Travel Nurse Housing in Lexington, Kentucky: Complete Guide

Lexington is the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, known for horse farms, bourbon, and the University of Kentucky. Travel nurses find a quality healthcare market, very affordable living, and a college-town energy in this charming city.

Lexington’s healthcare is led by UK HealthCare (University of Kentucky) and CHI Saint Joseph Health. UK Chandler Hospital is the region’s academic medical center and Level I trauma center.

Whether you are heading to Lexington for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Lexington has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.

Major Hospitals and Health Systems

Lexington is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.

UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital — The academic medical center of UK HealthCare and Kentucky’s only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center. Nationally ranked in multiple specialties.

CHI Saint Joseph Hospital — A large CommonSpirit Health facility with comprehensive medical and surgical services.

Baptist Health Lexington — A community hospital with strong cardiac and orthopedic programs.

Shriners Hospitals for Children - Lexington — A specialty pediatric hospital providing orthopedic and reconstructive care.

Travel nurse demand in Lexington is generally steady, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and telemetry being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter flu season and Kentucky Derby season when visitors pass through. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.

Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Lexington assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Lexington.

Chevy Chase and Ashland Park

Walkable neighborhoods near UK campus with local shops on Euclid Avenue and tree-lined streets.

Pros: Walkable, close to UK Hospital, charming streets, moderate rents

Cons: Higher rents for Lexington, parking can be tight, student-area noise

Downtown Lexington

The city center with restaurants, bars, and cultural venues including the Kentucky Theater.

Pros: Walkable, close to hospitals, growing dining scene, central location

Cons: Limited nightlife diversity, some streets quiet at night, parking meters

Hamburg and East Lexington

Newer suburban development with modern apartments, shopping, and proximity to Baptist Health.

Pros: Modern apartments, affordable, safe, good shopping

Cons: Suburban sprawl, car-dependent, limited character

Southland Drive Area

A central residential area with affordable apartments and proximity to Saint Joseph Hospital.

Pros: Affordable, central location, close to hospitals, diverse community

Cons: Older housing stock, some areas transitional, limited walkability

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Lexington is car-dependent with a limited LexTran bus system. The city is compact and commutes are typically under 15 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Lexington through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Lexington are slightly below the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.

• Studio apartment: $650 to $1,050 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $800 to $1,250 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,000 to $1,600 per month

Lexington is very affordable. UK campus-area housing offers the shortest commutes for Chandler Hospital nurses. Your stipend will stretch comfortably.

Many travel nurses in Lexington find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.

GSA Stipend Rate

The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Lexington, KY area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.

It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.

Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.

Housing Tips for Lexington

Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Lexington that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.

1. Horse country is beautiful — Lexington is surrounded by rolling Bluegrass horse farms. Driving through the countryside on scenic back roads is a beautiful way to spend a day off.

2. Bourbon Trail access — Multiple bourbon distilleries are within 30 minutes of Lexington including Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Four Roses.

3. UK basketball is religion — University of Kentucky basketball is a central part of local culture. Game nights transform the city.

4. Four seasons with moderate winters — Lexington has four distinct seasons with cold but generally manageable winters.

For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.

Cost of Living Overview

Lexington has a below-average cost of living. Groceries are at or below national norms. Gas is moderate. Dining out is very affordable with excellent local and Southern options.

When budgeting for your Lexington assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Kroger is headquartered nearby and offers excellent prices. Lexington’s dining scene has grown significantly with farm-to-table options and great bourbon bars. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.

Things to Do on Days Off

One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Lexington has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Bourbon Distillery Tours — Visit Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and other distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, all within easy driving distance.
• Keeneland Race Course — One of the most beautiful horse racing tracks in the world with spring and fall meets and morning workouts year-round.
• Kentucky Horse Park — A working horse farm and educational theme park celebrating the state’s equine heritage.
• Raven Run Nature Sanctuary — A 734-acre nature preserve with hiking trails and stunning views of the Kentucky River palisades.

Take full advantage of your time in Lexington. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.

Final Thoughts

Lexington, Kentucky offers travel nurses an affordable college town with a strong academic medical center, horse country charm, bourbon distillery access, and a welcoming Bluegrass community. With UK HealthCare, CHI Saint Joseph Health, and Baptist Health Lexington and a below average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.

Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Lexington, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.

For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Lexington assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

We wish you the best on your Lexington assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.