Love Louisville

Unlocking the Secrets of Louisville's Thriving Real Estate Market: A Guide for Homebuyers and Investors

Nestled along the Ohio River, Louisville, KY, offers more than just the charm of its historic districts and vibrant culture; a booming real estate market is buzzing with activity all throughout the area. Whether you're in the market for your dream home, a working horse farm, or looking to invest in properties, Louisville presents a myriad of opportunities.

One of the key factors contributing to the allure of Louisville's real estate market is its affordability. Compared to many other cities of similar size, housing prices in Louisville remain relatively reasonable, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and investors alike. Additionally, the city's diverse neighborhoods cater to various preferences, from bustling urban areas to tranquil suburban enclaves.

Louisville's economy is robust and diverse, anchored by sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing & transportation, and logistics. This stability translates into a steady demand for housing, providing a solid foundation for property investments. With the city's strategic location as a transportation hub, including the presence of UPS Worldport, Louisville continues to attract businesses and residents, driving further growth in the real estate sector.

Moreover, Louisville's real estate market is dynamic, with new developments continuously reshaping the skyline. From revitalization projects in historic neighborhoods to the construction of modern condominiums and apartment complexes, the city is undergoing a transformation that promises both aesthetic appeal and investment potential.

In conclusion, Louisville's real estate market is ripe with opportunities for homebuyers and investors alike. With its affordability, economic stability, and ongoing development, now is the perfect time to explore what the Derby City has to offer. Whether you're searching for your forever home or seeking to capitalize on investment opportunities, Louisville welcomes you with open arms.

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Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate in Louisville, KY: Top Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Welcome to Louisville, KY, a city filled with charm, culture, and endless opportunities in the real estate market. Whether you're a prospective buyer or seller, navigating the Louisville real estate scene can be both exciting and daunting. To help you make the most of your real estate journey, here are some insider tips that will have you saying "Louisville, here we come!"

Location, Location, Location:

In Louisville, location is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a fundamental aspect of real estate. With diverse neighborhoods offering distinct characteristics, research and explore the areas that align with your lifestyle and preferences. From the historic charm of Old Louisville to the trendy vibes of NuLu, each neighborhood offers something unique. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, amenities, transportation, and future development plans when making your decision.

Embrace Derby City's Unique Culture:

Louisville is famous for its horse racing heritage and the legendary Kentucky Derby. As a buyer or seller, tapping into the city's culture can be a winning move. Use Derby-inspired décor during open houses or engage with local events to attract potential buyers. Embrace the city's spirit and let it shine through in your real estate endeavors.

Get Ahead in the Competitive Market:

Louisville's real estate market can be competitive, so it's essential to be prepared and act fast. For buyers, get pre-approved for a mortgage to show sellers you mean business. For sellers, work with a skilled real estate agent who knows the market inside-out and can help you price your property competitively. Timing can make all the difference, so be ready to seize opportunities when they arise.

Think Long-Term Investment:

When purchasing a property in Louisville, think beyond...

The Weekend Buzz: What's Happening Around Town? 8/10-8/12

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Heading into every weekend, I’d like to do a little post about some things that are happening locally that may be of interest. This could be concerts, festivals, races, and just any activity. There is so much happening in Louisville that this will just be a glimpse of some things you can do this weekend. Enjoy!

Friday, August 10

*St. Joe’s Picnic for the Kids - The largest picnic in Kentucky. All proceeds support children who have experienced severe neglect and abuse. Takes place at St. Joseph Children’s Home on Frankfort Avenue beginning at 5:00 p.m.. Admission is $10.

*Derby City Jazz Festival - Two-day outdoor smooth jazz festival held in the Paddock at Churchill Downs. There will be food trucks, retail vendors, cigar bar, and a selection of wine and spirits. Event begins at 3:00 p.m..

*Seven Sense Festival - Taste-making festival that is held at Gravely Brewing Company. Nearly 40 local, regional, and national acts. There is also local food, arts & crafts, visual art performances, and specialty beer and cocktails. Begins at 6:00 p.m..

