Lexington neighborhoods I’d buy a home in right now—and why

If I were buying a home in Lexington right now, where would I look?

That’s a question I get asked a lot and honestly, my answer changes a little depending on what you’re looking for. There are neighborhoods I love because of their historic character, some because of their walkability, some because of the lifestyle they offer, and others because I think there’s still room for growth and investment.

So, if I were buying a home in Lexington right now, these are the neighborhoods I’d have on my list. Not necessarily because they’re the “best” neighborhoods in Lexington (I don't think there’s one neighborhood that can claim that title), but because I think each of these areas offers something really compelling for buyers in today’s market.

01. masterson station

a great entry point for buyers who want more house without giving up amenities.

Masterson Station is one I’d be watching if I were a first-time buyer looking for a newer, lower-maintenance home at a more attainable price point. The neighborhood offers a mix of housing styles and price points, and Masterson Station Park is a huge asset. With trails, sports fields, green space and plenty of room to get outside, it gives the neighborhood a lifestyle component that you don’t always find in this price range.

There’s also a lot of development happening nearby, which is something I pay attention to when thinking about long-term value. For someone who wants to buy a home, build equity and potentially make their next move down the road, I think Masterson Station is worth a look.

Why I like it: ✔Newer, lower-maintenance homes ✔More attainable price points ✔Masterson Station Park ✔Good option for first-time buyers ✔Potential for continued growth nearby

02. kenwick

walkability, community + continued investment.

Kenwick has so much of what I love about Lexington. It feels like a real neighborhood, the kind where people know each other, walk their dogs, sit on their porches and actually spend time outside of their houses.

And then there’s the location. You’re close to some of my favorite local businesses and destinations, including the Warehouse Block, while also being just a short distance from downtown and other popular east-side neighborhoods. What makes Kenwick especially interesting to me right now is the continued investment happening around it. Developments like the Warehouse Block have already changed the feel of the area, and new projects like the Rail Yard are adding even more momentum. I think neighborhoods benefit when you have that combination of established community + thoughtful new investment, and Kenwick has both.

Why I like it: ✔Strong neighborhood feel ✔Walkable to local businesses ✔Close to downtown ✔Established homes with character ✔Continued development and investment

03. downtown lexington

major investment + an urban lifestyle.

I will always have a soft spot for downtown Lexington. If your ideal lifestyle involves walking to dinner, grabbing coffee, going to a concert, meeting friends for a drink or simply being in the middle of everything, downtown is hard to beat.

And right now, there’s a lot of momentum happening downtown. From new development like 325 West Main to the addition of Gatton Park, hotel renovations and continued investment in restaurants, retail and entertainment, downtown Lexington is changing—and I think that makes it an interesting place to buy.

Of course, downtown living isn't for everyone. But if you value walkability and want to be part of an evolving urban neighborhood, I think there’s a lot to be excited about.

And as someone who spends a lot of time downtown, I can tell you: there’s nothing quite like being able to walk out your front door and actually have somewhere to go.

Why I like it: ✔True walkability ✔Restaurants, bars, coffee + entertainment ✔Continued development ✔Urban lifestyle ✔Strong sense of place

04. palomar

new amenities + a strong community.

Palomar is one I’d put on the list for buyers who want a more traditional suburban lifestyle—but still want plenty happening nearby. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community, a variety of homes and access to highly regarded schools. The neighborhood pool is another big draw, especially for families.

But what really catches my attention right now is the continued development happening around the area. The Fountains at Palomar is bringing new amenities and retail, including a Publix, which adds another layer of convenience to an already established neighborhood. For families looking for a neighborhood where they can settle in for a while, Palomar offers a pretty compelling combination of community, convenience and amenities.

Why I like it: ✔Strong community feel ✔Neighborhood pool ✔Highly regarded schools ✔New retail + amenities nearby ✔Family-friendly

05. meadowthorpe

major development + growing walkability.

Meadowthorpe is an interesting one because it already has a strong neighborhood identity, but I think its location is becoming even more compelling.

