7.0 out of 10

Nicholasville

37.8911076011663 -84.5724379502036
Great for
  • Eating Out
  • Clean & Green
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Nightlife
  • Parks & Recreation
Not great for
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Childcare
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Families with kids
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Close to Lexington without being the same - Enjoy good people and fun Festivals!"

Nicholasville is a wonderful town a little ways south of me. I'm a long time Lexington resident, and I visit Nicholasville fairly regularly. There are a fair number of restaurants and bars to check out, and between the Civil War reenactments and Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival there's a fair bit to bring in visitors.

The first thing I'd mention is the war reenactments. I think these are a whole lot of fun, and I recall taking my girls when they were young. This turned out to be a bit of a mistake for my youngest girl, as the reenactment upset her at first. It wasn't until later, when the fallen soldiers got up and started joking around with her that she understood it was all an act and no one was really getting hurt. I don't think nearly enough about the reality of these wars from the past, and seeing the way men died for our freedoms long before modern weaponry is very interesting. A fair number of people visit Nicholasville for these reenactments (not millions, but enough to mention), and I think the added traffic from tourism is a big help.

The Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival is also a big draw, with big crowds coming out every year. I visit most years, as do a lot of people from Lexington. I get my tickets early and nowadays I enjoy the festival as a father of three girls of drinking age (a strange occurrence for a father who still thinks of having 'little' girls). The wine gala and country bus tour are loads of fun for everyone, and I don't think it gets too rowdy. I'm a bit slower than when I was a young man, and I'm still able to keep up, so I don't think it's too rough a crowd.

Nicholasville is close enough to Lexington to supplement it's relatively small number of restaurants, though there are some good options, and it's close enough for parents to send their kids to private schools in my city. It's still separate from Lexington, but it's close enough to be fun and related in many ways.

I think you can have a lot of fun in Nicholasville and would be very happy living here. Stop by for a visit or stay, you'll likely be happy you did.
Pros
  • The Civil War reenactments are fun!
  • Close to Lexington
  • Fun Wine Festival in May
  • Some good bars
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Plenty to do outside of Lexington!"

Nicholasville is a fairly large, very cool town just south of Lexington. It's really a suburb of its larger neighbor, and that's a big plus I think. I really like Nicholasville, for it's wealth of fun options and cool vibe.

First, you have plenty of places to eat and get a drink in Nicholasville. If you ever run out you have Lexington a stone's throw away. This is a big plus for the town. For good eats, you can try Asuka for some awesome sushi, or the Copper River Grill for more traditional fare. My favorite though is Mi Pequena Hacienda, which is a fantastic Mexican joint. I'm not normally a really big fan of Mexican food, but Mi Pequena is excellent.

For drinks, you're in luck in Nicholasville with a few decent options. Yeah, you can make the trip to Lexington, but nobody wants to drive very far to get a drink (it's not a really long drive, but I'd rather walk to a bar and not have problems with finding a cab or getting a designated driver). Jake's Cigar Bar is actually really cool, though I don't smoke, and while it's not a place to meet someone it is a lot of fun. JD Legends is probably the most fun though, as there's karaoke and plenty of fun folks around. I've had a blast here on more than one occasion. I need to go back soon! It's been too long.

The Kentucky Wine & Vine Fest is one of the more fun activities in Nicholasville. It took place this last May, and I think it's every May, but it's so much fun that you'll wish it was all the time! You can try a lot of nice wines, and there's a grape stomp and loads of fun stuff to try.

You have some good schools, plenty of safety and a fairly low cost of living in Nicholasville. It's definitely one of my higher recommended towns in Kentucky!
Pros
  • Lots of restaurants
  • Some good bars
  • Fun Wine Festival in May
Cons
  • A bit more crime than other towns, but not terrible
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers

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