*New Albany Bicentennial Park Concert Series - Live bands performing in downtown New Albany. Tonight will feature Southern Avenue and Shannon Vetter. Event is free and will be from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 11

*Paws for a Cause 5K - A run/walk to benefit The Arrow Fund. Obviously, this is a family/dog friendly event. It begins at 9:00 a.m. at Cherokee...

Local Spotlight: Belle of Louisville

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Photo: gotolouisville.com

Every week, I would like to spotlight something in our great city that people may or may not know about. Maybe it’s a park, a museum, a restaurant, or another attraction. For this one, I chose to highlight the Belle of Louisville. I assume everyone has heard of it or seen it, but maybe you don’t know everything that can be done on the steamboat or what the schedules for cruises are. Hopefully this will shine some light on those things.

The Belle of Louisville was built in 1914 and is the oldest operating Mississippi River style steamboat in the world. It can hold 650 passengers. It is fully heated and air conditioned. It has a concession stand and a bar, as well as a dance floor. You can sit indoor or outdoor, and there is no smoking anywhere on the boat.

There are several different types of cruises that you can take on the Belle. You can go during the day or at night. They offer stargazing, musical, and historical based cruises. You will want to check the schedule on belleoflouisville.org to plan your perfect cruise. Advanced reservations are needed if you would like to have lunch or dinner on the boat, and this does guarantee inside seating.

Want to have a special event on the Belle of Louisville? That is certainly an option. You can actually reserve the entire boat for you and your guests. What do you want to celebrate? You can have a birthday party, anniversary celebration, graduation party, class reunion, and even...

The Weekend Buzz: What's Happening Around Town 8/3-8/5

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Photo: Louisvillezoo.org

Heading into every weekend, I’d like to do a little post about some things that are happening locally that may be of interest. This could be concerts, festivals, races, and just any activity. There is so much happening in Louisville that this will just be a glimpse of some things you can do this weekend. Enjoy!

Friday, August 3

*Movie Night at the Zoo - Bring blankets or lawn chairs and come on out with the family to watch a movie on the big inflatable screen. There will be games for all ages and a meet-and-greet with Iron Man. Event is from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

*Brew at BU - Come out and sample a wide variety of local beers, wine samples, and food. This takes place at the Bellarmine University Quad. Tickets are $37.50 per person, but if you are a designated driver, your ticket is only $10.60! This begins at 7:30 p.m.

*The Little Mermaid - Broadway musical will be at Derby Dinner Playhouse all weekend.

*New Albany Bicentennial Park Concert Series - Live bands performing in downtown New Albany. Tonight will feature With Wild Adriatic and Anemic Royalty. Event is free and will be from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 4

*PurpleStride Louisville 2018 - Fundraising walk to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Walk starts at 8:15 a.m. at Beckley Creek Park.

*Splash ‘N’ Dash Walk/Run - This one supports the kids of Norton Children’s Hospital. You can choose a 5k or 1k...

Local Spotlight: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

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Photo: sluggermuseum.com

In today’s blog, we will spotlight another local attraction in the city of Louisville that can be found downtown, and that is the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. If you watch Major League Baseball and see players using bats that say Louisville Slugger on them, they came from this factory right in our town. The headquarters have been located at 800 West Main Street since 1996.

If you are in the area and can’t seem to find it, just look for the 120 foot tall baseball bat out front. It is 68,000 pounds. Fun fact: the bat was built at Caldwell Tanks, where my mom works, and when they were constructing it, we got to go out and write our names inside of the bat.

If you go to the museum, go ahead and take a tour. They depart every 10-30 minutes, depending on the season. You will get to see how a bat is made, from start to finish. The amount of work that goes into making just one bat is incredible. Players in the major leagues are very meticulous about their bats, so they have to be made just right. You have a chance to see how that is done. After the factory tour, you will receive a free souvenir Mini Bat!

