Welcome to bourbon country, where the number of distilleries increased by nearly 71% between 2018 and 2024. More than 3,000 food and beverage businesses are active in the Louisville region, serving millions of hungry (and thirsty) locals and visitors each year. Unsurprisingly, the city’s best PR arrives via hashtag. Louisville ranks highly for practically all digital storytelling rankings, including Tripadvisor (#32), Facebook (#34), Instagram (#42) and Google Trends (#36). The city with the 5th-best convention center in the nation is also the home of the Kentucky Derby—the horse race of all horse races—and its legendary racetrack, Churchill Downs, which turned 150 in 2024. A new Grandstand Pavillion entrance was just unveiled in May. With a zoo within city limits and endless distilleries to tour, Louisville finishes comfortably at #36 for Sights and Landmarks. Looking ahead, the city is investing in a downtown that is already attracting new businesses—more than 40 in 2024, if you’re counting. Infrastructure projects like East Market Streetscape and Main Remade aim to increase pedestrian safety and boost the city’s walkability (currently ranked #87). Ready for the smooth finish? Louisville has the #14 most affordable housing market, making life in bourbon country all the more tempting.