Liberty Area - Lexington, KY

Lexington has been the center for economic and political power in Kentucky for over 200 years. Most land surrounding the city was used for hemp production through the middle of the 20th century. Liberty Area was not considered part of Lexington until the merger with Fayette County in 1974. Residential development picked up in the 1990s, as residents began looking for middle-class housing in outlying parts of the city.

The closest museum to Liberty Area, the Ashland Henry Clay Estate, sits along Richmond Avenue. This museum showcases the 19th-century estate and grounds occupied by Henry Clay through exhibitions and tours.

Though no galleries sit within Liberty Area, Lexington houses a strong arts scene. Locals and visitors alike peruse the many downtown galleries including Davis Studio and New Editions Gallery. The Lexington Art League hosts the Woodland Art Fair every August, bringing the work of local artists to the public.

Most of the nearby dining options in Liberty Area can be categorized as either fast food or casual chain. However, a handful of locally owned establishments sit scattered along New Circle Road, Man o' War Boulevard and Sir Barton Way.

The Parkette Drive-In, featured on the Food Network's show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, has been a mainstay in Lexington since the 1950s. Known for its crispy fried chicken, chili cheeseburger and the double decker poor boy, The Parkette delivers good food at a great price. Don't expect a fancy atmosphere. Just drive up, order and enjoy.

Hamburg Pavilion, at the south east corner of Liberty Acres, houses the popular pizza joint, Smashing Tomato. The highlight of the pizza is the simple dough, which is made with only flour, yeast, salt and water. The large topping and specialty pizza selection are equally impressive. Smashing Tomato does not deliver, but orders can be carried out.

Vietnamese food lovers know good pho when they see it, and Pho Saigon on New Circle Road makes tremendously complex pho that impresses everyone that dines here. The clear broth contains traditional hints of earthy cloves, all spice and beef. Pho Saigon's huge portions leave diners full and satisfied. Be sure to order the spring rolls as an appetizer.

Liberty Area locals head south to Sir Barton Way and New Circle Road for an evening drink. Favorite bars include Cocktails Bar & Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings and Patchen Pub. Nightclubs and music venues lie downtown near the University of Kentucky campus, and include Soundbar and Cosmic Charlies.

Around 95 percent of Liberty Area locals drive or carpool to work, a significantly higher proportion than most neighborhoods in Lexington. Those working in downtown Lexington take Winchester Road west into the city center. Accessing Interstate 75, which runs along the eastern boundary of the city, is simple. Entryways lie along Man o' War Boulevard and Winchester Road. Those needing to park a vehicle in Liberty Area may do so along residential streets.

Those who commute to work by walking make up close to 2 percent of the population. Bikers may find traveling a little easier, as a handful of bike lanes have been built in the neighborhood along Winchester Road, Fortune Drive and Liberty Road.

LexTran operates bus service throughout Liberty Area. To access downtown, locals head to bus stops along Fortune Drive, Sir Barton Way and Liberty Road. LexTran services this community between the hours of 5:45 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. during the workweek. Taxi companies and Uber also operate in Liberty Area.

Liberty Area does not house any public parks, but residents need only drive within a 1-mile radius of the neighborhood to find free city-operated facilities. Woodhill Park, to the south along Palumbo Drive, provides locals a great place to kick back and relax in the sun. This 10-acre park features baseball, soccer and multipurpose fields, as well as a playground, restroom and picnic shelter. The expansive Idle Hour Park, which covers over 24 acres, houses many athletic fields and four tennis courts. City parks welcome dogs, though they must be on a leash.

Families are encouraged to attend Free Friday Flicks at Jacobson Park on select Fridays during the months of May and June. This 20-year-old event plays a newly released movie and provides attendees with a free petting zoo and children's games. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy the evening along with other Lexington families.

The cost of living in Liberty Area averages 4 percent above the city average of Lexington. Of all the expenses incurred by residents, including healthcare, transportation and utilities, the only one that averages higher than the overall city average remains housing. Renters do feel the impact of the higher cost of housing and pay $973 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Locals pay the same amount for goods, services and transportation in Liberty Area as others throughout the county. LexTran bus service costs riders $1 each way with free transfers, while gas prices sit at 11 percent less than the national average. Bar and restaurant prices are very reasonable, depending on the establishment. Lexington houses a handful of microbreweries and a pint of beer from Country Boy or West Sixth costs patrons around $5.

Liberty Area borders multiple great shopping centers including Hamburg Pavilion and Eastland Shopping Center. The mixed-use shopping center of Hamburg Pavilion, located on Sir Barton Way, contains many restaurants, retail stores and service providers. Both casual and high-end retailers can be found at this complex, such as Ulta, Carters and White House Black Market. Eastland Shopping Center sits to the northwest of the neighborhood and features a Harbor Freight Tools, Dollar General and Radio Shack.

The large My Favorite Things furniture and décor store, situated near Hamburg Pavilion, appeals to customers seeking high quality furniture from brands such as Maitland Smith and Drexel Heritage. My Favorite Things also houses gifts for every occasion, from housewarmings to anniversaries and more. Inside the store, shoppers find speciality nooks including a florist, a cafe and a bath and body section.

Locals purchase discount groceries at the Save-A-Lot in the Eastland Shopping Center. Other grocery markets include Walmart on Sir Barton Way, as well as Costco and Meijer on Man O War Boulevard. Smaller ethnic markets sit along Man O War Boulevard and Old Todds Road. The Bluegrass Farmers Market sits south of Liberty Area on Richmond Road and opens every Tuesday and Sunday from April through October.