Any fans of The Sandlot? Until September 9, there is an exhibit titled “Legends Never Die!” which celebrates the movie’s 25 year anniversary. There are some pretty awesome props on display from the movie, such as the Babe Ruth baseball that the kids try to get back from The Beast, Squints’ eyeglasses, Louisville Slugger bats swung by the team, and more.

“Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a great place to celebrate The Sandlot 25th Anniversary,” said...

It's Burger Week in Louisville

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It seems like everyday we are celebrating something now. It’s always “National fill in the blank day” whether that is best friend day, ice cream day, puppy day, or anything else we have seen. I am not sure if these are actual traditional days, or if they are being made up lately just to have a reason to post several pictures to celebrate said days.

Either way, the city of Louisville is making sure to have a full week to celebrate something: burgers! That’s right. It is Burger Week here in town, and that is a real thing. It runs from July 23-29 and you can get $5 burgers from some of Louisville’s best restaurants.

What you want to do is grab your Burger Passport at Louisvilleburgerweek.com and get yourself eligible for a grand prize drawing featuring a grill and ultimate grill out! How does that work? You print your passport and take it with you and get it stamped at your location of choice. You are eligible for the grand prize when you have collected at least three stamps. You can eat a burger at three different places, right?

Here is a list of the participating restaurants and what their $5 burger will be…

*Bluegrass Burgers - PB&J Burger

*Brooke and Billy’s - B&B Signature Burger

*Bubba’s 33 - Any burger on the menu

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Local Spotlight: The Parklands of Floyds Fork

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In today’s blog, we will highlight a local treasure that you may or may not know about or have visited yet. If you like outdoor activities, then you must visit The Parklands of Floyds Fork. What is it? Where is it? What all can you do? Does it cost money to get in? What are the hours? Let’s dive in and answer all of those questions as we talk about one of the most beautiful parks in the Louisville area.

What is it?

The Parklands is a public park system, made up of four parks, that covers nearly 4,000 acres of land. It is donor-supported and the parks are connected by 19 miles of the Louisville loop.

Where is it?

The parks are located east of the Gene Snyder Freeway, between Shelbyville Road and Bardstown Road. Those roads cover a lot of ground. Essentially, it’s the Middletown area of Shelbyville Road and the Fern Creek area of Bardstown Road. It follows Floyds Fork, a tributary of the Ohio River.

What can you do?

Where to begin. I won’t go into full detail on every single activity that you can do at The Parklands. You would be here all day reading about it. But here is a quick list of what you can do at the parks:

-Walking, running, and hiking.

-Fishing year-round.

-Sports fields with room for soccer, football, frisbee, and more.

-Bark park for the dog in your life.

-Canoeing and paddling.

-Playgrounds and spraygrounds....

The Weekend Buzz: What’s Happening Around Town

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Heading into every weekend, I’d like to do a little post about some things that are happening locally that may be of interest. This could be concerts, festivals, races, and just any activity. There is so much happening in Louisville that this will just be a glimpse of some things you can do this weekend. Enjoy!

Friday, July 20

*Shania Twain concert at the KFC Yum! Center. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

*Lebowski Fest - Celebrate 20 years of The Big Lebowski at Executive Strike & Spare. This event is also on Saturday. The time is from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

*The Little Mermaid - Broadway musical will be at Derby Dinner Playhouse all weekend.

*Concerts in the Village featuring The Newbees - Westport Village and 106.9 are putting on a free summer concert series. This one will be with The Newbees, a 12-piece rock n’ roll band. Food and drinks available for purchase, and it begins at 6:00 p.m.

*Sand Dodgeball Tournament benefiting breast cancer at The Goat. Each team receives four free drink tickets. Starts at 6:30 p.m..

Saturday, July 21

*Smashing Pumpkins concert at the KFC Yum! Center. Concert begins at 7:00 p.m.

*NULU Luau from 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Live music, pig roast with pulled pork sandwiches, limbo contest, fire dancers, and more.

