Fort Knox
KEY CONTACTS
Knox Hills Family Housing
41 W. Chaffee Ave.
Fort Knox, KY 40121
PH: (502) 378-3708
Army Community Service
411 Eisenhower Avenue Building 1477
Fort Knox, KY 40121
PH: (502) 624-6291
Housing Services Office
127 6th Avenue
Building 1110B, Suite 101
Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121
PH: (502) 624-4898
School Liaison Officers
533 Spearhead Division Rd.
Bldg 500
Fort Knox 40121
PH: (502)-624-2305
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time
About Fort Knox
Kentucky—the land of bourbon and home of the famous derby—is also host to Fort Knox, an Army post that hosts the Army’s Human Resource Center of Excellence. The Human Resources Command (HRC), the U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC), the Army Accessions Command, the Cadet Command, the V Corps, and dozens of other tenant organizations are all located at Fort Knox. And, yes, the gold is kept here. The United States Bullion Depository, a reinforced vault building, stores many of our nation’s gold reserves.
Fort Knox is about an hour from Louisville, home to Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, the Muhammad Ali Center, and several other major attractions. Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Nashville are each about two and a half hours away and make for fun weekend trips.
In this part of the country, you’re either “red” or “blue”—that is, you root for either the University of Louisville or the University of Kentucky. Choose your team, wear your colors, and prepare to do a lot of cheering! High school sports are also big in the area, so expect to hear about the local teams (Meade County Pride! Greenwave Nation!) and see large crowds at Friday night games.
The area and the base both have a low-key vibe. People report that it is a great spot to slow down and enjoy family time. The area is safe and convenient, and many are surprised to find the area a desirable location for retirement.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Popular Neighborhoods
Brandenburg
About
To the west of Fort Knox lies Brandenburg, a beautiful area close to the Indiana border. This town doesn’t draw as many military members as the corridor stretching from Radcliff to Elizabethtown. Still, it is attractive to those looking for separation from the base and those who want to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. The area is growing, and more corn fields are being turned into subdivisions each year.
A particularly appealing neighborhood in Brandenburg is Doe Valley, a community of about 800 homes with a private lake for the residents. You pay a premium to live in Doe Valley, but the lake access is a great benefit.
Neighbors
Brandenburg has a mix of active-duty military members and locals.
Neighborhood Feel
A lovely area, homes in Brandenburg tend to be well-maintained. There are some lakefront properties available in Doe Valley.
Neighborhood Info | Brandenburg
Points of Interest
- Brandenburg Riverfront Park
Big Plus
- Brandenburg is beautiful, especially around the lake.
- Meade County schools are well-regarded.
Things to Consider
- Commuting to Fort Knox can be long, especially when the Brandenburg gate is closed.
School Scoop
- The public schools in Brandenburg are part of the Meade County School District, which supports eight public schools in the Brandenburg area.
Highlighted Areas
- Doe Valley
- Forest Ridge
- River Cliff
By the Numbers
- Population: 2,900
- Household Income: $44,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Elizabethtown
About
Known locally as “E-town,” Elizabethtown is the place to be and the biggest city immediately around Fort Knox. With plenty of shopping around town—including Target, TJ Maxx, and Old Navy— Elizabethtown has your amenities covered.
Founded in 1797, Elizabethtown is one of the oldest cities in Kentucky and was Abraham Lincoln’s hometown for part of his youth. The town continues to grow and has seen a commercial “boom” in the last five years, but even with the recent growth, Elizabethtown maintains its small-town feel and sense of community. Many people living here have deep roots in the community, and it’s common for families to stay in the area for generations.
There is a small downtown area in Elizabethtown. Young couples and singles appreciate the small but trendy restaurant and bar scene near the Square. Elizabethtown's significant retail and medical industries give career-minded spouses ample employment opportunities. There is also a community college, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, for those looking to continue their education.
Neighbors
Though the area is popular with military members, Elizabethtown has more of a local feel, and the military presence isn’t as prevalent. Many residents have extended family in the area, and it is common for folks to live in town their entire lives.
Neighborhood Feel
There are many small neighborhoods and subdivisions in this established area.
Neighborhood Info | Elizabethtown
Points of Interest
- Freeman Lake Park
- The Elizabethtown Nature Park
- Hardin County History Museum
- The Cannonball (a Civil War artifact)
- Lincoln Heritage House
- Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum
Big Plus
- The largest town around Fort Knox, Elizabethtown, offers plentiful shopping options and many recreation activities.
- Schools in the area are well-regarded.
Things to Consider
- The commute to Fort Knox, though reasonable, is a bit longer from Elizabethtown than from Vine Grove. Note that the Dixie Highway has numerous stoplights, and the commute can be frustrating if they’re not timed in your favor.
- With so many lifelong residents in Elizabethtown, military members can initially feel like outsiders.
Highlighted Areas
- Foxmoor
- Shadow Creek
- Nicholas Ridge
- Fontainebleau Estates
- Four Seasons
School Scoop
- Elizabethtown has its own school district, Elizabethtown Independent Schools (EIS). The EIS schools are highly sought after, so much so that there is a lottery for out-of-district students who pay tuition to attend schools in the district.
