This can be the ideal location for you if you want cheap taxes, reasonably priced homes, and a wealth of cultural and outdoor activities. Welcome to “The Bluegrass State,” where genuine Southern friendliness coexists with small-town charm.
There are many fantastic places to visit, ranging from Middlesboro’s historic museums and tri-state locations to Frankfort’s stunning gardens and architectural treasures. Find the top retirement communities in Kentucky, where tranquil life coexists with thrilling adventure options.
Bardstown
The city that is well known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World” is much more than you might think. The benefits of living in a quiet, charming, much smaller community are combined with easy access to two of Kentucky’s largest cities—Lexington is 58 miles away and Louisville is 41 miles.
Orthopedic care, pain management, cancer care, general surgery, sleep care, and other treatments are among the many services that Flaget Memorial Hospital provides in Bardstown.
Accessible by vehicle are other top-performing medical facilities, such as Baptist Health Louisville (ranked third on the list) and the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital (named the finest hospital in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report).
Explore the remarkable 19th-century house My Old Kentucky Home, finished in 1818, with its 200-year-old treasures, farmlands, and formal gardens. Golfing, musicals, cooking lessons, mansion tours, and mystery dinners are just a few of the many unusual activities that can be found here.
Somerset
Somerset is one of the greatest retirement communities in Kentucky, whether you enjoy living close to the lake or participating in a variety of cultural events.
Eagle’s Nest Country Club offers entertaining community events, such as pickleball competitions, pool parties, golf scrambles, and fireworks displays. In this breathtaking location, where more than 20% of the population is 65 and older, the kind and inviting atmosphere will make you feel completely at home.
Discover where your food is grown and sold by shopping at the family-run Burnett Farms for fresh veggies and premium meats.
With more than 18,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, North 27 Antique Mall offers a wide variety of treasures for you to discover. You never know what you could discover at the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center, so get ready for an exciting adventure.
Specialized cardiopulmonary, behavioral health, surgical, diagnostic imaging, inpatient rehabilitation, and emergency services are provided at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, a 295-bed acute care hospital. Well-regarded assisted living communities, like Bluegrass Senior Living, provide assistance with a variety of floor plans, first-rate amenities, and programming.
Frankfort
In addition to being a historically and culturally significant city, Frankfort, the state capital since 1792, is also a stunning city.
There are plenty of options to keep your mind active and try new things, from the neoclassical Kentucky State Capitol to the fuzzy critters of the Salato Wildlife Education Center, which is home to over 40 native species.
See Wilson Nurseries’ gorgeous succulents by going to the Butterfly Greenhouse. Experience the finest bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery, which has been producing bourbon whiskey for more than 200 years and is said to be the oldest distillery still in operation in America.
Residents 50 years of age and over can participate in a variety of events and activities at the Capital City Activity Center, including Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Dancing, Drumming, Game Days, and Bingo.
The Joint Commission-accredited 173-bed acute care center Frankfort Regional Medical Center has won the Patient Safety Excellence AwardTM from Healthgrades.
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Ashland
Ashland, along the Ohio River, is a beautiful place. Enjoy the health advantages of living in a small city with lots to do near the water.
Cultural attractions like Paramount Arts Center feature performances in a historic theater and music venue that first opened in 1931, while scenic locations like Central Park and the Port of Ashland are ideal for taking a stroll by the ocean.
Since 19.7% of the population is 65 and over, you can make a lot of new acquaintances who are going through similar things. The Ashland Enrichment Center provides socialization activities such as cards, tai chi, pool, and Wii bowling.
For those who want to learn new skills, meet new people, and feel a part of the community, there are volunteer options.
Organizations such as Boyd Nursing and Rehabilitation create individualized care plans based on the requirements of their residents.
Additionally, Ashland is a reasonably priced city to reside in, with a median sold property price of $144,300 USD as of December 2024 (per realtor.com).
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Edgewood
This peaceful, charming city is a great place to call home because of its close proximity to lovely parks and interesting activity areas. You will feel quite safe living in Edgewood, which was named the Safest City in Kentucky by SafeWise in 2024 and has zero violent crime rates.
This implies that you can peacefully explore the beautiful green areas, such Presidents Park, which features a presidential path, a pavilion, and sporting facilities like basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.
Cincinnati is also conveniently close to Edgewood. Enjoy the benefits of a slower-paced lifestyle while taking advantage of the fact that one of Ohio’s largest cities is only 20 miles away.
Additionally, Edgewood is home to St. Elizabeth Healthcare, which the U.S. News & World Report ranked as Kentucky’s second-best hospital. You can be confident that you will be in good hands because the site was rated as having high performance in 15 adult procedures and conditions.