Moving to Georgetown KY in 2026: Cost of Living, Housing, and What to Know

Georgetown sits about 12 miles north of Lexington on I-75, a small city of roughly 37,000 that has quietly become one of the most attractive places to live in central Kentucky. The reason is simple: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), the largest Toyota plant in North America, anchors the local economy with 10,000 jobs and a supplier network that extends across Scott County. Add in a charming historic downtown, affordable housing, excellent schools, and proximity to Lexington’s amenities, and Georgetown makes a strong case for buyers who want small-town life with a stable paycheck. If you are looking to buy a home in the Bluegrass without Lexington prices, Georgetown delivers.

Scott County has been one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing counties for the past two decades, driven by the Toyota plant and the spillover demand from Lexington buyers priced out of Fayette County. Growth has brought new subdivisions, retail, and restaurants, but Georgetown has managed to keep its downtown walkable and its horse-farm surroundings largely intact. This guide covers what you need to know about making the move in 2026.

Georgetown at a Glance

Cost of Living

Georgetown’s cost of living is about 10% below the national average, tracking slightly cheaper than Lexington due to lower housing costs and property tax rates. Scott County’s property tax rates are among the lowest in the Bluegrass region, which keeps monthly costs manageable. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are similar to Lexington since the cities are close enough to share the same retail and service infrastructure.

The median household income of $68,000 is notably higher than both Lexington and Louisville, largely because of the well-paying manufacturing jobs at Toyota and its suppliers. When combined with lower housing costs, Georgetown offers one of the best income-to-cost-of-living ratios in the state. Use our affordability calculator to see how much home you can afford on a Georgetown salary. Browse our guide to roofing costs in Kentucky. See our guide to HVAC costs in Kentucky.

Housing Market

Georgetown’s housing market has seen steady appreciation as demand from both Toyota workers and Lexington commuters pushes prices upward. The median home price of $285,000 is lower than Lexington’s $290,000, but the gap has narrowed considerably over the past five years. New construction has been a major component of the market, with several subdivisions actively building in the $280,000-$380,000 range.

• Entry-level homes ($200,000-$260,000) are available in older subdivisions near downtown and on the west side.
• The $275,000-$350,000 range covers most new construction and updated homes in popular subdivisions like Great Crossing, Pavilion, and Noel Place.
• Luxury properties, including homes on horse farms and custom builds, start around $450,000.
• Rental inventory is tight due to Toyota-related demand; many workers prefer to buy.
• Days on market average 18-22, one of the fastest turnover rates in central Kentucky.

Best Neighborhoods and Subdivisions

Georgetown’s housing stock splits between the historic core near downtown and the newer subdivisions that have sprouted along the US-25 and US-460 corridors. Here are the most popular areas for 2026 buyers.

Property Taxes

Scott County’s property tax rates are lower than Fayette County (Lexington) or Jefferson County (Louisville), which is a significant draw for homebuyers. The combined effective rate of about 0.92% keeps annual tax bills manageable, even as home values rise.

On a $285,000 home, your annual property tax bill would be approximately $2,964. That is about $1,300 less than a similarly priced home in Lexington. Over a 30-year mortgage, that savings is meaningful. The Kentucky homestead exemption provides additional relief for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older.

Jobs and Economy: The Toyota Effect

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) is the defining economic force in Georgetown and Scott County. The plant produces the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid, employing about 10,000 workers with an average wage well above the state median. Toyota’s presence has attracted dozens of auto parts suppliers to the region, creating a dense manufacturing ecosystem along I-75.

• Toyota TMMK average hourly wage: ~$32/hour (production), higher for skilled trades
• Major Toyota suppliers in Scott County: Vuteq, TRAM, Toyotetsu, Central Motor Wheel
• Other employers: Scott County Schools, Georgetown College, Amazon (Lexington FC), Walmart Distribution
• Unemployment rate: 2.9% (one of the lowest in Kentucky)

The Toyota ripple effect extends to housing, retail, and services. When Toyota announces hiring or production increases, the local housing market responds almost immediately. The plant’s long-term investment in electrification (Toyota has committed $1.3 billion to battery electric vehicle production in Kentucky) suggests stable employment for decades to come.

