Safest Areas in and Around Lexington

Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington, KY is home to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. It is also the wealthiest town in Kentucky and is notable for its reasonable cost of living. Located within the state’s Bluegrass Region, Lexington’s history, Southern charm and strong job market contribute generously to its high quality of life.

In this article, we highlight some of the safest areas in and around Lexington, based on available public crime data and resident feedback.

How We Identified Lexington, KY’s Safest Neighborhoods

These selections are based on crime statistics from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and safety rankings from local analysis sites like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. We also considered community engagement, lighting, walkability, and overall resident sentiment. While no neighborhood is completely free of crime, the following areas in Lexington consistently rank among the lowest in reported incidents and are often praised for their safety-focused community culture.

Safest Areas in and Around Lexington

Jamestown

Jamestown tops this list of the safest areas in Lexington, Kentucky. With a reported 1,366 crimes per 100,000 people, Jamestown’s crime rate is 46% lower than that of Lexington in general. The area’s 2,350 residents also experience a 36% lower crime rate than the nation as a whole. Jamestown’s livability score of 62/100 is considered average for the United States. A small neighborhood near the River Park area off Versailles Road. Jamestown is a quiet, residential area with well-kept homes and a family-friendly feel. The neighborhood also has a stable population, with many residents stating they plan to stay there for at least five years.

Chevy Chase – Ashland Park

Chevy Chase – Ashland Park is an older, historic and sought-after neighborhood known for tree-lined streets, characterful homes and strong community life. The area blends residential charm with ready access to shops, dining, parks, downtown and the University of Kentucky campus. This makes the neighborhood appealing to families, young professionals and students alike. The crime rate in the area is 41& lower than Lexington as a whole and 29% lower than the national average. The area is said to experience 1,495 crimes per 100,000 people, and its livability score is 79/100, which is considered exceptional.

University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky area in Lexington is densely populated and largely renter-occupied. Residents are relatively young and college educated. The neighborhood features newer multifamily housing as well as an active social and nightlife scene. Approximately 6,700 Lexingtonians reside in the University of Kentucky area, with a reported crime rate of 1,550 per 100,000 people. The area is reported to experience 39% less crime than Lexington as a whole and 27% less than the national average. Its livability score comes in at 82, which is considered exceptional.

Crestwood – Hinda Heights

Crestwood–Hinda Heights is an established, high-demand, centrally located neighborhood with strong livability, appreciating property values and convenient access to major amenities. Home to 2,628 Lexingtonians, Crestwood-Hinda Heights’ crime rate of 1,669 per 100,000 people ranks it as having 34% less crime than Lexington as a whole and 21% lower than the national average. The neighborhood also has a livability score of 79, which is considered exceptional. Located near the heart of Lexington, the area’s residents have quick access to downtown, the University of Kentucky and major employment centers

Douglas High School

The Douglas High School neighborhood offers a quiet, easygoing lifestyle. Located in southeast Lexington, the neighborhood offers a suburban feel with well-maintained homes, playgrounds, sports fields, and outdoor activities. Residents of the Douglas High School neighborhood also enjoy easy access to shopping, cafes and recreation centers, which contribute to a balanced, family-friendly vibe. Home to some 2,100 Lexingtonians, the area is reported to have a crime rate of 1,903 crimes per 100,000 people. This gives it 25% less crime than Lexington, KY overall. Its crime rate is also 10% lower than the national average. The Douglas High School neighborhood’s livability score is considered excellent at 75.

What Makes These Neighborhoods Safer

While every part of the city has unique characteristics, the neighborhoods above tend to share several safety-positive traits:

Active neighborhood associations and community events
Higher levels of homeownership
Better lighting and street visibility
Access to parks, schools, and public services
Residents who take initiative with watch programs or local communication

Local police departments also maintain a presence in many of these areas, further supporting public trust and responsiveness.

Best Practices for Keeping a Safe Neighborhood Safe

Even in low-crime areas, staying vigilant helps preserve that sense of security. These everyday habits contribute to neighborhood safety:

Keep porch lights and entryways well-lit at night
Use motion-sensor lighting or camera doorbells
Lock all doors and windows, even during the day
Join or start a neighborhood watch
Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
Report concerns quickly to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers, or phone 859.253.2020

Neighborhood safety is strongest when residents work together and stay informed.

FOR YOU: TOP NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH APPS

How Guardian Protection Can Help

If you live in one of Lexington, KY’s safer neighborhoods, you might not feel the same urgency around home security. However, prevention is always better than reaction. Guardian Protection offers peace of mind that complements the environment you’ve chosen to live in.

Our smart home security options include:

Indoor and outdoor security cameras with live mobile access
Window and door sensors to detect intrusion
Smart home control and mobile app management to keep you informed when you’re away
24/7 professional monitoring for rapid response

Whether you live in Jamestown, Crestwood–Hinda Heights, or another low-crime area in Lexington, our systems are designed to fit your lifestyle and your neighborhood’s needs.

EXPLORE GUARDIAN’S SERVICES IN YOUR AREA: HOME SECURITY IN LEXINGTON

Building Peace of Mind at Home

Choosing a safe neighborhood is a smart move, but true peace of mind comes from knowing your home is protected, no matter what. Guardian Protection offers home security solutions that fit seamlessly into low-crime, community-focused areas.

Looking to reinforce your sense of safety? Get a free quote or call 859.594.5651 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest areas in and around Lexington?

Areas such as Jamestown, Chevy Chase–Ashland Park, the University of Kentucky area, Crestwood–Hinda Heights, and Douglas High School consistently rank among the safest in and around Lexington based on public crime data and resident feedback.

Are Lexington, KY suburbs safer than the city?

Many suburbs do report lower overall crime rates compared to Lexington, KY’s urban core. However, several Lexington, KY neighborhoods, particularly those recognized for safety and community cohesiveness, are just as safe or even safer than some suburban areas.

What types of crime are most common in safer areas?

In neighborhoods with low crime rates, incidents typically involve occasional vehicle break-ins or minor vandalism. Violent crime is rare but not impossible anywhere, so vigilance and community action remain important.

What makes neighborhoods like Jamestown and Chevy Chase – Ashland Park safe?

Their safety comes from a combination of factors: active neighborhood associations, high homeownership rates, good street lighting, proximity to parks and schools, and engaged residents who participate in watch programs and communicate effectively with local police.