Louisville, Kentucky ranked as the 16th-largest city in the United States, world-famous as the home of the Kentucky Derby run the first Saturday in May, since 1875. Louisville offers much more than the greatest two minutes in sports. Founded by Col. George Rogers Clark in 1778, it served as a port and a base for operations against the British. Louisville’s location on the Falls of the Ohio from the beginning has allowed it to prosper in many areas, from industry and finance to commerce and transportation. Louisville has always been considered a highly desirable place to live.

One of the advantages most new residents notice immediately is the comparatively low cost of living in contrast to the exceptional quality of life. Newcomers will find a housing selection that is as diverse as it is attractive. One of the benefits of property ownership in this area is the availability of expansive lots and high-end custom homes at a much lower cost than comparable real estate in other metropolitan areas. The largest collection of Victorian homes in the United State and the 3rd largest historically preserved district in the United States is located in Old Louisville. Downtown living has also seen much renewal with trendy condo and loft living.

For those who enjoy fine dining, you’ll find more than 2,500 choices in the area, where five-star restaurants from ethnic cuisine, charming cafes and casual eateries abound.

Louisville offers world class performing and visual arts, charming historic districts and a revitalized waterfront park. Metropolitan Louisville and Central Kentucky provide some of the nation's most scenic countryside and breathtaking topography. Throughout the region, state and federal parks, forests, and recreation areas combine with municipal and county facilities and services to ensure year-round activities and adventures.

Louisville has world class major hospitals and medical centers throughout the region, providing state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment in a caring and compassionate setting. Within the City of Louisville are respected institutions like Baptist Hospital East, Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Jewish Hospital, Kosair Children’s Hospital, Norton Hospitals, the University of Louisville Hospital, James Graham Brown Cancer Center and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Metropolitan Louisville serves as a leading center for education, home to a quality public education system, a wide selection of private schools, and several institutions of higher education. An affordable start on a four-year degree or specialized training is available at two-year institutions that include Jefferson Community College and Jefferson Technical College. Seven institutions of higher education in the metropolitan area allow students attending any one of the schools to access the educational resources of all consortium members. Indiana and Kentucky have also developed a reciprocal tuition agreement between institutions of higher education in participating counties. On every level of education in Metropolitan Louisville, nationally recognized reform initiatives, innovation, cooperation, and a commitment to excellence are evident.

This is just a sampling of Louisville's rich and diverse offerings, from internationally famous Kentucky Derby excitement to a renowned parks system and picturesque riverfront, vibrant Louisville combines with its surrounding metropolitan areas to ensure an unsurpassed quality of life that grows richer with each passing year.