Louisville's Most Elegant Neighborhood Is An Upscale Gem With Stone Bridges, Scenic Trails, And Serious Charm

Anchorage, Kentucky, isn't your typical neighborhood. Nestled inside one of America's friendliest cities, Anchorage is its own designated city less than 20 miles east of downtown Louisville. Founded in 1878, 100 years after Louisville became a city, landlocked Anchorage got its naval name from the retirement home of riverboat captain James Goslee. An early resident, when Goslee retired he reportedly removed the anchor from his ship, the Matamora, and placed it on the lawn of his place of retirement in 1869. Local folklore has it that the anchor hanging in the town center today was Goslee's. 

Originally a summer destination for wealthy Louisville families, Anchorage maintains its prestige today with more than 2,400 people calling it home. The town's historic buildings and elegant homes exhibit a notable range of architectural styles from the English gothic style of St. Luke's Episcopal Church to the turn-of-the-century, neo-Colonial style of the Hausgen House. Known for its charming Norman Rockwell feel, park-like design, and one of the top public schools in the state, its no wonder Niche named it the best place in Kentucky to raise a family. 

The area's real estate reflects its desirable nature with an average home value of around $900,000 at the time of writing, according to Zillow that's more than triple the value of homes in other Louisville neighborhoods, like the walkable, peaceful Bonnycastle. Anchorage, however, is known for stately homes on larger lots, a number of them being horse properties. It's the perfect place for a leisurely drive around the neighborhood, and it's conveniently located only 22 minutes from Louisville International Airport.

Residents love the walkability and natural surroundings of Anchorage, with its tree-canopied streets and well-maintained network of both hiking and horseback riding trails. Just a 30-minute drive to Churchill Downs, home of the famous Kentucky Derby horse race, the community prides itself on its equestrian heritage. Bordering E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, where you'll find even more trails and a huge range of outdoor activities — from a seasonal pool and Louisville's only outdoor archery range, to 16 pickleball courts and 6 tennis courts — Anchorage has easy access to ample outdoor entertainment. 

Visitors can explore The Anchorage Trail, a popular paved path that takes you on an easy 2-mile loop with opportunities to stop and splash around in the creek that runs alongside parts of the trail. Reviewers on Google call the trail a hidden gem, utilizing it for family walks complete with dogs, strollers, and toddler bikes. The trail exudes Anchorage charm, taking you over bridges and past green pastures populated by horses. Following a walk on the loop, you can let your pups off leash at the adjacent Anchorage Dog Park. Bambi bonus: You just might see some deer here after dark.

After a walk on the trail, wind down with a meal at The Village Anchor. An opulent yet cozy spot decorated in dark wood and burgundy fabrics, boasting a stone fireplace and an outdoor patio, it's a restaurant that fits right in with the upscale yet warm and welcoming charm of Anchorage. When you've explored all of this gorgeous neighborhood with its stunning homes shaded by old trees, head 25 minutes away to Cherokee Triangle, another one of Louisville's best neighborhoods.