Hi, I’m Catrina, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Lexington, Kentucky. Over the last 10 years, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the city’s neighborhoods and helping people figure out where they want to live — there are fantastic communities in Lexington if you just know where to look.

The one thing I’ve learned is that the right neighborhood can make a huge difference in your daily routine, especially if you’re commuting to one of Lexington’s biggest employers. Certain areas, like Nicholasville Road or New Circle, can be a great benefit to you, but they can also be very congested and make it hard to get around depending on your schedule, so that’s something to consider as we discuss these neighborhoods.

As you’d expect, people moving to Lexington want to balance a manageable commute with a neighborhood that actually feels enjoyable to live in. Some renters want quiet residential areas with parks and trails, while others prefer walkable neighborhoods near restaurants and nightlife. In this guide, I’ll share some of the best neighborhoods to rent near major Lexington employers, helping you narrow down where to start your apartment search.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Lexington

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky

Located just north of Lexington in nearby Georgetown, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky is one of the region’s largest employers, and you’ll find plenty of people in the city do work there. You can live in various northern neighborhoods and reach Georgetown in a short amount of time. Just keep in mind that thousands of employees commute there every day from Lexington and the surrounding communities. The plant sits close to I-75.

Joyland/Bryan Station

Georgetown is the most obvious choice for renters working at Toyota since the plant is located right there, but it is outside of Lexington. For Lexington-specific neighborhoods, one of the first to consider is Joyland, which is near Bryan Station. This area has plenty of rentals, single-family homes, and apartment buildings. It’s fairly quiet, although there can be some crime in the area (like in any part of a city). I lived there for several years, and I liked the location because it was easy to hop onto the highway and get up to Hamburg or over to Georgetown in just 10-15 minutes. New Circle Road is just down the street, as well. You will also be backed by Russel Cave, which runs into New Circle (you’ll find Walmart, McDonald's, a Chick-fil-A, and an Aldi in that area. Some people might have old ideas about this area, but it really is up and coming - it is affordable, and it was a nice place to live.

Masterson Station

Masterson Station is a neighborhood I often hear people recommend for those commuting north toward Georgetown, and it is still growing larger all the time. Located on Lexington’s northwest side, the area offers a comfortable suburban feel with plenty of green space and walking trails. Masterson Station Park is a popular local spot, and it is also home to the Bluegrass Fair that is held every year - a personal favorite. This is a wealthier neighborhood, and it provides easy access to New Circle Road and I-64, which helps make the commute to Toyota easier.

Meadowthorpe

Meadowthorpe is one of Lexington’s more established neighborhoods, known for its mature trees and classic mid-century homes. I’ve always liked how peaceful this area feels while still being relatively close to downtown Lexington, since downtown is where most major events in the city take place (unless you live in Hamburg or on Nicholasville Road). For Toyota employees, Meadowthorpe provides a reasonable commute north toward Georgetown while keeping you connected to Lexington’s restaurants and entertainment.

The University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is not only Lexington’s largest university but also one of the city’s biggest employers. Thousands of faculty, staff, and healthcare professionals work on or around the campus every day. Because the university sits close to downtown Lexington, many renters prefer neighborhoods that offer quick access to the campus. Otherwise, it can be a congested area, and even a short commute can take much longer than expected.

Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase is one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Lexington, and it’s easy to see why. The high-income area features charming homes, tree-lined streets, and a small commercial district filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Friends of mine in this area loved the small boutiques, and that it was only a short drive, walk, or hop on a bus to get into downtown. Personally, I liked the distance to downtown, but also that Chevy Chase still maintained a calmer atmosphere. It’s tucked in just behind UK, so it’s a great little place to be during the school year.

South Hill

South Hill sits right next to the University of Kentucky campus, making it one of the most convenient neighborhoods for university employees. The area includes a mix of apartments, historic homes, and rental houses. If being able to walk or bike to campus is important to you, South Hill is definitely one of the first neighborhoods worth considering. Just keep in mind that many of the neighborhoods close to UK are fairly barren in the summer months when students leave.

