can you live in Lexington without a car? (Nicholasville: relocation, real estate)

[maryp3177]

Hi, my husband and I are planning to start graduate school next fall and the University of Kentucky is one of our options. We're doing our relocation research early (we now live in Albuquerque, NM).

Currently we live about 2 miles from the University of New Mexico, where we both work. I walk most places or take the bus and my husband is very much into bike riding. We have lived in Albuquerque for 11 years without a car (and Albuquerque's public transit is pretty bad) and would like to know if we can do the same in Lexington?

Are there decent (clean) apartments for rent around the university? Is the closest grocery store accessible by bike or walking? How about general "things to do" - do you need to have a car to do them?

Any help you can offer is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[nlschr0]

It CAN be done (and I know quite a few people who do it, including a lot of UK students), but Lexington isn't the easiest city for it. The public transit/bus system is decent for a city of Lexington's size, but it won't compare to the better systems in larger cities. And, Lexington is putting a big emphasis on improving things for bikes, but there still aren't as many designated bike paths/trails as many bikers would prefer, although I've heard a lot of good things about the Bike/Ride program on the buses that let you take your bike onto the public buses so you can combine both.

Fortunately, though, around the campus area there are a decent number of dining options, as well as a decent grocery (Kroger) on Euclid, that are walkable depending on where you live. And, the downtown area is undergoing a rebirth as new restaurants, living spaces and entertainment places are opening. For the bulk of Lexington's chain shopping and dining (malls, Target, popular chain restaurants), you will need to travel to either the Nicholasville Rd corridor (starting just south of campus but not easily bike-able or walkable), or the Hamburg area (further out near I-75 and Man O War). Both are served by the bus system.

Also, the campus has its own free bus system, which can be helpful. Even though the campus area is very easy to walk or bike through, the UK buses are great for reaching outlying perimeter buildings. For example, if you live north of campus but are taking classes in the equine or health and fitness center, it can make your trip a lot easier.

As far as living spaces go, the area around campus has a large variety, ranging from tiny efficiencies to expensive townhomes. Although the area tends to be pricier than outlying areas due to its proximity and demand, the convenience might make it a strong consideration for you.

[centre]

It can be done. The above post is excellent !

[rnc76]

South Hill and Chevy Chase areas would probably be the easiest to get by without a car. I lived in the South Hill area for 4 years. There are tons of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bookstores... The only time I ever really needed to drive was to get to the Kroger's on Euclid in Chevy Chase.

Here is a cool website I saw on another board the other day. It lists all the businesses within walking distance to an address and gives the location a "walk score".

Walk Score - Helping homebuyers, renters, and real estate agents find houses and apartments in great neighborhoods.

[whoabuck]

What a cool website!

My house (here in Texas) scored a whopping ZERO (no surprise - but they did miss Frank's Country Store and Gas at the end of my street...)

[rnc76]

My old address in South Hill district of Lexington scored a 95! Pretty cool.