why are people not moving into kentucky? (Lexington, Louisville: buy, cinema)

[LittleMan]

FUNNY!

I Grew up in Kentucky and have lived in South Florida for the last 10 years. When I fly into Lexington, and walk outside, I take deep breath and ask myself why I haven't moved home.

[movingtolou]

The OP does have some validity to her statistics...

Moderator cut: url

I am a pretty impartial party in this discussion, as I have lived many places. I don't want this to be taken as some kind of 'turf war' discussion, but since the OP asked a valid question, I will attempt to answer from a non-native Kentuckian perspective. I can understand and appreciate why people who have lived in Louisville and have family & friends here would love it. I do think that there is an interesting vibe to the downtown; I was surprised to note the local arts scene; there are incredible caves, and Pleasant Hill to visit....

I think, from an outsider perspective, a lot of people considering the South (which is what I have always considered Kentucky) still like to be in a coastal state... Having been born in the Mid-West, I never even tried lobster until my family moved to the East Coast...there's nothing like having fresh seafood readily available, and being able to get to a beach within a couple of hours...

For me, the pollution levels in Jefferson County are a also big issue. And right, or wrong...for some reason Kentucky just feels very isolated to me...geographically...for some reason. I guess it's because the reall 'big' cities are all a few hours drive away.... There aren't nearly as many museums and/ or tourist attractions as I would've expected...I found that when I lived in California I was taking my children to science museums, children's museums, LaBrea Tar Pits, etc. When I asked someone in Louisville what there was to do (for children), they told me there was a Chuck E Cheese....

...and I've said it before, but the shopping situation is pretty grim. I do wish Trader Joe's would open up around here... (and a Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, OffSaks, Babystyle, Hanna Andersson, H&M, a good premium 'outlet' center...). It's just really difficult to live without the ammenities that most big cities have. I guess some people looking at Southern Cities consider Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte...all because they have some of that Southern charm + some of those other ammenities I mentioned. I do think that every city/region has it's unique features, and that said, I will continue to explore and see all that we can fit in while we are living here... (I haven't made it to the caves yet, but I've shown pictures to my childen & we are excited to see them!)

I do find it odd that you went off on the political tangent Tomcox; I'm not so sure that the Republican party is known for it's integrity & fiscal responsibility/ conservatism anymore?!?! Surely Ernie Fletcher isn't Kentucky's strongest 'sell'?

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by movingtolou

The OP does have some validity to her statistics...
Moderator cut: link removed

I am a pretty impartial party in this discussion, as I have lived many places. I don't want this to be taken as some kind of 'turf war' discussion, but since the OP asked a valid question, I will attempt to answer from a non-native Kentuckian perspective. I can understand and appreciate why people who have lived in Louisville and have family & friends here would love it. I do think that there is an interesting vibe to the downtown; I was surprised to note the local arts scene; there are incredible caves, and Pleasant Hill to visit....

I think, from an outsider perspective, a lot of people considering the South (which is what I have always considered Kentucky) still like to be in a coastal state... Having been born in the Mid-West, I never even tried lobster until my family moved to the East Coast...there's nothing like having fresh seafood readily available, and being able to get to a beach within a couple of hours...

For me, the pollution levels in Jefferson County are a also big issue. And right, or wrong...for some reason Kentucky just feels very isolated to me...geographically...for some reason. I guess it's because the reall 'big' cities are all a few hours drive away....and I've said it before, but the shopping situation is pretty grim. I do wish Trader Joe's would open up around here... (and a Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, OffSaks, Babystyle, Hanna Andersson, H&M, a good premium 'outlet' center...). It's just really difficult to live without the ammenities that most big cities have. I guess some people looking at Southern Cities consider Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte...all because they have a little bit of the Southern charm + some of those other ammenities I mentioned. I do think that every city/region has it's unique features, and that said, I will continue to explore and see all that we can fit in while we are living here... (I haven't made it to the caves yet, but I've shown pictures to my childen & we are excited to see them!)

I do find it odd that you went off on the political tangent Tomcox; I'm not so sure that the Republican party is known for it's integrity & fiscal responsibility/ conservatism anymore?!?! Surely Ernie Fletcher isn't Kentucky's strongest 'sell'?

