What about Hopkinsville? Nice area? (Paducah, Oak Grove: high crime, home, to buy)

[Storm_06]

Bishard,

I moved from Hopkinsville about a year and a 1/2 ago and I want to move back. I thought I'd NEVER say that bc when me and my husband 1st got there, I hated it. I got so tired of being stared at. Of course, they were trying to figure out who we were. I know for the first 6 months of living there, we were asked if we were "military" bc Ft. Campbell is really close to Hoptown. We lived there for 6 years b4 moving to Owensboro and I'll say this....I'd move back to Hopkinsville tomorrow if I could. The job market here really sucks big time. I never had a problem getting a job in Hoptown. I had a really good job w/good benefits and good pay. Here? Well, I've been looking for a job since we've been here and can't find get anything that is remotely close to what I was making there. Clarksville, TN is really close, but I wouldn't want to deal w/the bad winters that TN has. It does get hot in Hoptown in the Summertime. There's not much to do in the way of shopping. You'd have to drive to Clarksville. But we thought it was worth it. After we got to know the people there, we really grew to like it. Of course, you're not gonna like everybody and everything..but you take that chance anywhere. The crime is kind of bad there though. And, Hopkinsville has a really large African-American population. You may/may not care about that. I'm not trying to be funny (bc I'm afam myself), but I wouldn't want you to be surprised.

[Any Ideas?]

I grew up in Hopkinsville and moved to Bowling Green to attend college. I have lived in a couple of different towns and it seems everyone has something to say about Hoptown! I just wish it was positive. I am very excited about how our down town is growing. I try to shop there as much as possible. IF you are new to the area and need a great gift idea stop by the Willows. Need a haircut? Check out Urban Lilly. And if you just want a good cup of joe-- try Coffee AND... Do I own any of these places?.. Nope. I am a teacher and just like spending my money with OUR people.
We have the Murray State regional campus in Hopkinsville and I am hoping that this will improve our image. Education is key to a postive life. It is not about money but what really makes us happy in life. College can open anyone's mind. We are getting more businesses over by the college and I hate to see the land go but I am keeping an open mind. Let's all focus on the positive of Hokinsville. If we set higher expectations with our kids we can chage our community. If you have any ideas, please share them!

Thanks!!
A Hopkinsville Romantic!

[Carter]

I read many of the posts with a sense of disgust. It's obvious that folks are sharing their opinions with little concern for accuracy.

Fact is that Hopkinsville is growing. In fact, 2007 saw a record year for housing starts and business start ups. US Census revised population estimate to show about 5% growth since 2000. Christian County's growth was even sharper wtih 7% growth.

Hopkinsville is located close to several other major communities which offer a plethora of entertainment options. But, make not mistake, Hopkinsville has a ton to offer with recently renovated Alhambra Theater, Tie Breaker Park Family Aquatics facility, Jeffers Bend Nature Park, Trail of Tears commemorative park, Land Between the Lakes, Pennyrile Forest State Park, etc...get the point.

It's got a good housing inventory with affordable prices. Property taxes are low, sales tax is low with no tax on groceries and prescription drugs...etc...sure, there are other forms of taxation but I don't feel the pinch and we seem to be sustaining momentum despite national trends...

I'd recommend calling the local chamber of commerce at 270-885-9096. I'm sure they'd be happy to share information. Best of luck in your search.

[neutrality101]

UMM r u talking about Downtown Hopkinsvillee?? You have been to other downtowns right??? Our downtown has been "growing" bec. of the 3 (or was it 4) new businesses over the last 3 years. 80% of downtown is abandoned and nasty, yes i guess their doing a better job of it now...... but Hopkinsville doesnt have near the economic plan it should have. Yes Hopkinsville does have potential, I myself have always wanted to buy abandoned buildings in the downtown area and make giant apartments out of them. Clarksville, not so good either i have been to their mall 20 times bec. their is nothing better ne where close to hopkinsvilee, I have been told but people to leave before dark or I will get shot. I have been told this buy cops and random people telling everyone to leave. Twice I have been their and seen the ambulances outside. The gang activity is crazy in that mall. Also, the clarksville theatre has been a prime spot for gang activity. I went their once and yess, their was gun shots, maybe im just bad luck or a pessimist ( i really dont like hopkinsville or clarksville) take my advice at face value.

