Welcome Home to St. Matthews

Probably best known for the fact that it's the largest shopping district in Louisville, including Mall St. Matthews and Oxmoor Center, the city of St. Matthews has much, much more to offer. In 2007,CNN Money named it a contender for its top 100 cities in which to live.

Young professionals and retirees alike call the cozy city of St. Matthews home, and for good reason.Conveniently located near Louisville's east end and easily accessible from both the Watterson Expressway and I-264, St. Matthews lies just eight miles east of downtown Louisville, making its charming and quiet neighborhoods peaceful respites from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The historic city was originally settled in 1779 by James John Floyd and developed alongside neighboring Louisville. Resident ancestries are predominantly a mix of German, Irish, English, Italian,and French. During the early 1800s, the area was known as the "garden of the state" and distributed produce throughout the state. By the early 20th century, the emphasis turned to commercial development and the area became a shopping district.

After the Great Flood of 1937, the population of St. Matthews grew, as people fled to higher ground. By 1950, St. Matthews incorporated as a city, expanded its infrastructure, and built a sewer system. Growth was further enhanced by the annexations of Broad Fields, Cherrywood Village,Fairmeade, Plymouth Village and Springlee in 2001. By 2008, the population of St. Matthews wasapproximately 18,709 people. The median age was 37, and the median household income was about $67,000. The estimated median house or condo value was just over $189,000. The December 2009 cost of living index in St. Matthews was 90.5 (the US average is 100).

Despite the reasonable cost of living, St. Matthews is home to trendy, upscale shopping. The Mall St.Matthews, the area’s first indoor shopping mall, was built around 1950. Renovated in 2007, the mallfeatures many stores not found elsewhere in the Louisville market, such as Arhaus, bebe, Brooks Brothers, and Williams-Sonoma, plus anchor stores J.C. Penney and Dillards. Popular restaurantslike the Cheesecake Factory, Red Robin Gourmet Hamburgers, and El Nopal Mexican Restaurantare a "destination" for shoppers and other hungry Louisville diners as well.

On the other side of the Watterson Expressway, Oxmoor Center completes the retail picture with Macy’s, Sears, Von Maur, Apple, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sephora, Coach, and more – 110 shops and restaurants in all. Like Mall St. Mattherws, Oxmoor Center is home to an active Mall Walkers’s Group.

Though shopping is the hallmark activity in St. Matthews, CNN Money noted that there are over 2,000 bars and restaurants within 12 minutes of St. Matthews. Some of Louisville's favorite restaurants and bars, ranging from the relaxed yet upscale Pat's Steak House to the beloved Bluegrass Brewing Company, await those seeking a bit of fun on the town.

Today, despite its many modern amenities, the heart of St. Matthews still offers that small-town feel. In addition to being home for 52 years to what many Louisville residents consider "what a bakery is supposed to be" – Plehn's – downtown St. Matthews also offers unique bookstores such as A Reader's Corner and is home to the historic Trinity High School, founded in 1953. Additionally, residents have convenient access to three of the top-rated hospitals in Kentucky. The St. Matthews branch of the Louisville Free Public Library system is one of the system's busiest, and includes regular adult evening classes including a monthly book discussion and computer classes. St. Matthews is also home to the Louisville Youth Choir, which was founded in 1967 and has performed throughout the US and Europe.

For residents looking for a little peace and quiet, Seneca Park - one of the city's largest and mostbeautiful parks – offers spectacular views and ample spaces for running, dog-walking, or simply quiet contemplation at the beloved Big Rock. In addition to Seneca and several other parks, St. Matthews also has a thriving community center offering recreational sports programming throughout the year.

Regardless of what constitutes your idea of a good time, you're sure to find it in St. Matthews. Come home to St. Matthews today and enjoy the friendly feeling of small-town life with all of the luxuries and conveniences of big-city living!