Central Louisville
Butchertown
With a close proximity to downtown and the Ohio River, Butchertown was once home to the Bourbon Stock Yards, which established tanneries, cooperages, distilleries, blacksmiths and other businesses. In 1966, the area was re-zoned to partly residential, and under the eye of the Butchertown Preservation District, homes were rebuilt and the community became stabilized. Today, Butchertown is home to a number of local artisan stores and restaurants, local breweries and Copper & Kings distillery
Crescent Hill & Clifton
Frankfort Avenue is the heart of these walkable neighborhoods that are home to many restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. Crescent Hill and Clifton are also home to the American Printing House for the Blind as well as the Louisville Water Company’s Crescent Hill Reservoir. On the last Friday of the month, travel up and down Frankfort Avenue on the free Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop stopping in the stores and art galleries to find hidden treasures.
Downtown
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, downtown Louisville is home to businesses, parks, restaurants, and museums. The urban core of the city, downtown is the oldest part of Louisville and today has seen a resurgence of epic proportions. Whiskey Row, the historic location of the city’s first distilleries, has exceeded its original glory and now houses modern bourbon distilleries and top-notch food, as well as condominiums and apartments for downtown living.
Germantown
Germantown’s quaint streets are lined with shotgun houses and locally-renowned restaurants in a perfectly walkable setting that’s just minutes from downtown. Young couples, local artists, retired veterans and everyone in between call this uniquely eclectic neighborhood home. Recently, Germantown has seen an influx of urban homesteading, and it’s not uncommon to see sustainable backyard gardens or chickens nearby. Here you’ll find a mix of dive bars, vegan eateries and some of the city’s best local bakeries.
The Highlands
Literally a neighborhood built on high land, the Highlands is a fun and funky part of Louisville. Situated along Bardstown Road, the Highlands is home to Cherokee and Seneca parks, two of Frederick Law Olmstead’s natural creations. The Highlands is also home to many bars, restaurants, breweries, and shops, all within walking distance from residential properties, and also hosts many parades and festivals.
NuLu
NuLu, short for New Louisville, is the east market district of downtown. Situated between Butchertown and downtown, it’s best known for its art galleries, original restaurants, local shops and antique stores. NuLu is also focused on developing a culture of sustainability with eco-friendly renovations and a green up program for cityscapes.
Old Louisville
Located just south of downtown, this historic neighborhood offers the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the United States. Old Louisville is home to Louisville’s Central Park, which hosts the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival and the St. James Court Art Show, which is a juried art show that features more than 700 artists.
Smoketown
Originally named for the number of smokestacks located there in the 1800s, Smoketown has benefitted from a recent revitalization. This historically African-American community was originally a neighborhood where home ownership was possible for all people. Recently, the area has been revitalized and the updated shotgun homes now exist with small businesses and young couples