I am worried about moving to Owensboro (rent, income)

[sandman1]

I just went back there for Thanksgiving and it wasn't so bad. It is a different city than I am used to and simply need to adjust to it..that's all. The biggest drawback for me is the isolation.

[jntcsumm4]

Hi! What can I say? I'm from Medford, WI and I have always wanted to live in the north where it gets snowy but my husband hates the snow so I have to like it or lump it. Love makes you do things you wouldn't normally do. I met my husband in the military 15+ years ago and when we got out the first thing we did was move to Owensboro. That lasted about 2 years because his dad's family couldn't stop trying to run our lives. We moved to the Chicagoland area where his mother lives and lasted about 3 years. His mother is relentlessly and unapologetically nosy, pushy and always looking for an argument. (That is what my husband said also). We then moved to Ware Shoals, SC for about 3 years where his Uncle lived. No job prospects. By then my husband had worked out his anger at being pushed around by his Grandma, dad and stepmom, so we moved back to Owensboro. He always said that he loved living here. We have live here now for 7, almost 8 years and don't plan on moving again until the kids are out of school.
I don't like it here because I think the town elders are very backwards thinking. We had an opportunity to have a huge casino built here but they said they don't want to bring all that gamboling (?) and badness that comes with even though there's bingo and lottery aplenty. They DON'T like to much change around here at all. The quality of healthcare is hit or miss. It depends on who you find for a doctor. If you are a quality doctor, you would be swamped with patients who would be overjoyed at having someone who really wants to help and doesn't just give you the minimum effort to get you out so they can fit in the next patient.
I DO like the public school system here specifically the Daviess County Schools. I was raised in a Catholic household and put through 8 years of "snotty rich kid school" as I call it. The only time Catholic schools are great is when there isn't any quality schools in that area. Our schools have been ranked 5th or higher in the state (and the country for West Louisville Elementary) for some years now. The other thing people put thier kids in Catholic school for is to keep them away from the bad element. Well, speaking from experience, my own and every other person I've ever met (that's a lot) who were subjected to Catholic school, drugs, sex and violence are usually just as bad or worse in Catholic school than public. The Catholic schools here are OK like you have heard but definately not as good academically (?) as the Daviess County schools. The kids here are usually all polite. It came as a shock to me at first, but when you go to the school, see them in public, or even if they come over to your house to visit your kids they are all unfailing respectful and polite!!! Out of all the places I've lived or visited in my life (A LOT, my parents moved quite a bit also) this IS the only place I've ever been where you don't have to be worried about the kids in the WHOLE community.
There IS a mall here, has been ever since I've heard of the place. It may not take hours to walk through, but I consider that a plus. Anywhere else you want to shop isn't all that far away because once you count traffic time, it's about the same as driving across a big city. Retail is subjective though. I'm assuming you own 1 or more computers? Online shopping is easier than fighting the crowds and rude store personnel. We even have 2 Wal-Marts. OOOOOOO! The people here are nice and helpful 99% of the time. They DID break ground on a new hospital but it's only going to be as good as the doctors in it and running it as any place is.
As far as the farm goes, you could definately hire someone to manage the farm, but that only goes as far as your willing to trust others.
I haven't run into many rude people here at all and that says something about how people's stress and values are. You could definately find worse places to raise your family and you could definately find better places to raise your family, but if you want a small town friendliness and stress level with a modern twist, you can't do much worse than Owensboro. After all, why does she really love it here? It can't be just her family. Give it a chance, you might get surprised.

[cb85136]

Just to let you know, there are more catholic schools here than just Owensboro Catholic School. My children attend Trinity High School in Whitesville and St. mary's grade school in Whitesville. THe school is really great and we have had a wonderful experience with them. Just thought I would let you know that there are more choices than just Owensboro Catholic. Good luck in your decision.

[sandman1]

Thank you for the helpful insight. I am very partial to private schools but by no means does that mean that I think the public ones are inferior in any way. I am a big fan of private schools and the enviroment they provide for my kids. For the most part they are at school with kids in which 98-99% will go on to attend college. Surrounding them with kids that have the same goals I believe helps them out a bit compared to other high schools where only 50-70 % will go on to college. My wife went to Owensboro High school and took AP classes and went to Transy but she told me that even some of her friends would ask her why she did her homework or answered questions in class. In private schools the students must do so or they are out....i'm digressing, that is a whole other issue to tackle another day. Like I said a place is what you make of it and when I end up there it will make the most of it.

[HiandBonjour]

I also have just moved to near Owensboro from Florida as I have grandchildren here in Whitesville about 12 miles east on 54. Grandchildren go to the Catholic school in Whitesville and its great. It is quite here, people have been very friendly to us. I know its layed back and not too much going on but that was what I wanted, The mall could be bigger but some really good local stores. I liked Mudd furniture in Owensboro and Green River appliances for our new home. And try out Rural King, they have everything for the garden and more.

[esya]

Maybe this is an opportunity for you to be a leader in bringing the new medical facility to Owensboro. Other people have done such things.

[beachgirl27]

I went to Owensboro High School and it was a great high school. There are many kids who are very involved in school and many go to college. I have been out of high school for ten years and my children now go to city schools. They are both all A students involved in academic team and many school sports as well as ballet. I wanted to leave this town for many years, but now that i have my own children, i see that owensboro is a great place to raise kids and very safe. We love to visit Nashville and Louisville or St. Louis for day trips often.

[PastorBill]

There is a great church there in owensboro you guys should visit. The name of the church is River City Church. Check it out.

[sandman1]

Could it be your churck Pastor Bill? No offense but it that is the big draw in Owensboro the town is in trouble.

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by PastorBill

There is a great church there in owensboro you guys should visit. The name of the church is River City Church. Check it out.

The OP specifically stated he is Catholic and wants his children to attend Catholic schools. This church is not Catholic, and therefore, not helpful to the OP's request.