The central location brings a diverse base of mostly light to medium manufacturing concerns, many tied to the automotive and machinery industries. Larger names include Dana Corporation, Dow Corning, Gates Rubber, and Remington (firearms). UPS operates a logistics center. Cost of living and housing are quite reasonable. A 300-bed hospital anchors the health care scene. Besides Louisville, the area is close to Fort Knox to the north, Mammoth Cave to the south, and Bardstown to the east.

Terrain is flat to gently rolling with mixed agricultural and other uses. The variable continental climate brings hot, humid, subtropical summers punctuated by thunderstorms. Weather patterns at other time of year are active due to the location near storm tracks and the border between warm, moist Gulf air and cooler air from the north. Winters are an unpredictable mix with rain and occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring may bring strong storms, while fall seasons are relatively dry and pleasant. First freeze is mid to late October, last is mid-April.