Downtown Lexington

Downtown Lexington offers a completely different living experience compared to the city’s quieter residential areas, and it’s best for people who want a short commute and who don’t have strict limitations on their budgets. Renting here means you’re close to campus but also surrounded by restaurants, entertainment venues, and nightlife. In my experience, downtown apartments tend to attract young professionals and university employees who enjoy a more walkable lifestyle, though walkability is a concern in Lexington. There is a transit system, though, and you may enjoy the fact that you’re connected to Richmond Road, South Broadway, and Winchester Road just minutes from where you live. Those will take you almost anywhere in Lexington!

Woodland Park

Woodland Park is another excellent neighborhood for renters working at the University of Kentucky. The area centers around Woodland Park itself, one of Lexington’s most popular green spaces. Locals enjoy the walking paths, tennis courts, and weekend farmers' market. It’s a relaxed neighborhood that still offers an easy drive or bike ride to campus. Personally, Woodland Park holds a special place in my heart because of the Lexington Humane Society’s annual Doggie Paddle — lots of dogs enjoy a day at the pool as it closes for the season.

Lexmark International

Lexmark International is another major Lexington employer, with its global headquarters on the city's southeast side. The technology company attracts professionals from across the region, and many employees look for nearby neighborhoods where commuting is a short drive rather than a long wait in traffic (if you know, you know).

Hamburg

Hamburg is one of Lexington’s most active commercial areas and a popular place for renters who want convenience combined with the feeling of down-home neighborhoods and chill people. This neighborhood includes modern apartment communities along with easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and grocery stores, like Meijer, Costco, Kroger, Walmart, and more. Because it sits close to New Circle Road and I-75, commuting to Lexmark from Hamburg is usually quick and straightforward. It is also bordered by Man-O-War, so you can quickly head up to Nicholasville Road, another major shopping area, if you need to.

Andover Forest/Andover Hills

Andover is a well-planned apartment-housing residential neighborhood located southeast of Lexmark’s headquarters, and it is broken into two parts, Andover Forest and Andover Hills. The area has a calm suburban feel with attractive streets and nearby parks (the dog park at Jacobson is a favorite for many people living in this area, particularly because it has two sides, one for tiny dogs and one for larger breeds). I’ve always thought Andover strikes a nice balance between quiet residential living and accessibility to Lexington’s larger shopping areas. It is close to New Circle, Man-O-War, and the highway, so it won’t take you long to get anywhere if you live in Andover. Opt for Andover Forest if you want to be closer to Hamburg or Andover Hills if you prefer being closer to Jacobson.

Tates Creek

Slightly further south, Tates Creek is another strong option for renters working near Lexmark. This area offers a mix of apartments, condos, and houses along with plenty of shopping and dining nearby. It’s also well connected to New Circle Road, which makes getting across Lexington relatively easy no matter where you work. However, remember that Tates Creek is further away than some other neighborhoods, so if you have to travel into work during the high traffic times (7 to 8 am and 5 to 6 pm) you could find yourself stuck in traffic often. Opt to live closer to Lexmark on the North or Northwest side and to take New Circle around the north side of the city if you have the option.

Finding the Right Lexington Neighborhood for Your Commute

Choosing where to rent in Lexington often comes down to balancing commute time with the kind of neighborhood you want to come home to each day — but it can really be a difficult balance. Traffic is extreme during the months when the University of Kentucky is in session, which can make a typically short commute longer (double or more), and depending on placement in the city, you could run into heavy traffic during rush hours that has you almost sit in place. For that reason, my advice is to find the closest neighborhood to your work that you can, if you have the option. All of Lexington is relatively affordable, and all neighborhoods are pretty safe, so it is hard to make a bad decision.

At ApartmentHomeLiving.com, we enjoy helping people explore neighborhoods and discover apartments that fit both their lifestyle and their commute. If you’re planning a move to Lexington or simply looking for a new place to rent, these neighborhoods are a great place to start your search.