Living and Buying Real Estate in Owensboro- A Comprehensive Guide!
Located in Western Kentucky, Owensboro is an attractive city with a strong community. It has a lot to offer—history, nature, and affordable houses—so it’s unsurprising that more individuals are deciding to move there. If you’re considering moving to Owensboro or want to invest in property there, this guide is for you!
The Appeal of Owensboro
Owensboro provides a genuine taste of small-town America and a bigger city’s perks and facilities. Its population is about 60,000; it is not too large to lose its cozy feel, but it is big enough to easily offer urban advantages. There is lots to do—art is big here—good public schools, and people like living here, whether young or old!
Quality of Life In Owensboro
Owensboro has a lot to offer in terms of quality living. It consistently ranks well in national affordability, safety and overall standard of living surveys. According to several real estate agency’s data, crime rates here are much lower than the U.S. average– meaning this is a safe place for families raising kids or people enjoying retirement The city also provides plenty of activities for families to do together. There are parks and museums galore and various events held throughout the year. Cultural attractions include the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and Owensboro Convention Center– so there’s always something going on if residents want it.
Economic Opportunities
Even though Owensboro is famous for its laid-back feel and friendly locals, it also has a strong economy. In fact, there are four main industries in the area: agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. And when it comes to healthcare specifically, this city has you covered. Major banks like the U.S. Bank like doing business here, too—they’ve recently opened more offices downtown!
Don’t worry about finding work in Owensboro, either. With an unemployment rate lower than the national average, job markets are pretty stable overall. Plus, if having extra cash on hand sounds appealing (and why wouldn’t it?), consider this: The median household income is higher than Kentucky’s statewide average, meaning residents also enjoy good living standards.
The Real Estate Market in Owensboro is Affordable and Growing
The real estate market in Owensboro caters to all kinds of buyers. Many options are available, whether you want a big house in the suburbs or a charming old place closer to downtown. Plus, according to several real estate analytic sources, the median value of homes in this Kentucky city is lower than the U.S. average ($195k vs $412k), so you might get more bang for your buck here whether you are renting or buying.
In Owensboro, you’ll find many lovely neighborhoods, each with its own unique appeal:
- Downtown Owensboro: Here, historic houses and modern condos intermingle. You can live within walking distance of eateries, stores, and entertainment venues– some newly built luxury apartments even look out over the Ohio River thanks to the completion of the “Riverfront Crossing” project.
- Griff Area: Head east if you prefer well-established residential streets; this area is known for them. With great schools and a safe environment, it’s perfect for families.
- Smothers Park: This part of central Owensboro has had a lot going on lately. For example, new shopping centers, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, and Lexington Commons II Luxury Apartments have opened here.
- McFarland Area: The McFarland Place subdivision sits high above the flood plain on ridges, offering stunning views across to Cincinnati, which is just over the river; many large properties are available here, too.
Real Estate Market Insights
Despite recent economic downturns, Owensboro’s real estate market has remained relatively steady. There has been consistent interest in purchasing homes in this region over the last few years; as a result, appreciation rates have stayed on course. Because property prices are still reasonable and rising steadily, it is an appealing market for people who want to invest in real estate.
On average, homes in Owensboro, KY, sell for $195,904 (based on data from Zillow)—an increase of 5.8% from last year. When they do go up for sale, they typically only stay on the market for about 11 days before entering a pending status!
Living in Owensboro
Cultural and Recreational Activities
There are many cultural and recreational activities to experience in Owensboro, Kentucky! If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can visit one of the parks or recreational areas. For example, Ben Hawes Park is great for hiking and camping– it also has a golf course. And, bike riders will love the Panther Creek Park with over 30 miles of trails. Do you prefer indoor fun? Throughout the year RiverPark Center has lots of events like concerts and plays. And don’t forget to check out Owensboro Museum of Fine Art: see art by locals and folks from all over the country too!
Education and Healthcare
Owensboro, the biggest city in Daviess County, has many respected public schools and private schooling options. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Owensboro High School
- McLean County High School
- Emerson Academy
- Heritage Park High School
For those seeking higher education opportunities, there are also colleges like Kentucky Wesleyan College. In terms of healthcare, residents can take advantage of several hospitals, including the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. These facilities offer excellent care, making the area attractive for families and older people wanting somewhere to live well.
Community and Lifestyle
Owensboro boasts a tight-knit community whose amiable inhabitants take pride in hosting special events that unite people—for example, the ROMP Music Festival, Blues-on-Broadway (BOB), and the All-American Road Show at Reid’s Orchard. Activities on the farm, like axe throwing and Cover Crop Dinners, also create bonds between residents who share both experiences and feelings of belonging.
In addition to these organized events, there is much more going on in this Kentucky town: head downtown, where you’ll find an attractive selection of independent stores alongside cafés and places to eat. It makes for a pleasant evening with dinner or simply window shopping as you stroll around!
Transportation and Accessibility
You can quickly get to Owensboro from big Midwestern cities via highways. The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport has flights, too, so if you need to connect with a bigger airport in Nashville or St. Louis, it’s no problem. They’ve also got public transport covered: TANK regional buses run services all over town, including from downtown outwards for commuters (and back again!).
Overall Conclusion on Living and Buying Real Estate in Owensboro
Owensboro provides a pleasing mix of rural charm and urban amenities. Its welcoming atmosphere, reasonable property prices, plus various prospects for economic stability and personal development make it feel homely. Overall, the real estate market in Owensboro offers excellent opportunities for those looking to purchase a home and those wanting to invest in property. House prices are still low, but there has been steady growth, so buyers can get more for their money than they might expect. As the city grows and improves its amenities, there will be even more reasons for investors from further afield to consider this area!