The Best Place to Live in Kentucky... (Louisville, Covington: 2010, neighborhoods)

[jessica135]

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.

The response in this thread, one person even calling you a leftist nut (or something like that), seems to help prove your point about the people and values here. I totally agree with you about the beautiful KY scenery, but as i'm sure you understand, the bible belt is in full swing here. great for religious conservatives, but if you're from the north, it can be very difficult living here. good luck.

[cynthia007]

Liberals who cannot live with religious conservatives are no different than conservatives who cannot live with liberals. Both fail to understand that in order to truly understand your own point of view, you must be able to accept and understand the other.

I've heard many liberals claim to celebrate "diversity" and then scoff at those who are religious/conservative. If you are truly diverse in thinking, then you will be able to also accept and live with those who think differently, even if they don't accept your thinking.

[cobolt]

Sure the transition from North to South is difficult for some, but it can be done. I too grew up in Chicago and when I moved to N Texas, I was in for a rude awakening and I too stereotyped and categorized the place based on my perception of how it was not like where I grew up. But slowly, I got over that, made fabulous life-time friends, and ended up staying there for 13 years. The south really rubbed off on me and when I would travel back to Chicago to visit family, I became aware in their close-minded stereotypes and opinions, of exactly how I used to be. I'm glad for my experience othewise I would be locked in that mindset. I'm glad the South smoothed out my rough edges.

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by cynthia007

Liberals who cannot live with religious conservatives are no different than conservatives who cannot live with liberals. Both fail to understand that in order to truly understand your own point of view, you must be able to accept and understand the other.

I've heard many liberals claim to celebrate "diversity" and then scoff at those who are religious/conservative. If you are truly diverse in thinking, then you will be able to also accept and live with those who think differently, even if they don't accept your thinking.

Absoluetly!!!!! Great post!

[highliner]

London,Ky., is a great little burg in which to sample small town living. Just make sure that you stay well away from that 'certain guy'.......y'all know who I mean.

[EclecticEars]

The only metropolitan region in Kentucky I'd voluntarily live in is extreme Northern Kentucky--Covington, Newport, Crestview Hills, Independence, and Cold Spring would be my top picks there. Thomas More and NKU are great schools, MainStrasse is a nice neighborhood, and it's "spittin'" distance from Cincinnati. I think Florence sucks, however.

Danville is a very nice town and the only rural area in Kentucky I'd voluntarily live in. Centre College, Norton Center, and a small but educated elite group of people coupled with good ol' farm folks (not to be confused with scroungy rednecks, which Danville has few of) make for a very nice town. It's really clean, too.

Louisville is also a nice place to live, BUT... Okay, I really like the fast-paced urban vibe, cosmopolitanism, quirky neighborhoods, and great restaurants packed into a city as small as Louisville. However, I despise the small town, closed-minded, "you're not from 'round here, are you"? mentality that many (NOT all) native Louisvillians possess (which comprises at least 80% of Jefferson County's population, I'm sure.) I frankly found that annoying. While it's better than my hometown, I'd rather live in a better and "realer" city like Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, or even Austin where that mindset isn't so prevalent. I'm a previous student at UofL and don't miss it or the city at all!

You couldn't pay me enough to live in the rest of the state, especially east Kentucky. I'm saving up adamantly and quickly to leave this state once and for all!

[CmdrSegfault]

Originally Posted by stx12499

Trader Joe's has plans for 3 metro area stores and will announce in the next year... Although Louisville will get Trader Joe's soon, there is currently one in Cincinnati.

Boo, hiss!

One year later, Nashville is getting a Trader Joe's. A lease has been signed, and representatives indicate that it will open by the end of this quarter. Where are the leases for Louisville's three Trader Joe's?

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by CmdrSegfault

Boo, hiss!

One year later, Nashville is getting a Trader Joe's. A lease has been signed, and representatives indicate that it will open by the end of this quarter. Where are the leases for Louisville's three Trader Joe's?

An interesting intro question. Welcome to the forum. What does Nashville have to do with Louisville? I have confidence Trader Joe's will be opening in the metro soon.

[Jzer21]

Originally Posted by CmdrSegfault

Boo, hiss!

One year later, Nashville is getting a Trader Joe's. A lease has been signed, and representatives indicate that it will open by the end of this quarter. Where are the leases for Louisville's three Trader Joe's?

Don't forget about our Nordstrom's too!

[Curosi-dee]

I appreciate the many and varied comments about KY.

I have lived in about 6 US states, some big cities and a couple of small towns. I too miss TJs, and IKEA, etc. I have lived on the west coast to the east coast and in between.

In NKY, such as Newport, Covington, etc. is the mindset "locals only" as in...is it clickish to work or live there?

Is the economy in a recession there (anyone notice major job losses or layoffs? Any small or big companies moving in the area, even if it is a snails pace? Some places are harder hit than others.) Sad!

Anyone on this forum self-employed in KY? Is KY a friendly business state? Your thoughts and opinions would be appreciated, even if it is reality.

I am not a fan of country music nor of Walmart! Any Target stores in the area? I am not a big fan of big box stores but prefer that one over the others. It is just my preference.

My family and I are big on hiking and enjoying the outdoors and living near a smaller city, so is NKY a bad idea to relocate there?

Thank you!