One key thing to know about Versailles, Kentucky: locals pronounce its name “ver-sails,” setting this Bluegrass region community apart from its French counterpart. Sitting west of Lexington, this rustic city pairs the sweeping farms and natural areas of Woodford County with a long-standing downtown of brick-lined shops and restaurants. Old and new homes fill the spaces between. Versailles sits just outside the orbits of Lexington and Frankfort, making it popular with commuters, families and folks simply looking for life in central Kentucky without the daily bustle of a larger area. “The first thing I show people is the quiet of the community. People walk around the neighborhoods here, and kids ride bikes in the neighborhood. That's what really draws people in,” says Ben Brown, a Realtor with Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass. Brown has sold homes in Versailles and the Lexington area for over 25 years.
You can view historic structures and scenic landscapes throughout Versailles.
A gorgeous statue at Falling Springs Rec Center commemorates Horse of the Year in Versailles.
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Historic Victorians and new builds
Versailles treats buyers to a mature, varied set of architectural options, typically with more space than options in Lexington itself. Colonial Revival, Queen Anne and minimal traditional homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are typical near downtown. Newer development areas generally fill out communities like Firmantown , Shetland and the city's south side. The city’s median home value of about $375,000 sits above the values for Lexington and Kentucky itself.
U.S. Census data shows steady growth in the area since the 1990s; according to Brown, the local governments in Versailles and Woodford County have prioritized keeping the local horse farms and the area's character alive instead of pushing for new development.
The unique roof shape adds character to this two-story Versailles home.
Mature trees in Versailles yards display vibrant fall colors.
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A-rated Woodford County Schools
Woodford County Public Schools is Versailles's local school district. It holds the top position for districts in the Lexington area on Niche, with an A-minus grade overall. Four elementary schools serve the region, including Huntertown Elementary, which sits on the southeast side of town and holds an A grade on Niche. About 900 kids attend Woodford County Middle School, which holds an A-minus grade. Woodford County High School has more than 30 extracurricular activities for students to consider, including clubs centered around films, reading and astronomy. The school earns a B-plus grade on Niche.
Woodford County Middle School is located on School House Road in Versailles, Kentucky.
Simmons Elementary School is located on Tyrone Pike in Versailles, Kentucky.
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Residents get moving at Falling Springs Center
Some of Versailles’ primary indoor and outdoor leisure spots are on the southwest side of town. Falling Springs Center has two pools, tennis courts and a football field for locals to use, and the community-run Woodford Theatre stages plays and musicals in the recreation center’s theater. The adjacent Woodford County Dog Park is a prime spot for pups to play. Close to downtown Versailles, Big Spring Park has a walking trail and tree-lined fields at the city's center.
Weather patterns in Versailles are generally consistent with other areas in the Bluegrass. Winters typically reach lows in the mid-20s with about 20 inches of snowfall a year; summers are warm, generally reaching the high 80s around July.
Beautiful landscape and trails for jockeys and horses can be enjoyed at Keeneland in Versailles.
The Welcome Center at Keeneland greets many visitors daily in Versailles.
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Coffee and pub fare
The Kroger Marketplace store on the east side of town is the city’s main outpost for groceries and everyday goods. Other options include a Goodwill thrift store and Dollar Tree; more mainstream retailers are available in Frankfort and Lexington. The downtown area along Main Street is a hub for small businesses and boutiques. Popular dining options include refined meals at The Woodford Inn and casual eats at Ricardo’s Grill & Pub and Spark Community Café; additional choices are available about 8 miles northeast in Midway.
Well-known horse farms like WinStar Farm and Three Chimneys maintain the area’s reputation as a hub for the thoroughbred racing industry. Major employers in Versailles and Woodford County include Brown-Forman/Woodford Reserve, Yokohama, Pilkington, More Than a Bakery, Ruggles Sign and Lakeshore Learning Materials.
Ricardo's Pub and Grill is a popular spot for lunch and dinner in Versailles.
Versailles Brewing Company is a local gem for beer and food in the neighborhood.
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Connected to Lexington via Highway 60
US Highway 60 and Lawrenceburg Road/US Highway 62 are two of Versailles’ major thoroughfares. Lexington and Lawrenceburg are about 10 miles away, while Frankfort is a 15-mile drive northwest. “A lot of our population has moved here to take a step away from Lexington; they prefer the hometown feel,” says Gary Jones, a Versailles City Council member. “It’s only 25 minutes from downtown, so it’s a good spot for Lexington commuters."
Bluegrass Community Hospital is close to the town center on Amsden Avenue for emergency services. Residents traveling beyond central Kentucky can catch flights out of Blue Grass Airport, about 8 miles east of the city in Lexington.
Off to the races at Keeneland
Versailles is 7 miles west of the Keeneland Race Course, one of the Bluegrass’s premier hubs for thoroughbred horse racing. The track opens to the public for semi-annual meets each April and October, and locals have packed into the stands to watch and bet on races since the 1930s. About 8 miles northwest of town, the Woodford Reserve Distillery is a favorite for bourbon connoisseurs.
Crime rates in Versailles
According to FBI data, violent crime in Versailles has risen and fallen to varying degrees over the last decade but generally stays below national rates. Property crime has been on a continuous downward trend since 2011.
Raised in Lexington, KY and currently residing in Georgetown, I have proudly served as a licensed real estate professional since 2007. Leveraging my background of Teaching for 28 years I pride myself on helping buyers and sellers have success in their real estate endeavors by educating our clients. Committed to staying at the forefront of our dynamic industry, I prioritize ongoing education and training to ensure we remain well-equipped to navigate evolving market trends. Specializing in residential real estate, we have the privilege of representing multiple new construction home builders across Central KY. As a co-founder and co-owner of Calumet Realty, we lead a group of dedicated sales professionals who embody a culture of continuous learning, humility, and unwavering dedication to assisting others in achieving their goals—both professionally and personally. Our Calumet Realty team takes pride in having successfully served over many Kentucky families and clients with their real estate needs. Allow us to leverage this extensive experience to work for you and achieve your goals with confidence. My paramount strength lies in my ability to actively listen to clients, genuinely empathize with their needs, and provide exceptional service tailored to their unique circumstances. It is my sincere passion to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. We look forward to helping you find your "Old Kentucky Home".
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.
