The Reserve at Cool Springs

If you've just received PCS orders to Fort Knox, congratulations — you're about to discover one of Kentucky's best-kept secrets. Elizabethtown (E-Town to locals) sits just 15 miles south of post and offers everything a military family needs: great schools, affordable living, and a community that genuinely welcomes service members.

Whether you're stationed at Human Resources Command, Cadet Command, or Recruiting Command, this guide covers everything you need to know about making E-Town home.

Getting to Fort Knox

Fort Knox is approximately 15 miles north of downtown Elizabethtown via US-31W (Dixie Highway). The drive takes about 20-25 minutes with no traffic. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is about 45 miles north — roughly 50 minutes away.

If you're driving in from out of state, I-65 runs right through E-Town, making it one of the easiest military installations to reach.

Schools — On Post

Fort Knox has its own DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school system with small class sizes and teachers experienced with military-connected students:

• Kingsolver Elementary School (Pre-K through 3rd)
• Pierce Elementary School (Grades 4-5)
• Fort Knox Middle School
• Fort Knox High School — 'The Eagles'

These schools are tuition-free for military dependents and specifically designed to support kids who move frequently.

Schools — Off Post

Families living in Elizabethtown attend Hardin County Schools — one of Kentucky's larger and well-regarded districts. Key high schools include:

• Elizabethtown High School — 'The Panthers' — strong academics and JROTC
• North Hardin High School — 'The Trojans' — large military-connected student body
• Central Hardin High School — 'The Bruins' — strong athletics
• John Hardin High School — 'The Bulldogs' — closest to Fort Knox

The separate Elizabethtown Independent Schools district covers the city proper and is known for excellent academics, including T.K. Stone Middle School and Panther Academy.

On-Post Resources You'll Use

• Fort Knox Commissary — 298 4th Avenue, Fort Knox
• Main Exchange (PX) — Full AAFES store with retail, food court, and services
• Ireland Army Community Hospital — On-post healthcare for TRICARE enrollees
• MWR — Pools, gyms, bowling alley, Anderson and Lindsey golf courses, outdoor recreation

Off-Post Housing — Where to Live

Most families stationed at Fort Knox choose to live off-post. Here are your main options:

The most popular choice for military families. Full range of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. 15-25 minutes to most post gates. Great schools, full retail corridor, and a growing restaurant scene. Rent for a 1-bedroom starts at $1,249/mo at communities like The Reserve at Cool Springs.

Directly adjacent to Fort Knox's south gate. 5-10 minutes to post. Generally $50-$150/month less than comparable E-Town units. Very military-friendly community.

Quieter, more rural options. Lower cost of living but fewer amenities. 10-25 minutes to post.

Why The Reserve at Cool Springs

Located just 15 minutes from Fort Knox, The Reserve offers luxury apartments starting at $1,249/mo with resort-style amenities — salt water pool, 24/7 fitness center, pickleball courts, and a dog park. We also offer furnished apartments and short-term leases for families in transition.

Ask about our Preferred Employee Special for military families — and let Toby, our AI apartment assistant, help you find your perfect floor plan before you even arrive in Kentucky.