Schools

Scott County Schools serve about 9,500 students and are considered above-average for Kentucky. Great Crossing High School, which opened in 2017, has modern facilities and has quickly developed strong athletics and academic programs. Scott County High School, the original high school, remains competitive. The district has invested in STEM programs and career-technical education aligned with the manufacturing economy.

Georgetown College, a small Baptist-affiliated liberal arts school, adds a modest college-town element. For families wanting options, the proximity to Lexington means Fayette County’s magnet programs (including the Paul Laurence Dunbar Science Center and the School for the Creative and Performing Arts) are accessible via a short commute.

Transportation and Commuting

Georgetown’s location on I-75 makes it an easy commute to Lexington (15-20 minutes) and a reasonable drive to Cincinnati (about 75 minutes). US-25 and US-460 are the main local highways. There is no public transit in Georgetown; this is a car-dependent community.

For air travel, Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is 20 minutes south, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is about 80 minutes north. CVG typically offers more routes and lower fares. Most Georgetown residents treat Lexington as their primary metro for dining, entertainment, medical care, and shopping, while maintaining the quieter pace of small-city life at home.

Kentucky-Specific Considerations

Georgetown shares the same geological and environmental factors that affect all Bluegrass Region homebuyers:

• Karst geology: Scott County has karst limestone formations, though sinkhole activity is less pronounced than in Bowling Green. Inspectors should still check for ground settling and drainage issues.
• Radon: Scott County is in EPA Zone 1 (high radon potential). Test every home during inspection. Mitigation typically costs $800-$1,500.
• Crawl spaces: Many homes, especially older ones, have crawl space foundations. Moisture management is critical in Kentucky’s humidity. Budget for encapsulation if the crawl space shows moisture issues.
• Seller disclosure: Kentucky law requires sellers to disclose known defects. Pay attention to foundation, water intrusion, and environmental sections.

Quality of Life and Recreation

Georgetown’s downtown has experienced a resurgence, with new restaurants, antique shops, and a farmers market that runs spring through fall. The city maintains a solid park system, including Cardome Centre (a former Catholic academy repurposed as a community center and event venue) and the Georgetown-Scott County Trail System.

For larger entertainment and dining, Lexington is a 15-minute drive. The Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Course, and the bourbon distillery trail (Woodford Reserve is about 25 minutes south) are all easily accessible. Outdoor recreation at Elkhorn Creek, a popular kayaking and fishing destination, runs right through Scott County.

Healthcare and Services

Georgetown Hospital (now part of the Baptist Health system) provides emergency and general hospital services locally. For specialty care, most residents travel to Lexington, where UK HealthCare and Baptist Health Lexington offer a full range of medical services, including the state’s only Level 1 trauma center at UK Chandler Hospital. The 15-minute drive to Lexington means that Georgetown residents have quick access to advanced medical care without needing to live in a larger city.

The city has adequate retail infrastructure for daily needs, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and home improvement stores. For larger shopping and dining variety, Lexington’s Hamburg Pavilion and the Fayette Mall are a short drive south. Georgetown’s own retail base continues to grow as the population increases, with new shopping centers along US-460 and I-75 exit corridors.

Climate and Weather Considerations

Georgetown shares central Kentucky’s humid subtropical climate with hot summers (average July high of 87°F) and moderately cold winters (average January high of 40°F). The area receives about 46 inches of rain and 12-15 inches of snow annually. Ice storms are the most disruptive weather event, occurring every few years and sometimes causing power outages that last several days in rural parts of Scott County. Winterizing your home properly is important, especially for crawl space insulation and pipe protection.

The spring storm season (March through June) brings thunderstorms, occasional hail, and rare tornado activity. Georgetown is not in a high-tornado-risk zone, but severe weather preparedness is standard for any Kentucky homeowner. Check your roof condition and budget for potential repairs when buying an older home.

