Lansdowne
About Lansdowne
Lansdowne is one of those south Lexington neighborhoods that has been around long enough to feel settled in the best possible way. It sits just inside New Circle Road, tucked between Tates Creek Road and Nicholasville Road, and has been home to more than a thousand households since the 1950s and 60s. The homes here reflect that history. You will find ranches, split-levels, Colonial Revival styles, and traditional two-stories, the kind of mix that comes from a neighborhood that developed over a decade or two rather than all at once. The tree cover is mature, the yards and landscaping are well-kept, and driving through gives you that sense of a place that people have genuinely invested in over time.
What's Nearby
One of Lansdowne's practical strengths is how central it is. New Circle Road runs right along the south edge, which puts the rest of Lexington within easy reach. Tates Creek Road and Nicholasville Road flank it on either side, giving you quick access to two of the busiest commercial corridors in town. From Lansdowne you are a short drive from Fayette Mall and the Fritz Farm development on Nicholasville Road, with Whole Foods, Target, Apple, and the usual anchors. Nicholasville Road itself has Trader Joe's, Kroger, TJ Maxx, and more. The Arboretum, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky run by UK, is about two miles away and worth a visit if you have never walked it. Downtown Lexington, the University of Kentucky, and both I-64 and I-75 are all easy from here.
Highlights
The Cellar Bar and Grille is my pick in this area. It sits on the lower level of the Signature Club of Lansdowne on Lansdowne Drive, which is how it got the name. The club itself is private, but the Cellar is open to everyone. The Cellar Burger is my go-to, and I will put that patio up against just about anywhere in town. The Signature Club is also worth knowing about if you are looking for a wedding venue. I have been to a couple of events held there and can say it handles that kind of occasion well. It is a solid option if you are planning something in Lexington.
- The Cellar Bar and Grille at the Signature Club of Lansdowne
- Signature Club of Lansdowne event and wedding venue
- Inside New Circle between Tates Creek and Nicholasville
- Ranches, split-levels, and Colonial Revival homes from the 1950s to 1970s
- Mature, tree-lined streets
Amenities
The Lansdowne Shoppes is the retail and dining heart of the neighborhood, and it packs a lot into one center. The Fresh Market is the grocery anchor, and it is a real departure from the standard Kroger and Publix experience. The coffee selection is excellent if that matters to you, and the deli is outstanding, with a spread of salads that is genuinely worth the trip even if you are coming from another part of town. The Mousetrap is a true hole-in-the-wall doing soups and sandwiches. Their pimento cheese is some of the best I have had. Trust me on this one: you are not going to find award-winning pimento cheese at Kroger, but you will find it here. Malone's and Drake's are both solid sit-down options also in the Shoppes, if you are looking for a proper meal rather than a quick bite. The Mad Potter is worth knowing about if you have kids or want something different for a date night. You paint your own pottery, they fire it, and you come back to pick it up. My two nieces love this place. I have also seen couples in there painting and laughing, so it is not just for children.
Cost of Living
Lansdowne's established character and central south Lexington location make it a consistently sought-after part of town. The housing stock skews toward single-family homes from the mid-century era, which tend to hold their value well in this part of Lexington. For current listings and pricing, a local real estate agent or a current search on a listing platform will give you the most accurate picture.
Schools
Lansdowne is served by Fayette County Public Schools. Lansdowne Elementary School is located right in the neighborhood at 336 Redding Road. The area generally feeds toward Tates Creek High School, though school assignments are set by address and can change with rezoning. Confirm the exact schools for any address with the FCPS SchoolSite Locator at schoolsitelocator.com/apps/fayette.