Georgetown, Kentucky
Locals can help care for more than 240 former racehorses and breeding stallions at the Old Friends thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky.Jonathan NewtonThe Washington Post/Getty Images
- StateKentucky
- CountyScott
- Population36,980
Proud of its location just 10 miles north of Lexington, in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country, Georgetown holds firmly to its small-town vibes and equestrian ties.
Georgetown is home to dozens of buildings and homes featured on the National Registry of Historic Places, including a big portion of its Victorian downtown era, which is today full of independent boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, restaurants, and even quilt and stained glass shops. One of its most well-known historic destinations is Ward Hall, a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture.
No matter where you go in town, however, the presence and power of the area’s love affair with horses can be felt. Riding stables and farms dot the surrounding area, and just a 15-minute drive south lies the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park, which bills itself as an equine theme park where 500,000 visitors a year watch horse shows, learn about horses in its museum, and saddle up themselves. In town, locals can visit and help look after more than 240 retired racehorses and breeding stallions at the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility, including past Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners. And every fall, Georgetown holds its three-day Festival of the Horse in celebration of its equine heritage.
While homes here typically cost more than the state average, residents do still enjoy a lower cost of living than in many other places across the nation and earn a median income of $71,076. The largest Toyota manufacturing plant in the world is based in Georgetown. The 1,300-acre facility employs more than 8,000 people to produce its popular Avalon, Camry, and Lexus vehicles, and gives curious locals free tours.—KR
Georgetown is home to dozens of buildings and homes featured on the National Registry of Historic Places, including a big portion of its Victorian downtown era, which is today full of independent boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, restaurants, and even quilt and stained glass shops. One of its most well-known historic destinations is Ward Hall, a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture.
No matter where you go in town, however, the presence and power of the area’s love affair with horses can be felt. Riding stables and farms dot the surrounding area, and just a 15-minute drive south lies the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park, which bills itself as an equine theme park where 500,000 visitors a year watch horse shows, learn about horses in its museum, and saddle up themselves. In town, locals can visit and help look after more than 240 retired racehorses and breeding stallions at the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility, including past Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners. And every fall, Georgetown holds its three-day Festival of the Horse in celebration of its equine heritage.
While homes here typically cost more than the state average, residents do still enjoy a lower cost of living than in many other places across the nation and earn a median income of $71,076. The largest Toyota manufacturing plant in the world is based in Georgetown. The 1,300-acre facility employs more than 8,000 people to produce its popular Avalon, Camry, and Lexus vehicles, and gives curious locals free tours.—KR
Town Information
| Median sale price for single family residences (2022) | $270,075 |
| Median household income | $71,076 |
| Racial and ethnic makeup of current residents | Asian: 1.72%, Black: 7.02%, Hispanic: 4.89% |
| Racial and ethnic makeup of U.S. | Asian: 6.1%, Black: 13.6%, Hispanic: 18.9% |
| High school district graduation rate (averages of districts were applied when necessary) | 92% |
| Percent of schools serving students in the area that rank "above average" (averages of districts were applied when necessary) | 23% |
| Number of hospitals within 25 miles recommended by over 50% of patients | 10 |
| Number of above-average nursing homes within 50 miles, per 100,000 households | 26 |
| Sharecare Community Well-Being Index Score (out of 100) | 52 |
Sources: ATTOM, U.S. Census Bureau, GreatSchools, Healthgrades, Caring.com, Sharecare