Who has ever moved out of Kentucky? Why do you return or not return? (Lexington: construction, college)

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by bulldozr

Congratulations on your impending move, jcm1986! I hope that you find in Houston what you deem to be lacking in the Commonwealth.

I just thought I'd put my two cents' worth on the table, for what it's worth. I can definitely empathize with the desire to get out and see the world. I grew up in the Louisville area and, starting around the age of 14, grew to hate it. I couldn't wait to get out! Such was my desire to leave behind the Commonwealth for good that I didn't even bother applying to colleges in-state. I figured I'd leave and never look back. Indeed, I remember seeing the "Welcome to Kentucky" sign through the car's rearview mirror as I drove to my university in Washington, DC and laughing to myself. I couldn't believe I had finally done it!

Four years later, I have done a complete 180! I spent a year living in South America, and the rest of my university career was spent amongst privileged East Coast trust-fund brats who taught me (unknowingly, I'm sure) how lucky I was to have grown up in a place like Kentucky; a place where childhood summers were spent running outdoors and where a deep sense of practicality and sensibility were acquired. I pride myself in exhibiting traits I see in many of my fellow Kentuckians that are not so common here on the East Coast, namely generosity, genuineness, humility, and being down-to-earth.

Career obligations require that I stay in Washington, DC, for at least another year. I would not be keen on staying here for any longer. I won't start a lengthy rant on my distaste for the Federal City, but let's just say I am filled with an itch to escape very much like the one I felt four years ago as a graduating high-school senior.

Basically, jcm1986, I am saying that you shouldn't be too quick to dismiss and discount everything from your Kentucky upbringing when you leave the state's borders. Now, more than ever, I realize how much Kentucky is ingrained in my character. I have found very few places (and I have traveled fairly extensively for a 22 year-old) where the people are as genuine and down-to-earth as they are in the Bluegrass State. While it is true that what Kentucky has to offer may not be very appealing to us younger folks, I suspect that maybe one day you will look back on Kentucky with great fondness. I know that one day I will return to Kentucky when the time is right and I am willing to give up some of the conveniences that city life has to offer. You might, too!

What a wonderful post! Come on back hun, Kentucky misses you!

[leonard]

Originally Posted by jcm1986

Well, I've made a decision.

Houston it is. The fourth largest city in America. A metro area with 50% more population than the entire state of Kentucky. One that is larger than all of New Jersey geographically. One that is adding 100,000+ jobs annually.

Oklahoma City is my secondary option if I can't find a job in Houston.

As for the Chicago proponents, I strongly considered your city. I don't consider it second-choice or second rate at all (I mean, it's an alpha world city after all.) However, with the South's lower cost of living, I'm gravitating there for now. I really would like to give Chicago a chance in the future, if even for just 3 or 6 months.

Goal date for move: January...1 or earlier. Actively applying for jobs as we speak. I'm totally not joshing here.

Why on earth would you move to Houston????

I lived in Texas for a number of years and it is a great State. But Houston????

Dallas would be a much better choice unless you like, heat, humidity, traffic, crowds, etc.

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by leonard

Why on earth would you move to Houston????

I lived in Texas for a number of years and it is a great State. But Houston????

Dallas would be a much better choice unless you like, heat, humidity, traffic, crowds, etc.

JCM I wish you luck in Houston and hope you aren't as miserable there as you are here.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by leonard

Why on earth would you move to Houston????

I lived in Texas for a number of years and it is a great State. But Houston????

Dallas would be a much better choice unless you like, heat, humidity, traffic, crowds, etc.

Dallas has just as much in the way of heat, crowds, and traffic. The heat is worse, the humidity is lower. It's not far behind in air pollution. The winters are worse as far as ice storms. Dallas even ranks higher in crime. If it seems surprising, I've got links to prove it all.

Additionally, Houston has much more in the way of large trees and greenery, water recreation, even jobs in many areas.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by JJP

Dallas has just as much in the way of heat, crowds, and traffic. The heat is worse, the humidity is lower. It's not far behind in air pollution. The winters are worse as far as ice storms. Dallas even ranks higher in crime. If it seems surprising, I've got links to prove it all.

Additionally, Houston has much more in the way of large trees and greenery, water recreation, even jobs in many areas.

Hi,

I do believe much is exaggerated in this.

Dallas is hotter possibly, but definitely lower in humidity most of the time. Humidity will make any heat seem worse, so even a "cooler" day in Houston can and probably will be more uncomfortable. However some people like humidity so that can make a difference.

Having driven in both, Dallas has better traffic. Yes it is crowded at rush hour but it is not bad at all. The Metroplex is quite large and there is a great deal of empty land even within the ring road (frwy).

Ice storms are highly overrated. My daughter still lives there and I have a business there to this day. It is a rare event and simply goes away quite fast. I believe the one time it snowed while I was there it was melted the next day. I lived there for several years and never experienced such a storm. Now hail, YES. But I believe Houston has it as well.

As to crime, I would not know but never had a problem and possibly you won't in Houston either. Data is simply data and can be of some value, but only if studied in depth and even then it is quite subjective as to the importance for anyone living out of any "bad" areas.

As to greenery and trees. I could not believe how green and how much water surrounds Dallas, when I first flew in. No beaches as Houston has near by, but a huge number of large lakes and unless you go past Ft Worth lots of greenery. Not as many trees as Houston possibly. I made three trips to Texas and checked out many cities and finally settled near Dallas after examining data and physically going to each city.

Now you may prefer Houston and that is fine.

[llgator]

Sounds like you have given it a lot of thought and made your decision. Congratulations! Now is the time in your life to do this and you are really smart for taking the opportunity.

Kentucky isn't going anywhere so if you find new appreciation of your childhood home in the future, you can choose to come back...or not. Good luck finding a job or pursuing your education. Life is good!

[blue_eyedgirl]

I haven't moved back because of the job market in KY. As much as I would love to be home again I can't find a job in KY that offers anywhere near the money, healthcare benefits, retirement, and leave time that I have now. I could probably adjust to making less money but its hard to give up a good retirement plan. I'm only 31 and already have a larger amount in my retirement account than my parents. I'm from a small town and when I was a kid a good percentage of the population actually worked in town at the factories. Those factories have closed up and moved out now everyone is scrambling to find jobs in other towns. The once booming industrial park is now almost completely empty. Its a sad situation.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by blue_eyedgirl

I haven't moved back because of the job market in KY. As much as I would love to be home again I can't find a job in KY that offers anywhere near the money, healthcare benefits, retirement, and leave time that I have now. I could probably adjust to making less money but its hard to give up a good retirement plan. I'm only 31 and already have a larger amount in my retirement account than my parents. I'm from a small town and when I was a kid a good percentage of the population actually worked in town at the factories. Those factories have closed up and moved out now everyone is scrambling to find jobs in other towns. The once booming industrial park is now almost completely empty. Its a sad situation.

What town are you talking about? Ky's economy is better than several states surrounding us.

[blue_eyedgirl]

Originally Posted by InLondon

What town are you talking about? Ky's economy is better than several states surrounding us.

I'm from Leitchfield. We were very seriously considering moving back when we visited this summer, even looked at a couple of houses but all I heard the entire time I was in was about this or that business closing and moving out. Just a little bit of a scary time to try and move back.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by blue_eyedgirl

I'm from Leitchfield. We were very seriously considering moving back when we visited this summer, even looked at a couple of houses but all I heard the entire time I was in was about this or that business closing and moving out. Just a little bit of a scary time to try and move back.

Bowling Green and Elizabethtown are not far from Leitchfield and both towns are booming. So you're looking for a small town?