Kentuckiana...what is the difference? (Louisville, Bardstown: sales, real estate, broker)

[WItoNC]

We have been looking in Louisville for property. And we thought maybe we should also look in the part of Indiana that is in the Louisville metro. We need to be within 45 minutes of the Louisville airport. We spent some time driving around Louisville area and out East. But, we didn't go into Indiana at all. Can anyone compare/contract the two for me. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

[Peter1948]

Originally Posted by WItoNC

We have been looking in Louisville for property. And we thought maybe we should also look in the part of Indiana that is in the Louisville metro. We need to be within 45 minutes of the Louisville airport. We spent some time driving around Louisville area and out East. But, we didn't go into Indiana at all. Can anyone compare/contract the two for me. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

You will hear all sorts of bad things about Indiana because of the interstate rivalry, but largely, its a suburban area just like east louisville suburbs. The shopping is not as good but all the major stores and department stores are there. Floyds Knobs is beautiful and cheaper and has schools as good as Oldham County. Also, the commutes to downtown and the airport will be less for the most part.

[WItoNC]

stx12499: thank you so much for that information. I am surprised that several people have read the post but, you are the only one so far that has offered any information. I appreciate it!

Floyds Knobs: There are a great deal of homes in this city. Is this the 'new' up and coming area?

[tomocox]

I am a licensed real estate broker in both states. STX was correct in some of his assessments, but a primary difference is four bridges. Property in Indiana does sell for less simply due to demand. I don't know why, but I would say that its a result of the major media located in and focusing on Kentucky.

Indiana taxes are currently much higher than Kentucky's and they have casinos. Just today, Indiana had to impose a 7% sales tax instead of the previous 6% because of the excessive property taxes. Indiana went through a time of terrible spending which is now coming home.

But as far as quality of living, other than having to cross one of those bridges, 45 minutes to SDF is the same as 45 minutes from Bardstown or LaGrange, etc.

[censusdata]

The urban areas of Southern IN are more run down and industrial the urban areas in Louisville. The further out areas are typical suburban areas. The IN side isn't growing near as fast as the KY side (IN grew 4% since 2000, KY side 13%)

[Peter1948]

Originally Posted by censusdata

The urban areas of Southern IN are more run down and industrial the urban areas in Louisville. The further out areas are typical suburban areas. The IN side isn't growing near as fast as the KY side (IN grew 4% since 2000, KY side 13%)

You are referring mainly to Clarksville and the older parts of Jeffersonville and New Albany. Since I am not a native, I can "step back" and see the big picture. The old parts of Clarksville, Jeff, and New Albany, are effectively urban inner city neighborhoods of Louisville, just in a different state. Historically, they were built in the 1800's like much of the old city of Louisville. Demographically, they are similar to parts of inner city Louisville only much safer and certainly more well kept than counterparts in the south and west end of the original city. The area around I-265 in INDIANA is EXACTLY like the area around I-265 IN KY. When you look at a map, however, you will see that the difference is that I-265 is much closer to the city in Indiana.

Floyds Knobs is no longer a secret. It has very upscale subdivisons. Many doctors live there due to high malpractice costs in KY. Floyd Central HS is among the top 10 high schools in the metro. It is a decent area that should be checked out by anyone considering east Louisville, but the realtors will try to steer you away from there by scaring you with bridge traffic or images of Hoosier rednecks. Wait isn't Louisville in KY?

My advice is keep your options open. If you want suburbs, consider it among your options. Its cheaper, quieter, and much closer to downtown amenities. Also, there is NEVER traffic on the I-64 bridge into the city from New Albany/Floyds Knobs. The I-65 bridge gets tied up sometimes because there is only one lane merging into I-64 east. I personally think East Louisville/Oldham is nicer for suburban living and definitely shopping, but there is something to be said for living practically in the country and being 7 minutes literally from the downtown of a major city. I have never seen the setup anywhere else.

[WItoNC]

That is exactly the information that I was hoping to gather. I find when I try asking a realtor (that I might work with) about it, they have a definite favorite and will not provide unbiased information.

We will look at both areas.

[Off Topic]

I have to admit my first reaction to this question was the same as censusdata - the urban areas of So Indiana do seem more run down and industrial than the urban areas in Louisville.

But in an effort to expand my mind, I asked one of my Indiana co-workers about the Floyds Knobs area and she confirmed it was extremely nice and more affordable than it's counterparts in Jefferson County.

Of course, the big problem with living in Indiana is that you have to live in Indiana.

(Juuuuuust kidding! )

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by Off Topic

Of course, the big problem with living in Indiana is that you have to live in Indiana.

(Juuuuuust kidding! )

I don't know about all of Indiana but my sister lives in Jeff and has to pay for the books her kids use for school. She also has to pay for whole day kindergarten. Those could be issues.

[WItoNC]

Off Topic: you hit the nail on the head. About living in Indiana. And I hate to admit it, but I have preconceived notions about it. I didn't even consider looking until someone else mentioned it to me. Even though I know it is pretty close to the airport.

I own horses, therefore I am drawn to Kentucky. With all of its barns and black board fencing...I am in heaven there. But, I thought that I should at least get an idea about Indiana before writing it off.

We are 5-10 years from retirement and do not have young children. So the school systems are not of terrible importance. We plan on this being our last home. We have moved 6 times in 16 years. We want to settle in and develop roots.

Any additional information and/or feedback would be appreciated.

We had a difficult time finding a suitable property while we were there. Just doesn't seem to be that much on the market just yet. Hopefully there will be more within the next month or so.