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Dugan Best

Dugan Best

Suburban Neighborhood in Owensboro, Kentucky

Daviess County 42301

$146,473 Average Value
$124 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

A growing neighborhood with a small-town vibe

Settled into Owensboro’s western border, Dugan Best has many familiar trappings of suburbia, including easy access to casual restaurants, active public parks and proximity to downtown. “The area is growing a lot, but it’s still got that small town feel to it,” says Realtor with Certified Appraisal Consultant Harini Cardwell. “After all, we’re still the bluegrass capital of the world.” With a third of its territory occupied by woodlands and green spaces, this community acts as a transition between Owensboro's active homes and schools and the long stretches of farmlands on the way to Evansville.

Midcentury homes surrounded by foliage

With an average construction date of 1959, midcentury-style homes are the norm. Narrow, well-worn sidewalks pass eighth-acre lawns and single-car garages. Chain-link fences and foliage provide privacy between homes, while maple and oak trees shade backyards. Homes begin in the low $50,000s for smaller Cape Cod and bungalow styles, many requiring renovations. Prices peak in the high $100,000s for larger ranch-style homes with newer upgrades and proximity to schools and entertainment.

Homes in Dugan Best are typically single story homes.
Homes in Dugan Best are typically single story homes.
Bungalow homes are common to Dugan Best.
Bungalow homes are common to Dugan Best.
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Study culinary arts at Owensboro High

Students begin their education at Cravens Elementary School, located centrally in the neighborhood. The school is ranked a C-plus on Niche and is close enough that many students walk instead of riding the bus. From there, they’ll attend Owensboro Middle School North, which has a B-minus, before enrolling in B-plus-rated Owensboro High School. Thanks to a grant, Owensboro High updated its culinary program in the fall of 2024, investing in new appliances, upgraded ventilation systems and an expanded space to work in.

Owensboro Middle School North has students in grades 6-8.
Owensboro Middle School North has students in grades 6-8.
Owensboro High School has 1,334 students in attendance.
Owensboro High School has 1,334 students in attendance.
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From dump to destination

Originally a trash dump in the 1940s, Dugan Best Park has grown into a hub for local gatherings. Would-be athletes compete on its basketball and tennis courts, while the younger crowd takes advantage of the playground. The park is home to Dugan Best Recreation Center, which is equipped with an indoor gymnasium, stage and fitness room. Named for a former Owensboro mayor, Jack C. Fisher Park is 33 acres of baseball diamonds, batting cages and picnic shelters. Its three-quarter-mile paved trail connects to Adkisson Greenbelt Park, a 16-mile-long asphalt trail that circles the city. The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is seen by many as a centerpiece of Owensboro, with its many exhibits and historical artifacts giving the town the nickname “The Bluegrass Capital of the World.”

Explore the history of bluegrass music at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame nearby Dugan Best.
Explore the history of bluegrass music at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame nearby Dugan Best.
Head to Dugan Best Park for an afternoon with the kids.
Head to Dugan Best Park for an afternoon with the kids.
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Classic diner food at the Neighborhood Kitchen

The Mechanicsville Neighborhood Kitchen is a greasy-spoon-style diner with a menu that includes everything from patty melts to chicken and waffles. Anyone looking for a late lunch should keep an eye on the clock: the Kitchen closes daily at 2 p.m. Mi Ranchito serves classic Mexican combo dinners and lunch specials in a colorful, relaxed atmosphere. Various chain restaurants and storefronts are along Route 81, and the IGA grocery store is just south of the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.

Head to Lure Seafood and Grill in Dugan Best for a meal with a friend.
Head to Lure Seafood and Grill in Dugan Best for a meal with a friend.
City Walk in Dugan Best receives praise for it's beloved menu.
City Walk in Dugan Best receives praise for it's beloved menu.
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Basketball at the Owensboro Sportscenter

The Riverpark Center is one of the largest venues in Owensboro for live performances, hosting touring musicals, game shows like Wheel of Fortune and the Owensboro Symphony. Owensboro Sportscenter is the home of the Kentucky Wesleyan College Panthers basketball teams and has been filling seats since 1949. The Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market is open from August to October— a popular spot to pick up locally grown and sourced produce, meat and baked goods.

Easy access to downtown and the airport

Route 81 offers a straight shot into the heart of Downtown Owensboro, while Route 60 passes the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport just southwest of the neighborhood. The Owensboro Transit System has a bus line that travels all over the city, with neighborhood stops on West 2nd and 4th Streets. Narrow sidewalks are often a part of residential zones, but they’re far from universal, making for little consistency regarding walkability.

Important to know

Dugan Best is rated a 6/10 on the CAP Crime Index scale, with 4/10 being the national average. Violent crime rates in the neighborhood can reach as high as 8/10.

Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Nick Janning
Kyo Nguyen
Video By
Kyo Nguyen

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 George Green, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Evansville Regional

55 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Dugan Best US
Homicide 8 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$134,750
Median Single Family Price
$135,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$124
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
64
Months of Supply
0.20
Median List Price
$139,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,658
Median Year Built
1959
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,058
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,053
Median Age
38
Population under 18
27.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$30,840
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,431

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
83.2%
College Graduates
6.2%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.5%
% Population in Labor Force
54.1%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

54 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

43 / 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.

Reviews

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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
Dugan Best