Louisville perception (Paris: buyer, places to live, prices)

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by southernky

Well, Louisville and the Lexington area recieve nearly all of the funding for tourism in kentucky, and the people who grew up outside of these places resent this sometimes when they are raised to appreciate the beauty of nature around us. Louisville is a beautiful southern river city, with stately old mansions, magnolias, and giant river cane along its creeks, but many of us in the state, I believe, have been raised to think that people from the city turn their nose up at small town tradition and nature, not to mention southern values. With the way media has always attacked southerners, Louisvillians have had there border as a scapegoat, and the young generations raised there seem more and more inclined to opt for the more commercially accepted persona of midwestern, than "redneck" southern (especially true as this red government has exploited working class ignorance). This is true in many cities and towns of Kentucky of any considerable size as well, but add to that Louisville is a major metro area, and we have more incentive to think that people from the city are in some way trying to escape their own culture, while staying put, as crazy as that sounds. Outside of towns you find a kentucky full of traditional southern charm and an environment typical of the south with gorgeous, giant oaks, cane along every creek, southern pines, sweetgums, cypress, and many other natural images that one would instantly think of when one thinks of the south. Kentucky is one of the few states left with a larger rural population than urban statistically, and when all attention from current media is focused on these islands in a sea of natural beauty, we kentuckians feel betrayed by the people we've chosen to represent us. There are many people who fit negative stereotypes here, but there are more who work with the progressive nature of the New South towards a better place to live, all the while clasping the flora and fauna that originally instilled this great sense of regional pride in our hearts. So Louisville seems a world away from us, but is what people know us for, causing resentment and alienation towards its inhabitants.

I agree! Great post!

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by southernky

Well, Louisville and the Lexington area recieve nearly all of the funding for tourism in kentucky, and the people who grew up outside of these places resent this sometimes when they are raised to appreciate the beauty of nature around us. Louisville is a beautiful southern river city, with stately old mansions, magnolias, and giant river cane along its creeks, but many of us in the state, I believe, have been raised to think that people from the city turn their nose up at small town tradition and nature, not to mention southern values. With the way media has always attacked southerners, Louisvillians have had there border as a scapegoat, and the young generations raised there seem more and more inclined to opt for the more commercially accepted persona of midwestern, than "redneck" southern (especially true as this red government has exploited working class ignorance). This is true in many cities and towns of Kentucky of any considerable size as well, but add to that Louisville is a major metro area, and we have more incentive to think that people from the city are in some way trying to escape their own culture, while staying put, as crazy as that sounds. Outside of towns you find a kentucky full of traditional southern charm and an environment typical of the south with gorgeous, giant oaks, cane along every creek, southern pines, sweetgums, cypress, and many other natural images that one would instantly think of when one thinks of the south. Kentucky is one of the few states left with a larger rural population than urban statistically, and when all attention from current media is focused on these islands in a sea of natural beauty, we kentuckians feel betrayed by the people we've chosen to represent us. There are many people who fit negative stereotypes here, but there are more who work with the progressive nature of the New South towards a better place to live, all the while clasping the flora and fauna that originally instilled this great sense of regional pride in our hearts. So Louisville seems a world away from us, but is what people know us for, causing resentment and alienation towards its inhabitants.

I dont deny your sentiments, but lets correct a few facts. The MAJORITY of Kentuckians live inside a metropolitan statistical area, and NOT a rural area. The KY side of Louisville, NKY, and Lexington alone have half the state's population, and this does not include fast growing metro areas like Bowling Green. Also, NKY, when combined with its rightful place in Cincinnati metro, and Louisville, combined with its large Indiana suburbs, are worlds apart from anywhere in KY. You are right...there is a disconnect...because they are so different! Louisvillians resent the fact that for every dollar in tax they pay, only around 30 cents come back! My friend, KY is a beautiful state but for it to grow and succeed with jobs like TN and NC and others, something has got to change! The state's urban areas need more tax dollars and attention than they get and that is hard for rural areas to understand. Here is an article from Louisville's liberal alt weekly, one of the only such magazines in the state that I know of that is likely to stir up the pot. It's harsh, but let's see everyone's reactions (I will also post it on the main KY forum):

Summary of My Discontent: A cry for secession | LEO Weekly

[Dowdy_Pants]

I actually emailed Jim Welp last week after reading that in the LEO. I think it's great and summarizes what many urbanites and yankee transplants feel about rural KY.

