Bashford Manor - Louisville, KY

Land that now houses Bashford Manor was purchased in 1887 to build a horse farm. It was here that three Kentucky Derby winners were bred. A period of residential and commercial growth occurred in the 1950s when the farm was annexed to the city of Louisville. Since then, Bashford Manor has experienced periods of boom and bust. Modern residents find updated infrastructure and a community-wide commitment to the neighborhood's revitalization.

Farmington Historic Home, a preserved 19th century house and grounds, lies directly east of Bashford Manor. Other museums nearby, but outside the neighborhood's limits, include the Kentucky Derby Museum and Speed Art Museum. Locals must drive to downtown Louisville to visit art galleries or the theatre. A popular annual event in south Jefferson County, Southwest Festival, occurs in October and celebrates the community with a breakfast, golf scramble and local vendors.

A large majority of the dining options in Bashford Manor lie along Bardstown Road and Newburg Road. Though most cater to those seeking chain establishments and fast food, a few locally owned places lie in the mix.

Lee's Korean sits on Bishop Lane in northern Bashford Manor and provides residents some of the most authentic Korean food in the city. Be prepared to search a bit for the entrance, as Lee's actually lies within a high-rise business complex. Some of the best menu choices include the pork barbecue and spicy soft chicken stew.

Nightlife options are somewhat limited in Bashford Manor. For a quick, casual drink, most residents head to Chili's Grill & Bar on Bardstown Road. A quick drive north along Bardstown Road opens up bar options exponentially. Locals love visiting the bars situated north on Bardstown Road, closer to the heart of Louisville, including Molly Malone's Irish Pub & Restaurant, Baxter's 942 Bar & Grill and Holy Grale. Head into downtown Louisville to find live music venues and nightclubs.

Close to 90 percent of those commuting to work drive a car or carpool to their place of employment. However, Bashford Manor residents are more likely to utilize alternative modes of transportation than others throughout Louisville. Locals heading to downtown Louisville must take Interstate 264, accessible from Newburg Road, to Interstate 65. Visitors and residents park along residential streets.

Only 3 percent of residents choose to take public transportation to work. Commuters use the Transit Authority of River City's affordable bus service, which operates along Bashford Manor Lane, Goldsmith Lane and Bardstown Road. Buses run between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Taxi service and Uber are also commonly used but must be scheduled in advance.

No bike lanes lie in Bashford Manor, but some amenities sit close enough for many residents to walk or bike to them.

No parks sit in Bashford Manor, but many lie around the immediate area. Joe Creason Park, to the west of Bashford Manor, covers an expansive 62 acres and features cross country trails, walking paths and athletic courts. Children enjoy playing at the playground, and the on-site picnic shelters serve as the perfect place to host a birthday party. Situated south of the neighborhood, Petersburg Park is another ideal place for families. Aside from the many athletic fields, the grounds hold a popular playground and summertime sprayground. Louisville's MetroParks department operates these facilities, and visitors needn't pay an entrance fee. Both Joe Creason park and Petersburg Park welcome dogs. MetroParks also host a number of annual events, including the Forecastle Festival at Riverfront Park. This large, weekend-long event occurs in July and showcases popular musical acts, food vendors and entertainment for the entire family.

The cost of living in Bashford Manor averages 5 percent less than the city average of Louisville and 15 percent less than the national average. The price for most expenses that residents acquire in Bashford Manor mirror the rest of the city, with the exception of housing. Housing costs average a whopping 15 percent lower here than elsewhere around the city, and renters can expect to pay $589 per month on a one-bedroom apartment.

Residents utilizing the Transit Authority of River City's bus service pay $1.50 per ride and $50 for a monthly pass. Gas prices throughout Louisville's metropolitan area lie 10 percent below the national average. Costs for goods and services also remain steady throughout the region. Those indulging in a pint of one of Louisville's microbreweries, including Against the Grain or Bluegrass Brewing Company, should expect to pay around $5.

Considering Bashford Manor's small land mass, the community houses a large number of shopping options. The highest concentration of retail stores and service providers lies at the intersection of Bardstown Road and Bashford Manor Lane. Large anchor stores call this intersection home, such as Walmart, Lowe's and Target. A few specialty shops sit alongside these national chains. For upscale boutiques, locals follow Bardstown Road northwest into the heart of Louisville to shop at Pitaya, B Chic Consignment & Boutique and Urban Attic. Sports coaches, company leaders and teachers looking for custom awards and trophies shop at Awards, Plaques, Trophies, Etc. This store has been providing great customer service and products to consumers since 1981. The small shop has many options when it comes to engraving custom awards, including glass etching and woodworking.

Just south of Bashford Manor lies one of Louisville's best and oldest bakeries. Heitzman Pink Box Bakery has served the area since 1891 when it began creating some of the city's sweetest and most beautiful cakes, pastries and pies. Staff members help shoppers envision the perfect birthday, wedding or special occasion cake and then create confectionery magic in the kitchen. Get there early in the morning to try the fresh doughnuts and coffee cakes. Bashford Manor locals purchase groceries at the Kroger or Wal-Mart Supercenter found south of the community along Champions Trace Lane. Smaller convenience markets located nearby include Caribe Express and Bodega Mi Sueno on Bardstown Road, while Newburg Road hosts Lamp Fall African and International Store. The closest farmers market -- the Douglass Loop Farmers Market -- operates in the Highlands neighborhood at Douglass Boulevard Christian Church. This market opens every Saturday morning from March through December.