Fairdale sits adjacent to Jefferson Memorial Forest, Kentucky's largest municipal urban forest, offering renters access to over 6,500 acres of wilderness featuring 35 miles of marked hiking trails and the popular Horine Conference Center. Once a separate community, Fairdale was annexed to Louisville in 2003 but maintains its distinct neighborhood feel within the larger metro area. The area features a mix of rental homes and smaller apartment communities that provide more space and privacy than downtown living.

Rental options in Fairdale include single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment communities, with average one-bedroom apartments renting for around $1,078 per month. Located approximately 12 miles south of downtown Louisville, the neighborhood offers a convenient location for commuters while maintaining a more relaxed atmosphere. Local amenities include the recently renovated Fairdale Library, Nelson Hornbeck Park, South Park Country Club, and shopping options along National Turnpike and Mount Holly Road.

The Fairdale area combines natural recreation areas with everyday conveniences. Residents enjoy relatively affordable housing costs compared to other Louisville neighborhoods, while the southern Jefferson County location provides easy access to both downtown Louisville's employment centers and the outdoor adventures available at Jefferson Memorial Forest. Popular trails like the Scott's Gap Trail and Mitchell Hill Lake Trail offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography right in the neighborhood's backyard.