Southern Living names this KY city among South’s best cities on the rise. Here’s why

Kentucky’s two largest cities, along with a third city set to become a “gigafactory” for electric vehicles, got recent mentions in Southern Living magazine’s South’s Best awards.

Southern Living surveyed 20,000 of its readers, asking them to nominate their favorite places across the South, including the best cities and spots on the rise, best new restaurants, travel stops and barbecue joints.

When it comes to the “best cities” in 2024, Kentucky’s Louisville and Lexington made the magazine’s top 25 in the South. Bowling Green also ranks among the top 25 cities “on the rise” in that region. Here’s a look at what the magazine had to say.

Lexington outranks Louisville among South’s top cities

Southern Living ranked Lexington No. 11 on its list of the top 25 cities in the South.

“With many of the same draws (horse racing and great bourbon to name a few) as its more well-known sister city Louisville, Lexington’s distinctive set of charms can’t be denied,” the magazine said. “Deep in the heart of horse country, you’ll get your fair share of bucolic valley views in Lexington, but you’ll also get to enjoy a vibrant downtown where historic buildings have been repurposed as hip hotels, modern eateries, and interesting shops.”

Lexington just missed making the list’s top 10 cities, which include the following:

1. Charleston, S.C.

2. Savannah, Ga.

3. Nashville, Tenn.

4. New Orleans, La.

5. Asheville, N.C.

6. Greenville, S.C.

7. Atlanta, Ga.

8. Austin, Texas

9. Raleigh, N.C.

10. Orlando, Fla.

Louisville, by comparison, comes in at No. 17 on this year’s list.

“Come May this place is overrun with people clamoring to see the ‘Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,’ but during the rest of year, you’ll find a lively riverfront city that offers a little something for all,” Southern Living writes. “Yes, you can learn about baseball bats at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and you can certainly visit bourbon distilleries to your heart’s content. But you should also take in the abundance of art and historic architecture, stroll through an Olmsted-designed park, and get to know each of the Derby City’s quirky neighborhoods.”

Neither Kentucky city made The South’s Best 25 Cities list in 2023.

Bowling Green named seventh among South’s “on the rise” cities

Among the top 25 up-and-coming cities in the South, Bowling Green is No. 7, according to Southern Living magazine. As one of Kentucky’s fastest growing cities, Bowling Green ranked higher than suburban cities near the metropolitan areas of Raleigh, N.C., and Atlanta.

“Home to Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green continues to attract students, residents, and even international companies,” Southern Living’s article reads. “A Japanese electric vehicle battery manufacturer is set to open a $2 billion factory here in 2025. The riverfront has changes on the horizon too; plans include an outdoor adventure park, hotel, and brewery/restaurant.”

Southern Living was referring to a project Gov. Andy Beshear announced in spring 2022 that’s expected to bring a 2,000-job electric vehicle plant to Bowling Green. The plant has been described as the second-largest private investment in the state’s history, and the facility itself as a “gigafactory” powered by 100% renewable energy.

Why some are calling Kentucky the ‘new gigafactory capital of the U.S.’ after latest project

Here’s a look at Southern Living’s top 25 southern cities on the rise:

1. Wilmington, N.C.

2. Franklin, Tenn.

3. Spartanburg, S.C.

4. Huntsville, Ala.

5. Columbia, S.C.

6. New Braunfels, Texas

7. Bowling Green, Ky.

8. Cary, N.C.

9. Alpharetta, Ga.

10. Bentonville, Ark.

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