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Paynes Depot

Paynes Depot

Rural Neighborhood in Lexington, Kentucky

Fayette County 40324, 40347, 40511

$627,401 Average Value
$278 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Moving from big cities to Kentucky horse country

Ten miles northwest of downtown Lexington, Paynes Depot is a rural community with horse farms and other multi-acre properties. Resident Tanya Davis owns Three Day Farm, an equestrian training facility in the neighborhood and says that the neighborhood’s culture largely revolves around horses. “It’s very, very horse friendly,” Davis says. “You can so rarely ride off the property of your own farm. Here, you can ride off anywhere you want, in the subdivisions all around the farms.” She’s lived in the community for over 25 years, but many of the neighborhood’s residents are new to the region, with a large influx of out-of-state residents moving in during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. “People are getting out of the cities, and they want land,” Davis says. “We’re getting a lot of people from California and the East Coast moving here. A lot of people involved with horses are moving here and people in other industries are moving here because they want land and animals. It’s a nice place to raise a family or animals, whether it’s horses, sheep or whatever you like.”

The Kentucky bluegrass is the best grass in the country

When Davis moved from California to Kentucky, it was for the health of her newly purchased horse. “I had a horse from Ireland and he couldn’t handle California,” Davis says. “I moved here, and within six months, he was back to his healthy self.” Through her work on the farm Davis has also noticed how the area's bluegrass improves the overall health of the horses. “We literally have the best grass in the country right where we’re at,” Davis says. “Our horses thrive here, eating their natural grass. Moving horses from other states, you can just see how their health changes once they live here for a little bit. I’ve had many horses come in from New York, Florida and California. They come in not looking so good, but once they get through a spring here, they've completely changed.”

Residents of Paynes Depot can enjoy a nice day of fishing at the nearby Midway Sportsman Lake.
Residents of Paynes Depot can enjoy a nice day of fishing at the nearby Midway Sportsman Lake.

Horse farms, Walter Bradley Park and the University Club of Kentucky

Paynes Depot’s horse farms are its primary sources of outdoor recreation, providing locals with basic riding lessons and competitive training for kids and adults alike. “We have several different levels of riders here, from real beginners to people that are competing,” Davis says. “A lot of the kids in the neighborhood ride here. They’re basically learning how to ride in the arena, learning to jump, those kinds of things.” Five miles west, Midway’s Walter Bradley Park is the neighborhood’s nearest public green space. Spanning 28 acres, Walter Bradley Park has five trails, a dog park and several picnic areas. Three miles east, the public University Club of Kentucky golf course has 36 holes between its two courses: the Wildcat Course and the Arthur Hills-designed Big Blue Course.

Land listings, ranch-style homes and custom mansions in luxury subdivisions

Buyers in Paynes Depot have several options, but most involve the purchase of multiple acre lots. Land listings abound here, allowing buyers to select properties that meet their needs. Some build their own farms, while others might opt for an older ranch-style home on several acres. Paynes Depot also has several different luxury subdivisions that have developed in recent years, like Fishers Mill Landing. “The Fishers Mill Landing subdivision is basically mini-mansions everywhere,” Davis says. “Nothing is on top of each other. Everyone has land, 5- to 30-acres roughly. It’s quite impressive when you drive around the corner into this place. They’re big houses. You’ll see little barns behind a lot of the houses. A lot of people do have horses on their property, or they’ll keep them here [at Three Day Farm] or somewhere else.” Houses in Paynes Depot are far more expensive than in other parts of Lexington, with the average home value costing $250,000 more than the average home in the metro area. Land listings here can range from $200,000 for 2 acres to $500,000 for 10 acres. Housing costs can vary here, depending on size, condition and acreage. For example, on the low end, homes will go for around $400,000 to $500,000 for an older home on less than 2 acres of land. While on the high-end, brand-new custom-designed homes on 10 acres can go for $1 to $3 million. “Things have gone up quite a bit, but you can still sell a condo in California and buy my farm,” Davis says. “It’s all relative, really.” Paynes Depot has a 1 out of 10 CAP Index crime score, which is slightly below the national average of 4.

