Georgetown, Kentucky is a town of around 33,440. It was named in honor of George Washington although it was originally named Lebanon when founded in 1790. The seventh largest city population-wise in the state, Georgetown is part of the Lexington-Fayette statistical area. It is also the county seat.
Georgetown College is one of things the town is most known for. The private liberal arts college has a low student-to-teacher ratio which is very attractive for students and teachers alike. The school’s roots date back to 1829.
In the mid-80’s, the city of Georgetown experience a huge growth spurt with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky moved in. The plants is the first entirely owned United States facility in the city. Encompassing over 200 acres, the building is the largest of its kind in the nation. Many residents of Georgetown are employed by Toyota with over 9,500 on the payroll.
The Scott County School System, Adient and Toyota Tshusho are other top employers. Krogers, Walmart and Georgetown Community Hospital add to the list as well. The average of population to employers is good in the town.
The banks of Elkhorn Creek that run through the town are rich in history. For upward of 15,000 years, the area has been lived upon. Exploration of the creek date back to 1774.
Colonel John Floyd led the exploration. He was granted a claim for 1,000 acres for his success. John McClellan was the first settler to lay claims there. He established a compound that was taken over during an Indian attack in 1776.
During the Civil War, the town was twice raided by the Confederates. After the war, it turned into a railroad hub and later, into a whiskey route. The bourbon market in the town flourished from that point forward.
Georgetown’s economy was largely based on agriculture in the past. In present times, however, it has leaned to diversification. Small businesses, family farming and manufacturing are the most popular trades now. The addition of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in 1985 stirred the city’s economy for the better.
The town consists of 15.85 square miles which is all land. The average high temperature is around 65 degrees and the average low is about 46 degrees so it is pretty comfortable year-round.
As far as schools go, Georgetown teams with Scott County to have eight elementary schools, three middle school and one high school. Plans for a new high school and middle school are making progress as the population is ever growing.
Where demographics are concerned, Georgetown has around half the population who are married. About 38% have children. The per capita income is in the neighborhood of 24,376. The meridian income is $51.682. A little under 14% are below poverty.
Georgetown just has one hospital, Georgetown Community Hospital. There are regional campuses for UK HealthCare and Baptist Health Lexington in the town though. A number of nursing homes exist too.
The Kentucky Horse Park is an interactive horse-themed park located in nearby Lexington. Twice per day, visitors can see Horses of the World. There are many educational lessons the park teaches as well.
The town is right on the outskirts of the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington. The love and enthusiasm for horses easily spreads to Georgetown. The abundance of bluegrass in the town makes it a prime spot for equestrian activities in the rural spots. Enthusiasts enjoy the horse events in town and in surrounding towns as well.
A fun and festive event takes place in the spring of every year. The Georgetown Kite and Culture Festival is an international culture celebration that boasts food, music and internationally cultural demonstrations on kite flying. The beloved event features free children’s activities, kites available for purchase and games galore.
Old Friends of Dream Chase Farms is a magnificent, unique living museum of horses. It is a haven that horses can come to when their racing days and breeding days have come to an end. Lucky horses retire in style at the ranch that treats them to all the best love and care that they deserve. Guided tours are available for the magical horse farm. Education and awareness are top priorities at the farm. Donations are gladly accepted.
Whispering Woods provides tourists with horseback rides in the glorious rolling hills of the land. It is a family friendly affair. The horses are hailed as being some of the gentlest around. The area has many trails to ride on and gorgeous scenery to behold.
Tours of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant take place daily. Being the largest Toyota manufacturing facility, visitors can get a close up and personal look at the workings of the plant as well as the mint condition 1988 Camry which was the first Camry that ever rolled off the assembly line. Those who visit can also get a glimpse into the future of car design and production.
The town of Georgetown comes alive at Christmastime. Tours of the city lights are available as well as sightseeing of festively decorated homes in town and surrounding cities.
You’ll find plenty to do outdoors in Georgetown. A scenic drive in the country-side is appealing to many. Others love checking out the horse farms that are sprinkled throughout the area. Historical stone fences are an attraction that visitors come to see, dating back centuries. Canoeing, golf, hiking, fishing, swimming and horseback riding are hot on the “visitor to-do list” too.
There are two main publications in Georgetown. The Georgetown New-Graphic goes to print on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The larger paper, the Lexington, is a daily newspaper from the neighboring bigger town. The majority of the residents subscribe to both to catch the community and the local news.
Georgetown is a small town with access to larger towns around. Many find that the rural feel of it is just what they are looking for. With ample employment and a fairly stable economy, if you are looking for a new hometown, the small town charm of Georgetown may just be for you.