The neighborhood sits right next to The Commons, one of Lexington’s most notable developments currently underway, bringing new dining, shopping, entertainment and residential development just outside its doorstep. And then there’s the planned Rail music venue, which adds another major destination to this part of town.

I love neighborhoods that have a strong sense of identity before major development arrives. Meadowthorpe already has that. The new investment simply gives residents even more access to things to do nearby. For me, that combination makes it one of the neighborhoods I’d be watching closely.

Why I like it: ✔Established neighborhood ✔Convenient location ✔The Commons nearby ✔Growing dining + entertainment options ✔Potential for increased walkability

06. bell court

historic character + proven desirability.

Bell Court is one of those neighborhoods that feels quintessentially Lexington to me. The historic homes, mature trees, walkability and proximity to some of Lexington's best-loved local spots make it an easy neighborhood to love.

And unlike some of the neighborhoods on this list, you don't necessarily have to make a case for why Bell Court is desirable. People already know. That established desirability is part of what I like about it as a real estate investment.

You're close to downtown, Woodland Park, Chevy Chase and the restaurants and shops along the east end. And because the neighborhood has such a strong identity and limited housing stock, homes here can have a real sense of scarcity.

If you’re someone who prioritizes character, location and walkability, Bell Court is definitely one I'd consider.

Why I like it: ✔Historic homes + character ✔Highly walkable ✔Close to downtown ✔Mature trees + established neighborhood ✔Proven desirability

07. beaumont

established—and getting even better.

Beaumont is another neighborhood that I think has only gotten stronger with time. It’s already an established, highly desirable area with a strong family-friendly feel, but there’s been continued investment in the surrounding area that makes it even more appealing.

You've got new local favorites like Beau's Café + Crust, AND live music at Moondance Amphitheater, + plenty of shopping and everyday amenities nearby.

And, of course, schools are a major consideration for many buyers looking in this part of Lexington. What I like about Beaumont is that you don't have to bet on the neighborhood becoming desirable. It already is. You're buying into an established community while still benefiting from the things being added around it.

Why I like it: ✔Established neighborhood ✔Strong community ✔Parks + outdoor amenities ✔Local restaurants + entertainment ✔Highly regarded schools

08. southland

attainable, highly desirable + full of local personality.

Southland is one of my favorite neighborhoods to recommend to buyers who want a strong neighborhood feel without necessarily paying a premium for some of Lexington's more traditionally expensive east-side neighborhoods.

It has a really unique personality.

You've got local businesses, restaurants, parks, community events and a neighborhood culture that feels distinctly Southland. TahlSound is a great example of the kind of community-driven programming that makes this area special.

There’s also a range of housing and price points, which makes it an interesting option for first-time buyers and buyers who want to get into a desirable Lexington neighborhood without stretching their budget quite as far. I think Southland is a great example of why “best neighborhood” really comes down to lifestyle. If you value community, local businesses and a little more personality, I'd absolutely put it on your list.

Why I like it: ✔More attainable price points ✔Strong local business community ✔Parks + outdoor spaces ✔Community events ✔Great first-time buyer option

so, which one would I choose?

The honest answer? It depends. If I wanted walkability + historic character, I'd be looking closely at Bell Court, Kenwick or Downtown. If I were a first-time buyer, I'd look at Masterson Station or Southland. If I wanted a family-friendly neighborhood with established amenities, I'd consider Palomar or Beaumont. And if I were thinking about long-term growth and the impact of new development, I'd have my eye on Kenwick, Meadowthorpe and Downtown.

That's the thing about buying real estate in Lexington: I don't think you should simply ask, “What's the best neighborhood?” You should ask: “What's the best neighborhood for the life I want to live and where do I think I'll still be happy five, seven or ten years from now?”

That's where the right neighborhood really starts to matter.

thinking about making a move?

Whether you're just starting to explore Lexington neighborhoods or you're ready to start looking at homes, I'm happy to help you figure out which areas make the most sense for your lifestyle, budget and long-term goals. Want my take on a neighborhood you're considering? Send me a message. I'd love to help you dig into it.