The shopping in Nashville and Louisville is virtually identical with a few exceptions...Charlotte has Saks and Neiman, and have fast growing sprawlburbs that have allowed South Park Mall to attract these stores. Other than that, I am really not buying the shopping is that much different. Besides, if you live on the other side of town in Charlotte, it takes you an hour to get to these stores at South Park in traffic. If you live in the NE suburbs of Louisville, you are just as close to those stores in downtown Cincinnati (about an hour).

The shopping in Louisville is not horrible and I certainly think Louisville has lots of big city amenities if you just seek them out. Ok, its not great like Chicago or a really big city, yes. But have you tried some of the local boutiques? I mean, this place carries Armani, Burberry, St. John, and more:

Rodes Labels: For Her

And some of the local boutiques on Bardstown Road, Frankfort Ave, and Lexington Road offer the city a unique sense of style. Sure, this isn't Beverly Hills...but what do you expect in the Southeast?

Don't get me wrong...I am not sure why Louisville doesn't even have a Nordstrom. I mean come on, right? Much smaller cities have one. I think Louisville should have some of the basic stores like Crate and Barrel. Fort Wayne, Indiana has an H&M, but would you rather live there than here? I'd seriously rather be shot before living in a smaller town like that. Personally, I have found the local Von Maur comprable to many Nordstrom's in smaller markets like the one in downtown Indianapolis.

What else does Louisville not have that Charlotte or Nashville have besides pro teams? I really can't think of much. Nashville has the best nightlife, but I think Louisville beats Charlotte in the regard. Louisville easily has the best restaurants, the prettiest topography, and the least traffic and friendliest people of the three in my humble opinion. Louisville has the best architecture and urban neighborhoods and is the least generic of those three cities...Louisville is a more indie friendly city. Again, I am just curious as to what you are looking for? Nashville is not much closer to any beach than Louisville, and Louisville is much closer to nice Midwestern cities for day trips: Indy, Cincy, and most importantly, Chicago.

I guess the reason I have grown to like Louisville so much is that it is so unique. You won't find a Bardstown Road or Frankfort Avenue in Charlotte. Not even close. I had the unfortunate chance to live there for a while...what a homogenous city! Those that appreciate the American homogeny of the same outlet malls, lifestyle centers, and strip malls may not like it here, but I find the uniqueness of the city and its vehement support for indie, local culture to be very enticing. And even though I am a "outsider" in that I have lived in several cities, what I love about Louisville is that it is so unique, and I find those looking for the same type of suburb they left in DC or Philly or Denver or whatever won't find it here...and I really like that! And I think the reason the arts and other indie culture here is so prominent is because it attracts those types versus those looking for outlet malls.

Keep Louisville Weird
The video on this site sums up the attitude of much of the residents of Louisville.

[LouisvilleJake]

movingtolou,

You're someone who I would bet is happier when living in a large Northeast or West Coast city. Unfortunately for what you want, Louisville may not being a great place for you. But while you are in town there are several places that may satisfy your needs for amenities.

For your children, have you visited The Louisville Science Center on West Main in downtown? Next door you will find the Frazier Historical Arms Museum, which offers hourly activities, reenactments, and shows for children. Across the street from there you will find the Louisville Slugger Museum if your children happen to like baseball history. While you're downtown you can set up a private glass blowing lesson for your children at the Glassworks Studio just around the corner from the above mentioned museums. The prices may be a little high for some parents, but for others it may be perfectly reasonable.

Another option would be the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. It offers a lot of history about horse racing in America and Kentucky. At the University of Louisville you will find Rausch Planetarium, which proves popular with children, and school groups often times will go there. Louisville also has a professional childrens theatre group called Stage One and their website is Stage One :: Louisville's professional theatre for young audiences :: Welcome, which may give you a chance to share theatre with your kids while living in Louisville. Another group called the Blue Apple Players tours the southeast reagion, but is based in Louisville. In the Indiana suburb of Clarksville you will find 2 small theatre houses - Derby Dinner Playhouse and Clarksville Little Theatre - both of which offer productions that are appropriate for the entire family, and a great asset because the prices are very fair, and most people in Louisville don't know they exist.

