Located in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Douglass Hills was originally called Douglass Place, named after local landowner James J. Douglas (spelled with only one 's').
With a population clocking in exactly at 5,500, Douglass Hills is small enough to feel like home, yet large enough to offer a sense of community and growth. Located just 15 miles east of Louisville, Kentucky, the suburb offers a low cost of living and a boatload of convenience. The mild weather in central Kentucky, with average summer highs in the 80s and average winter lows in the 30s, makes Douglass Hills a comfortable place to live.
Ready to find an apartment in Douglass Hills? Of course you are! As you search for the perfect rental home, you'll need to take a few things with you. You'll have to prove that you are who you say you are, so don't forget to have some sort of ID, like a driver's license, handy to show landlords when viewing prospective apartments. You'll also want to bring the latest copies of your credit report, pay stubs, and even recent utility bills to prove that you can counted on to pay your rent on time. Finally, be prepared to watch you bank account take a hit because you'll pay the first month's rent, and a security deposit, which is usually equal to the monthly rental. Don't worry, though, it's worth it to call Douglass Hills your new home.
Most rentals homes in the area do not include utilities in the rental costs, so expect to pay deposits and monthly bills for electricity, natural gas (if applicable), water, cable, internet, garbage and recycling. Yup, that says recycling. You'll want to stay green in Douglass Hills. Louisville distributes most of the utilities for Douglass Hills, including electricity, gas, water, and sewer.
Studio apartments for rent are hard to find in Douglass Hills, so if you find one you want, put down a security deposit right away. The area continues to grow, but the supply can't keep up with current demand. Douglass Hills rentals are a bit pricier than the average rentals in other parts of Jefferson County, but the proximity to so many amenities balances the expense of living farther out of the metro area.
If you're moving to Douglass Hills from out of state, you'll need to obtain a new driver's license, issued through the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Jefferson County. If you're moving to Douglass Hills from somewhere else in Kentucky, you're in luck, you'll only need to register your new address with the DMV. The closest Circuit Clerk's office, in Middletown, is open only for renewals and duplicates. But if you're new to the state, you'll need to go to Louisville for a new license.
As a metro area of Louisville, Douglass Hills is similar to a very large neighborhood all its own -- a growing neighborhood with lots of options, but with no defined neighborhoods of its own. Apartment complexes offer a range of rental prices and amenities to fit almost any budget and situation, but choices are limited within city limits of Douglass Hills.
Surrounding towns include Woodland Hills, Middletown, and Blue Ridge Manor. Douglass Hills' rental rates are similar in price to Woodland Hills and Middletown, but slightly higher than Blue Ridge Manor.
Get to Livin'
Although Douglass Hills has a walkability score of 34 and is car dependent, the community offers most modern conveniences within a mile or two. Options for dining out are varied and plentiful, from sandwiches and barbecue to Chinese and fine dining, and, don't fear, there are numerous (and some unique) coffee shops nearby to get your daily caffeine fix. Restaurants include Beef O'Brady's, Senor Iguanas, Havana Rumba Cuban Cuisine, Subway, and even a barbecue joint called Mark's Feed Store. If you're a foodie, you may want to participate in some of the local tasting tours to sample regional delights.
Shopping around Douglass Hills is convenient and easy. Major grocery stores like Walmart and The Fresh Market are within a mile, and shopping centers and malls are within a couple of miles.
Living close in to Louisville provides Douglass Hills residents with access to a wide array of activities, events, and sights. From spelunking, horse racing, and baseball to boxing, architecture, and cultural activities, you could stay busy all the time, if you desire. The history of the area is on display in dozens of museums for all ages.
The tourism department divides the state into nine different regions. Douglass Hills falls into the "Bourbon, Horses, and History" region, the home to dozens of wineries and vineyards, distilleries, and breweries.
Every spring, excitement builds as the Kentucky Derby horse race nears. The first weekend of May, horse lovers and race fans head to Churchill Downs (only 16 miles west of Douglass Hills) to participate in one of the South's most time-honored traditions. The actual horse race lasts only minutes, but the socializing, wagering, and partying lasts all day and night. Mint juleps, made with Kentucky bourbon, are the drink of the day, served to ladies wearing stylish or outlandish hats made specifically for Derby Day, and gents in seersucker suits. After placing bets on their favorite horses, everyone moves to the track and tries to keep an eye on their moneymaker. As the horses make their way from the stalls to the starting gates, the Louisville Marching Band strikes up a chord, and the audience sings "My Old Kentucky Home." The winning horse receives a beautiful garland of red roses, the official flower of the Kentucky Derby, and an opportunity to become a "Triple Crown" winner by winning two more races over the coming weeks. There have only been 11 Triple Crown winners in history. The Derby "is" Kentucky so everyone should experience it at least once.
City parks offer plenty of green space for picnics, playgrounds, walking trails, tennis, jogging and running. The Fay Tanner Gazebo is a popular location for weddings and special events.
Public Transportation
The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) services Douglass Hills, and provides regular local service seven days a week. The Express service is also available during peak hours on weekdays. "Park and TARC" lots are available in Douglass Hills as well.
Several taxi cab companies service the local area and for trips to the Louisville International Airport, Bowman Field, and the Amtrak station.
Bottom Line
Douglass Hills is one of those suburbs that hasn't been overrun by traffic, people, or much else. There's still a small town feel, but the city has progressed enough with businesses and infrastructure for residents to know they're in the 21st century. With Louisville so close, with its culture, amenities, progress, history, transportation, and more, Douglass Hills is located perfectly for residents to experience all that city has to offer, yet still be afforded the opportunity to return home to escape the madness. It's like going home after the end of a long day and slipping into your favorite sweats and house shoes. A sigh of relief escapes when you realize you're finally home.
