The Ultimate Central Kentucky Relocation Checklist

by Austin Kutz

Central Kentucky relocation can feel overwhelming when you're juggling a home search, a job transition, and all the logistics of uprooting your life. Whether you're moving to the Elizabethtown area for work, PCSing to Fort Knox, or relocating from another part of Kentucky, having a structured checklist saves you from the "what did I forget?" panic that hits two weeks after you arrive. This guide covers everything from pre-move planning through settling into your new community.

60–90 Days Before Your Move

Housing

Start your home search early. In Central Kentucky's current market, desirable homes under $250K move within days. Getting pre-approved for your mortgage before you start looking puts you in a position to act quickly.
Research the different communities: Elizabethtown for suburban convenience, Radcliff for Fort Knox proximity, Vine Grove for small-town living, Bardstown for historic charm, and the I-65 corridor for those commuting to Louisville.
If buying remotely, connect with a local agent who can conduct video tours and provide honest assessments of neighborhoods and properties.
If renting first, know that Elizabethtown and Radcliff have the most rental inventory. Lease terms for military families should include a military clause per the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Employment & Finances

If your move is job-related, confirm your start date and any relocation assistance your employer provides.
Open a local bank account. Fort Knox Federal Credit Union and Lincoln Trail Federal Credit Union are both well-established in the area and offer military-friendly and community banking options.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage if buying. VA loans, FHA loans, and conventional financing are all widely available through local lenders.
Budget for moving costs. A long-distance move to Central Kentucky typically costs $3,000–$8,000+ depending on distance and household size. Military PCS moves are covered by the government, but weight limits apply.

30–60 Days Before Your Move

Schools

Research school districts based on where you're living. Elizabethtown has its own city school system (ECPS), while surrounding areas use Hardin County Schools. Bardstown falls under Nelson County Schools.
Request school records from your children's current school. Kentucky schools will need transcripts, immunization records, and any IEP or 504 plan documentation.
Schedule school tours if possible. Visiting during a school day gives you the most accurate feel for the environment.
For military families: DoDEA schools on Fort Knox are available for those living on post. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children ensures smooth enrollment transitions.

Logistics

Book your moving company or reserve a moving truck. Summer is peak PCS season in the Fort Knox area, and movers book up fast from May through August.
Submit a change of address through USPS at least two weeks before your move.
Notify your current utility providers of your disconnect date.
Make copies of important documents: birth certificates, Social Security cards, medical records, pet vaccination records, and vehicle titles.

1–2 Weeks Before Your Move

Utilities & Services

Electric: Nolin RECC serves most of Hardin County and the Fort Knox area. Set up service online or by phone before your move-in date.
Water: Hardin County Water District No. 1 or the city water department (depending on location). Bardstown has its own water utility.
Gas: Atmos Energy provides natural gas service in the area. Not all properties have gas — many homes use all-electric HVAC.
Internet: Spectrum is the primary broadband provider in Elizabethtown and surrounding areas. AT&T fiber is available in some newer developments. Rural properties along the I-65 corridor may have limited options.
Trash: City residents have municipal trash service included in their property taxes. County residents need to arrange private pickup through companies like Rumpke or Republic Services.

Medical & Prescriptions

Transfer prescriptions to a local pharmacy. CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacies are all represented in Elizabethtown.
Request medical and dental records from your current providers.
For TRICARE beneficiaries: register with Ireland Army Health Clinic on Fort Knox or select a TRICARE-network provider in the Elizabethtown area.
Baptist Health Hardin is the main hospital in the area. Louisville's major hospital systems are about 45 minutes north for specialized care.

First Week After Arrival

Vehicle & Driver's License

Kentucky requires new residents to obtain a Kentucky driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit the Hardin County Circuit Clerk's office in Elizabethtown to apply. Bring your out-of-state license, Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence.
Register your vehicle with the Hardin County Clerk within 30 days. You'll need the vehicle title, proof of insurance, and payment for registration fees and property tax on the vehicle.
Kentucky requires a vehicle inspection upon registration if your vehicle is coming from out of state. The county clerk's office will direct you to an authorized inspection station.
Active-duty military members stationed in Kentucky are generally exempt from re-registering vehicles and obtaining a Kentucky license if they maintain legal residence in another state.

Voter Registration

Register to vote at your new address through the Hardin County Clerk's office or online through the Kentucky Secretary of State's website. You can also register when you get your driver's license.

First Month: Getting Connected

Find your go-to grocery store. Kroger on Ring Road in Elizabethtown is the local favorite, but Walmart Supercenter, Aldi, and Save-A-Lot are also options.
Explore your community. Freeman Lake Park and the Elizabethtown Nature Park are great starting points. Bardstown's downtown has walkable shops and restaurants. The bourbon distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are a must-visit.
Connect with local groups. Churches, youth sports leagues, and volunteer organizations are the fastest way to build a social network in Central Kentucky. The Elizabethtown-Hardin County Chamber of Commerce and local Facebook groups are solid resources.
Find a primary care doctor, dentist, and veterinarian before you need one urgently. Waiting until there's an emergency limits your options.
If you have pets, locate the nearest emergency vet. Louisville has 24-hour emergency veterinary hospitals; locally, there are several well-regarded veterinary clinics in the Elizabethtown area.

Ongoing: Settling In

Update your estate planning documents (will, power of attorney, healthcare directive) to reflect Kentucky law. An estate attorney in Elizabethtown can handle this for a reasonable flat fee.
Review your homeowners insurance annually to ensure your coverage keeps pace with your home's value and any improvements you make.
File your Kentucky state income tax return the following April. Kentucky uses a flat 4% state income tax rate.
Get involved. The communities around Fort Knox are welcoming but tight-knit. The people who integrate fastest are the ones who show up — at school events, local festivals, and neighborhood gatherings.

We're Here to Help With Your Move

Relocating to Central Kentucky is a big step, and the housing piece is just one part of it. We help families navigate the entire process, from understanding which community fits their lifestyle to connecting them with local resources that make the transition smoother. Contact our team to get started with your relocation, or browse available homes to see what's on the market in the area you're considering.