You mention caves, and there are tons of them in the area. If you were to cross over in Indiana there are also some fun caves. Marengo Caves offers several cave tours lasting from 45 minutes to 10 hours! Marengo Caves is about 40 minutes west of Louisville on I-64. While you're driving west in you could always stop in Corydon, Indiana which was the first state capital. The first capitol building is still there, with tours and lots of history, which your children may enjoy. (Adults like it too)

In Kentucky you will find Mammoth Cave National Park, which is simply outstanding, so be prepared to spend a weekend there.

For your clothing fix, I second the recommendation by stx12499. If you were to pick up the September 2007 issue of Harper's Bazaar, you'd have noticed that Rodes for Her was named one of their favorite 100 boutiques in America. Esquire named Rodes for Him one of their top 35 mens boutiques in America. As a new resident, I understand the desire to look for national name brand stores, and if you don't see them, you then think you can't find the brands and styles you're looking for. Monied Louisvillians get their wardrobes from the boutiques lining Brownsboro, Frankfort, and if you want something funky, even Bardstown Roads. Many of those boutiques also host travelling trunk shows with designers from the coasts - much like the old days - and that is a very popular way to get clothes in the city. The Von Maur at Oxmoor Center is also a good place to stop by from time to time.

I am sure Louisville may try your patience because it sounds like it isn't what you're looking for in life, but it does pain me when someone says all there is to do in Louisville for kids in "Chuck E Cheese" and there is no shopping. Louisville isn't a megacity, but it isn't exactly tiny either. It has it's own way of doing things, which may be different than most of the US, which I think is a good thing. I hope you'll do some research about some of those suggestions for your children and that you make your time in Louisville as enjoyable as possible.

Best of Luck, and if you're looking for more things to do with your children and family I am sure we can help - the list I made was simply what I could think of off the top of my head, and that is just scratching the surface....any city is what you make it to be.

[tomocox]

I hope you change your screen name after such a "treasonist" response. Actually, what you write of is part of the Ohio River Valley only. While most Kentuckians live in the valley, much of Kentucky has a much less humid summer climate. Part of Kentucky's attractiveness is there is less. It's a slower paced life, full of opportunity offering plenty of time to enjoy the important things that make life better. I personally enjoy working with people whom are much more likely to be involved with their family, their community, and churches.

[movingtolou]

Originally Posted by tomocox

I hope you change your screen name after such a "treasonist" response. Actually, what you write of is part of the Ohio River Valley only. While most Kentuckians live in the valley, much of Kentucky has a much less humid summer climate. Part of Kentucky's attractiveness is there is less. It's a slower paced life, full of opportunity offering plenty of time to enjoy the important things that make life better. I personally enjoy working with people whom are much more likely to be involved with their family, their community, and churches.

I hardly think I need to change my name to 'treasonist'... I gave an objective perspective; I apologize of you can't handle objectivity.

The OP asked a legitimate question... No I didn't give a 'beauty pageant answer.' I pointed out several (in my opinion) positives, and several (in my opinion) negatives of Louisville. He/she asked why some people are possibly NOT moving to Kentucky. In every place I have ever lived I have understood the things that I like & the things that I don't like...and I have never taken offense if someone told me 'Ughh, I can't stand LA"; "Ughh, Boston is just too busy for me"; or "Nah, Miami is just too humid for me..."

[movingtolou]

Originally Posted by stx12499

The shopping in Nashville and Louisville is virtually identical with a few exceptions...Charlotte has Saks and Neiman, and have fast growing sprawlburbs that have allowed South Park Mall to attract these stores. Other than that, I am really not buying the shopping is that much different. Besides, if you live on the other side of town in Charlotte, it takes you an hour to get to these stores at South Park in traffic. If you live in the NE suburbs of Louisville, you are just as close to those stores in downtown Cincinnati (about an hour).

