Louisville is located on the south bank of the Ohio River in Jefferson County. The city is divided into two sectors by Beargrass Creek and its south fork. Louisville's eastern portion is hilly with an elevation of 565 feet while the western part, lying in the flood plain of the Ohio River, is flat, with an average elevation of 465 feet.
Louisville is noted for the Kentucky Derby, mint juleps, and southern charm. It makes a genuine effort to preserve the best of the past while looking forward to the future. Today the economy of the city depends upon traditional industries with redevelopment to attract new business enterprises. It has witnessed a change by a downtown renaissance fueled by $2 billion in public and private investment. Today, the city boasts of a thriving art community, eclectic neighborhoods, an affordable cost of living, safe streets and a diverse population. Places Rated Almanac ranked Louisville the 14th-best place to live in North America.

The climate is changeable because of the city's position in mid-altitudes and in the interior of the continent. In general winters are moderately cold and summers are very warm.

Area: 66.65 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 488 feet above sea level

Latitude: 38.23 N, Longitude: 85.75 W

Average Temperatures: January, 31.7° F; August, 75.8° F; annual average, 56.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 44.4 inches

Population: 2003 estimate: 248,762

Festivals

• Kentucky Derby - May 5, 2007
• Kentucky Derby Festival - April 21-May 6, 2006
• Lewis and Clark Ohio River Festival - Oct. 27-29, 2006
• Riverside Heritage Festival - Oct. 14, 2006
• Good Folk Fest - Nov. 18-19, 2006

Attractions

• Louisville Zoo
• Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom