Thinking of moving to Lexington- What is it like? (Louisville: apartments, to rent)

[Zoe51]

I'm thinking of visiting Lexington and considering moving there. I'm originally from Virgina (Virginia Beach\Norfolk) and have been living in the west for the past 30 years. I left the south over racism, but miss many of the other positives about the culture, the warmth of the people, the "southern hospitality," not to mention "hush puppies!"
Is Lexington fairly open and liberal regarding race and religion? I'm not a Christian, and belong to no religious group. I like to do some volunteer work wherever I'm living and it looks like there would be much to do in Lexington.
I do some freelance writing so am interested to know about libraries and bookstores. Are there any community gardens in Lexington? When living in Oregon, I kept a garden for one of the food banks and enjoyed doing that.
What do folks like and dislike about Lexington?
Is it easy to meet people and make friends there? Any feedback is appreciated.
Zoe

[desiree253]

Lexington is a diverse and growing city. I think you'll be fine there, moving from the west (I'm a Northern California transplant myself). Re: racism... does it exist?.. Yes... Is it less noticeable in Lexington as opposed to some of the smaller towns?.. the answer again is Yes. I also am a believer that racism thrives in every town, city, and state in America. My personal opinion is that Kentucky may just stand out stereotypically, as possibly a more racist state (whether it is... is debatable), simply due to two facts... again this is just my opinion...

1.) Very few minorities live in the entire state, so the "unknown" brings fear to anyone not accustomed to different races, cultures, etc. Most minorities in Kentucky are concentrated in the largest cities like Louisville and Lexington.

2.) One thing that is markedly different about Kentucky and the smaller/rural areas and towns are people's very endearing quality of being very open, truthful and honest about their feelings. Now this holds true whether it's considered a "bad" or "rude" thing to say. Many people were raised here to say exactly how they feel, so to someone who is speaking "their truth" from their heart, they may not even understand why a person might be offended by their opinion.

Anyway, I've gotten off the subject. I hope you find Lexington, or wherever you choose, as a charming, "southern-type" atmosphere that will bring you joy and pride to live here in this wonderful state. With the good AND the bad things about this state. Although most of us Kentuckians believe there is much MORE good here!

[Kichenwich]

Like many other places, has wonderful areas, and not-so great areas. I personally like visiting and shopping the Lexington area, and have found some great things to do. We make "day trips" there, and have always found loads to do.

There are garden clubs and shows, museaums, art galleries, theaters, home tours, and wonderful shopping and restaraunts. There is the horse park, Rupp Arena, and numerous things to do. Friday night "Flicks" in the Park is fun, with free movies! All you have to bring is a blanket or chairs, and have fun as the city sets up a big screen, like the old drive-in type, and plays pretty new family-oriented movies. The antiques in the area are great. There are also many opportunities for volunteer work,which is greatly appreciated.

Now, the down side. 1. there's so MUCH to do, if you're not careful, you'll feel overwhelmed 2. there does tend to be quite a bit of traffic, especially during rush hour 3. find a good realtor, even to rent, to help avoid the rougher sections of town 4. yes, there is some crime.

Lexington, although not reflected in the census, seems to be quite diverse. I honestly have never experienced any type of racism in the area. I'm sure there is some, as there is in every town. I think that UK seems to help diversify the area, and make others more culturally aware.

Hope this helps, and please come for a visit! The last 2 people that have (contacts from this forum!) moved there within a month!

all the best, ~joanna~

[Zoe51]

Desiree and Joanna,
Thanks much for your notes. I feel more comfortable about visiting to see how Lexngton "feels" now. I'll check out property management companies if I start looking for apartments.
Looking to move back east is something of an instinctive impulse. During the five years I lived in Oregon, I made only one lasting friendship, and she was also from Virginia and looking at possibly returning to the south.
Desiree, you wrote that people "speak from the heart," what is too often missing in some of the western areas. Even if I disagree with someone who is speaking her mind, at least I know where she stands and feel like we are engaged in conversation. Too often out here it feels like people go through the motions of communicating, but never get "real" and close, the feeling of genuine is often lacking. It can be a little scary at times.
There is a lot of racism out west, and generally more subtle than in the south, so there's no escaping it.
I went back east [northeast] for a college reunion in 2000. At that time I wasn't able to relocate or would have done so. I'm living in a high desert region now, and miss the green of spring and the feeling in the air as the seasons change.
AAA is sending me a lot of travel information so I can start planning to make a visit. Thanks for your thoughts!
Zoe

[desiree253]

Zoe,

I moved to KY from Northern Cali, up by the Oregon border and was born and raised in Cali. I think you'll love it here in Kentucky. It gives you the best of both worlds, while having the bad that every other state does, but there is so much of the "good" here it kinds of balances out and then some. Cost of living is so much cheaper here than in most of the other 50 states, people are still very courteous and appreciate a much slower pace to life than anywhere else I've ever lived. It's definitely "southern" without being an actual southern state (debatable.. LOL). Some might not be happy here, but the majority of people who relocate here seem to be thrilled with their decision! Good luck to you in your decision and move, no matter where you choose!

[Zoe51]

Desiree,
I lived five years in Oregon, then moved to New Mexico. After a year I'm sure I don't want to settle here, for a number of reasons, though it is beautiful and the people are generally very friendly. I am tying up some things here and hope to make a visit within the next month or two. It's really nice to have these forums. I don't feel so anxious about coming out there now. Thanks for your notes.
Zoe