La Grange is a city caught between its railroad history and a growing Oldham County suburb. La Grange’s roots date back to the railroad — founded in 1827 around the tracks. While locomotive use died out in other towns nationwide, La Grange’s is still at the forefront of its culture. The train runs down Main Street, past downtown shops and the city’s parks. Museums dedicated to local history and a livestream for the train keep the vehicles at the forefront of La Grange, but the city is growing. Newer parks and subdivisions support those moving to the city of about 10,000 residents, but annual local events and longstanding local businesses downtown keep those already settled here.
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Shops parallel to train tracks in downtown La Grange
Brick Italianate buildings in Downtown La Grange sit along Main Street, with the train tracks running parallel to the painted storefronts. Businesses here are a mix of local restaurants and shops, including stores for books, yarn and hats. The La Grange community likes to support local businesses and causes, creating a culture centered around community growth and support. “They just recently had a chocolate crawl fundraiser to help bring awareness to breast cancer,” says Realtor Cindy Hack with RE/MAX Properties East. “People went from business to business, and they give out treats at each stop.” For grocery pickups, supermarkets and shopping centers line 1st Avenue.
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La Grange's train tourism stops
While locals are used to the train coming through downtown, the event brings lots of tourists to the city. The La Grange Railroad Museum and Learning Center’s exhibits on the railroad include historic artifacts, model trains and even old locomotives that people can walk through. The Oldham County History Center highlights more regional history, with a special interest in identifying local stops on the Underground Railroad.
New subdivisions continuing to pop up in La Grange
La Grange’s median housing price is about $380,000, which is lower than the national median. While the city has a historic feel, most homes here are from the 20th and 21st centuries, ranging from Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes to New Traditionals. Some subdivisions, like The Bungalows, are even as recent as 2024, highlighting La Grange’s growing population. Property and violent crime rates here are lower than those for the nation and state.
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Train-themed playgrounds and county little league games
Many of La Grange’s parks are new, like Springs Park, which opened in 2022. Right by downtown, the park includes a train-themed playground and a pavilion that almost looks like a train depot. It sits along the tracks, but there’s a fence between the grounds and the tracks so kids can play safely. La Grange gets hot, humid summers, so kids can cool off at the splash pad from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On the other side of downtown, Wilborn Park has a lake where people can fish for bass. Walsh Park hosts the North Oldham Little League on its multiple baseball diamonds.
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County public schools and career centers
Oldham County Schools earns an A from Niche and is listed as Kentucky’s 7th-best school district. Located in La Grange, Arvin Education Center is a district career center offering computer science, engineering and biomedical science programs.
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La Grange's own small-scale derby and Oldham County Days
While people can go to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, La Grange hosts its own Main Street Derby in late March. All along Main Street, people can gather for pony rides, small derby races and appearances from famous jockeys. “The Project Guild is a local group of women, and they put on Oldham County Day,” Hack says. “It’s the third Friday in July, and they have a parade, and nonprofits set up booths. The Rotary Club does a pancake brunch that morning.” At Springs Park, Trackside Tunes brings local artists and tribute bands to the city on the first Friday of the month from May to October.
Thunder Over Louisville is the largest fireworks demonstration in the United States.
Churchill Downs is home of the Kentucky Derby.
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Commuting into Louisville from La Grange
While the train cuts through downtown, it’s strictly freight and doesn’t offer passenger options. Instead, La Grange residents can expect to use their cars to get around. Main Street and 1st Avenue link people to the city’s commercial options and parks. Commuters can hop on Interstate 71 on the city's southern side and connect with Louisville, about 26 miles away.
Lavell was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. After graduating High School he immediately joined the Army and retired in 2002. Working closely with Real Estate Agents and Brokers, he initially started investing in Real Estate. Then, Lavell decided to become licensed and help others with one of their single biggest purchases. Lavell brings his own unique combination of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to all of his clients. With Lavell's extensive tenacity and "go get them" attitude picked up from his experience in the military, he will get the job done right!
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