Living in Louisville
As the home of Muhammad Ali, Louisville Slugger and the Kentucky Derby, the city offers countless attractions, restaurants, parks and more to entice foodies, arts fans and outdoor enthusiasts.
Louisville is the perfect mix of Southern charm and big city culture. Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, America's 17th largest city boasts a cost of living that is substantially lower than the national average, with a broad range of affordable housing options from high-rise apartments and historic Victorian homes to suburban communities and rural farms.
Louisville by the numbers
We think Louisville is pretty great, but don’t just take our word for it. Our city, food, parks and even the tap water are nationally recognized.
#4
Most Beautiful & Affordable Places to Live
#9
Best Food Cities in the U.S.
#14
Best Cities for New College Graduates
Facts about Louisville
Best Tasting Tap Water
Louisville Tap has been named Best Tasting Tap Water in America twice by the American Water Works Association.
Best Riverwalks in the US
Louisville’s Waterfront Park was ranked #3 in USA Today's 10 Best Riverwalks in 2023.
Louisville is a top destination
The New York Times listed Louisville #40 on its list of 52 Place to Go in 2023.
Louisville supports the LGBTQ+ community
Louisville has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index every year since 2015. The index scores cities based on their support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Louisvillians wrote 'Happy Birthday'
The ‘Happy Birthday’ song was written in Louisville by sisters Mildred and Patty Hill for their kindergarten class. The only known manuscript of the original song is housed in UofL's Music Library.
We're the world's largest producer of disco balls
Louisville is one of the few disco ball producers in the world, famous for creating disco balls for Studio 54, Beyonce and Madonna.
Just a short drive away
| Route | Distance | Drive Time |
| Louisville to Cincinnati | 100 miles | 1.5 hours |
| Louisville to Indianapolis | 114 miles | 2 hours |
| Louisville to Evansville | 123 miles | 2 hours |
| Louisville to Nashville | 175 miles | 2.75 hours |
| Louisville to St. Louis | 260 miles | 4 hours |
| Louisville to Chicago | 295 miles | 4.75 hours |
What our students love about Louisville
In addition to a vibrant campus life, our students enjoy all the perks of living in a thriving metropolitan city. Louisville is well-known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, beautiful parks system and world-class attractions.
