Lexington, KY City Description
Lexington (officially Lexington-Fayette Urban County) is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 67th largest in the United States. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World," it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region. In 2007, the city's population was estimated at 279,044 anchoring a metropolitan area of 447,162 people, and a Combined Statistical Area of 658,143 people.
Lexington ranks 10th among US cities in college education rate, with 39.5% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree. It is home to the headquarters of Lexmark International, the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland race course, Red Mile race course, Transylvania University, and the University of Kentucky.
In addition, Lexington features a diverse cityscape. From its vibrant downtown that features much-needed infill projects to its famed horse farms, the city prides itself in showcasing an urban growth boundary that includes greenbelts and strict zoning definitions. This has been done to not only protect the Bluegrass landscape from further sprawling development, but to ensure that tourism, one of its leading industries, is not adversely affected.
Lexington is home to many thriving arts organizations including a professional orchestra, two ballet companies, professional theatre, several museums including a basketball museum, several choral organizations, and a highly respected opera program at the University of Kentucky. In addition, several events and fairs draw people from throughout the Bluegrass.
With its abundance of government and technology jobs, Lexington has one of the nation's most stable economies. Economists have referred to Lexington as having "a fortified economy, strong in manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurial support, benefiting from a diverse, balanced business base". The Lexington Metro Area had a July 2008 unemployment rate of only 5.4%, compared to national average of 6.1%. Lexington was named the fifth best city for "Businesses and Careers" in 2008 by Forbes Magazine, and the fifth best city for Young Professionals in 2008 by Kiplinger.