*OVATION! A West Louisville Performing Arts Bash - Celebrating the launch of the West Louisville ecoHub Arts Community. There will be food, a silent auction, craft cocktails, performances, and dancing. Event...

It's that time of year again: Homearama 2018

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Every summer in the Louisville area, people are able to take tours of custom-built new homes for about two weeks. This is called Homearama, a tradition that dates back to 1968. During this two week time period, people are able to take tours of these fully-furnished homes that feature modern and updated interior design, building trends, and technology.

This year, Homearama will run from July 14-29 and will be at Catalpa Farms, which is a new sustainable development with over 200 acres of land. It is a conservation community with abundant preserved open green space. There are trails, lakes, and community gardens. And soon, the neighborhood will also feature a dog park, trails, clubhouse, community center, a playground, and more. Catalpa Farms is technically located in Fisherville, Kentucky.

When you are at Homearama, you really are seeing the best of the best in today’s trends. The in-home theatre rooms, fitness areas, outdoor living spaces, it’s all top notch. While it all may seem overwhelming to some, you can at least gather some ideas for your current home or your future home you are planning in your head. I encourage you to take notes while you are there. What do you like? Are there certain designs in the kitchen that stand out to you? Do you want to decorate your outdoor patio like house number three? Make note of these things and make a return trip if you want to.

As far as getting tickets goes, you can purchase them when you arrive. The cost is $10 per person, and children 12 and under are free with an adult. Keep in mind that you can only pay by using cash or check. How does a buy one get one free coupon sound? Head on over to Facebook.com/HomearamaLouisville and find your coupon that is valid for Mondays...

This weekend's Kentucky Derby Festival events

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There is always a lot going on in the city of Louisville, but that is especially true during Derby season. There are several events that are family friendly around town. Check out what is going on this weekend, which is highlighted by Saturday’s Marathon and Mini-Marathon.

Friday, April 27

Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race. Bowman Field, public entrance off Pee Wee Reese Road, 7 a.m.

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront and Kentucky Derby Festival Chow Wagon. Waterfront, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The Miller Lite Music Stage will feature live concerts with local and regional entertainment and a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, R&B, country, rock and blues.

Neigh-Maste on the Waterfront. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, Great Lawn, noon-1 p.m. Relax and recharge at this yoga event at the Waterfront. All-level yoga class for all ages and fitness levels. Certified instructors from 502 Power Yoga, Buti Yoga and Soul Cleanse Yoga will lead the class on the Great Lawn inside of Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. Admission is free with a 2018 Pegasus Pin. Food, drinks and pets are not allowed.

U.S. Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Great BalloonFest: Great Balloon Glow. At the Kentucky Exposition Center. Gates open at 6:00 pm. Glow begins at 9:00 pm. Admission is free with a 2018 Pegasus Pin. 502-584-3378 or kdf.org. $8 to park at KFEC

Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes. Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, Great Lawn, 6-7:30 p.m. Special meet-and-greet with Ohio Valley Wrestling stars (5 p.m.), followed by six matches including a special...

Exploring Louisville Neighborhoods: St. Matthews

Let’s explore one of the most popular cities within a city, St. Matthews and discover what it has to offer people searching the listings of homes for sale in St. Matthews or those thinking about relocating to the Louisville area. Since Jefferson County KY has merged with the city of Louisville, Louisville Metro is in the top 18 largest metropolitan areas of the United States. This sprawling city is truly a melting pot of cultures located on the Ohio River and the residents of St. Matthews enjoy the best of a small city and a large metro city simultaneously.

History

The city of St. Matthews grew up around the intersecting points of Breckinridge Lane, Westport Road, and Shelbyville Road directly along the railroad. The area was originally Tree Lined St Matthews Streetfarmland owned by farmers Monohan, Brown, Nanz, Rudy, and Oeschner. These are the same names you will find on streets, parks, and monuments throughout the city of Louisville. In the early 20th century, St. Matthews saw residential growth from the use of the automobile and transit traffic. In 1937, the Ohio River rose to dangerous levels, flooding much of the city. Many residents fled the flood plain in search of a drier area to raise their families. Many of these fled southeast from the downtown area into the area that is present day St. Matthews.