Ranch-style homes featuring well-manicured lawns are a frequent sight in Paynes Depot.
Ranch-style homes featuring well-manicured lawns are a frequent sight in Paynes Depot.
Winding Oaks features newer homes with spacious lots in Paynes Depot.
Winding Oaks features newer homes with spacious lots in Paynes Depot.
Homes in the Paynes Depot neighborhood are big enough to raise a family.
Homes in the Paynes Depot neighborhood are big enough to raise a family.
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Great Crossing High School’s $90-million campus

Students in Paynes Depot attend Western Elementary, which earns a B-plus rating and was named Scott County’s second best public elementary school by Niche. Scott County Middle School, which also gets a B-plus, is ranked by Niche as the 10th best public middle school in the Lexington area. The B-rated Great Crossing High School is considered the 9th best public high school in the Lexington area. Great Crossing High School opened in August 2019 with a new $90-million campus including state-of-the-art academic and athletic facilities.

Living 15 minutes from Lexington, Frankfort and Georgetown

Paynes Depot is centrally located between Frankfort, Georgetown and Lexington, making it an ideal spot for people looking for easy access to those communities. “I’m 15 minutes from Frankfort, 15 minutes from Lexington and 15 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park,” Davis says. Interstate 64 and Paynes Depot Road intersect in Paynes Depot, making it easy to get around the metro area. Davis warns those moving from out of state: “We have country roads. That’s the main thing I see people coming from cities struggling with. We’ve got smaller roads here and people drive slower in Kentucky,” she adds. With no public transit in the neighborhood, residents rely entirely on cars to get around. The nearest medical center is Georgetown Community Hospital, 6 miles north and the Blue Grass Airport is 10 miles south.

Paynes Depot offers quick and easy access to Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky, via I-64.
Paynes Depot offers quick and easy access to Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky, via I-64.
Beautiful orange trees line the streets of Paynes Depot in Lexington, Kentucky.
Beautiful orange trees line the streets of Paynes Depot in Lexington, Kentucky.
Roads through Paynes Depot are lined with traditional wooden fences.
Roads through Paynes Depot are lined with traditional wooden fences.
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Bourbon, horses and Wildcat basketball

“The biggest attractions in Paynes Depot are bourbon, horses and Wildcat's basketball,” Davis says. “That’s what everyone loves to do.” The closest distilleries to Payne's Depot are the Saddlestone Distillery and Bluegrass Distillers in Midway, both of which have tasting rooms where patrons can sample their house-distilled spirits. To learn more about Kentucky horse culture, residents can visit the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,000-acre horse farm and equine education center home to the International Museum of the Horse. The park hosts events throughout the year, including its signature holiday lights display. “You can park and go in the tents, and the kids can have pony rides and have hot chocolate, make s'mores and just have a fun shopping experience as well,” says Realtor Robin Owens. Horse racing is another cornerstone of Paynes Depot’s culture. “It’s a huge racing community, with Keeneland and Churchill Downs being so close,” Davis says. “Keeneland is literally 15 minutes away.” Keeneland has racing seasons in October and April, and Churchill Downs hosts meets from May through June, and in September and November. The Kentucky Wildcats play home basketball games each November through March 10 miles southeast at downtown Lexington’s Rupp Arena.

Midway dining and Hymer Feed Company

For a bite to eat near Paynes Depot, Davis recommends Heirloom or Holly Hill Inn in Midway, 5 miles west. “Both are absolutely amazing,” she says. Heirloom offers artfully plated French-inspired cuisine in a cozy dining room. Holly Hill Inn is a rural 1800s inn transformed into an upscale American restaurant featuring flights of wine and meals cooked with ingredients grown on the property’s gardens. J & N Grocery is a small country store in Paynes Depot where residents can enjoy a homemade breakfast or lunch or pick up some shelf-stable groceries. Hymer Feed Company is a neighborhood feed store where residents can pick up hay and other supplies for horses and livestock. The nearest supermarket is Kroger, 6 miles north in Georgetown.

Enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon drinking wine at Equus Run Vineyards near Paynes Depot.
Enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon drinking wine at Equus Run Vineyards near Paynes Depot.
Grab a glass of wine with friends at Equus Ryn Vineyards near Paynes Depot.
Grab a glass of wine with friends at Equus Ryn Vineyards near Paynes Depot.
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Ellen Daly
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Ellen Daly
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Ryan Minion
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 David Humes, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Blue Grass

32 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Paynes Depot US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$749,500
Median Single Family Price
$750,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$278
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Months of Supply
1.30
Median List Price
$789,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
23%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
388
Median Year Built
1999
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,016
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
87,991

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to David Humes, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,661
Median Age
48
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$159,539
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$175,798

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95%
College Graduates
56.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%

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®

22 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

6 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Paynes Depot