Frankfort : Kentucky

Frankfort, Kentucky, with a population of 27,590, (2012), is one of the smallest state capitals in the nation.  The town is located in the Bluegrass region of Central Kentucky, and has an interesting if not turbulent history dating back to the Civil War when the Union Army built forts overlooking Frankfort, and the Confederate Army also occupied the area for a short time.  Frankfort is bisected by the Kentucky River which flows right through the center of town. The Kentucky River Development Plan was formed in 2005 with a misssion to redevelop and increase the use of the waterfront with a Riverwalk, amphitheater, and public marina to help make the river part of everyday life for the residents of the city. Other popular organizations within the city are Commonwealth Gardens which was formed to encourage  gardening in neighborhood parks and schools throughout Frankfort, and WalkBike Frankfort, an organization dedicated to making Frankfort a city of pedestrians and cyclists with interconnected paths, sidewalks, and bikelanes connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks and shopping. Frankfort is also a college town as it is home to Kentucky State University.  Photo of the Governor's Mansion courtesy of Wikipedia and Acdixon; photos of Frankfort and Downtown Frankfort courtesy of Wikipedia and Kaplansa.

City-Data.com reports the median sale price of a home to be about $120,000 in the 3rd quarter of 2014. The Kentucky River that runs through Frankfort, seperates the town's neighborhoods.

Frankfort is the state capital, and a college town with an interesting history and many different tourist attractions and museums.  The city also offers a network of biking and walking paths along with Walk for Life, which is 3 color coded wellness walks around historic Frankfort.  The Kentucky River is important to the town and is used for the enjoyment of the community with boat tours, parks and walkways alongside it. Frankfort has many recreation programs and is home to an 18-hole disc golf course

Cool winter temperatures, and the crime rate is higher than the national average.

Retirees who want to live in a historical town that has much to offer as a state capital and a college town, may enjoy living in Frankfort. With the community gardens, WalkBike, and many other organizations, there are ample volunteer opportunities. Living in a town with a candy factory is aslo a plus.

As the state capital, the local economy is driven by public administration and tourism. 

Frankforts average January temperature is about 31 degrees, the average July temperature is 75.  The annual snowfall average is 8 inches.

Frankfort is not a large city, but is full of history, music, museums, and is community orientated.  The Capital City Museum tells the history of Frankfort, and landmarks are found throughout the city including the grave of frontiersman Daniel Boone; Josephine Sculpture Park provides art education and has 10 acres dotted with sculptures;  Both the Capital Building and the Governor's Mansion offer daily tours; The Grand Theater is a performing arts center bringing in nationally known performers in blues, country western and motown among an array of other events; Buffalo Trace Distillery, maker of bourbon whiskey, is a national landmark and a popular tourist attraction that offers tours and events; Rebecca Ruth Candy company has been in Frankfort since 1919, also conducts tours, (and even sells bourbon ball chocolate candy); Serafini is a well known, longtime restaurant that prides itself in combining Italy with Kentucky's southern food traditions, and uses ingredients from local farmers and businesses.