Louisville as a place to raise kids (best cities, 2015)

[dent_arthur_dent]

A few general questions for parents in Louisville -- I suppose you could boil it down to 'How do you rate it as a place for families?'

Are your kids happy there? How does it compare to other places you have lived? What are its main attractions (and drawbacks) as far as kids are concerned?

[Peter1948]

Originally Posted by dent_arthur_dent

A few general questions for parents in Louisville -- I suppose you could boil it down to 'How do you rate it as a place for families?'

Are your kids happy there? How does it compare to other places you have lived? What are its main attractions (and drawbacks) as far as kids are concerned?

It is one of the best for families, and I have lived all over. My family and I will return as full time residents this year as I cut back my nomadic life.

2011 Best Cities for Families | Parenting

It is consistently ranked a top 10 major city for families.

[Crazee Cat Lady]

Louisville is great, you will love it. I was raised there and had an idyllic childhood there.

Voted one of the best places to live in the U.S. in 2014 (see number 8)

The Best Towns Ever, 2014 | Best Towns | OutsideOnline.com

Noted in Forbes Five Surprising people, places to watch in 2015.

Five Surprising People, Places And Things To Watch In 2015 - Forbes

It's a great city, with a lot going for it.

[Crazee Cat Lady]

Originally Posted by dent_arthur_dent

A few general questions for parents in Louisville -- I suppose you could boil it down to 'How do you rate it as a place for families?'

Are your kids happy there? How does it compare to other places you have lived? What are its main attractions (and drawbacks) as far as kids are concerned?

Oops, I forgot a few questions.

Like I said I was raised there, and can't think of any place better really to raise a family.
My son was very happy growing up in Kentucky. (He is college age now).
Recently saw an article online that said Kentucky is the Real America, and I can relate to that, on a lot of levels, because it really is, in so many ways.

Kentucky is the real America and offers more than just amazing horses and wonderful whiskey - Mirror Online

You have so much fun and culture in Louisville! Lots of museums and wonderful, wonderful parks to explore...lots of places to hike, fish and discover! (Kentucky as a state excels in this category also, you have a lot of forested areas to hike, bike, rock climb, canoe, fish and just enjoy!

BBC - Travel - See the US only locals know : USA

The only drawback that I can think of might be the way the school district works as far as busing goes.
This was the case awhile back, don't know if it still is in effect or not. (But there are a lot of great private schools, home school co-ops, etc)

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by dent_arthur_dent

A few general questions for parents in Louisville -- I suppose you could boil it down to 'How do you rate it as a place for families?'

Are your kids happy there? How does it compare to other places you have lived? What are its main attractions (and drawbacks) as far as kids are concerned?

Main attraction: The park system is the best I've ever seen in the country.

Main drawback: The Jefferson County Public Schools busing system. You are best off budgeting for private school.

[folkguitarist555]

I believe I read somewhere that Louisville is one of the worst places in the USA to be single....

[Peter1948]

Originally Posted by folkguitarist555

I believe I read somewhere that Louisville is one of the worst places in the USA to be single....

Nah. Rankings like that are complete BS anyways. It is no NYC but there are hundreds of worse places to be single. I would say it is a top 40-50 singles city, certainly not top 10 or 20 like it is Imo in food, culture, architecture, and festivals, where it packs a punch well above its size.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by folkguitarist555

I believe I read somewhere that Louisville is one of the worst places in the USA to be single....

Depends on what you are looking for in a spouse. Personally, I'm a black guy with a college degree, not religious, and Childfree. There was no way in hell I was going to find a like-minded mate in Louisville. Someone who is family-oriented is likely to have a solid selection of partners.

[ServoMiff]

Originally Posted by The Dissenter

Main drawback: The Jefferson County Public Schools busing system. You are best off budgeting for private school.

I think the bussing system was incredibly worthwhile in my grade school experience in Louisville. I didn't get the greatest overall education in the regular program, but I got a great (and somewhat unique in the US) cultural experience, and it taught me a lot about the need for diversity in the business world.

Louisville is a fantastic place to raise kids, even without using private schools.

[ServoMiff]

Originally Posted by The Dissenter

Depends on what you are looking for in a spouse. Personally, I'm a black guy with a college degree, not religious, and Childfree. There was no way in hell I was going to find a like-minded mate in Louisville. Someone who is family-oriented is likely to have a solid selection of partners.

You sound like me, except I'm balding and white. It really is a tough city to date in if you're halfway educated, regardless of race, but I can imagine your issues with finding a mate who shared the religious belief (or lack thereof). I ended up finding my wife in central Florida, another area which is known for family oriented, religious folk, and we're not having kids...so who knows? Needle in a haystack, for sure.