FYI...Jim replied saying that the majority of the emails he's getting in response to the article are negative. The hayseeds don't like their dirty laundry aired. Something I've seen a great deal here ("Don't like it!? GET OUT!") A lame-brained, knee jerk reaction that got this state in the sorry shape it's in...IMO.

[emanresu]

Originally Posted by basinstblues

A good way to think of Louisville is of a sizable "small town", though one in which most people seem to prefer living in the suburbs to downtown. Also, for years, the best and brightest left for Chicago, etc. The result...the people generally are not the smartest, most attractive, or most interesting. I'm referring to the regular folk, not the redneck kaintock 50-cent-wannabe crowd, which are a whole 'nother story. Louisville people are B's and C's at best; these are not A quality people. You can tell the difference between the people when you walk through downtown Louisville and contrast that to the people you see when walking through downtown Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans, etc. That said, like in a small town, people are fairly friendly, reasonable, reliable, and honest. Louisvillians don't rock the boat or make a scene. So, you basically have a middle-of-the-road mentality, with nothing too exciting or too frustrating. I'm stunned that anyone really loves to live here. It's not a city that has that kind of distinct character. Life is okay here. There are enough cultural things to do, parks are good, real estate slowly appreciates, and people from around the country/world are beginning to move here. A more diverse populace and one that has actually lived elsewhere ought to improve Louisville. Anyone moving here now would be foolish to buy a house more than 5 miles away from downtown. That's where the movement locally/nationally is going with real estate. In another 10 years, downtown is going to be transformed and suburban sprawlville is going to be increasingly undesirable.

Really, the credibility of your post went severely down-hill when you lumped New Orleans in with Chicago and San Francisco when talking about the "quality" of the people. Pre-Katrina, NO was barely bigger than Louisville, had fewer corporations, and lower educational attainment. So, I assume that you consider yourself an A-person, since you readily can spot and identify the people below you (the B's and C's as you so affectionately refer to "us"). But, as an "A" person, you certain have no perception. Either that, or you are the most ignorant of "A" people. Maybe an A minus?

Regardless, I'm sorry if you can't find a smart and attractive person here for your liking. Maybe your smug attitude is a reason? I don't know, you seem so pleasant. That couldn't possibly be the reason. It must just "B" that there are so many lesser people here that it's impossible for them to fully appreciate what a quality person you must be. I can definitely "C" that.

[basinstblues]

I think that Louisville is actually moving in a good direction, but it can't be denied that there is a regressive mindset among too many people. Some people may like the small town mindset and yes, although Louisville is a big enough city, it has an obvious small town mindset. For heaven's sake, people play cornhole (bean bag toss) and one of the derby events is a bed race. Some may find that kind of thing appealing. Some may find the dry counties of Kentucky also appealing. I guess it takes all kinds.

As far as rating the people, surely it's obvious that some cities are high caliber and some are not (compare Paris and Detroit, for example). Louisville, as I see it, is a C level city, advancing toward probably being a good strong B+ city. It's hard to fault what the mayor's doing (other than the neon monstrosity called 4th Street Live) and one of the charms of the city is the locally owned businesses. Construction downtown seems to speak to much potential. This is one of the few cities in the country of this size with good historic housing stock and affordable first time homebuyer prices.

I'm calling it like I see it. You may find that insulting, but I see a city moving toward improvement. I do find it interesting that most anyone I speak with (in person) finds it stunning that someone would move here (apparently not thinking much of their hometown) but yet the online people are knee-jerk about perceived insults. There are reasons that people, for years, moved away from Louisville for jobs, culture, and a better lifestyle. How is that a surprise? Why do you think real estate has been so inexpensive here? No demand, of course. The good thing is that Louisville's better days seem to be ahead.