Today

In the new millennium, St. Matthews is a bustling mini-city that only continues to develop. The railroad still goes through the neighborhood, and it is still used for cargo transit today. St. Matthews is both residential and commercial; hosting a wide variety of eateries, boutiques,...

St. James Art Fair

The first full weekend in October each year means more to Louisville home owners than just beautiful fall weather and amazing color in the turning leaves. Derby City becomes an artistic Mecca annually this time of year when thousands flock to the St. James Art Fair to experience the vitality of today’s art against the backdrop of Old Louisville’s beauty and charm. What began as a small street fair is now an event that has put Louisville on the map with first-class artists and craftspeople across the nation. A look at the how this juried event has developed over the years provides a glimpse into Louisville’s love of the arts, capacity for growth and spirit of innovation.

Now that it’s in its 56th year and has become one of the most highly anticipated art fairs anywhere around, it can be hard to believe its humble beginnings. Known today as one of the premiere addresses in Louisville for its history and stately Victorian homes, St. James Court struggled financially back in 1957. With no money in the bank and heaping debt due to costly repairs to the St. James Fountain, the St. James Court Association had to come up with some way to pay the bills. The association president at that time, Malcolm Bird, thought an art fair might be just the remedy and could be a fun way to bring area residents together as well. So on Oct. 12, 1957, the St. James Court Art Fair was born.

In its first year, the focus was on art alone, and works were actually hung on clotheslines between trees as part of the exhibit. In the early years, music was also added, and the annual art fair became a time to honor notable homes and residents as well. By 1967, Mr. Bird’s last year as the chairman of the event, attendance reached 40,000. For the next 25 years, under the leadership of Ann Higbie and Oscar Stremmel, the annual event grew from 200 to roughly 600 exhibitors and included Belgravia Court as well as St. James. Over the next decade, new portions of the show developed to include Fountain Court,...

Homearama 2012 for the latest in Louisville Real Estate

If you are looking to buy a home in Louisville, get some ideas to fix up your current house or if you just like to look at other people’s homes - hope, inspiration, or interest is just around the corner. The Home Builders Association of Louisville’s annual Homearama begins July 14th and runs through the 29th.  Homearama began in 1968, and is a tour of new homes, showcasing home builders, interior designers, landscape architects, and craftspeople. This year’s Homearama is unique in that it is taking place at two separate locations; the Rock Springs neighborhood and the Shakes Run neighborhood.

Rock Springs is located on Highway 22, a mile past the Summit. With a convenient location, and many amenities, the Rock Springs Community is a great neighborhood to be a part of. Rock Springs offers its residents a playground, nature trail, and is close to Springhurst and I-71. Rock Springs is marked by its impressive entry feature, a striking rock fountain. 

Shakes Run is located off of Shelbyville Road on Fisherville Road. Shakes Run is a beautiful community, with 70 acres of green space including creeks, a fishing pond, and walking trails. There is a clubhouse with a junior Olympic sized pool, and wooded lots available. 

For Homearama, Rock Springs will have ten new homes to tour, and Shakes Run will have seven. Many of the homes will be featuring energy efficient products, outdoor living spaces, and finished basements. Each house in Homearama will be given an energy efficiency index rating, so you can compare each home like you would compare two cars with gas mileage.

At Homearama, available homes are for sale, as well as artwork and furniture. If you find a home you like, you better hurry, of the ten new homes in Rock Springs, eight have already been sold.  

Bob Thieneman, the Rock Springs neighborhood developer, is expecting 30,000 to 40,000 people to show up to the event this year. Homearama is open Weekdays 5pm-9:30pm, Saturdays 10am-9:30pm,...