[memphis2]

Christian County (not sure about Hopkinsville) may be doing better in 2007 than in the 80s, 90s, and early 00s, but it lost population during that time, while Montgoemery County, TN grew at above the national average. It has a LOT of catching up to do. I still would wager that the choice of relocation or retirment would be in Montgomery or Houston Counties in TN as opposed to the KY Counties.

I have to travel to I think all of the TN metros at least once a year. There is a Wal-Mart in Oak Grove, KY, count the TN and count they KY cars. TN outnumbers them, that should say it all.

[EclecticEars]

Originally Posted by memphis2

Christian County (not sure about Hopkinsville) may be doing better in 2007 than in the 80s, 90s, and early 00s, but it lost population during that time, while Montgoemery County, TN grew at above the national average. It has a LOT of catching up to do. I still would wager that the choice of relocation or retirment would be in Montgomery or Houston Counties in TN as opposed to the KY Counties.

I have to travel to I think all of the TN metros at least once a year. There is a Wal-Mart in Oak Grove, KY, count the TN and count they KY cars. TN outnumbers them, that should say it all.

You've pretty well summed it up.

Tennessee folk near our border shop over here to pay less in sales tax. But, look at how many Tenn. plates there are in a "border town" W-M parking lot compared to Ky. plates. (At least in SW Kentucky) That should tell you where many folks are moving to (i.e. - Nashville's northern outskirts, Clarksville)

[Davart]

Originally Posted by jcm1986

You've pretty well summed it up.

Tennessee folk near our border shop over here to pay less in sales tax. But, look at how many Tenn. plates there are in a "border town" W-M parking lot compared to Ky. plates. (At least in SW Kentucky) That should tell you where many folks are moving to (i.e. - Nashville's northern outskirts, Clarksville)

There are a lot of people that live in Kentucky along the broader that register their cars in TN (using a friend or relatives address) to avoid the tax. Kentucky just loves taxes. If you go to any boarder town you'd be surprised at the number of cars with TN tags .. I don't approve of it, but I know people that do it.

[memphis2]

There are a lot of people that live in Kentucky along the broader that register their cars in TN (using a friend or relatives address) to avoid the tax. Kentucky just loves taxes. If you go to any boarder town you'd be surprised at the number of cars with TN tags .. I don't approve of it, but I know people that do it.>>

That is a typical redneck mentality, but the same mentality exists in people that live in DeSoto County, MS on the Memphis border purchasing TN tags.

Here is some interesting news that symbolizes TN's desirability over KY and related to Hoptown.

-Hopkinsville's own Scotty Hopson, the only 5 star basketball recruit this year from Kentucky, cancelled his recruiting visit with the homestate University of Kentucky and committed to UT. He has probably seen his fellow Kentuckians flock south of the border his whole life and thought he would join them.

[kygman]

Originally Posted by neutrality101

UMM r u talking about Downtown Hopkinsvillee?? You have been to other downtowns right??? Our downtown has been "growing" bec. of the 3 (or was it 4) new businesses over the last 3 years. 80% of downtown is abandoned and nasty, yes i guess their doing a better job of it now...... but Hopkinsville doesnt have near the economic plan it should have. Yes Hopkinsville does have potential, I myself have always wanted to buy abandoned buildings in the downtown area and make giant apartments out of them. Clarksville, not so good either i have been to their mall 20 times bec. their is nothing better ne where close to hopkinsvilee, I have been told but people to leave before dark or I will get shot. I have been told this buy cops and random people telling everyone to leave. Twice I have been their and seen the ambulances outside. The gang activity is crazy in that mall. Also, the clarksville theatre has been a prime spot for gang activity. I went their once and yess, their was gun shots, maybe im just bad luck or a pessimist ( i really dont like hopkinsville or clarksville) take my advice at face value.

I've been to the Hopkinsville mall, during the day and night both, and have never heard gun shots and never been told to leave. Yes, there are parts of Hopkinsville I wouldn't go to at night, but you'll have places like that in just about any town the size of Hoptown and even smaller. The Clarksville mall is nice too, even the theater! Only problem with that mall is they hide it behind all those stores on Wilma Rudolph Blvd. I think you described yourself pretty good near the end of your comment.

[Rapunzll]

Originally Posted by bishard2

Hi -We would love to hear some takes on Hopkinsville...from what I understand, the weather is a bit warmer than say L'ville, and the housing a little more affordable? Any input would be great! Thanks isn advance

I was in Hopkinsville for the first time yesterday, driving around trying to find an address. IMO, the downtown area has a lot of potential, but that's about it. I can imagine that housing might be cheaper, it is an ugly town for the most part.