12 Small Towns In Kentucky Where Everyone Knows Your Name
By Jenn Shockley|Published April 10, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Living in a large, busy city, people know a neighbor’s name via mailbox and likely wouldn’t recognize their family or friends. Things are a lot different when you grow up in a small town in Kentucky. Not because people are meddlesome, but because they actually care about one another… in most cases. We may not have the official Mayberry, but very similar communities continue to thrive here. A small town resident may not know your exact name, but rest assured, they know your parents, grandparents, an uncle, etc. etc. Folks recognize your family of origin in a small town Kentucky environment and they notice a stranger even quicker.
Here are 12 small towns in Kentucky where everyone recognizes everyone else:
This is a place where the fire department gives out smoke detectors and announcements about railroad crossing repairs are posted on Facebook. It is a quiet, friendly little Campbell County town where everyone knows everyone else. The image below is their social media logo.
Bandana is one of those tiny towns where the church picnic and local muddin’ events are usually the most exciting things to happen. They use to have what was deemed a "Mud Park". Yes, a mud park. If you are looking for beautiful land and a quiet, peaceful environment… excluding muddin’ events, Bandana is the place to be.
There are two different Marrowbones in Kentucky, and we’re referencing the one in Pike County. This is one of those towns that has a single main road in and out of the community. Basically, all the primary things are located along that road, like the grocery, gas station and beauty parlor. The county seat is Pikeville.
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9. Sanders, population 240
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This little community began back in the early 1800s and changed names a few times. It was first called Rislerville, after a local shopkeeper. Second, they deemed it Sanders’ Mill, after Nathaniel Sanders, a local miller. In 1867 a railroad station connected and was deemed Dixie, changed to Liberty Station, and finally reverted to Sanders in 1874. Supposedly, the final name change was to honor the father of Senator Larkin Sanders. Sanders is apparently a little camera shy too.
8. Willisburg, population 285
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It is pretty easy to see that Willisburg is a small community. Visitors will find a lots of beautiful green life here, and Willisburg Lake is an added bonus. Take a break and fish for a while in this serene little town. You won’t be disappointed.
Warfield was founded by the renowned George Rogers Clark Floyd and John Warfield as a salt, coal and lumber town in 1850. Today it is a sleepy little town with the majority of the population consisting of long-term resident families.
Sparta is special not only because it has a small town environment, but also because it is home to the renowned Kentucky Speedway. If you like car racing, you are likely familiar with Sparta.
This very rural community is nestled in between several larger cities, including Danville, Somerset and the Folk Art capital, Berea. It is a very quiet stop where one sees a lot of Mother Nature in between homes. The area is not difficult to fall in love with once you see all the rolling hills.
Salt Lick got its name because of the huge salt licks that form there. It made it a good hunting ground till it became more settled. The area has some beautiful land and is about 20 minutes from the Cave Run Lake, also in Bath County. The Frosty Freeze at 11295 US Hwy 60 East is a recommended stop for a snack.
Wildwood is a small town snuggled in eastern part a big county. The residents have all the conveniences needed nearby, unlike many small towns. The close knit community keeps tabs within the borders, ensuring the future safety and happiness of their environment.
This friendly little community still believes in pitching in and helping a neighbor out. The Appalachian Service Project has stepped up in the past to aid some of the more poverty stricken residents have a livable place to reside. Overall, money isn’t everything here, but neighbors, friends and community are.
This small community might be most known because of their mayor. Ms. Lucy Liu, a local celebrity dog, rules the roost and the town. Perhaps what keeps Rabbit Hash so pleasant is Lucy’s ability to keep political discussions to a minimum.
Growing up in a rural spot gives people a different sense of community because there are not as many residents. Good people exist everywhere, but you just cannot beat the charm or personality within the borders of tiny town life. These small towns in Kentucky all have less than 400, but more than 200 residents, according to City Data’s current numbers. What do you love about small town Kentucky?
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