The shopping in Louisville is not horrible and I certainly think Louisville has lots of big city amenities if you just seek them out. Ok, its not great like Chicago or a really big city, yes. But have you tried some of the local boutiques? I mean, this place carries Armani, Burberry, St. John, and more:

Rodes Labels: For Her

And some of the local boutiques on Bardstown Road, Frankfort Ave, and Lexington Road offer the city a unique sense of style. Sure, this isn't Beverly Hills...but what do you expect in the Southeast?

Don't get me wrong...I am not sure why Louisville doesn't even have a Nordstrom. I mean come on, right? Much smaller cities have one. I think Louisville should have some of the basic stores like Crate and Barrel. Fort Wayne, Indiana has an H&M, but would you rather live there than here? I'd seriously rather be shot before living in a smaller town like that. Personally, I have found the local Von Maur comprable to many Nordstrom's in smaller markets like the one in downtown Indianapolis.

What else does Louisville not have that Charlotte or Nashville have besides pro teams? I really can't think of much. Nashville has the best nightlife, but I think Louisville beats Charlotte in the regard. Louisville easily has the best restaurants, the prettiest topography, and the least traffic and friendliest people of the three in my humble opinion. Louisville has the best architecture and urban neighborhoods and is the least generic of those three cities...Louisville is a more indie friendly city. Again, I am just curious as to what you are looking for? Nashville is not much closer to any beach than Louisville, and Louisville is much closer to nice Midwestern cities for day trips: Indy, Cincy, and most importantly, Chicago.

I guess the reason I have grown to like Louisville so much is that it is so unique. You won't find a Bardstown Road or Frankfort Avenue in Charlotte. Not even close. I had the unfortunate chance to live there for a while...what a homogenous city! Those that appreciate the American homogeny of the same outlet malls, lifestyle centers, and strip malls may not like it here, but I find the uniqueness of the city and its vehement support for indie, local culture to be very enticing. And even though I am a "outsider" in that I have lived in several cities, what I love about Louisville is that it is so unique, and I find those looking for the same type of suburb they left in DC or Philly or Denver or whatever won't find it here...and I really like that! And I think the reason the arts and other indie culture here is so prominent is because it attracts those types versus those looking for outlet malls.

Keep Louisville Weird
The video on this site sums up the attitude of much of the residents of Louisville.

Thank You stx & LouisvilleJake. I will look into the boutique that you mentioned... and Mammoth Cave is certainly on my list. I am certainly not looking for strip malls... I have read many of your posts stx, and found many of them very helpful. My impression, is that the downtown (as I said above), surprised me with it's arts scene... I mentioned in a post of my own, that I stayed at the 21c hotel downtown, and thought it was wonderful...but the suburbia that surrounds the city is very much like the mid-western town that I was born in, have gone back and visited, and now vast farmland is filled with pockets of developed/planned 'communities' and strip malls.

I think as far as Southern architecture goes... South Carolina is beautiful. And probably gets more publicity for it than Louisville.

And I don't know enough about Nashville to compare it to Louisville, but I was told that Nashville has an OffSaks, and a Barney's outlet... I will absolutely check out as many of the unique shops; rows; and parks as I can. I have bought about 4 books on Kentucky!

I do think that some other Southeastern states get better recognition for their universities...and that is always a draw for people (esp. when connected to a good medical school/ teaching hospitals). I am only mentioning that Duke/ Vanderbilt/ Emory...all usually rank well in US News and World Reports. For the RECORD, I am not debating the merits of all of these schools as they compare to local univerities/ colleges....I am just explaining that they clearly get better recognition.

The bottom line is...like all places, Louisville is unique. It has it's a unique history that you will not find elswhere...it is an interesting hybrid of the Southeast & Midwest; and I have indeed met very friendly people here.

Perhaps a better way to examine the original question would be....If you could live anywhere other than Louisville, KY; where would it be & why? Then the OP will actually generate some answers to her original question...

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by movingtolou

Thank You stx & LouisvilleJake. I will look into the boutique that you mentioned... and Mammoth Cave is certainly on my list. I am certainly not looking for strip malls... I have read many of your posts stx, and found many of them very helpful. My impression, is that the downtown (as I said above), surprised me with it's arts scene... I mentioned in a post of my own, that I stayed at the 21c hotel downtown, and thought it was wonderful...but the suburbia that surrounds the city is very much like the mid-western town that I was born in, have gone back and visited, and now vast farmland is filled with pockets of developed/planned 'communities' and strip malls.

