Dusk skyline photo of the Louisville waterfront with light reflections in the Ohio River

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

Travel + Leisure 2023

#9

Best Food Cities in the U.S.

Travel + Leisure 2023

#14

Best Cities for New College Graduates

SmartAssets 2022

Facts about Louisville

Student sitting in a red chair and talking with another student while holding a water bottle.
Best Tasting Tap Water
Louisville Tap has been named Best Tasting Tap Water in America twice by the American Water Works Association.
Three students talking on the steps at Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville.
Best Riverwalks in the US
Louisville’s Waterfront Park was ranked #3 in USA Today's 10 Best Riverwalks in 2023.
View of the downtown Louisville skyline and riverfront
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.
A group of music students performing outside Ekstrom Library
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.
photo depicting a disco ball hung up outside
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

RouteDistanceDrive Time
Louisville to Cincinnati100 miles1.5 hours
Louisville to Indianapolis114 miles2 hours
Louisville to Evansville123 miles2 hours
Louisville to Nashville175 miles2.75 hours
Louisville to St. Louis260 miles4 hours
Louisville to Chicago295 miles4.75 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.
Rachel Singel, Associate Professor teaching a printmaking studio course
The Arts
Discover the spots that make up Louisville’s thriving arts scene.
History
Explore local landmarks and uncover Louisville’s rich history.
Student takes a pause from reading at the fountain area and looks up.
Parks
Step outside and enjoy Louisville’s sprawling parks system.
L's Up at Grad Day at the Downs
Attractions
Experience all the unique attractions Louisville has to offer.
Two students attending an event at the 2022 Welcome Week festivities.
Events & Festivals
Experience live entertainment and events all year long.
Homecoming 2022
Sports
Cheer on Louisville’s professional and collegiate sports teams.