Germantown is a neighborhood southeast of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Germantown has traditionally been known as a blue-collar neighborhood inhabited by generations of families who remain loyal to the area. With its many shops and eclectic homes, the area is undergoing a transition as it attracts a younger, more educated crowd to move into the neighborhood. Its proximity to the Highlands, Old Louisville and downtown has contributed greatly to the increase in population and home ownership. Germantown has been said to be the best option in the Louisville area, with its affordable housing and friendly neighbors. Adding to the unique character of the area, it is not uncommon to see the ‘urban farms’: the beehive, pecking chickens and gardening are often found in the backyards.

The city was colonized by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, and small farms and butchers dotted the area. By the Civil War, shotgun houses littered Germantown due to an influx of immigrants and many of the descendants of the early settlers still call this neighborhood home. Shotgun and camel-style houses are still the most common types found in Germantown, and in fact, Louisville has more shotgun houses than anywhere else in the country (New Orleans had this honor before Hurricane Katrina). Home prices can range from a repairman in excess of $ 10,000 to just under $ 200,000 for a beautiful home full of character and charm.

Germantown offers a wealth of dining and nightlife options for residents to choose from. Lynn’s Paradise Café is a beloved Louisville staple that specializes in traditional southern dishes and comfort foods. The restaurant is surrounded by wild and colorful decor, and it’s definitely hard to miss! Check’s Germantown Café is a small restaurant serving German and American cuisine, with images of local celebrities, Derby winners and patrons adorning the walls.

Germantown residents looking to ‘let their hair down’ can visit one of the many nightlife options the city has to offer. The Nachbar is a newer establishment that has sparked a lot of interest and is a hangout for young professionals, college students, and many new residents to Germantown. The Nachbar is also a great place to listen to live jazz music.

If there’s one thing Germantown knows how to do, it’s throw a party! The Germantown-Schnitzelburg Blues Festival is a street festival featuring lots of food, blues music, and dancing. There is even a festival to celebrate the most common style of housing in the neighborhood: the Germantown Shotgun Festival. Residents not only display their beloved shotgun houses, there is also arts and crafts, beer and food.

Come to Germantown for a warm welcome from neighbors, an affordable and safe home with lots of character and charm, and a fun time at the many neighborhood festivals and gatherings. Germantown will welcome you with open arms!