Louisville's Forecastle Then and Now

Music lovers are anxiously counting down the days until next weekend’s highly anticipated Forecastle Festival. Forecastle will be celebrating their 10th anniversary July 13-15 with the most impressive line up of bands yet. Headliners include Girl Talk, Wilco, Bassnectar, and Louisville’s own My Morning Jacket.

The Forecastle Festival began in 2002 as a free Summer festival in Tyler Park with the purpose of bringing the like-minded music community together.  A grass roots venture, talent played for free, infrastructure cost nothing, and the event only cost five-hundred dollars to produce.   JK McKnight, the brains behind the operation, decided the following year to add something special to the festival.  McKnight invited sculpture Mike Ratterman to head up the effort in bringing in the local art community.  The 2003 Forecastle Festival included over thirty local artists exhibiting their work under the Tyler Park limestone bridge. In addition to the artists, environmental and socially-conscience activists educated audience members.  This was the birth of the Forecastle trademark slogan Music.Art.Activism. Creating a unique experience where music, art, and activism went hand in hand was brilliant, and is working for the Festival to this day.  Over the next few years, Forecastle continued to grow in size and popularity. It quickly outgrew it’s Tyler Park home and needed to find a new one. The Festival moved to Cherokee Park, the Mellwood Arts Center and then finally found it’s current home at the Waterfront.  

The Forecastle Festival has been nationally recognized in many well-respected publications and media sources.  After a noteworthy performance by the all-female rock trio “Sleater Kinnley,” the Festival was shoved into the National spotlight.  The band announced that they would dismember shortly after their Festival performance,  so everyone, including MTV, CNN, Billboard, and the New York Times was talking about the Forecastle...

Hiking in and around Louisville, KY

Fall is for Hiking in and around Louisville, KY!

It’s fall, my favorite season!  That means it’s time to get out your jackets, turn your clocks back, grab a cup of pumpkin spice coffee,  get out and enjoy the beauty that is nature. Fall is a great time to be outside, the temperatures are perfect-“hoodie weather”, you don’t need to carry your bug spray, and you can roll your windows down in your car and enjoy.  

If you live in Louisville Kentucky, the leaves in the fall are no doubt one of the most beautiful visions one can see.  The colors are so infinite, vibrant and mesmerizing, there is nothing quite like it.  Going for a hike is the best way to fully experience fall, and Louisville, KY has some great local hiking trails.  There are trails for everyone, whether you want to go a few miles down the road to Cherokee Park, or across town to the nation’s largest urban forest, Jefferson Memorial located close to South Louisville Homes and there are trails here for everyone.


Below is a list of trails around metro Louisville.  If you are looking for something close to home, hilly, paved, wooded, flat, close to lakes, creeks or waterfalls, there is something here for you.  All the trails do have one thing in common; they will leave you feeling relaxed, serene, peaceful, and connected to nature. It’s a great time to get out of  your Louisville Homes and experience some of the great aspects of living in Louisville.

Goose Creek Nature Trail in EP Tom Sawyer State Park This trail is great for a quick nature fix if you are running low on time.  Located in eastern Jefferson County, this hike is a 1.5 mile loop, is mostly flat, tree lined, and passes along Goose Creek.

Cull Hollow Trail in Bernheim Forest This 1.2 mile hike...

Halloween Events in Louisville, KY

What is going on in Louisville this Halloween?

So you spent the last 6 months finding all the trinkets and finishing touches to get your costume perfect for Halloween, but now you have nowhere to go.  No fear.  Check out some of the chilling events going on in Louisville this Halloween.

What:  Bardstown Bound Boofest.  Celebrate Halloween Highland style with Trolley Rides, Trick or Treating and special Halloween themed indulgences offered at participating businesses along the way as well as scary special offers.
Where:  Highlands-Douglas Loop to Lexington Rd.
When:  Saturday October 29th 12:00pm-?
*Proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club.

Click here to view MORE EVENTS

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