What do I need to know about living in Ky? (Lexington: real estate, home)

[Shesflipped!]

Hi, We are looking into moving to Kentucky from Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have lived in Grand Rapids all of lives~what do we need to know about life in Kentucky? (probably Lexington.) City or Suburbs? what school systems are rated the best? Do any of the high schools have a great Basketball program? Are people friendly? What about crime? Good Community Colleges/Colleges in the area? What about pest problems? Any help would be greatly appreciated! We know nothing about the area!

[timelesschild]

People are friendly, especially if you have something in common with them. They do seem settled into groups oftentimes, which can seem difficult to fit into, but it helps if you have something in common. The crime isn't worth talking about - Lexington is a nice safe place. I've lived in downtown Lexington as well as inner suburbs, and have been very happy and safe. Some of the neighborhoods (like Southland) are walkable, with plenty of parks and retail. There's a neighborhood for every taste.

What kind of pest problems are you thinking of? The fleas and mosquitoes can be bad in late summer, but that's about all I can think of.

What sort of job are you thinking of? Do you already have one that you are moving to?

You will be pleased with the mild weather, coming from Michigan.

[Shesflipped!]

Thank you for the information! My husband is in Banking and looking at a position within the company. I am not currently employed outside the home. We have four boys ages 20, 18,15 & 13. I've been looking at Real Estate listing for the Lexington area, and really don't know what suburbs to look at. Thanks for the information on fleas, etc. I heard they could be a bigger problem with the warmer weather. I will not miss Michigan's winters~this year was horrible!

[timelesschild]

If you are interested in suburban living, the outside-Man o' War subdivisions around Harrodsburg Road are very nice. I particularly like Dogwood Trace, and then Rabbit Run is a little closer to town (inside Man o' War) and very lovely. There is a street in Rabbit Run where the backyards are absolutely huge and there is a pretty creek... Blenheim, I believe. The high school is Dunbar, which is very good. I am not sure about its basketball program.

You'll definitely enjoy the warmer winters, it sounds like!

[teebird1012]

Just to add on Dunbar athletics, their program is usually one of the best in the area if not the state.

[shilo0854]

Hi just joined this forum and I'm planning to move to the Lexington area also in June 09. I'm coming from AZ but my most of my family is in WI. I can't do deep snow anymore. Thank you for the info that helps me. I was looking at Frankfort or Bowling Green. I really want the sub areas but close to medical places. My daughter will be applying to the U of Louisville. How are utilities? I'm not sure about gas heat is it more expensive???
Tjx

[shilo0854]

Originally Posted by shilo0854

Hi just joined this forum and I'm planning to move to the Lexington area also in June 09. I'm coming from AZ but my most of my family is in WI. I can't do deep snow anymore. Thank you for the info that helps me. I was looking at Frankfort or Bowling Green. I really want the sub areas but close to medical places. My daughter will be applying to the U of Louisville. How are utilities? I'm not sure about gas heat is it more expensive???
Tjx

Can you spray for fleas to get rid of them? I have 3 dogs.
Also do you know about tornado area's in the places I mentioned I looking at?

[timelesschild]

I don't know whether has or electric heat is cheaper. Everyone seems to have opinions based on their own individual circumstances. I think they are about equal at this time. Most people in Lexington have forced-air central heat/air with a gas furnace.

As for fleas, yes, you can spray for them, give your pets Frontline, etc.

[InLondon]

Originally Posted by shilo0854

Can you spray for fleas to get rid of them? I have 3 dogs.
Also do you know about tornado area's in the places I mentioned I looking at?

Tornadoes are not very common in Kentucky. But they do occur more in the western part of the state. Paducah, Bowling Green, Owensboro; those areas have a higher amount of them. Tornadoes in Kentucky are typically weak, short lived.

[shilo0854]

It's good to hear I don't have to deal with the tornatoes. Its one of those things if I had a basement I would feel safer during one.