Home to Lexington’s premiere entertainment district, Melrose-Oakpark is known for its affordable housing, increased walkability and easy access to distilleries, restaurants and venues within walking distance. “It’s affordable and a wonderful place to call home,” says Cathy Cornett-Wilson, Realtor with Rector Hayden Realtors. “It's close to downtown and all of the distilleries along Manchester Street.” A mixed-use neighborhood, the section east of South Forbes Road is primarily industrial and home to large manufacturers like Midwest Metals Corps. Despite this, the remaining pocket of Melrose-Oakpark maintains a suburban feel. Locals take advantage of their proximity to amenities like Thompson Road Park for some time outdoors or head to the Lexington Distillery District for craft beers and good eats. Local area traditions, like the annual Bluegrass Birding Festival, bring folks together each spring; while a strong school district and affordable housing attract residents year-round.
Melrose-Oakpark residents live just 5 minutes from Downtown Lexington.
Lexington Social Club holds weekly cornhole games at Wise Bird Cider in Melrose-Oakpark.
1/2
Cozy bungalows and Cape Cod fixer-uppers
The real estate market in Melrose-Oakpark is competitive due to low inventory, entry-level pricing and the community's proximity to downtown Lexington. “We’re observing low inventory dynamics throughout all of Lexington,” says Kush Rathod, a Lexington native who has been selling in the area for over 4 years. “However, buyers are still making the calls to submit closing offers or offers right at the list price.” Most homes were constructed in the early 1940s and 50s, resulting in bungalows and Cape Cod designs common of the era. With a median sales price of $220,000, homes here cost $150,000 less than the average property in the Lexington Metropolitan Area. For example, a modest two-bedroom Cape Cod in need of renovations can go for $70,000, while a three-bedroom bungalow with updated amenities will cost around $250,000. Homes here often feature detached garages and ornate fencing for added privacy; and the streets feature sidewalks for easy navigation throughout the community.
Single story homes are available in Melrose-Oakpark.
Melrose-Oakpark is a great neighborhood for families searching for their first home.
First time homebuyers have many to choose from in Melrose-Oakpark.
1/3
Local greenery and live concerts at The Burl
Thompson Road Park is just steps from many homes in Melrose-Oakpark. It features a small mulched playground, picnic tables and a shaded basketball court perfect for pick-up games. The historic McConnell Springs Park located just 1 mile south of the community is larger and offers 26 acres of greenery and 2 miles of walking paths to explore. Visitors can stroll along the park's wooden boardwalks and take in waterfront views of the artesian springs. Some residents of Melrose-Oakpark are also within walking distance of The Burl, a music venue located in the Lexington Distillery District. Mainly known for its live performances, averaging around 300 shows a year, it also has an arcade and serves house-made craft beers, which add to the ambiance.
The Distillery District in Melrose-Oakpark is the premiere destination for a night out.
McConnell Springs Park
Melrose-Oakpark residents can meet with friends around the fire pit at The Burl.
1/3
The annual Bluegrass Birding Festival
In the spring, neighbors head to the annual Bluegrass Birding Festival, which is hosted at McConnell Springs Park at the end of April. “There’s so many fun things to do in Lexington,” says Rathod. “The festival has great food and attracts people from all across central Kentucky.” Visitors enjoy live folk music, local food trucks and interactive bird-themed exhibits. The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by wildlife organizations like Liberty Nature Center and Wild Ones, both of which work to promote conservation efforts in the aera.
High marks at Fayette County Public Schools
Families in Melrose-Oakpark are zoned for Fayette County Public Schools. Students may attend schools, like Meadowthorpe Elementary, Leestown Middle and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, which have earned ratings of A, B-plus and A respectively from the educational review site, Niche. Meadowthorpe Elementary School serves around 450 students and is rated as the best public elementary school in the Lexington area, according to Niche. Leestown Middle School offers a wide selection of after-school activities, ranging from archery to robotics and a 'battle of the books' competition. Paul Laurence Dunbar High School provides youth with a rigorous curriculum offering over 25 AP courses to choose from. Additionally, the private Providence Montessori School is within walking distance of many Melrose-Oakpark residents and serves kids under 14 years of age.
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School offers excellent sports, music and academic programs.
Leestown Middle School is located in Meadowthorpe neighborhood of Lexington, KY.
The staff members assure quality instruction at Meadowthorpe Elementary School.
1/3
Shopping at Meadowthorpe Shopping Center
Groceries and everyday essentials are available at Meadowthorpe Shopping Center, which features retailers like Kroger and Family Dollar. Local boutiques along Main Street, like Feather Your Nest, offers a wide collection of vintage goods, while POPS Resale, is the go-to spot for vinyl records and all things music. Dining options include Leestown Coffee House, which offers breakfast pastries and caffeinated beverages made with locally sourced ingredients from their roastery in neighboring Georgetown. The Thoroughbred Restaurant serves all-American fare and takes pride in being a community staple since 1954, while the locally owned Bad Wolf Burgers has a relaxed ambiance, an outdoor patio and a variety of burgers. For a night out, residents are also less than a mile from the Lexington Distillery District, which is home to spots like Ethereal Brewing, Barrel House Distilling and the James E. Pepper Distilling Co., all located along Manchester Street.
The Lexington Distillery District is a short drive for Melrose-Oakpark residents.
Enjoy the weather in patio of the Lexington Distillery District.
Residents of Melrose-Oakpark can buy fresh produce at Kroger.
1/3
Travel downtown on the Lextran or along Main Street
Residents in Melrose-Oakpark rely on U.S. Route 421—also known as Main Street—and Forbes Road for easy access to downtown and neighboring areas like Meadowthorpe or Georgetown. Those seeking public transportation take the Lextran bus, which operates along Main Street. When traveling further outside the neighborhood, the Blue Grass Airport is also 6 miles away; and for healthcare, the UK Good Samaritan Hospital is 2 miles from the community.
Lextran offers Melrose-Oakpark residents access to a network of bus 25 routes.
There are 276 homes in Melrose-Oakpark.
1/2
Crime
Melrose-Oakpark’s CAP Index crime score is 5 out of 10, which is slightly higher than the national average of 4.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Clay Thomas,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Woodland Park
Cheapside Park
McConnell Springs
Fifth Third Pavilion
Masterson Station Park
Dog Park
Trails
Playground
Whitney Young Park
Davis Park
Preston Spring Park
Lexington Cemetery
Transit
Airport
Blue Grass
14 min drive
Bus
Leestown & Boiling Springs Inbound
Bus
Leestown & Towne Center Inbound
Bus
Main & 1300 (Clyde St)
Bus
Leestown & 1490 Inbound
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Melrose-Oakpark
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Melrose-Oakpark, Lexington sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Melrose-Oakpark, Lexington over the last 12 months is $220,816, down 25% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$222,450
Median Single Family Price
$164,900
Median Townhouse Price
$335,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$170
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median List Price
$225,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-36%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
277
Median Year Built
1940
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,562
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,832
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Clay Thomas,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,057
Median Age
34
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,097
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,695
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.4%
College Graduates
35.7%
Advanced Degrees
10.1%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75.9%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
26''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
39/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
46/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
23/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