[censusdata]

Chicago & Indianapolis barely had a higher percent college educated than Louisville in 2000 (25.5%/ 25.4% to 24.8%)


Marion County QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Chicago (city) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau

[Kentuckyguy]

I think you are VERY wrong concerning those that live on the southern side of the Cincy metro being ashamed of being from KY. I have found them to be among the most fiercely proud Kentuckians in the state. They routinely defend KY because many from the other side of the river spout stereotypes and look down upon KY. I think that has instilled a sense of solidarity among those that live in NKY. They are also by and large die hard UK fans up there. Being Reds and Bengals fans as well doesn't make you less of a Kentuckian.[/quote]

Amen! I agree with you completely!!! I am proud to be a Kentuckian and I get tired of defending our area all the time working over here in downtown Cinci. I believe most of us, if not all of us, are proud to be Kentuckians and from the great state of Kentucky!!! I know I am!!!

[basinstblues]

Originally Posted by Dowdy_Pants

I actually emailed Jim Welp last week after reading that in the LEO. I think it's great and summarizes what many urbanites and yankee transplants feel about rural KY.

FYI...Jim replied saying that the majority of the emails he's getting in response to the article are negative. The hayseeds don't like their dirty laundry aired. Something I've seen a great deal here ("Don't like it!? GET OUT!") A lame-brained, knee jerk reaction that got this state in the sorry shape it's in...IMO.

Wow, what an editorial. That's all I'm saying also...the area surrounding Louisville and also some of the mindset in Louisville is regressive and has been holding the city back. It seems now that those binds are loosening, despite the state legislature still voting like fools. Look, Louisville is in a fairly good economic position, despite the loss of many industrial jobs and the loss of the state's tobacco industry. Louisville could easily right now be in the Detroit or St. Louis position, with the worst economies in the world. It got beyond that, though.

To the "don't like it, then leave" attitude, take a cold hard look in the mirror. Do you think this city has no flaws? I came here because of what I think this city is becoming. I'm college educated, appreciate the arts, want to live in a city with good locally owned businesses, and be around people who have standards above lowest common denominator. I'm staying.

[Visvaldis]

Originally Posted by basinstblues

Wow, what an editorial. That's all I'm saying also...the area surrounding Louisville and also some of the mindset in Louisville is regressive and has been holding the city back. It seems now that those binds are loosening, despite the state legislature still voting like fools. Look, Louisville is in a fairly good economic position, despite the loss of many industrial jobs and the loss of the state's tobacco industry. Louisville could easily right now be in the Detroit or St. Louis position, with the worst economies in the world. It got beyond that, though.

To the "don't like it, then leave" attitude, take a cold hard look in the mirror. Do you think this city has no flaws? I came here because of what I think this city is becoming. I'm college educated, appreciate the arts, want to live in a city with good locally owned businesses, and be around people who have standards above lowest common denominator. I'm staying.

Interesting post.
Yes, there are those who think it's flawless. I'll put it this way, they are closer than you think.
Louisville has some potential, but it may all be put on hold due to the financial crisis. Any city that has to cut back on emergency medical services must have a load of financial problems.
I also would like to see some people with a variety of interests move to Louisville. That would make the city more diverse and provide stimulating activities as well as an antidote to the small town mentality. Maybe even put some life into downtown. And yes, people who can actually carry on an enthusiastic conversation about something other than the Cards.
The arts in Louisville are somewhat orphaned for lack of support. What I'm talking about is art, not fairs for ornaments, decorations and mass produced items.
Louisville is pretty much religously and poltically conservative. Culturally, Louisville wants to maintain a squeaky clean image. That means mediocrity rules. The Bardstown Road corridor in the Highlands is like an island, but it's an interesting area, quite the contrast to the remainder of the city.
The resistance and defense of the small town mentality is very great, "git outta here!"
As for those who believe Louisville is flawless, nothing will ever improve until they discover that some things could be improved. That is the current state.
I think the city has potential.

[rnc76]

Originally Posted by stx12499

Summary of My Discontent: A cry for secession | LEO Weekly

I personally think he is over the top. There is a bit of truth to what he writes, but he exaggerates it to to nth degree. Does he really think Louisville is unique in its position? Look at NYC relative to the rest of NY State. Chicago to Illinois. Atlanta to the rest of GA. The contrasts of those cities to their respective state is more pronounced than is Louisville to KY IMO. I really hope he is kidding about a Louisville city-state. It is quite arrogant to think a city the size of Louisville could exist independently. Would he rather be part of Indiana?