- Hardin County School District also has schools in Elizabethtown, including Lincoln Trail Elementary School, a popular option for many.
- Be sure to check out any potential homes in person before committing. A Scout can help scope out the area on your behalf.
By the Numbers
- Population: 31,400
- Household Income: $46,800
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Radcliff
About
Just outside Fort Knox’s main gate, Radcliff has a Walmart and many fast food options but is often viewed as a “pass-through” town on the way to Vine Grove or Elizabethtown.
Radcliff has the trappings of a small town next to an Army post. There are a lot of liquor stores and pawn shops. Single soldiers and young couples may appreciate the convenience of being right next to post, but families will likely opt to settle a bit further out. There are pockets of crime in this area, so carefully check out any potential properties before committing. A Scout can help scope out the area on your behalf.
Neighbors
There is a significant Army presence in this working-class town.
Neighborhood Feel
There are blocks of apartments and some subdivisions. Parts of Radcliff are a bit worn and run down.
Neighborhood Info | Radcliff
Points of Interest
- Saunders Springs Nature Preserve
- Kentucky September 11th Memorial
Big Plus
- Right outside Fort Knox’s main gate, Radcliff residents have a quick commute to the post.
Things to Consider
- Parts of Radcliff can be a little worn and run down.
Highlighted Areas
- Hilltop Terrace
- Woods Hollow
- University Acres
- Southern Heights
- Meadowlake
School Scoop
- There are nine schools in Radcliff. Public schools in Radcliff belong to Hardin County School District.
- A private school option in Radcliff is North Hardin Christian School, serving preschool through high school students.
By the Numbers
- Population: 23,000
- Household Income: $46,100
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Rineyville
About
Named for Zachariah Riney, Abraham Lincoln’s first teacher, Rineyville is a small town south of Fort Knox between Elizabethtown and Vine Grove. With a country feel, Rineyville offers the opportunity to spread out. Homes are not on top of one another in this quiet town, and two-acre plots are available in the established neighborhoods in the original part of town. It is an excellent spot for those who want a bit of space.
There is a Dollar General, a post office, two gas stations, and a small park with baseball diamonds in Rineyville. Elizabethtown, and its plentiful shopping options, is about seven miles away.
Neighbors
You will likely find many folks commuting to Fort Knox in this military-saturated area. About half the population consists of active service members, military retirees, or government contractors.
Neighborhood Feel
There are a lot of subdivisions with homes on a half acre or more. This is a quiet town with a country vibe.
Neighborhood Info | Rineyville
Points of Interest
- Rineyville Community Park
Big Plus
- More oversized homesites allow residents to spread out.
Things to Consider
- The area has a country vibe and might not suit those who prefer a suburban or urban feel.
School Scoop
- The Hardin County School District serves Rineyville. There is a single school in town, Rineyville Elementary School.
Highlighted Areas
- Cottonwood Estates
- Cowley Crossing
- Bella Woods
- Collinbrook
- Bryan Acres Estates
By the Numbers
- Population: 3,000
- Household Income: $101,300
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Vine Grove
About
The country vibe, a strong sense of community, and central location make Vine Grove a popular spot for families near Fort Knox. Easy living and a slow pace give this town a quiet feel, but proximity to Louisville—about an hour away—keeps things interesting. The city is also home to an annual three-day bluegrass festival.
Vine Grove is the third largest, and growing, city in Hardin County, with several new subdivisions under construction. The area lacks some retail conveniences—no real grocery store in town—but Elizabethtown is a quick ten-minute drive away. Green space and parks abound here, and a sports complex with three baseball diamonds and a soccer field is a family favorite.
There are many established neighborhoods in town, and these older properties often come with a half acre or more land. Newer homes come with modern amenities, such as larger closets, but often lack the expansive plots of land common with older properties. There are several new subdivisions to choose from.
Neighbors
Vine Grove is home to many active-duty military families and is also a popular spot for retirees.
Neighborhood Feel
Older neighborhoods are a bit more spacious, while newer communities have properties close together. Farmhouse-style homes, ranches, and split levels are common, with some townhomes in the newer neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Info | Vine grove
Points of Interest
- Optimist Park
- Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival
Big Plus
- Vine Grove has a quiet, peaceful vibe that draws families.
- Schools in Vine Grove are well-regarded.
Things to Consider
- Vine Grove lacks a major grocery store, and residents must drive to Elizabethtown for most shopping.
School Scoop
- There are eight primary and secondary schools in Vine Grove. One of the highest-rated schools is Vine Grove Elementary School, rated 9 according to GreatSchools.org. Public schools in Vine Grove belong to the Hardin County School District, with an overall rating of 7, or the Meade County School District, with an overall rating of 8.
Highlighted Areas
- Vineland Park
- Trappers Ridge
- Woodland Meadows
- Avery Estates
- Creekvale
- Highland Springs
By the Numbers
- Population: 6,600
- Household Income: $62,600
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Looking at relocating?
Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
