St. Matthews, Kentucky

St. Matthews, Kentucky is a city located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, and is a part of the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area, which also includes Bullitt County, Kentucky, Oldham County, Kentucky, and Shelby County, Kentucky. The city is situated near the Ohio River and is close to several major highways, including Interstate 64 and Interstate 71. St. Matthews is also near several notable institutions, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University. The city's location makes it an attractive place to live and work, with easy access to Louisville International Airport and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

Geography

St. Matthews is located in the central part of Jefferson County, Kentucky, and is bordered by several other cities, including Louisville, Kentucky, Lyndon, Kentucky, and Graymoor-Devondale, Kentucky. The city has a total area of approximately 10.4 square miles, and is situated near the Floyds Fork watershed, which is a tributary of the Salt River. St. Matthews is also close to several parks and nature preserves, including E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park and the Jefferson Memorial Forest. The city's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Ohio River Valley, which has played a significant role in the region's history and development, with cities like Cincinnati, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana also located in the valley. The region is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Louisville Mega Cavern and the Muhammad Ali Center.

History

The area that is now St. Matthews was first settled in the late 18th century, with the city being officially incorporated in 1950. The city's history is closely tied to the development of the Louisville, Kentucky area, with many notable figures playing a role in the city's growth, including George Rogers Clark and Meriwether Lewis. St. Matthews is also home to several historic sites, including the Breckinridge-Franklin House and the Farmington Historic Plantation, which was once the home of John Speed, a prominent Kentucky farmer and politician. The city's history is also influenced by its proximity to the Ohio River, which has played a significant role in the region's development, with cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cleveland, Ohio also located along the river. The region is also home to several notable institutions, including the Filson Historical Society and the Kentucky Historical Society.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of St. Matthews was approximately 19,000 people, with a diverse range of ages, incomes, and occupations. The city is home to several notable communities, including the Cherokee Triangle and the Highlands, which are known for their historic homes and vibrant cultural scenes. St. Matthews is also close to several major institutions, including the University of Louisville Hospital and the Norton Healthcare system, which provide a range of medical services to the community. The city's demographics are also influenced by its proximity to several major employers, including Ford Motor Company, General Electric, and Humana, which are all headquartered in the Louisville, Kentucky area. The region is also home to several notable events, including the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Louisville Jazz & Blues Festival.

Economy

The economy of St. Matthews is diverse, with a range of industries represented, including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. The city is home to several major employers, including Kindred Healthcare and Almost Family, which are both headquartered in the area. St. Matthews is also close to several major shopping centers, including the Mall St. Matthews and the Oxmoor Center, which offer a range of retail and dining options. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to the Louisville International Airport, which provides access to several major airlines, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The region is also home to several notable institutions, including the Louisville Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which provide support and resources to local businesses.

Education

St. Matthews is served by the Jefferson County Public Schools system, which operates several schools in the area, including Waggener High School and Kammerer Middle School. The city is also home to several private schools, including Walden School and Holy Trinity Parish School, which offer a range of educational programs and services. St. Matthews is also close to several major institutions of higher education, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University, which offer a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The city's education system is also influenced by its proximity to several major libraries, including the Louisville Free Public Library and the University of Louisville Libraries, which provide access to a range of resources and materials. The region is also home to several notable events, including the Kentucky Book Fair and the Louisville Literary Festival.

Infrastructure

St. Matthews has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major roads and highways passing through the city, including Interstate 64 and Interstate 71. The city is also served by several public transportation systems, including the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), which provides bus service to several destinations in the Louisville, Kentucky area. St. Matthews is also close to several major airports, including the Louisville International Airport and the Bowman Field airport, which provide access to several major airlines and destinations. The city's infrastructure is also influenced by its proximity to several major utilities, including Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities, which provide electricity and gas service to the area. The region is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Louisville Water Tower and the Big Four Bridge, which offer stunning views of the Ohio River.