The area at a glance
This part of Louisville covers four communities on the south and southeast side of the city: Buechel, Highview, Okolona, and Fern Creek. It runs between Preston Highway and Bardstown Road, from around the Watterson Expressway (I-264) out toward the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265). Below is a short section on each one.
Buechel
Where it is
Buechel sits at the north end of the area, just outside the Watterson Expressway (I-264) along Bardstown Road and the Buechel Bypass. It is named after John Buechel, who ran a tavern and post office here in the 1880s.
Getting around
Bardstown Road and the Buechel Bypass are the main roads. The Watterson is only a minute or two away, so getting downtown or across the county is usually quick. TARC buses also run along Bardstown Road.
Shopping and food
Bardstown Road is lined with grocery stores, restaurants, and everyday shopping. There is a Kroger on the Buechel Bypass, and Costco is just up Bardstown Road near the Watterson.
Parks and outdoors
Buechel Park is right in the neighborhood. Highview Park and Fern Creek Park are a short drive to the south.
The homes
Most homes here are modest single-family houses on their own lots, many of them ranch homes, with some apartment communities mixed in.
Highview
Where it is
Highview sits in the middle of the area, between Okolona and Fern Creek. It grew quickly in the 1950s and 1960s, and neighborhoods like Hollow Creek and Springmill are part of it.
Getting around
The Outer Loop, Fegenbush Lane, and Smyrna Parkway are the main roads. The Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) runs just to the south, so I-65 and the rest of the county are an easy drive.
Shopping and food
Outer Loop Plaza, at the Outer Loop and Fegenbush Lane, has a Value Market grocery store and a few places to eat. There is a Kroger near the Gene Snyder, and Jefferson Mall is a short drive west on the Outer Loop.
Parks and outdoors
Highview Park is right on the Outer Loop. McNeely Lake Park, with its lake for fishing, is a short drive to the south.
The homes
Most homes are single-family houses on their own lots. A lot of them date from the 1950s and 1960s, when Highview grew quickly, with newer subdivisions mixed in.
Okolona
Where it is
Okolona sits on the south side of Louisville, along Preston Highway and south of the airport. I think it is one of the most practical parts of the city.
Getting around
Preston Highway and the Outer Loop are the main roads through the area. I-65 is a few minutes to the west and the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) runs to the south, so getting downtown or across the county is usually an easy drive. The airport and UPS Worldport are close by.
Shopping and food
Jefferson Mall is right on the Outer Loop, and Preston Highway is lined with grocery stores, small shops, local restaurants, and everyday shopping.
Parks and outdoors
McNeely Lake Park, to the south, has a lake for fishing and plenty of green space. Jefferson Memorial Forest is a short drive away if you want longer hikes.
The homes
Most homes here are single-family houses on their own lots. You will see a lot of ranch and split-level homes built from the 1950s through the 1970s, with some newer neighborhoods farther south. I track these numbers every month, so for current prices, see Louisville by the numbers.
Fern Creek
Where it is
Fern Creek is on the east side of the area, along Bardstown Road about 12 miles from downtown. It was farmland for much of its history and has grown as a suburb since the 1960s. Part of Fern Creek also falls in the area with Hikes Point and Jeffersontown.
Getting around
Bardstown Road is the main road, and it follows the old stage road from Louisville to Bardstown. The Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) crosses Bardstown Road here, so the rest of the county is an easy drive.
Shopping and food
Most of the shopping is along Bardstown Road near the Gene Snyder, including a Kroger and a Walmart around Cedar Springs Shopping Center. The newer SouthPointe Commons development nearby keeps adding stores and restaurants.
Parks and outdoors
Fern Creek Park has walking trails, playgrounds, and open green space.
The homes
Most homes are single-family houses built from the 1960s through the 1990s, many with three or four bedrooms. Newer subdivisions are still going up farther out.
Thinking about this part of town?
I am happy to show you around or answer any questions about the area. Let’s talk.