New to Kentucky and already want to relocate. Mt. Sterling? Richmond? (Lexington: houses, college)

[emmittrudyford]

Hello,
We moved to Lebanon, KY about a year and a half ago after living in Tennessee (Nashville) for most of our lives. We are already wanting to relocate for a number of reasons, mainly to be closer to Lexington, but also where my husband can get work. He currently does home renovations, and has had a lot of work since arriving, but has now gotten his home inspection license. Lebanon is a quaint town, but very much local, hometown folks supported. We have felt like outsiders since moving here since we were not born and raised in Lebanon. It's a nice little town, but as stated by many here, will never grow or develop. They want to preserve the small town it's always been. I totally get that, and support them, but it makes it hard for people like us who are new and trying to begin a new business.
Been looking for houses in Danville, Harrodsburg, Richmond, and Mt. Sterling. A real possibility for us may be in Mt. Sterling. My question, which areas are going to be most responsive to outsiders, growth, and general livability? I don't mind a small town atmosphere at all, as long as it's progressive or close enough to areas that have amenities. We currently live an hour and 20 minutes from Lexington-which is a pretty long drive. Anything under 40 minutes would be better for us.
Any general comments about these areas? What are the more desirable or least desirable places to live in Kentucky?
Thank you in advance.

[Oldhag1]

Originally Posted by emmittrudyford

Hello,
We moved to Lebanon, KY about a year and a half ago after living in Tennessee (Nashville) for most of our lives. We are already wanting to relocate for a number of reasons, mainly to be closer to Lexington, but also where my husband can get work. He currently does home renovations, and has had a lot of work since arriving, but has now gotten his home inspection license. Lebanon is a quaint town, but very much local, hometown folks supported. We have felt like outsiders since moving here since we were not born and raised in Lebanon. It's a nice little town, but as stated by many here, will never grow or develop. They want to preserve the small town it's always been. I totally get that, and support them, but it makes it hard for people like us who are new and trying to begin a new business.
Been looking for houses in Danville, Harrodsburg, Richmond, and Mt. Sterling. A real possibility for us may be in Mt. Sterling. My question, which areas are going to be most responsive to outsiders, growth, and general livability? I don't mind a small town atmosphere at all, as long as it's progressive or close enough to areas that have amenities. We currently live an hour and 20 minutes from Lexington-which is a pretty long drive. Anything under 40 minutes would be better for us.
Any general comments about these areas? What are the more desirable or least desirable places to live in Kentucky?
Thank you in advance.

None will be as insular as Lebanon. Of the places you listed Richmond and Danville, like most college towns will be the most receptive to newcomers. Have you considered Winchester?

[emmittrudyford]

Yes, we’ve seen a couple of homes we liked in Winchester but when we went to see them they didn’t fit one of our biggest needs. (my husband has trailers and he needs some room for parking) I like that area and it’s closer to Lexington than Mt. Sterling is, but the homes we loved there had either street parking only or small driveways with limited parking. We’ve also considered Carlisle, Cynthiana, Midway, Lancaster, nicholasville, Lawrenceburg, and Frankfort.
Thank your for your input. It’s difficult not knowing the area. We knew Tennessee like the back of our hand, but are really trying to learn more about Kentucky. My husband was born in Louisville, but it’s changed a great deal since he lived there. We’re here because we love the Wildcats and always wanted to retire here. Just trying to figure out what will be the best fit for us.
Thanks again!