Where should I live in Louisville? (Lexington, Frankfort: rental, crime rate, houses)

[solardream]

I'm considering a move from Kansas to Louisville sometime next year. I lived in Lexington for three years and loved it, but the greater number of amenities and lower housing costs has me interested in Louisville. I've only been through the city a few times though, and I don't know a whole lot, so I'm looking for ideas of neighborhoods to look into.

Here is my wish-list:
-very walkable, bike friendly, and close to public transit...preferably close to downtown
-decent but old rental houses in the $500-700/range
-public library, farmer's market, health food store, "hippie" culture (to a degree)
-demographic diversity, but family friendly (as much as a large city can be)
-walking distance to a nice park (I have a preschooler)
-decent crime rate. I lived in the Woodhill area in Lexington, so if anyone is familiar with that....I would like a crime rate like that or better. Or anything that isn't more dangerous than the worst neighborhoods in Lexington (I felt pretty safe all over Lexington).
-pretty, lots of trees, and a new-urbanist feel is always a plus

Thanks for any advice!!

P.S. Schools and jobs aren't a concern as I plan to home-school, and I'll be self-employed mostly from home.

[louroclou]

Sounds like St Matthews/Crescent Hill/Clifton to me... We're in St Matthews and love it.

[Off Topic]

I think you've hit the jackpot with your checklist and Louisville -- several areas fit the bill. The Highlands maybe most of all. Also look at Frankfort Lane area, but I like around Bardstown Road and the park.

[HatesWinter2118]

Anywhere around Seneca of Cherokee Park should suit all of your needs