looking for a place to retire to (Lexington, Frankfort: homes, neighborhoods)

[fiona]

i will be retiring in about six years and have been considering kentucky. i am looking for a smaller to mid size town, friendly neighbors, maybe a college town as i really enjoy live music (folk, jazz, classical), looking to buy an older 2 bedroom home with trees and a yard for my flower gardening. also would like opportunity to take art lessons, and some decent restaurants. need a place where cost of living is how and could buy a home for a low price. does anyone have any suggestions? thank you all in advance for your help and reccommendations.

[Sooner-On-The-Move]

I would highly recommend you consider Murray, KY. I was born and raised there. It fits your description perfectly. It is a beautiful little town physically. Very well maintained. Home to Murray State University, an attractive and well-thought-of mid-sized school. Many choices in restaurants, entertainment, etc. Only 15 miles or so from Kentucky lake. A few years back, it was ranked #1 Retirement Destination by Rand-McNally. It really seems perfect for you. Check it out!

[fiona]

thank you sooner on the move for your reccomendation. murray sounds like it would be just what i am looking for.

[Wildcat]

I would also recommend Frankfort. It is not a large town but located close to the bigger cities if you would like to take advantage of what they have to offer. The people in this area are very friendly and more than willing to help a neighbor in need. I had a get together for some online friends a couple of years ago and they went on and on about how beautiful this area is and how friendly all the people were they came in contact with during their stay.

The price of housing in Frankfort is lower than a lot of places in the U.S. There are many churches, events for seniors, etc. The autumn brings many festivals in the area which are very family oriented.

The older neighborhoods in the city limits provide many opportunities for the type of home you are seeking. Mature trees, quiet streets, friendly neighbors and there is a large older population. I've lived in this area now for twenty years and couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

I believe the population for this area is around 40,000. There are of plenty restaurants, shopping, etc.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, you can send me a PM and I'll be happy to answer your questions and if I don't know the answer, I'll get it!

[vmatc72]

I would also suggest Danville, the home of Centre College. Check out the Centre College web site and you'll see all the cultural opportunities.
Another nice area is Midway and Versailles. I'm a native Lexintonian and hope to retire to Miday.

[fiona]

thank you all for your suggestions. why did you choose midway?? what are the things which have drawn you to decide to retire there?

[fiona]

thank you wildcat for your suggestions on Frankfort. I've started doing some on line research and it looks like a charming town. Can you reccommend some neighborhoods or any to stay away from? Can you reccommend any smaller outlying towns? Thank you for your help it is very much appreciated!!!!

[watchmanonthewall]

Frankfort? Sorry folks but Kentucky State will dissapoint you. The town dies after the state capital closes and everyone goes home to Lexington. Shopping is very marginal.Traffic is terrible. About half of Frankfort is quite frankly an eye sore. Please consider Murray, Danville, and Berea. All three are excellent. These are the towns that T.V. shows on "the good life" are talking about. Frankfort? No way, not as a retirement venue.

[fiona]

thank you to everyone who has responded!! your replies have all been very helpful. would anyone know what the housing prices would be in berea, danville, or murray for an older 2 bedroom home. i like homes that have some character to them. thank you again for all your wonderful suggestions and web site ideas!!!!

[nalabama]

Frankfort is a lovely little town. It is also my idea of one of the best state capitals cities around, and my favorite place in Kentucky. It is very quiet though (in my opinion) and not a real college town with lots of live entertainment and music, as watchmanonthewall has already indicated.