Small-town living just 30 miles east of Louisville
Surrounded by horse farms and rolling Kentucky countryside, Shelbyville is a small city that offers enough space for farming and keeping horses, as well as access to Louisville just 30 miles away. "Shelbyville perfectly combines rural and suburban living. It has a small-town feel, but right outside town, the area immediately turns into beautiful farmland," says Tom Waggener, an area local and Realtor with Caperton Realty.
In addition to being the County Seat of Shelby County, Shelbyville is called "The Saddlebred Capital of the World," with over 80 American Saddlebred farms (a breed of American riding horse) in and around the area. Established as a farming town in 1792, the city has grown to a population of 17,800 people and now has its own walkable downtown area. Other than those commuting into Louisville, Shelbyville's largest employers include the city government, Walmart and the Postal Service.
Farmland surrounds the neighborhoods in Shelbyville.
Explore Shelbyville's downtown and marvel at its unique architecture.
1/2
Historic Kentucky homes and a growing Shelbyville market
Shelbyville's small downtown first boomed at the turn of the 19th century, coloring the city with intriguing architecture and a historically charming atmosphere. Buyers can find Victorian-era designs woven amongst bungalows, cottages and ramblers from the midcentury. Farther away from the center of town, traditional builds and larger lots are more common.
"People love being in our beautiful Bluegrass State,” says Larry Rogers, the Principal Broker of Rogers Realty. “There are lakes, all kinds and sizes of farms and a sense of peace that have made the area really popular in recent years." The median sales price has risen in recent years to $344,000, which is still lower than the Louisville or national median. Prices range from older farmhouses and split-level homes selling for $155,000 to contemporary homes on newly developed lots selling for $600,000.
Enjoy a meal with friends at The Bell House Restaurant in Shelbyville.
Newer homes in Shelbyville tend to be larger than average.
1/2
Walkable shopping and dining on Main Street
Main Street is full of local shops and restaurants, with colorful storefronts that decorate downtown's vintage, Latinate buildings. "Residents can peruse the stores, get gelato or walk to plenty of places to meet friends for lunch and dinner- it feels like something out of a Hallmark movie," says Theresa Shaver, a local resident and employee of Shelby County Parks.
The intersection of Sixth and Main streets is a pedestrian-only space open for social gatherings, outdoor dining and live music. While the city has brand-name grocers, La Doña, a Latin grocery store, and Shallow Creek Farm are two locally sourced options.
The streets of Shelbyville have lots of places to shop and visit.
Sixth and Main Coffee House is a great place to meet up with friends.
1/2
Shelby County options for public schooling
Shelby County Public Schools receives a B-minus from Niche, with 10 different schools and nearly 7,000 students. High schoolers in Shelby County have access to advanced academic programs like Project Lead the Way, which teaches students how to use disciplines like biomedical science or engineering to solve real-world problems.
Jefferson Community & Technical College is also in the community. It is known for its nursing, mechanics, and information sciences programs.
The student population of Shelby County West Middle School is 594 and the school serves 6-8.
The student population of Painted Stone Elementary is 461 and the school serves K-5.
1/2
Heading outdoors in Shelbyville and Clear Creek Park
One of Shelbyville's highlights is its well-kept system of parks and natural spaces. The Shelby County Parks and Recreation oversees 14 lakes, hiking areas and playgrounds across the city. "Clear Creek Park and its Family Activity Center offers everything from fitness classes to an outdoor splash pool for kids, so it's a draw for the entire area," says Shaver. In addition to Lake Shelby, residents can fish or access the park's RV-friendly campground.
Shelbyville experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters that see an average of 16 inches of snow fall annually. Kentucky is part of Hoosier Alley, the eastern offshoot of Tornado Alley. While the city sees less than the national average of tornadoes, it is still at risk.
Clear Creek Park has it all—baseball, basketball, a playground, and even a pool for the perfect day of fun and relaxation!
Clear Creek Park features a playground in the neighborhood of
Outer Shelby County.
1/2
Saddle up for the Shelbyville Horse Show
The Shelbyville Horse Show is one of the city’s most-attended events and celebrates the city’s roots in Saddlebred horses for more than 30 years. Held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in late July or early August, the multiday event, which benefits local nonprofits, has horse-themed art, vendors and entertainment.
Shelby Trails Park has both indoor and outdoor arenas for year-round riding.
The Winner’s Circle Horse Supply is your go-to destination for all your equestrian needs.
1/2
Convenient location near Interstate 64
Shelbyville's location also benefits locals, as Interstate 64 passes nearby and connects with Louisville and Lexington. Louisville is 32 miles west, so it only takes 40 minutes to drive to. Lexington takes nearly an hour to get to, at 46 miles from Shelbyville. Louisville International Airport is about 30 towards Louisville with flights around the country. While other bigger amenities are located in Lexington or Louisville, the city does have the University of Louisville Health Shelbyville Hospital, west of downtown.
Important to know
According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Shelbyville's rates for violent and property crimes are lower than the national average. Shelbyville Police Department’s community resource officer has set up neighborhood watch programs and offers community ride-alongs. The opportunities have contributed to the city’s property crime rates decreasing by nearly 30% in the last decade.
I’m Josh Jarboe, one of Kentucky’s top-producing real estate brokers, and I’m committed to helping my clients achieve their real estate goals with a full-service experience. Time is a currency, and I truly value yours. That’s why I provide comprehensive service from start to finish, ensuring that your time is well spent and your experience is seamless.
As a RE/MAX Hall of Fame inductee (2022) and selected as one of Louisville's Forty Under 40 (2023 class), I’ve proven that success comes from dedication, experience, and results. In an industry filled with cut-rate, "cheaper" options, why gamble with an agent who cuts corners while claiming to be a full-service brokerage? Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial decisions of your life—so why settle for less?
With me, you get the best: full support, expert guidance, and a track record that backs it up. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, I’m here to make sure your real estate journey is as smooth and successful as possible. Call me today at 502-216-7590
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.
