Lexington Area, KY 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

The Lexington area offers a fantastic setting for retirement living. Nestled amidst rolling hills, horse farms, and lush greenery, the region boasts a tranquil and scenic environment. Residents enjoy a mild climate which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities throughout the year. 

Local resources for visiting or moving to the Lexington area

• VisitLEX - The official tourism website for Lexington, VisitLEX provides a wealth of information on attractions, dining, shopping, events, and more. 
• LexingtonKY.gov - The official website of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government provides information on city services, community events, and government resources. 
• LexArts - LexArts is the city's arts council, promoting and supporting the local arts community. Their website is a great resource for learning about upcoming arts events, exhibitions, and performances in the area. 

Lexington KY Area Affordability and Cost of Living 

Lexington is a moderately affordable place to live. The cost of living is relatively lower compared to other cities in the US, especially East and West Coast cities. Housing costs in Lexington are relatively affordable compared to the national average. The median home price in Lexington is around $260,500, which is lower than the national average of $338,100. 

The property tax rate in Fayette County, where Lexington is located, is 0.89 percent. This is slightly above the state average but lower than many other cities in the region. For more information on property taxes in Fayette County, visit the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator's website.

Kentucky has a flat 4.5 percent income tax but does not tax Social Security or other retirement income below a certain amount. Kentucky's sales tax rate is 6 percent which is about average nationwide. Kentucky does not have an estate tax but does have an inheritance tax.

Lexington Area Climate and Geography 

Summers in Lexington are typically hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 85 degrees in July. Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging around 40 degrees in January. The Lexington area has around 211 sunny days per year, which is higher than the national average. However the area receives around 44 inches of rain and 14 inches of snowfall per year.

Lexington is located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, which is known for its scenic beauty and thoroughbred horse farms. The region is also home to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This popular tourist attraction features several distilleries that produce some of the world's best bourbons. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment In the Lexington Area

The Lexington area offers a diverse range of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. 

Golf and Racquet Sports

One of the most popular outdoor activities in the area is golf. There are several world-class courses throughout the area. Most well known is the Keene Trace Golf Club which has hosted the PGA Tour Barbasol Championship. For those who prefer tennis or pickleball, there are also several well-maintained courts and clubs in the area.

Outdoor Activities

Lexington has numerous parks, hiking and biking trails, and outdoor recreational areas to explore. The Legacy Trail is a 12-mile trail that connects downtown Lexington to the nearby town of Georgetown. The trail is a popular destination for runners, cyclists, and walkers. For those who enjoy water activities, Herrington Lake and Lake Cumberland are just a short drive from Lexington and offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Museums and Performing Arts

The Lexington area boasts several museums, including the Lexington History Museum and the Mary Todd Lincoln House. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is the childhood home of the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. The Headley-Whitney Museum of Art features a collection of decorative arts, including jewelry, furniture, and ceramics.The Lexington Opera House hosts a variety of music and theater performances. Moreover the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra offers a range of classical and contemporary concerts throughout the year.

Annual Events

The area is also home to several annual events and festivals, including:

• Kentucky Bourbon Festival
• Festival of the Bluegrass
• Woodland Art Fair
• Lexington Kentucky Derby Festival
• Art on the Square
• Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show

Shopping

Shopping is a popular pastime in the area, with several malls and shopping centers, including Fayette Mall and The Summit at Fritz Farm. The historic downtown area of Lexington also offers a variety of unique shops and boutiques.The Lexington Farmers Market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, meats, and other locally-made goods.

Sports

For sports fans, the University of Kentucky Wildcats are a major draw, with their basketball team winning eight NCAA championships. There are several minor league sports teams in the area, including the Lexington Legends baseball team and the Lexington Horsemen indoor football team.

Overall, the Lexington area offers a wealth of recreational activities, cultural experiences, and entertainment options for everyone to enjoy.

Lexington Area Health and Wellness 

The Lexington area offers a variety of options for self-care and keeping fit and mentally well. There are several yoga studios and fitness centers in the area, including the YMCA of Central Kentucky. The YMCA has several locations throughout the region and offers a variety of fitness classes and programs for seniors. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department also offers health and wellness programs, including nutrition education, smoking cessation classes, and more.

Major medical centers in the area include Baptist Health Lexington and the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, which is a Level I trauma center and the largest hospital in Kentucky. Both of these hospitals are located in Lexington and are easily accessible from surrounding areas.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Lexington KY Area 55+ Communities

Day One 

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at Wild Eggs, a popular breakfast spot in downtown Lexington known for their delicious pancakes and omelets.
• Take a tour of the historic Mary Todd Lincoln House, the childhood home of the wife of President Abraham Lincoln.
• Drive down to Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, and take a guided tour of the mansion and gardens of one of America's most influential politicians.
• Stop by The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, a beautiful garden with walking trails and a variety of plants and flowers.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Nefertiti for Mediterranean cuisine with plenty of vegetarian options.
• Explore the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm and educational theme park with museums, exhibits, and horse shows.
• Take a scenic drive down Old Frankfort Pike, known for its beautiful horse farms and iconic black fences.
• Head back to downtown Lexington and visit the Lexington History Museum to learn about the city's rich history.

Evening:

• For dinner, try Tony's of Lexington, a classic steakhouse known for its prime cuts of beef.
• Watch a performance at the Lexington Opera House, a beautifully restored historic theater that hosts a variety of events and shows.
• Grab a nightcap at Belle's Cocktail House, a speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at Windy Corner Market, a charming café with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
• Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss 55+ community options in the area and tour those that you are interested in.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Lexington Farmers' Market, a bustling market with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food trucks.
• Relax with a spa treatment at The Woodhouse Day Spa, a luxurious spa with a variety of services.
• For lunch, try Ramsey's Diner, a local favorite serving up Southern comfort food.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at The Grey Goose, a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
• Take in a show at The Kentucky Theater, a beautifully restored historic theater with a variety of movies and events.

Getting to the Lexington, KY Area

The Lexington area is easily accessible. Major highways I-64, I-75, and the Bluegrass Parkway connect the region. The closest major airport is the Blue Grass Airport (LEX), which is about 6 miles from downtown Lexington. Several major airlines fly into LEX with connections to major hubs such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas.

Retiring to the Lexington area offers affordable living, a vibrant cultural scene, and abundant recreational activities in a beautifully scenic area.