why are people not moving into kentucky? (Lexington, Louisville: cheap house, public schools)

[tomocox]

Originally Posted by KY-BOY

The real culprit is the fact that the entire area sits in a river valley...the air here just hangs in the summer months. Last time I got off the airplaine in NH I was AMAZED...I swear my head was lighter that day. Incidentally I have an interview this Thursday for a job in NH.

I'm not saying the state here is bad, I just think there are other places with a lot more to offer. More culture, scenery, things to do, etc.

For those of you who felt I was responding to you personally, I am sorry you didn't see the above from KY-BOY. It was he that I was tongue-in-check calling treasonist.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by 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.

Amen! (Although Louisville unfortunately has plenty of big box squalor like any medium to large city, and the area inside 264 is the city's saving grace)

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by movingtolou

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...

I am so confident that the Louisville restuarant scene is top notch. Check the forum here for advice:

LouisvilleHotBytes.com

Louisville has several AAA four and five diamond rated properties. The Oakroom is five diamond and Z's, Lilly's, and the English Grill are four diamond.
Fine dining abounds in Louisville, and so soes sweet ethnic dining, anything from Vietnames to Senegalese to Ethiopian. For seafood, try Z's:

Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse

If you were wondering about McCormick and Schmick's, it will most likely locate in the new arena downtown. Another hot place for fusion type seafood would be:

S E V I C H E

As far as Zagat rating, I am unsure, but how many cities have an active foodie forum like LouisvilleHotBytes.com If you get on there and post, you will find serious foodies who will give you outstanding recs for whatever you want, and if it is not here, you will get recs for regional cities to get it. They also know good grocery and specialty retail recs on the forum there. If you cannot figure out how to access the forum, PM me.

The only local children's museum is the one downtown. I find it to be very nice even for younger children, and they are undergoing a large expansion. Younger children enjoy the discovery playground at Waterfront Park downtown on the river when it is warm out. Outside the largest cities with the best museums (really only Chicago and New York)), activities for young children are the same in every city over one million, including Louisville. Take them to one of our beautiful parks and never fear the homeless or crazies you find in the large coastal cities. Maybe some other younger moms will know more about kids on this site?

KentuckianaMoms | Where Moms Connect

There are other great museums here but yes, they are for an older crowd. The arts are excellent, as are the art galleries and hops. There are good local coffee roaster's like Sunergo's, Day's, Derby City Espresso, Atomic Saucer, and Jackson's Organic. Wine bars like Jenicca's or L&N are superb. There is a good street or family festival at least once a month. Keep attuned to what is going down:

LouisvilleKy.gov - www.louisvilleky.gov - Louisville Metro Government Official Website - Louisville, Kentucky (USA)

The website was named top three for any city in America. It is informative and well organized....get involved in your city!

[bluegrass magic]

i have lived in ky all my life, its such a special place, there is nothing wrong at all, and the population is not declining, if you have kids, the schools in the florence area, are great, housing cost is great, cost over all to live here is great. and once you get the fever of BIG BLUE, you will know why its such a great place to live.

[bluegrass magic]

oh did i mention it was GREAT.LOL

[Shay2181]

I was born in E-town & am currently living in Roanoke, Va. Al of my family lives there in Louisville. My fiance and are are in the process of relocating. He is actually leaving to go up there this Sunday. I will be in VA until we finalize selling our home.

I have done my research and we are looking forward to moving. We are excited to explore what the "big city" has to offer us as a young couple in our 20's! I have enjoyed learning more about KY on this thread, thanks you all so much! Some advice please...

My dad lives in the Valley Station area and we don't want to be too far from there. Any reccomendations on areas around there to move & possibly buy a home. One of the more important things about the area we decide on is the schooling. This hasn't really been discussed on this thread. It is very important to us that our future children get a good education!

Also how far is it to Indianapolis from Louisville, I have a good friend moving there.

Thank you all so much!!!

[Floridahater]

I fully understand the opinions of those that are younger concerning jobs and an active social climate. However, for me, I was born in the Washington, DC area and I have lived in Boston for a short time, LA, San Diego, CO Springs and now this flat and colorless crud hole called FL.

After I graduated from U of MD, I moved to CA and lived in that state for many years. I then moved to CO Springs and watched the wonderful development people plow down the foothills. I have seen it all and done it all--LA nightlife; work in commercials and small parts in tv and cinema as well as teaching, writing, et al. Now, I just want some peace and quiet away from crowds and crime. I hate shopping; therefore, the mall has no particular attraction for me. Just give me a small place in the mountains and allow me to write and teach in a small junior college or college and I'll be fine. I guarantee that many who leave now will grow to yearn for an easier life devoid of traffic and sprawl. However, I respect all of the opinions on this forum! But, for me, BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!! If I am not able to get to KY, I am going to try rural Maine!!!!

[kentuckygirl23]

Kentucky is a nice affordable place to live. However, it is mostly a rural state. The reason for the population decline is lack of industry. It is hard to make good money here because there are so few big cities so people find it necessary to relocate.
On a lighter note, it is one of the friendliest and safer places to live in the country. We just have trouble attracting people unless they like small town life. Good Luck.

[Sundance]

I disagree with that. Can you provide stats that KY's urban areas like Louisville, Lexington, and NKY have a poor economy?

No. Anyone can look stats up on the internet. Besides, I didn't say Louisville or Lexington. I said, generally speaking.....which means, the state, as a whole.

Louisville and Lexington probably are growing, or at least, staying the same.

But generally speaking, the economy in Kentucky isn't good.

My husband has a master's degree and after 3 years of living here, is yet to find a position locally.

My options are limited, as well, although I could get something. But the opportunities and options found in other places don't exist here. No sense denying it.

I also don't like the weather in KY, mercy, the summers are oppressively hot and muggy.

The people are fine but I'm one of those that think people are people wherever you go.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by Sundance

No. Anyone can look stats up on the internet. Besides, I didn't say Louisville or Lexington. I said, generally speaking.....which means, the state, as a whole.

Louisville and Lexington probably are growing, or at least, staying the same.

But generally speaking, the economy in Kentucky isn't good.

My husband has a master's degree and after 3 years of living here, is yet to find a position locally.

My options are limited, as well, although I could get something. But the opportunities and options found in other places don't exist here. No sense denying it.

I also don't like the weather in KY, mercy, the summers are oppressively hot and muggy.

The people are fine but I'm one of those that think people are people wherever you go.

Again, I disagree. Sorry about your husband's plight, but I wouldn't blame it on a "poor economy." Many national publications like Site Selection Magazine speak highly not only of the major cities of the state, but the state as a whole:

"Site Selection magazine has ranked Kentucky eighth in the nation in its 2007 Annual Business Climate Rankings.

Last year, the state ranked No. 7. In 2005, it ranked ninth.

The annual business climate rankings are determined by performance of the state in new and expanded business facility activity and by a survey of corporate site-seekers across the country, in which they were asked to rank their top 10 states according to the ease of doing business and overall business costs.

Performance and survey results are weighted equally, at 50 percent each.

Kentucky ranked No. 10 when judged by the executive survey alone"