Off-Post Housing Near Fort Knox — Community Comparison
If you've decided to live off-post at Fort Knox — or you're weighing it against Knox Hills on-post housing — the next question is where. Four communities surround Fort Knox, each with a different character, price point, and commute. This guide breaks them down side by side so you can make an informed decision before your boots hit Kentucky soil.
The good news: every community listed here is within 20 minutes of Fort Knox's gates, and BAH at most ranks covers the full cost of housing in all four areas — whether you're renting or buying with a VA loan.
| Community | Drive to Knox | Median Home | Avg Rent (3BR) | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethtown | ~15 min | ~$250,000 | $1,100-$1,300 | ~33,000 |
| Radcliff | ~5 min | ~$195,000 | $950-$1,150 | ~23,000 |
| Vine Grove | ~10 min | ~$185,000 | $900-$1,100 | ~7,000 |
| Brandenburg | ~20 min | ~$210,000 | $900-$1,100 | ~3,000 |
Elizabethtown — 15 Minutes South
Elizabethtown — "E-town" — is the largest community near Fort Knox and where most military families choose to live. The city of roughly 33,000 residents sits about 15 minutes south of Fort Knox's main gate via US-31W. It is the Hardin County seat and the commercial center of the region, which means you will find everything you need here without driving to Louisville.
Why Families Choose E-town
- Most amenities: E-town has the best selection of restaurants, shopping (Towne Mall, Ring Road corridor), grocery stores, medical facilities (Baptist Health Hardin), and entertainment in the area.
- School quality: Families can choose between Hardin County Schools and Elizabethtown Independent Schools, both with strong reputations and Purple Star designations for military family support.
- Neighborhood variety: From established communities like Helmwood Heights to newer developments like Foxwood and Nicholas Ridge, E-town has 14 distinct neighborhoods across every price range.
- Louisville access: E-town sits right on I-65, putting Louisville about 45 minutes north for those who want occasional access to a larger city.
Considerations
- Slightly longer commute to Fort Knox compared to Radcliff or Vine Grove (15-20 minutes vs 5-10).
- Higher home prices than Radcliff or Vine Grove, though still very affordable by national standards.
- More traffic congestion along Ring Road and N Dixie Avenue during peak hours.
Median home price: ~$250,000 | Average 3BR rent: $1,100-$1,300/mo | Commute: ~15 min via US-31W
Radcliff — 5 Minutes from the Gate
Radcliff is the closest community to Fort Knox and the most military-concentrated town in the area. With a population of about 23,000, it sits immediately south of the installation's main entrance along US-31W. If you want the shortest commute possible while still living off-post, Radcliff is your answer.
Why Families Choose Radcliff
- Proximity: You can be at work in 5 minutes. For early-morning PT formations or unexpected recalls, nothing beats being this close.
- Affordability: Radcliff's median home price of roughly $195,000 is significantly lower than E-town, meaning more BAH stays in your pocket or goes toward equity faster.
- Military community: Radcliff has a very high percentage of military-connected residents. Your neighbors understand the lifestyle, and the community is geared toward service members and their families.
- Decent schools: North Hardin High School and John Hardin High School are both in the area, with strong JROTC programs and military family support.
Considerations
- Fewer restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options compared to Elizabethtown.
- The town has a more utilitarian feel — strip malls and chain restaurants dominate the commercial corridor.
- Some neighborhoods show their age and lack the curb appeal of E-town's newer developments.
- Property values have historically appreciated more slowly than Elizabethtown.
Median home price: ~$195,000 | Average 3BR rent: $950-$1,150/mo | Commute: ~5 min via US-31W
Vine Grove — 10 Minutes, Small-Town Feel
Vine Grove is a small town of about 7,000 residents located roughly 10 minutes west of Fort Knox along KY-313. It offers a quieter, more rural alternative to Radcliff and Elizabethtown — the kind of place where you know your neighbors and kids ride bikes in the street.
Why Families Choose Vine Grove
- Most affordable option: With a median home price around $185,000, Vine Grove offers the most house for the money. An E-5's BAH would leave significant breathing room each month.
- Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere: Vine Grove has a genuine small-town character that many military families appreciate after living near busier installations.
- Reasonable commute: At 10 minutes to Fort Knox, you get the small-town feel without a painful drive.
- Larger lots: Properties in Vine Grove tend to have more land than comparable homes in Radcliff or E-town.
Considerations
- Very limited commercial amenities — you will drive to Radcliff or E-town for most shopping and dining.
- Fewer neighborhood options and less housing inventory when searching.
- Slower appreciation rates compared to E-town, though the lower entry price offsets this.
Median home price: ~$185,000 | Average 3BR rent: $900-$1,100/mo | Commute: ~10 min via KY-313
Brandenburg — 20 Minutes, Room to Breathe
Brandenburg is the Meade County seat, a small Ohio River town of about 3,000 residents located roughly 20 minutes northeast of Fort Knox. It is the most rural option and the farthest from post, but it offers something the other communities don't: space, privacy, and a distinctly non-military atmosphere.
Why Families Choose Brandenburg
- Larger properties: If you want acreage, a big yard, or a home away from subdivisions, Brandenburg and surrounding Meade County deliver. Multi-acre lots are common and affordable.
- Ohio River access: Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the river access, fishing, boating, and the natural beauty of the area. Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area is nearby.
- Non-military vibe: Some families prefer a community where the military presence is less dominant. Brandenburg offers a more typical rural Kentucky experience.
- Moderate prices: The median home price of roughly $210,000 reflects the larger lot sizes and rural character.
Considerations
- Longest commute of the four communities — 20-25 minutes to Fort Knox in good conditions.
- Meade County Schools (not Hardin County), which may have different programs and ratings.
- Very limited local shopping and dining — you will rely on E-town or Radcliff for most errands.
- More isolated feel that some families find too quiet, especially those accustomed to on-post life.
Median home price: ~$210,000 | Average 3BR rent: $900-$1,100/mo | Commute: ~20 min via US-31W N
Which Community Is Right for You?
Best overall for families: Elizabethtown — the most schools, neighborhoods, amenities, and long-term home value appreciation.
Shortest commute: Radcliff — 5 minutes to the gate, military-friendly community, most affordable rentals.
Most affordable to buy: Vine Grove — lowest median home prices, small-town charm, reasonable 10-minute commute.
Most space and privacy: Brandenburg — acreage, river access, rural character, but the longest commute.
Still weighing your options? Our on-post vs off-post comparison can help you decide whether to go off-post at all, and the PCS guide covers the full moving timeline.
Find Your Off-Post Home Near Fort Knox
Austin Kutz at Compass and Key Group is a Marine Corps veteran who helps military families find the right home in the right community. Whether you're drawn to E-town's neighborhoods, Radcliff's proximity, Vine Grove's charm, or Brandenburg's open spaces, Austin knows every corner of the Fort Knox area and can match your BAH budget to a home your family will love.
Call (270) 735-3897