Frankfort or Bowling Green (Lexington, Louisville: homes, neighborhood, bankruptcy)

[Off Topic]

I vote for Frankfort, mostly because of it's proximity to both Louisville and Lexington. Also, some beautiful countryside.

[EclecticEars]

I'll measure the pros and cons of each city.

Frankfort [+]
-Rich, historic variety of architecture
-Deep cutting Kentucky River palisades through the heart of town
-Historic bridges, such as the Singing Bridge.
-The Capitol and Governor's Mansion grounds are as beautiful as any in the nation. You MUST take a walk around inside the Capitol, for sure!
-Close to Lexington and Louisville
-Very well developed park systems (city and county) considering Franklin County only has 47,000 residents.

Frankfort [-]
-One of the highest taxation rates in the state
-Crappy public schools overall
-Town feels too small to even be considered a state capital, IMO
-Treacherous descents/ascents to/from downtown during snow and ice
-Fairly high crime rate for a small town (most of it is concentrated along Holmes St., though)
-Stagnant job market

Bowling Green [+]
-Proximity to Nashville
-Community camaraderie with WKU and the Hilltoppers
-Improving downtown w/ new arts center and minor league baseball team
-Beech Bend Park
-Very close to cave country, including Mammoth Cave National Park
-Decent job growth

Bowling Green [-]
-A sizeable portion of town is run-down
-The road system is a complete mockery; no good single bypass around the whole town
-Not the friendliest town in Ky. (I'd rate Frankfort higher in this regard, IMHO)
-Very little in the way of cultural activities for a town of its type and size

[bowlinggreenorbust]

Originally Posted by jcm1986

Bowling Green [+]
-Proximity to Nashville
-Community camaraderie with WKU and the Hilltoppers
-Improving downtown w/ new arts center and minor league baseball team
-Beech Bend Park
-Very close to cave country, including Mammoth Cave National Park
-Decent job growth

Bowling Green [-]
-A sizeable portion of town is run-down
-The road system is a complete mockery; no good single bypass around the whole town
-Not the friendliest town in Ky. (I'd rate Frankfort higher in this regard, IMHO)
-Very little in the way of cultural activities for a town of its type and size

sounds about right to me

[dixiegirl7]

It would be nice if those not all that familiar with a town would not post like they are an expert or live in that city. I continually see remarks about Bowling Green that are not factual or are very outdated.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by dixiegirl7

It would be nice if those not all that familiar with a town would not post like they are an expert or live in that city. I continually see remarks about Bowling Green that are not factual or are very outdated.

I think JCM1986 gave a very fair, and accurate assessment of BG. He could not have come up with those points without visiting. I have visted many many times on business and pleasure, and can say I agree wholeheartedly. If anything, I think he is being a little nice with his assesment of downtown abd the growth.

I think those pros and cons provide an excellent, if not brief synopsis for both towns. As for BG being close to Nashville, that is great, but Frankfort is less than 30 minutes to the east suburbs of Louisville and west side of Lexington. It is 41 miles to Middletown and 31 miles to downtown Lexington. BG is a solid 55 miles to the north suburbs of Nashville, and even further into downtown and much of the nicer south suburbs where all the best shopping is.

[Miami2KY]

Originally Posted by dixiegirl7

It would be nice if those not all that familiar with a town would not post like they are an expert or live in that city. I continually see remarks about Bowling Green that are not factual or are very outdated.

I lived in BG for 2 years, and just moved out in May, thank God. It has absolutely no history whatsoever. There is nothing to do besides eat at their crappy restaurants, all of which are national chains. There are no good independent restaurants or cafes. I always heard about the city "growing," but I don't know how. This new baseball stadium sounds retarded. There is no way that they will be able to support a minor league team. Frankfort may be smaller, but is much closer to major cities than BG. In my opinion, BG is boring and will probably be going bankrupt soon, once they spend all their money attempting, and failing, to revitalize their downtown. So, yeah, choose Frankfort.

[stewey]

I no longer live in BG, moved away in early '04 after living there for 11 years. To the previous poster, ever heard of Mariah's, Brickyard Cafe, Mandolin, 440 Main, The Cellar, Verdi? Not national chain restaurants at all my friend. Bowling Green is growing because of interstate access, a successful and growing university, and an active and aggressive chamber of commerce. Also for a city it's size in this part of the country Bowling Green has quite a diversity in it's population, second only to Lexington in the state in foreign-born population (percentage of population). Bowling Green last year was named best city in the state to do business, and this year was ranked 12th in the nation by Forbes for doing business among smaller metros. With it's successful economy and aggressive downtown revitalization plans, the future of BG is truly bright.

[missymomof3]

I also like Bowling Green better than Frankfort but part of that is because BG reminds me of PRP where I live now

[EclecticEars]

I've got two reps just from this thread. I must be saying something right.

[dixiegirl7]

Originally Posted by jcm1986

I've got two reps just from this thread. I must be saying something right.

Most of what you said and usually say is quite outdated and was more true about 10 years ago. For example, the road system has changed and is progressing as we speak. There is a four lane road that takes you from one side of Bowling Green to the other side right now and there has been for several years.