Southland

Lexington, KY

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$297,738 (as of January 2025)
Median Home Price
62 (Somewhat Walkable; errands can be accomplished on foot, especially near Southland Drive)
Walkability Score
Generally above average; Lafayette High and Jessie Clark Middle are well-regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally bounded by Nicholasville Road to the east, Rosemont Garden to the north, Clays Mill Road to the west, and Pasadena Drive to the south.

Zip Codes

40503

Market Data Summary

Price Range$239,721 (2BR) – $352,805 (4BR)
Price per Sq FtApprox. $185–$210/sq ft (2024-2025 estimate)
Inventory LevelsModerate; 50 homes for sale in Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates as of March 2025, with balanced buyer/seller activity.[1]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesSome duplexesOccasional townhomes

Architectural Styles

Mid-century ranchCape CodCottageTraditional brick ranch

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.30 acres
Home Age RangeBuilt 1940s–1970s, with some renovations and updates
Construction QualityGenerally solid, with many homes featuring original hardwoods and updated systems.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Median age mid-30s to early 40s.

Community Vibe

Laid-back, welcoming, and community-focused. Known for its neighborhood pride and active local association.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • Retirees

Family Friendly

Yes; parks, schools, and community events foster a family-oriented environment.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Hill-N-Dale Park
  • Southland Park
  • Picadome Golf Course

Dining Options

  • Ramsey’s Diner
  • El Rancho Tapatio
  • Winchell’s Restaurant

Shopping Centers

  • Southland Drive retail corridor
  • Good Foods Co-op
  • Local boutiques and thrift shops

Local Businesses

  • Southland Bagel
  • Good Foods Co-op
  • Coffee Times Coffee House
  • Wildcat Market

Education & Schools

Generally above average; Lafayette High and Jessie Clark Middle are well-regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Clays Mill Elementary
  • Picadome Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Jessie Clark Middle

High Schools

  • Lafayette High School

Private Schools

  • Lexington Catholic High School (nearby)
  • Lexington Christian Academy (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Lextran bus routes along Nicholasville Rd and Southland Dr

Major Roads

  • Nicholasville Road
  • Clays Mill Road
  • Rosemont Garden

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 minutes to downtown Lexington; 20–25 minutes to UK campus or major employers.
WalkabilityModerate; best near Southland Drive and adjacent streets.
ParkingMostly off-street driveways; street parking available but can be limited during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Families with school-age children
  • Investors (long-term rental)

Key Selling Points

  • Central location
  • Strong community vibe
  • Access to parks and shopping
  • Solid appreciation history

Pricing Considerations

Homes priced at or just below median move fastest; premium for renovated properties.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need updates (HVAC, roof, plumbing)

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and highlight recent upgrades; connect buyers with reputable local contractors.

Objection: Smaller lots than newer neighborhoods

Response Strategy:

Emphasize mature landscaping, privacy, and proximity to parks.

Objection: Limited new construction

Response Strategy:

Focus on character, established community, and renovation potential.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Solid, with consistent year-over-year growth and high demand for renovated homes.[1]

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for updated 3BR homes and properties near UK or hospitals.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high for move-in ready homes; multiple offers common for well-priced listings.

Best For

  • First-time buyers
  • Young families
  • Investors seeking stable returns

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require system updates
  • Limited new construction
  • Some lots smaller than newer suburbs

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage local business partnerships for open houses and marketing.

2

Educate buyers on renovation costs and connect with trusted contractors.

3

Highlight community events and neighborhood association involvement.

4

Stage homes to emphasize both character and modern updates.

5

Monitor Southland Drive developments for future value drivers.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Chevy Chase
  • Kenwick
  • Meadowthorpe

Market Positioning

Ideal for buyers seeking affordability, character, and central location.

Competitive Advantages

  • More affordable than Chevy Chase
  • Stronger community feel than Kenwick
  • Better walkability and amenities than Meadowthorpe

Price Comparison

Median home price 10–15% lower than Chevy Chase; similar to Kenwick but with larger homes.

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.2% (2024-2025 estimate for updated rentals)
Cap Rates
$1,650–$2,100/month for 3BR homes
Rental Yields
Approx. 13–15
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-priced, updated properties; neutral for homes needing major renovation.
Cash Flow
3–5% annual appreciation expected through 2026.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by affordability, central location, and community events. May need education on older home maintenance.

Move-Up Buyers

Drawn to larger mid-century homes with renovation potential. Seek updated features and good schools.

Downsizers

Appreciate single-level living and walkable amenities. Value low-maintenance yards.

Investors

Target updated homes for stable rental income. Strong demand from medical and university tenants.

Relocators

Value proximity to downtown, hospitals, and UK. Often prioritize move-in ready homes.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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