Madison County

Madison County offers a cost of living that’s 16% lower than the national average, making it an ideal place to stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality of life. From groceries and utilities to dining and entertainment, everyday expenses come at a lower cost — allowing residents to enjoy more of what they love.

Housing is particularly affordable, with home prices over 35% lower than the national averages – meaning you can find a modern 3-bedroom ranch for under $300,000. Renting is even more budget-friendly, with a two-bedroom apartment costing 45.5% less than the U.S. average. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or find an affordable rental, Madison County makes comfortable living easy and attainable.

Blending natural beauty, career opportunities and a rich artistic heritage, Berea, Kentucky, provides small-town charm with the resources and amenities of a thriving community. Outdoor lovers get to explore The Pinnacles, ranked the No. 1 hike in Kentucky by Outside Magazine, offering breathtaking views for both two- and four-legged adventurers.

With expanding industries like Hitachi Automotive and Hyster-Yale creating new job opportunities, Berea is also a hub for career growth for its nearly 16,000 residents. Families benefit from top-ranked schools such as Shannon Johnson Elementary and Farristown Middle School, while Berea College is nationally recognized as one of the best values in higher education.

Known as the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky, Berea is famous for its thriving artisan community, featuring celebrated festivals and a public art trail that rivals much larger cities. Whether you’re an artist, collector or casual admirer, the city’s creative spirit is everywhere. Berea also boasts a strong sustainable agriculture community, with growers-only farmers markets and one of the country’s top continuously operating college farms.

Get rooted in a community of just over 37,000 — where career opportunities, affordability and a family-friendly lifestyle meet.

Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for the Arts has been a cultural hub since 2011, hosting legendary performers like The Beach Boys, Gladys Knight, Willie Nelson and Jerry Seinfeld. Sports fans can catch an EKU Colonels game at the newly renovated Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum, a state-of-the-art venue for thrilling college athletics. And after the big win, enjoy some Southern comfort food or locally crafted brews and wines at Dreaming Creek Brewery and Chenault Vineyards.

Families in Richmond benefit from top-ranked K-12 schools, including White Hall Elementary, Farristown Middle and B. Michael Caudill Middle School, while Eastern Kentucky University ranks among the nation’s top 200 public higher education institutions. Healthcare is another standout feature, with Baptist Health Richmond recognized for its high-quality care and patient safety excellence.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment or a great place to raise a family, Richmond delivers a vibrant community with something for everyone.