considering University of Louisville (Frankfort, Bardstown: insurance, apartments, rent)

[keepitsimplestupid]

Hi all. I am posting on various boards on this website to get some opinions on different cities. I have decided to go into graduate school for Public Administration, and I am looking at schools I'd like to go to. A lot of my decisions are based heavily on location of the school, as I'd like to go to school in a place I'd like to live afterwards due to the whole internship work experience that comes along with getting an MPA. I figure it is easiest to get a job in the location of your school due to networking connections you make while still in school, so therefore I'd like to go to school in a place i'd also want to live in afterwards. Now at this point I have narrowed my choices down to about 5, and UL has made the "cut" so to speak. I enjoyed Louisville when I've gone there and I have friends who used to live there who say it is one of the most enjoyable cities to live in, quite underrated because nobody ever talks about Louisville when you think of "popular" cities. My other choices are UNT in Denton Texas, UT in Austin Texas, Portland State in Portland and University of Washington in Seattle.

All these are cities I would like to live in. Now, its been a while since I was in Louisville, and in fact I don't remember much and seeing as how cities can change with time, I'm just looking for some comments and advice on the city. About me: i'm young and should be around 23 when I make the move. I enjoy restaurants and live music above all else. I do not like dance clubs or anything of the sort, but I like going to bars and pubs with friends. I've noticed Louisville is cheaper than most places, that is also good. Basically I want to live in an exciting, vibrant place. If anyone has anything they think could help, or perhaps some information on University of Louisville (and the public administration program in particular), that would be great. Also, what is the weather like? Thanks everyone.

[tomocox]

Yes, U of L would be perfect (not discussing the academic values of the U of L program). Of course, you would just have to live in one of the surrounding counties however. (tic)

You should find the Bardstown Road (Phoenix Hill, Highlands, Germantown) areas good for a single 23 yr old's lifestyle. It's just a little over a mile to 4th Street, not too far from Cresent Hill (Frankfort Ave), and easy bike/bus to U of L. I recommend that if you have the ability, that you plan on buying a home in the Germantown area while you live here. There are some good buys there and you will be able to sell in due time and effectively lived rent-free with possible increases in property value and/or the tax breaks homeowners get. You can also rent a room or two as well.

[keepitsimplestupid]

Originally Posted by tomocox

Of course, you would just have to live in one of the surrounding counties however

What exactly do you mean by this? Thanks for the info on the neighborhoods btw.

[tomocox]

(TIC) meant tongue-in-cheek The regulars here think I am anti-inside the Watterson (I-264). Your thread was the perfect opportunity to express a bit of irony.

The facts are that I do favor Oldham County simply because I have lived inside the Watterson. What they won't consider is that I have not one ounce of need to favor Oldham County. It is quite simply that Louisville is a great place in general to live; however, when people are looking for a place to raise a family, Oldham County just wins in nearly every face-off. You and many other people have different lifestyles and needs, and the advice I gave you is my genuine effort to see that you get the home that fits your style best. I try to listen to what people are asking for and make sure that I present a shoe that fits, not an Oldham County size fits all.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by tomocox

(TIC) meant tongue-in-cheek The regulars here think I am anti-inside the Watterson (I-264). Your thread was the perfect opportunity to express a bit of irony.

The facts are that I do favor Oldham County simply because I have lived inside the Watterson. What they won't consider is that I have not one ounce of need to favor Oldham County. It is quite simply that Louisville is a great place in general to live; however, when people are looking for a place to raise a family, Oldham County just wins in nearly every face-off. You and many other people have different lifestyles and needs, and the advice I gave you is my genuine effort to see that you get the home that fits your style best. I try to listen to what people are asking for and make sure that I present a shoe that fits, not an Oldham County size fits all.

Good advice, Tom. Louisville is Seattle and Portland cool, just on a smaller scale. And it is waaay more laid back and cheaper. I agree, buying somwhere downtown, germantown, butchertown, highlands, old louisville or crescent hill would be a good idea.

[keepitsimplestupid]

Yeah I mean I am considering the Pacific NW strongly but Louisville will be more reasonable price wise. I heard that the restaurant "scene" is great for a city of its size.

[tomocox]

Originally Posted by stx12499

Good advice, Tom. Louisville is Seattle and Portland cool, just on a smaller scale. And it is waaay more laid back and cheaper. I agree, buying somwhere downtown, germantown, butchertown, highlands, old louisville or crescent hill would be a good idea.

STX, thanks..

[censusdata]

Originally Posted by keepitsimplestupid

Yeah I mean I am considering the Pacific NW strongly but Louisville will be more reasonable price wise. I heard that the restaurant "scene" is great for a city of its size.

A nice 1 bedroom in The Highlands or Old Louisville would run about $425. There are pictures of both under "Louisville Photo Sticky"

[keepitsimplestupid]

that is INCREDIBLY cheap. I live in Miami, just renting a room in a home/apartment seems to be, at its cheapest, 500 bucks.

[censusdata]

Originally Posted by keepitsimplestupid

that is INCREDIBLY cheap. I live in Miami, just renting a room in a home/apartment seems to be, at its cheapest, 500 bucks.

I have rented studio apartments in both areas for much cheaper- $370 in the Original Highlands and I am currently renting one in Old Louisville for $355. Both prices include ALL utilities and pet rent for a cat and dog.

The Highlands has better nightlife and is right next to the 300+ acre Cherokee Park. Old Louisville has much better residential architecture and a more dense, urban feel. Car insurance is cheaper in The Highlands.