Moving to Kentucky: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking about relocating to Kentucky? You’re not alone. The Bluegrass State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Louisville or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.

There’s plenty to love about Kentucky, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.

We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to Kentucky to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Jump to the Kentucky information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to KY
Top car shippers to KY
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Kentucky

Moving to Kentucky comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Bluegrass State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Kentucky

✓Low cost of living
✓Abundant outdoor adventures
✓Delicious food and drink
✓Horse racing
✓Four season weather

Cons of living in Kentucky

✖Extreme weather
✖Low diversity
✖Poor air quality
✖Poor infrastructure
✖Poor education system

Things to do in Kentucky

Whether you’re moving to Kentucky for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Kentucky is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..

If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park
Churchill Downs
Kentucky Horse Park
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Daniel Boone National Forest
Creation Museum
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Louisville Zoo
Newport Aquarium
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay

Museums in Kentucky

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Kentucky Derby Museum
Ark Encounter
National Corvette Museum
The National Quilt Museum
Kentucky Horse Park
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad’s Castle)
Muhammad Ali Center
Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum
Dinosaur World

Parks in Kentucky

Smothers Park
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Freeman Lake Park
Boone County Veterans Memorial Park
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
Louisville Waterfront Park
Devou Park
Iroquois Park

Fun facts about Kentucky

Each state has its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really like.

These fun facts about Kentucky, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

The Kentucky Derby, held in Louisville, is the oldest horse race held continuously in the world. It is also the first and most famous leg of the Triple Crown.
Every single Post-It note originates in Cynthiana, Kentucky.
Vent Haven Museum, in Fort Mitchell, is the place where you can find the world’s largest collection of ventriloquist dummies
At the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in Frankfort, a giant sundial’s shadow touches the name of each veteran on the date of the person’s death.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was famously born in Kentucky, but so was the other commander of the Civil War, Jefferson Davis. Hodgenville and Fairview, respectively, were their birthplaces.
Every Corvette in the world has been manufactured in Bowling Green since 1981. This manufacturing facility has produced over 1 million Corvettes since its startup. On June 1, 1981, the first Corvette was rolled out of the assembly line at the plant.
A lot of states have cities named Washington in honor of the first president of the United States, but Washington, Kentucky was the first.
Middlesboro has one of the most unique city origins in the United States. The city is built inside a crater created by a meteor.
Kentucky Fried Chicken originated in the Corbin, where Colonel Sanders developed the recipe that would launch one of the biggest fast food chains in the world.

Kentucky population and demographics

As you consider making the move to Kentucky, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the Bluegrass State is all about.

If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.

Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.

Knowing who calls Kentucky home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.

Metric	Kentucky
Population	4,526,154
Female	50.4%
Male	49.6%
College graduation rate	26.98%
Political leaning	Republican 64.6-33.9
Crime index	16.63

Kentucky weather

Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Kentucky is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.

If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what Kentucky’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.

Metric	Kentucky
Summer high	87ºF
Winter low	24ºF
Annual rain	48″
Annual snow	11″

Income and cost of living in Kentucky

Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in Kentucky can be.

Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what Kentucky has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($37.7 billion, #22 among all states)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($21.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($20 billion)
Professional and business services ($17.9 billion)
Wholesale trade ($14.2 billion, #24)
Retail trade ($12.2 billion)
Finance and insurance ($12.1 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($10.4 billion)
Construction ($8.7 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($7.9 billion)

Metric	Kentucky
Average rent cost	$902
Average home cost	$212,088
Average income (per capita)	$60,183
Cost of living index*	93
Unemployment rate	5.0%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	4.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Kentucky

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.

If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—Kentucky is a smart place to consider.

Here are some of the top schools in Kentucky:

University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University
Georgetown College
Northern Kentucky University
Berea College
Murray State University
Bellarmine University
Morehead State University
Kentucky State University
Centre College
Transylvania University
Asbury University
Campbellsville University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Kentucky

We’ve reviewed 2,756 moving companies, with 25 being in Kentucky, and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Bluegrass State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Kentucky

Before making your move to Kentucky, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.

Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.

For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.

Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Kentucky

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Kentucky.

Kentucky car insurance requirements

The insurance policy covers Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 respectively. It also offers Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (optional), Personal Injury Protection up to $10,000, and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement.

Kentucky drivers license requirements

New residents in Kentucky must get a state driver’s license within 30 days.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Kentucky?

Moving to Kentucky is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Kentucky is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Kentucky?

On the cost of living index, Kentucky has a score of 93. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Kentucky?

The average income in KY is $60,183, and the an unemployment rate is 5.0. Home prices are $212,088, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $902.

What is the downside of living in Kentucky?

Like any place, Kentucky has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Bluegrass State include:

Extreme weather
Low diversity
Poor air quality
Poor infrastructure
Poor education system

Kentucky Moving Resources

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