What's Murray like?

[kentuckydad95]

Originally Posted by Cav Scout wife

What about the 'vampire clan' a few years back that did all the crap in Murray?

For the record, what the the handful of teens do IN Murray? Their hangout, the "Vampire Hotel" was not located in Murray, but was located in LBL. The murders happened IN FLORIDA. So what exactly did a handful of outcast teens do IN MURRAY? Did they vandalize a cemetary? To be honest, I cannot remember that happening, not to say it didn't. Now I have to ask, does vandalizing not happen in every town with some sort of population? Murray has a major drug problem, along with MAYBE less than a handful of murders within the past 10 years. Sounds better than so cities/towns that I can think of.

[kentuckydad95]

I'm not sure why I am even defending Murray as hard as I am. I used to hate Murray, now I like it. That got me to thinking; every town/city/village in the world has it's pluses and minuses. If there were one place that was perfect, everyone on earth would want to live there. No place is perfect. Deal with it.

[Cav Scout wife]

Originally Posted by kentuckydad95

For the record, what the the handful of teens do IN Murray? Their hangout, the "Vampire Hotel" was not located in Murray, but was located in LBL. The murders happened IN FLORIDA. So what exactly did a handful of outcast teens do IN MURRAY? Did they vandalize a cemetary? To be honest, I cannot remember that happening, not to say it didn't. Now I have to ask, does vandalizing not happen in every town with some sort of population? Murray has a major drug problem, along with MAYBE less than a handful of murders within the past 10 years. Sounds better than so cities/towns that I can think of.

I'm not exactly sure, since I was on base in Okinawa when it happened, lol. But I was told some local idiots would sacrifice animals and crap, and there were a few rapes and attempted murders due to it.

I dunno exactly, just throwing it out there more than anything.

[IreneMeansPeace]

Hey folks, Thanks for all the banter. Without having been there yet, I think I have a fair idea of the pros and cons of Murray.
I'm buying a property in Buchanan, TN, and am very excited about the move back to the Midwest/South after nearly 20 years in California's Central Sierra. (Grew up in StL, MO, and Monroe, LA.)
I just sent a job application to MSU hoping to get a foot in the door at entry level. I'm sure I could find something in Paris, TN, but probably in fast food, which I'd rather not do with a college degree, lol. Not a lot of healthcare benefits offered there either!
I wonder though if someone could tell me what is the local sales tax rate, and which 'big box' stores there are in Murray? Is there a Home Depot or Lowe's, Costco or Sam's Club, large or 24-hour supermarket or pharmacy?
Also, our property has a stable and I hope to get a small horse or large pony. A friend out here told me I might get an older one free to a good home, because feed is so expensive and the economy is so stinky. Any comments or suggestions?
Thank you! Irene

[kentuckydad95]

Originally Posted by IreneMeansPeace

Hey folks, Thanks for all the banter. Without having been there yet, I think I have a fair idea of the pros and cons of Murray.
I'm buying a property in Buchanan, TN, and am very excited about the move back to the Midwest/South after nearly 20 years in California's Central Sierra. (Grew up in StL, MO, and Monroe, LA.)
I just sent a job application to MSU hoping to get a foot in the door at entry level. I'm sure I could find something in Paris, TN, but probably in fast food, which I'd rather not do with a college degree, lol. Not a lot of healthcare benefits offered there either!
I wonder though if someone could tell me what is the local sales tax rate, and which 'big box' stores there are in Murray? Is there a Home Depot or Lowe's, Costco or Sam's Club, large or 24-hour supermarket or pharmacy?
Also, our property has a stable and I hope to get a small horse or large pony. A friend out here told me I might get an older one free to a good home, because feed is so expensive and the economy is so stinky. Any comments or suggestions?
Thank you! Irene

Paris, TN has even less jobs than Murray. The pay at the university is not that great, but their health insurance is pretty decent.

As far as shopping, you will want to do ALL of it in Murray. The sales tax in TN is close to 10% and it's only 6% in KY. And KY doesn't have a tax on groceries. We don't have a Costco or Sam's (I wish we did), but there is a Sam's 50 miles north in Paducah.

Pharmacies:

Walmart
Walter's
Rite Aide
CVS (24 hours)
Walgreen's (24 hours)
Krogers
Fred's
Medical Arts Pharmacy (at the hospital)

Grocery:

Walmart (24 hours)
Krogers (24 hours)
Food Giant
Save-A-Lot

Big Box:

Walmart (24 hours)
Krogers (24 hours)
JC Penny
Sears
Fred's
Big Lots
Orscheln Farm & Home
Southern States
Lowe's

Those are the one's I can think of off the top of my head. If you need a listing of restaurants, I am an expert at those!!!

[IreneMeansPeace]

I have a feeling I'll be spending most of my shopping time in Murray and Paducah rather than Jackson, Memphis or Nashville.
As far as MSU pay goes, I noticed it was pretty low compared to similar jobs around here. But so are the home prices, cost of living, and property taxes. Perhaps it'll be enough to cover the mortgage without also needing a second job delivering pizzas!
Thanks again for your input. I may take you up on the offer to share your extensive restaurant research notes!

[Truth95]

I have to say that Kentuckydad95 is telling ALL TRUTH and I could fill half of Roy Stewart Stadium with people who would agree HANDS DOWN! I was born in Murray (fond childhood memories), moved away at age 5, returned in '95, completed degrees, started a family, work full-time (decent job), kids in city schools - all of that. I'm not sour/bitter or anything because my children and I have had a fairly decent life here. Murray has definitely grown over the last few years and is a decent, affordable place to raise a family.

HOWEVER, if I intend to grow as a professional, have exposure to more CULTURAL events/opportunities and want my kids exposed to a more diverse population and opportunities to excel in a variety of areas - I will have to leave here. Also, if you cannot have any degree of "privacy" living in Murray, no matter how hard you try. Murray is truly one of those towns where your status and success depends on WHO YOU KNOW.

The last fourteen years have been real, but it is time for us to leave Murray, KY. Opportunity knocks!

Thanks Kentuckydad95, for KEEPING IT ALL THE WAY REAL!

[Ghost Hunting Gal]

You can make the most of any place you choose to live, or you can decide not to. You'll never find a place that has no crime, many places everywhere have little job opportunities these days. A lot depends on the field you are interested in working in. Don't expect to get rich here, but don't expect to spend all your money on housing and utilities, because they're pretty low. Status depends on who you know EVERYWHERE. It's no different in Murray. If you're not hob knobbing with the top dogs, you will find a group you're comfortable with. I'm not invited to the top events by the top people, but those people are nice to me, and stop to talk when I see them. Because it's a nice small town. As far as opportunities for children, mine are grown. However, my grandchildren are active in several clubs, have taken dance and music, and are active in Playhouse In The Park, and one has been to quite a few competitions through the school, one went to a science and technology workshop through the school, and one had the chance to go to Washington D.C. to a national debate competition. Cool, huh?