Murray or Bowling Green? (to live in, store, to move) - Kentucky (KY) - City-Data Forum

bmacdo · 03-16-2007, 10:53 AM

My wife and I are seeking a much less populous area than Roanoke Valley of Virginia where we now live (about 250,000 people). We have possible job options in both Murray and Bowling Green. We keep horses and will be commuting in from the country to work in town. Here, this process is very unpleasant, twice a day dealing with insane rush hour traffic. I spend about 30 minutes in bumper to bumper, 70 mph conditions with lots of very bad driving behavior going on. It's a source a stress than I'd like to eliminate from my life as much as possible.

Obviously there will be more traffic around Bowling Green than Murray but just how bad is it? Any other comparative information would be useful and appreciated. We're leaning toward Murray but will follow the jobs. Proximity to the LBL is another plus for Murray....lots of horse trails there I understand. Also horse trails at Mammoth Cave though so either place could work.

Thanks

Sundance · 04-21-2007, 07:29 AM

Quite frankly, you will probably like either area. Murray is much more quiet than Bowling Green. Good luck

Putty · 04-21-2007, 08:26 AM

I agree, Bowling Green has alot more traffic, Murray is a lot more laid back! For me, it is Apples and Oranges.

bmacdo · 04-23-2007, 12:23 PM

I know what you mean about apples and oranges. Murray seems to be much more in tune with what we're looking for. My wife went out there a couple of weeks ago and came back with very favorable reviews. She already has a job offer so I think we'll be trying to move out there this summer. So far, the only complaints I've heard about Murray are the usual "nothing to do" (which sounds great to me) and the "dry" county thing, which doesn't seem like a huge issue given the proximity of the Tenn. border. I do like my occasional bottle of Pinot Noir. Looks like Murray here we come.

Peter1948 · 04-23-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmacdo

I know what you mean about apples and oranges. Murray seems to be much more in tune with what we're looking for. My wife went out there a couple of weeks ago and came back with very favorable reviews. She already has a job offer so I think we'll be trying to move out there this summer. So far, the only complaints I've heard about Murray are the usual "nothing to do" (which sounds great to me) and the "dry" county thing, which doesn't seem like a huge issue given the proximity of the Tenn. border. I do like my occasional bottle of Pinot Noir. Looks like Murray here we come.

I personally feel BG is a lot more progressive and has more to do than Murray. Both are good, growing towns though. BG has actually gotten much bigger than Murray, and is really starting attract people who would rather live in a small town than in Nashville.

Sooner-On-The-Move · 04-25-2007, 01:11 AM

All I can say is, I'd kill to be back in Murray.

amandapants · 05-07-2007, 04:50 PM

depends on what else you are looking for...murray is smaller, cheaper, not as diverse, and a bit behind the times; bowling green is more progressive, but more expensive to live in...having lived both places, i would definitely choose bowling green

bmacdo · 05-08-2007, 10:14 AM

Murray wins out, in our case, mainly due to my wife accepting a job there. For us, smaller is definitely better and "behind the times" is okay too seeing as the current times aren't all that great in a lot of ways. People who prefer Bowling Green seem to like the diversions and cultural opportunities offered by a bigger place. Our major recreation comes from horseback riding, hiking and small farm life so the Murray area should be a good fit. I don't care if I never see another mall. We just bought 26 acres north of town which should keep us busy. Seems like a good area to just kick back and cocoon, hang with the animals and go to Lowes and the grocery store once in a while. We don't require much more than that....maybe a small boat if the lakes seem inviting. Thanks to everyone for the feedback. We're so anxious to get out there.

nalabama · 05-09-2007, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the feedback on your decision bmacdo. Hope it's everything you have dreamed it will be. Give us an update in a few months on how it's going.

Jzer21 · 05-15-2007, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmacdo

Murray wins out, in our case, mainly due to my wife accepting a job there. For us, smaller is definitely better and "behind the times" is okay too seeing as the current times aren't all that great in a lot of ways. People who prefer Bowling Green seem to like the diversions and cultural opportunities offered by a bigger place. Our major recreation comes from horseback riding, hiking and small farm life so the Murray area should be a good fit. I don't care if I never see another mall. We just bought 26 acres north of town which should keep us busy. Seems like a good area to just kick back and cocoon, hang with the animals and go to Lowes and the grocery store once in a while. We don't require much more than that....maybe a small boat if the lakes seem inviting. Thanks to everyone for the feedback. We're so anxious to get out there.

I've visited Murray several times and always found it fun. If you like wine, don't forget about the Southern Illinois wine trail!