Market operates seasonally, offering local produce and crafts.
Healthcare needs are served by Baptist Health Richmond, the main hospital facility. The city has several medical practices, multiple pharmacies, and specialized care options. For more complex medical issues, many residents travel to Lexington’s more comprehensive medical centers.
Fitness enthusiasts can access gym facilities, including a Planet Fitness and the EKU fitness center (which offers community memberships). Personal services like barber shops and hair salons are adequately represented throughout town.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
Richmond is blessed with beautiful natural surroundings typical of the Bluegrass Region. E.C. Million Memorial Park offers walking trails and picnic areas within city limits, while Lake Reba provides fishing, boating, and additional trails.
Just outside Richmond, Fort Boonesborough State Park offers historical reenactments alongside outdoor recreation on the Kentucky River. The Pinnacles of Berea, about 15 minutes south, provides hiking trails with spectacular views of the region.
The Daniel Boone National Forest lies within an hour’s drive, offering extensive hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Red River Gorge, famous for its natural stone arches and world-class rock climbing, is about an hour east.
White Hall State Historic Site combines outdoor beauty with historical interest, featuring gardens and grounds surrounding a restored 19th-century mansion.
So, what’s the verdict?
Richmond offers affordable living with college-town amenities and beautiful Kentucky landscapes nearby. The tradeoffs include higher-than-average crime rates, limited public transportation, and fewer entertainment options than larger cities. For families, the school situation varies by neighborhood, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the natural surroundings. It’s ideal for those seeking a balance between small-town atmosphere and proximity to Lexington’s urban offerings.
What are the alternatives?
Berea, just 12 miles south, offers a more artistic community with a focus on crafts and sustainability, though with fewer shopping options. Lexington provides more amenities, better schools, and more job opportunities, but at significantly higher housing costs. Winchester, about 20 miles north, offers a similar size to Richmond with slightly lower crime rates but fewer college-town amenities. Georgetown combines Toyota manufacturing jobs with historic charm but comes with higher housing costs than Richmond.
