Bardstown & Nelson County

Historic charm, refined living, and the heart of Kentucky bourbon country.

Living in Bardstown & Nelson county, Kentucky

Steeped in history and surrounded by the rolling hills of Central Kentucky, Bardstown and Nelson County offer a distinctive blend of timeless elegance, luxury living, and authentic Kentucky charm. Known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, this celebrated region is home to beautifully preserved historic architecture, renowned bourbon distilleries, picturesque farmland, and some of Central Kentucky's most desirable homes, private estates, equestrian properties, and custom-built residences.

Luxury living throughout Nelson County is defined by exceptional craftsmanship, scenic landscapes, and a lifestyle that embraces both sophistication and tradition. Whether you're searching for a historic home rich with character in downtown Bardstown, a modern custom estate on acreage, a horse property surrounded by rolling countryside, or a luxury retreat tucked among Kentucky's iconic bluegrass hills, Nelson County offers an extraordinary variety of exceptional real estate.

Beyond the homes themselves, residents enjoy a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Kentucky. Bardstown's nationally recognized historic downtown is filled with locally owned boutiques, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and vibrant community events. The region is home to legendary bourbon distilleries and serves as the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, while attractions like My Old Kentucky Home State Park and the beloved outdoor musical The Stephen Foster Story celebrate the area's rich heritage and enduring traditions.

Throughout Nelson County, scenic backroads wind past horse farms, vineyards, historic churches, and family-owned farms, creating a landscape that is both breathtaking and unmistakably Kentucky. Residents enjoy championship golf, outdoor recreation, wineries, seasonal festivals, and convenient access to Louisville, Elizabethtown, and surrounding communities, making the area an exceptional place to live, work, and invest.

Whether you're searching for a custom-built home, a horse farm, or a peaceful countryside retreat, Bardstown and Nelson County offer an unmatched combination of history, beauty, and modern convenience. As an award-winning boutique brokerage, Olive + Oak Realty provides personalized guidance, local expertise, and concierge-level service to help buyers and sellers confidently navigate one of Kentucky's most iconic luxury real estate markets.

Life in Elizabethtown

EXPLORE ELIZABETHTOWN

Life in Elizabethtown

A community with character, convenience, and room to grow.

Historic downtown shops and restaurants, the trails at Freeman Lake Park, and a growing collection of local businesses give Elizabethtown its distinctive character.

From established neighborhoods and custom homes to new construction and properties with acreage, buyers have plenty of options. Convenient access to I-65, Fort Knox, Glendale, and Louisville makes Elizabethtown a natural choice for those putting down roots in Central Kentucky.

Schools in Bardstown & Nelson County, KY

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The following schools are within or nearby Bardstown & Nelson County. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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BY THE NUMBERS: Bardstown & Nelson County, KY

Bardstown & Nelson County has 12,519 households, with an average household size of 2.4. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Bardstown & Nelson County do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 30,601 people call Bardstown & Nelson County home. The population density is 210 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

30,601

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

39.6 years

Median Age

50 / 50%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
12,519

Total Households

2.4

Average Household Size

$35,246

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes
Horse-drawn carriage crossing a street beside a historic brick building and leafy trees. Tree-lined residential street bordered by brick and clapboard homes. Historic red-brick Bardstown building with a tall tower and arched entrance. Modern barrel storage building with bourbon barrels behind glass windows and a B emblem. Downtown Bardstown street lined with historic brick storefronts, leading to a red Gothic-style building. Two horses graze beside a fence in a sunlit, tree-lined pasture. A mare and foal in a grassy paddock bordered by black rail fencing. Bourbon Festival sign on a barrel in Bardstown, Kentucky. Red brick house with black shutters, mature trees, and a stone retaining wall along the lawn.

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