The Best Place to Live in Kentucky... (Lexington, Louisville: fit in, school districts)

[hicksdiane]

I grew up in far Western KY, in Mayfield. I attended Murray State and really took for granted how good I had it in small town America. Ten years ago I left KY to pursue a career and have lived in TN and OK--country states too, but there's no place like KY living--simplicity. I love big city livin', but I like to be able to take a short drive and find country peace and quiet (it's hard to do even in big city Nashville or Memphis) and Oklahoma only has flat land, no real trees. I am moving back to KY this fall to continue my education and have chosen Murray once again. Still only 2 hrs from music city Nashville, 2hrs from Graceland (and the drug infested 'hood), 3 hrs from Louisville, and 4 hours from St. Louis. I would recommend living anywhere that makes you happy. For me, it's near family and friends in my old Kentucky home.

[highliner]

Just do yourselves a 'big fat favor', and stay well away from Pikeville, Ky., "The All America Food Stamp Hound and Oxycontin Addict City." Jeesh, what a miserable excuse for a third rate slum.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by highliner

Just do yourselves a 'big fat favor', and stay well away from Pikeville, Ky., "The All America Food Stamp Hound and Oxycontin Addict City." Jeesh, what a miserable excuse for a third rate slum.

Wow, so harsh on Pikeville aren't we? It may not be the greatest but it's not a bad place. Pikeville has a nice downtown and a good college.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by Visvaldis

I grew up in Chicago. Five years ago I moved to Louisville, Kentucky, because the natural scenery of Kentucky is gorgeous and varied. I like to go camping.
Before moving I knew it would be different, but how big of a chasm between Louisville and Chicago became evident after the first year. I have since regretted my move. The problems I find are; no window to the outside world; too much of a preoccupation with football and basketball; too many people who have guns; too much religion and constant talk of morals; too much blind loyalty to conservatism, lack of interesting radio and TV stations; scoffing at "book learning"; little interest for culture (movies, music, arts, etc); dull food; lack of decent jobs that pay a liveable wage.
I've never lived anywhere where so many grown adults have such a problem with 5th grade english. I have nothing against the accent, sometimes I find it appealing, but it would be great to hear correct grammar. To me it seems absurd to drive thru the eastern part of Kentucky which has a poverty rate of 25%, to look at the run down trailers or small houses, but in front are flags, biblical quotes on signs, and vote Bush/Cheney stickers. It bothers me to see people who are getting shafted being so supportive of those who give them the shaft. Also, the people assume that I should have a fanatical loyalty to either the U of Louisville or U of Kentucky sports teams. When the two meet in football or basketball the whole state stops everything to watch. It's the main event of the year.
But it's not all bad. I have met interesting people, but not very often. Most are friendly, but I avoid any conversations about politics or religion. I have been to France several times and like the country, but I wouldn't dare mention that in Kentucky.
I don't vote Republican, don't own guns, I am an aethiest, don't believe Rush, don't drink Bud Light, don't desire to own a Harley, and all that indicates that the South is not for people like me. But I'm stuck here for a while.
If anyone remembers, the media spectacle called Justice Sunday happened in Louisville. The newly built Creation Museum is in Kentucky. In 2008 the NRA will hold its annual convention in Louisville. One thing I've noticed is that music groups don't have concerts in Kentucky, other than Country, Southern Boogie or Kid Rock. Art exhibits detour Kentucky. How Louisville can financially maintain a symphony orchestra is beyond me. The guest list for the recent Kentucky Derby was mostly pro athletes and run-of-the-mill actors from TV shows, such as soap operas. Even the Louisville Courier-Journal termed it a b-list of guests.
For lack of culture the Features section fo the Courier-Journal has little more to report other than recipes and fashion tips. Once, as I purchased a copy of the New York Times, the clerk sneered at me.
The people are not mean and nasty, they are easy to engage in pleasant conversation, but I have become cautious about what I say. Most people are honest. To my surprise, the poorest counties have the lowest crime rates. I have also met Souhterners who were very informed about current world events, thought the Bush administration was corrupt, appreciated the arts, and had thorough knowledge of foreign films.
I'm sure there are many Southerners who cringe at being unfairly stereotyped, and I sincerely apologize to them. I only wish I could meet more of you.

This post is exactly why Kentucky and southerners in general don't like the northerners. You can go back to Chicago if you have such an issue with our state.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by mangymoose421

My husband and I are comtemplating a permanent move to Kentucky. We lived in Monticello for 7 months, and had to return home(Colorado) due to illness in the family. We found the people to be very friendly, and loved the trees and rain. We are old folks( I still work) and love hiking. No children to consider(all grown up.) Just want to find a few acres of woods within an hour or two of shopping/entertainment. We enjoy spending our time out in the woods, in the garden or behind the stove. So, to all of you great Kentuckians, if you could live anywhere in the state, where would you live? Thanks for your help! From the Colorado Mangy Moose...

To answer your question. I have a lot of places in KY that I would like to live such as: Georgetown, Bardstown, Somerset, Richmond, Bowling Green, Spencer County, Oldham County, Middlesboro, Lexington (a bit too big for me though) and where I currently live is nice.

[kygman]

Check out western Kentucky. The part of the state past Bowling Green that the other part of the state forgets! lol If you go around the Kenlake/Lake Barkley area, there are hiking paths in the LBL and some in the state parks. Plenty of wooded areas to build in and have a nice garden. Friend of mine was teased about having a garden so far back in the woods. Somebody asked him if he had the sunlight piped in!
For shopping and entertainment there's Murray and Paducah. Hit I-24 and you can be in Clarksville or Nashville in no time.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by InLondon

To answer your question. I have a lot of places in KY that I would like to live such as: Georgetown, Bardstown, Somerset, Richmond, Bowling Green, Spencer County, Oldham County, Middlesboro, Lexington (a bit too big for me though) and where I currently live is nice.

And I forgot Danville and Frankfort.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by kygman

Check out western Kentucky. The part of the state past Bowling Green that the other part of the state forgets! lol If you go around the Kenlake/Lake Barkley area, there are hiking paths in the LBL and some in the state parks. Plenty of wooded areas to build in and have a nice garden. Friend of mine was teased about having a garden so far back in the woods. Somebody asked him if he had the sunlight piped in!
For shopping and entertainment there's Murray and Paducah. Hit I-24 and you can be in Clarksville or Nashville in no time.

Land Between the Lakes is really really nice.

[hammockbrain]

I think Chicago guy is an a** but I am from the north (grew up in NYS and now living in Maryland) wanting to move south because of the famous southern hospitality, maybe I'm wrong?

Originally Posted by InLondon

This post is exactly why Kentucky and southerners in general don't like the northerners. You can go back to Chicago if you have such an issue with our state.

[JRR]

Whether it be it Kentucky, Florida, Maine, Iowa, Oregon or Arizona, if you have the attitude that you are smugly superior to the people of the area where you are living, you shouldn't expect to see a lot of hospitality, southern or otherwise.