Apartments Close to I-75 and Commuting to Work
With costs rising across the Commonwealth, living in Lexington isn't your only option if you work there.
Richmond and Berea put you within commuting distance of the city—and life is a little less expensive the further the road takes you from the city center. For someone who doesn't mind spending a little time on I-75, the difference in rent is what makes the commute worth considering for many Madison County residents.
At Diamond Apartments, we rent individual units throughout Madison County to give renters more locations and price points to consider, whether you want to stay close to Richmond, need convenient access to I-75, or prefer living farther south around Berea.
What Does the Commute to Lexington Look Like?
I-75 runs directly bisects Kentucky down the middle and runs through Cincinnati to Knoxville the two cities. For most commuters, the route from Lexington KY to Berea or Richmond KY is a straight shot along the interstate.
Lexington is known as home of the University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, and with all of the many workplaces and entertainment options found in a busy metropolitan area, rents can average around $1000/mo for a 1-bedroom apartment and over $1200 for a 2-bedroom. The shopping plazas of Hamburg are accessible from Exit 108, while commuters headed downtown can continue farther north before making their way into the city.
The Commute from Lexington KY to Richmond KY
With more shopping and dining options and with a suburban vibe, Richmond is known as home of Eastern Kentucky University and is a busy college town. Rents in Richmond can vary from >$700 to <$1100/mo. Where you live within Richmond still matters. An apartment close to I-75 can make a noticeable difference when you're making the trip several times a week, which is why it's worth looking at the actual address rather than simply searching for Richmond rentals.
Differences In Commuting from Berea KY to Richmond KY
Berea is a smaller community farther south—and home to Berea College. It’s a Kentucky arts capitol and has several gorgeous natural areas to enjoy—but there are fewer options and you'll spend more time on the road in your commute.
The drive from Berea to Richmond, KY is relatively short, but continuing to Lexington adds another leg to the commute. Traffic can change that quickly, so check the route from an apartment to your workplace during the hours you'd be traveling. However, rents are cheaper, averaging <$650/mo for a 1-bedroom and <$950 for a 2-bedroom.
Compare Madison County Rent with the Cost of Commuting
The appeal of commuting from Madison County is fairly straightforward: you can compare Richmond and Berea’s food and rental prices with what you'd pay for a similar experience in Lexington.
Driving costs don't automatically make the commute cheaper. All related expenses belong in the calculation. Someone who works remotely twice a week may look at a 30-minute drive very differently from someone making it five days a week.
But expanding your apartment search south of Lexington gives you another set of options.
Commuting in Lex but Renting in Richmond or Berea? Look for Apartments Close to I-75
If a commute to Lexington is part of your regular routine, proximity to the interstate deserves a spot near the top of your apartment checklist. Look at the individual apartment, its distance from I-75, what you'll pay each month, and how that location fits the rest of your week.
Diamond Apartments manages multi-family housing in different parts of Madison County, so our available rentals aren't all clustered around one leasing office or apartment complex. One property may put you closer to EKU and central Richmond, while another may make getting onto I-75 particularly convenient. When you browse available properties, look at where each apartment sits in relation to work, the interstate, groceries, school, and the other places you visit during a normal week.
Find an Apartment near Richmond or Berea, KY
If you work in Lexington but don't necessarily want to pay Lexington rent, take a look at what's available farther south. Diamond Apartments has provided and maintained residential rentals in Madison County for more than 15 years. Our management is local, so you're dealing with people who know the properties and the tenants who live in them. We also have an in-house maintenance team. When you call with a question, you can reach someone and expect a response.
Take a look at Diamond Apartments' current rentals in Richmond, Berea, and throughout Madison County, KY.
See something that could work with your commute? Give our local team a call. We can answer questions about the property, tell you more about the location, and set up a time for you to see it in person.