I think as far as Southern architecture goes... South Carolina is beautiful. And probably gets more publicity for it than Louisville.

And I don't know enough about Nashville to compare it to Louisville, but I was told that Nashville has an OffSaks, and a Barney's outlet... I will absolutely check out as many of the unique shops; rows; and parks as I can. I have bought about 4 books on Kentucky!

I do think that some other Southeastern states get better recognition for their universities...and that is always a draw for people (esp. when connected to a good medical school/ teaching hospitals). I am only mentioning that Duke/ Vanderbilt/ Emory...all usually rank well in US News and World Reports. For the RECORD, I am not debating the merits of all of these schools as they compare to local univerities/ colleges....I am just explaining that they clearly get better recognition.

The bottom line is...like all places, Louisville is unique. It has it's a unique history that you will not find elswhere...it is an interesting hybrid of the Southeast & Midwest; and I have indeed met very friendly people here.

Perhaps a better way to examine the original question would be....If you could live anywhere other than Louisville, KY; where would it be & why? Then the OP will actually generate some answers to her original question...

Hey movingtolou, if you are looking for a little better shopping, look no further than Indianapolis. They will have Saks, Nordstrom, Crate and Barrel, and some other stores that you may like like Tiffany's. The shopping in Nashville is really not much better than Louisville, and most definitely not worth the trip there. By the way, Louisville will be getting several Trader Joe's soon, and a Nordstrom announcement is pending I have heard.

For me, Louisville's unique vibe and flair and antichain mentality makes up for some of the things it lacks. For example, many people were so excited the city has PF Chang's, but for many of us, who needs that place when we have Asiatique and August Moon? I must admit I do enjoy a nice Gucci suit, and while I may not find it here, I enjoy traveling to Chicago or New York to get one. You sure won't find what I am looking for in Charlotte...only the largest 10 or 15 coastal cities have all the stores you are looking for. All in all, I agree with Louisvillejake's assessment of your situation...but at least try some of the unique things about Louisville while you are here! If you are in need of ideas, both for shopping and things to do for your kids, just let me know. I also have good arts and restaurants recommendations, and since I am well traveled, I am confident in saying these scenes in Louisville offer at least a taste of what you would find in the nation's largest cities.

[movingtolou]

Originally Posted by stx12499

By the way, Louisville will be getting several Trader Joe's soon, and a Nordstrom announcement is pending I have heard.

WOOOHOOO!!! I actually went on the Trader Joe's web-site & suggested a Louisville location. Don't get me wrong, I do love shopping that is unique to the region... but there are some products that you just get used to picking up... 'staples', if you will... I really do read up your interesting suggestions.

Where would you say the best (fresh) seafood is in the Louisville area? Does Louisville have a Zagat guide? I tried to find one on Amazon.com but I couldn't find one... Also, I went to the Science Museum; but the exhibits were really geared towards older children (mine are pre-schoolers)...does Louisville have a children's museum/ discovery museum? I will take my children to the Cincinnati Aquarium...and I think they'll enjoy that. We used to do whale watches in New England...they loved those. I will have fun taking the kids to all of the Chicago museums that I went to as a child... and as I mentioned, we will definately do the cave trips. I am interested in Pleasant Hill....it reminds me a it of Plymouth & Sturbridge Village (Massachusetts). I will adjust to the things I miss... I will probably have to take shopping 'excursions' to Woodbury Crossings (NY), and Chicago.

If you have any 'must see's' I do appreciate them...

[cobolt]

You know---I don't want to be the wet blanket here, but sometimes not having all these hot stores and what is considered by some to be upscale shopping isn't necessarily a bad thing, although I will second the Trader Joes motion. We don't want Louisville or wherever looking like from where we fled for a better life in the first place. I'm not against development, but I am saying that sometimes if you move somewhere new and want what you had elsewhere, then where is the charm in your new digs? Soon your new place becomes the same, overgrown, big box squalor you left in the first place.