Community in Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Located just west of Stanton, Clay City sits in the flatter, agricultural river valley. It offers larger plots of usable farming land and traditional, established rural neighborhoods. Because it is positioned further west along the Mountain Parkway, it is highly popular for residents who want to enjoy the Gorge lifestyle on the weekends but need a shorter, easier weekday commute into Winchester or Lexington.

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Situated along the high ridgelines south and east of the main Gorge, communities like Pine Ridge and Zachariah offer deeply secluded, heavily forested living. This area is highly popular with rock climbers who want to live just minutes from the world class climbing crags in the Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve (PMRP). Properties here often consist of rugged, private acreage tucked off winding county roads.

Learn more about The "Ridge" Communities

Serving as the county seat of Wolfe County on the eastern side of the Gorge, Campton offers a much slower, deeply rural pace of life compared to the Slade exit. It has become a haven for residents seeking larger acreage for homesteading, gardening, and off grid living. It also hosts a growing community of eco conscious businesses and farm to table initiatives.

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Slade is the immediate gateway to the Red River Gorge and the beating heart of the local climbing and tourism community. Housing here is a highly unconventional mix of long time local homesteads, seasonal dirtbag climber setups, and heavily wooded plots. Living in Slade means you are right in the middle of the action, within walking distance or a short drive to the major trailheads and local hangouts like Miguel's Pizza.

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Located about 15 minutes west of the Gorge entrance, Stanton is the largest town in Powell County and functions as the region's primary commercial center. For folks looking for a traditional residential feel with town water, paved roads, and immediate access to the local Kroger, hardware stores, and the public school campuses, Stanton is the most practical and convenient place to live.

Learn more about the City of Stanton

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