Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods - Lexington, KY

Most communities outside of downtown Lexington developed as a result of the city's expansion during the Kentucky Industrial Revolution of the 1950s. Companies moving into the city, such as IBM, Square D and Trane, brought employees needing safe and affordable housing. Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods grew steadily from the economic boom through the 1980s and then experienced another surge during the 1990s.

No museums, theaters or art galleries sit within the neighborhood boundary; however, Lexington houses a thriving arts scene. Locals enjoy attending the annual Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival each May. This event features classes, workshops, and displayed pieces created by area fiber artists. Those interested in history can choose to visit many nearby historic sites, including Waveland State Historic Site, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and the Ashland Henry Clay Estate.

Most restaurants in the immediate area surrounding Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods are popular chains that carry fast food. Palomar Center, directly north of the neighborhood, houses a Fazoli's, a Papa John's, and a Panera Bread. A few local restaurants also sit in Palomar Center, including Malone's. Voted one of the best steakhouses in North America, Malone's prepares a variety of USDA prime beef cuts, like the prime sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon. Be sure to order a side of the lobster macaroni and cheese or the gruyere potato croquettes. Locals enjoy the relaxed, informal atmosphere here.

Across the street from Malone's sits Rincon Mexicano, a popular and authentic Mexican restaurant enticing visitors with large platters of carne asada, mahi mahi tacos, and mole poblano. The outdoor patio is a perfect place to enjoy a serving of ceviche and a cold beer on a sunny spring day. Rincon's regulars agree that the friendly, fast service and savory dishes are the reasons they keep coming back for more.

Chopstix Cafe Asian Food lies south of Rabbit Hill-Stonewall Woods on Clays Mill Road. Favorites here include the crab rangoons, crispy sesame beef, and shrimp chow mein. Locals regularly rely on Chopstix's fast delivery service.

While there are minimal bars and other nightlife options within Rabbit Hill-Stonewall Woods, residents head to other areas of the city for evening fun. Those willing to drive toward the intersection of Nicholasville Road and Man O War Boulevard find plenty of establishments serving beer, cocktails, and pub food, such as Saul Good Restaurant and Pub, the Pub Lexington, and Jake's Cigar Bar and Lounge. Lexington's nightclubs lie closer to the University of Kentucky campus. Well-known bands generally perform at Rupp Arena and the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Those looking to walk or bike around Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods will find roads safe but not necessarily accessible to Lexington's amenities. Bike lanes lie along Wellington Way, Fort Harrods Drive and Gladman Way. Though walking and biking may be appealing to those attracted to alternative modes of transportation, over 90 percent of Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods locals drive or carpool to work. Commuters heading to downtown Lexington and to the University of Kentucky campus drive northeast along Harrodsburg Road. New Circle Road can also be accessed via Harrodsburg Road. Visitors and residents looking for public parking find availability along residential streets.

Those interested in using public transportation have the option to use LexTran's bus service. Buses operate along Harrodsburg Road into downtown between the hours of 6 am and 8 pm during the work week, and hours remain limited on weekends. Other options for residents include taxis and Uber's ride-share service, which are both available in Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods.

Parks surround the Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods community. The beautiful Stonewall Park, next to Stonewall Elementary School, features a paved trail and picnic area. Considered a passive-use park, Stonewall Park encourages visitors to relax and explore the native flora. The large Wellington Park lies south of Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods and encompasses close to 40 acres, including a popular dog park, multipurpose fields, and a paved walking trail.

Lexington parks play host to numerous annual events throughout the year. Big Band and Jazz nights are held during the summer at either the Moondance at Midnight Pass Amphitheater or Echton Park. Many locals also attend Free Friday Flicks at Jacobson Park beginning at 7 p.m. during the months of May and June. The Lexington Parks and Recreation department encourages residents to check its website for additional event offerings.

The cost of living in Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods sits six percent higher than the city average of Lexington. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here costs $830 per month.

Transportation costs within the community mirror the rest of the city. Commuters using LexTran's bus service pay $1 for one-way fare. Gas prices lie approximately 11 percent below the national average. Residents purchasing goods and services find costs to be reasonable, and bar patrons pay between $4 and $6 for a pint of local beer.

Most shopping by Rabbit Run-Stonewall Woods residents occurs at Palomar Center, north of the neighborhood, or farther south toward the Fayette Mall. Palomar Center carries basic retail stores and service providers. The Fayette Mall, just two miles away along Wellington Way, hosts quite a few high-end retailers and boutique shops such as Apple, Oakley, and Michael Kors.

Locals needn't go far to visit a handful of locally-owned specialty stores. Howard Curry Shoes, purveyor of footwear for the entire family, can be found on Nicholasville Road. Howard Curry helps customers find the perfect, custom fit for athletic sneakers, sandals, and boots. Nearby, Professional Pharmacy and Christmas Shop acts as both a traditional pharmacy and retail store. Because the pharmacy sits aside the Pediatric & Adolescent Associates, it specializes in pediatric and fertility-related pharmaceuticals. This family-operated business also provides area residents with Christmas cheer all year round by selling ornaments, lights, and decorations.

Groceries can be purchased at many markets around the neighborhood. Nicholasville Road contains a Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Aldi, and a Walmart Supercenter. The Lexington Farmers Market, located in downtown Lexington at Cheapside Park, remains open from 7 am until 2 pm during the spring, summer, and fall months. Winter brings limited market hours.