Buying a Home in Georgetown: What to Know

Georgetown’s housing market shares many of the same Kentucky-specific considerations as other Bluegrass cities. Scott County sits on karst limestone geology, which means radon testing is a standard part of any home inspection. The county falls in EPA Zone 1, and a significant percentage of homes test above the 4.0 pCi/L action level. Mitigation costs $800-$1,500 and is a routine negotiation item. Read our Kentucky radon guide for details on testing and remediation.

Crawl space foundations are common in Georgetown’s older homes near downtown, while newer subdivisions on the east and south sides tend to use slab-on-grade construction. If you are buying an older home, have the inspector evaluate crawl space condition carefully, including moisture levels, vapor barrier integrity, and insulation. Encapsulation runs $3,000-$8,000 for a typical crawl space and should be budgeted as a potential first-year expense.

Scott County’s property tax rate of approximately 0.92% is one of the lowest in the Bluegrass region, making Georgetown financially attractive compared to Lexington’s 1.05% rate. On a $285,000 home, the annual tax saving compared to an identical home in Lexington amounts to roughly $370 per year. Over a 30-year mortgage, that difference adds up to over $11,000. The Kentucky homestead exemption for homeowners 65 and older reduces the assessed value by $46,350 in both counties.

Georgetown vs. Lexington

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgetown KY a good place to live?

Georgetown is one of the best small cities in Kentucky for families and manufacturing workers. The combination of Toyota’s stable employment, affordable housing, good schools, and proximity to Lexington gives residents a high quality of life. The trade-offs are limited dining and nightlife compared to larger cities and dependence on car transportation.

Is it hard to get a job at Toyota Georgetown?

Toyota regularly hires production team members and skilled trades workers. Starting wages are competitive (around $20-22/hour for entry-level production, with raises to $32+ within a few years). The hiring process includes an assessment and interview. During major hiring pushes, the plant may onboard hundreds of workers at a time. Skilled maintenance positions (electricians, tool and die makers) are in particularly high demand.

How far is Georgetown from Lexington?

Georgetown is about 12 miles north of Lexington, a 15-20 minute drive on I-75 or US-25 in normal traffic. Many Georgetown residents commute to Lexington for work, and Lexington residents drive to Georgetown for Toyota supplier jobs. The two cities share a housing market to a significant degree.

What are property taxes like in Georgetown?

Scott County property taxes are lower than Lexington or Louisville. The combined effective rate is about 0.92% of assessed value, resulting in an annual bill of roughly $2,964 on a $285,000 home. This is one of Georgetown’s biggest financial advantages. Use our property tax calculator to estimate your specific bill.

Are there sinkholes in Georgetown?

Scott County has karst limestone geology, which means sinkholes are possible. However, Georgetown sees fewer sinkhole events than Bowling Green or parts of southern Kentucky. Your home inspector should check for signs of karst-related settling, and the Kentucky Geological Survey maintains maps of known sinkhole areas. This is a factor to consider, not a reason to avoid the area.

What is Georgetown’s downtown like?

Georgetown’s downtown has revitalized over the past decade, with locally owned restaurants, shops, and a strong antiques scene. The courthouse square anchors the district. It is walkable and pleasant, though it is not a nightlife destination. Most residents head to Lexington for late-night dining and entertainment. The weekly farmers market and community events give downtown a lively weekend atmosphere during warmer months.

How is Georgetown growing?

Scott County has grown about 20% over the past two decades and shows no signs of slowing. Toyota’s continued investment in the plant, including $1.3 billion committed to EV battery production, guarantees ongoing job creation. New subdivisions are being built on the east and south sides of the city. The school district has added new facilities to keep pace. Infrastructure improvements along I-75 and US-460 are underway to handle increased traffic.

What closing costs should I expect in Georgetown?

Closing costs in the Georgetown market typically run 2-4% of the purchase price, similar to other Kentucky cities. On a $285,000 home, expect $5,700-$11,400 in total closing costs including title insurance, attorney fees, recording fees, and lender charges. Kentucky’s transfer tax of $0.50 per $500 of sales price is relatively low compared to neighboring states. Use our closing cost calculator to model your specific purchase scenario.