London is the county seat of Laurel County, established in 1826, and one of the most accessible towns in Southeastern Kentucky. It sits right on I-75 where it meets the Hal Rogers Parkway (KY-80), so Lexington to the north and Knoxville to the south are both an easy drive. That location has made London a regional center for shopping, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.
Housing ranges from in-town neighborhoods and newer subdivisions to wooded acreage and small farms throughout the county, with many properties a short drive from the national forest and Laurel River Lake.
Outdoors: Laurel River Lake & the National Forest
- Laurel River Lake – a clear, deep reservoir of roughly 5,600 acres set inside the Daniel Boone National Forest, popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Its forested shoreline is federally managed, so homes in the area sit near the lake rather than on the water. Ask us how close a property really is to the nearest ramp or marina.
- Holly Bay Marina – a year-round, full-service marina southwest of London with boat rentals, slips, and a store
- Daniel Boone National Forest – hiking, camping, and trail riding just outside town
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – about a half-hour away, home of the famous moonbow
Things to Do
- World Chicken Festival – held downtown each year on the last full weekend of September, featuring a giant skillet that turns out fried chicken dinners by the thousands, plus music, rides, and vendors
- Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park – a historic park along the old Wilderness Road with McHargue's Mill, the Mountain Life Museum, campgrounds, trails, a pool, and a treetop adventure course
- Downtown London – historic courthouse square, local shops, and murals
- Laurel County History Museum – local history and genealogy resources
- Cycling – London has long promoted itself as a cycling destination, with organized rides that draw riders from across the country
Healthcare, Education & Work
- Healthcare: Saint Joseph London (CHI Saint Joseph Health) is the main hospital in town, with additional regional care in nearby Corbin.
- Public schools: London and most of the county are served by Laurel County Public Schools. Assignment depends on the property address, so verify with the district. You can review school performance at the Kentucky School Report Card.
- Employment: Healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and logistics and distribution are major employment sectors, helped by the I-75 corridor.
Getting Around
London sits directly on I-75, with US-25 and the Hal Rogers Parkway also running through town. The London-Corbin Airport serves general aviation, and Lexington's Blue Grass Airport is about an hour north. Somerset and Lake Cumberland are roughly 40 minutes west.
Thinking About Moving to London?
RE/MAX LakeTime Realty has an office right here in London. Whether you're relocating, looking for land near the national forest, or selling your London home, we know this market. Call or text Barry Turner at (606) 875-5988 or email barry@laketimeky.com.
Information is provided for general reference and is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Please verify details such as school assignments, event dates, and lake access independently.