movin to KY (Louisville, Frankfort, St. Matthews: rent, home, employment)

[RachaelTickle]

My husband and I are thinking about moving up to the louisville area from Florida. I lived in VA for most of my life but he is a florida native. I havent been to louisville for a while so I cant really remember whats up there. We were wondering what work is like? rent/living expenses? gas? average pay? night life? school system? activities for the kids? Safest areas? Things like that. If you have any input for me, please let me know.
Thanks a bunch!

[tomocox]

You have asked an impossible question because Louisville has so much range in every category you listed.

As for me, if I may assume middle class, $ 100,000 family income per year, Oldham County meets all your needs. There are certain employment fields that have significant needs, while there are areas with surplus hands to fill jobs. For example, technology still has needs while auto assembly is a no-go. A typical 1,500-2,000 sq ft home in a typical suburban area will sell for between $225,000 and $275,000 with exceptions up and down. Rent is nearly always .7 to 1.0% of a home's value per month. Night life, well since I am not a clubber, I can't answer this too well, but from classical broadway theater to casino gambling to clubs of every genre' Louisville night-life seems adequate for a city of this size. As far as a nationally recognized school system encompassing all the schools in the system, only Oldham County makes sense. Until JCPS gets its US Supreme Court ordered student assignment plan finalized and approved, do not assume anything about where your child will attend public schools. Kids can play/learn at one of several museums, many with hands on, thrill parks, (3 within 90 min) baseball, basketball, & soccer abound, and don't discount what many churches in the area offer for kids.

Does this help?

[Chinchilla17]

The only problem with Oldham county is the drive into town. If you are willing to spend 20-30 minutes driving in, as well as living in more of a rural part of Louisville Metro, then Oldham Country is great for you. However, if you are interested in the nightlife, and being close to town, St Matthews, Crescent Hill, and parts of the Highlands may be for you. These areas dont have the open spaces or the rural feeling you have in most parts of Oldham County.
Right on the edge between St. Matthews and Crescent hill area is wonderful, great for the family, and right next to Seneca Park. I work in this neighborhood and see kids riding bikes all the time, people walking. Also, its right next to Frankfort Avenue, which has its own eclectic style of shops and bars. The highlands is also very friendly, and very close to the Bardstown Road nightlife.


I hope this helps!

[tomocox]

Originally Posted by Chinchilla17

The only problem with Oldham county is the drive into town. If you are willing to spend 20-30 minutes driving in, as well as living in more of a rural part of Louisville Metro, then Oldham Country is great for you. However, if you are interested in the nightlife, and being close to town, St Matthews, Crescent Hill, and parts of the Highlands may be for you. These areas dont have the open spaces or the rural feeling you have in most parts of Oldham County.
Right on the edge between St. Matthews and Crescent hill area is wonderful, great for the family, and right next to Seneca Park. I work in this neighborhood and see kids riding bikes all the time, people walking. Also, its right next to Frankfort Avenue, which has its own eclectic style of shops and bars. The highlands is also very friendly, and very close to the Bardstown Road nightlife.


I hope this helps!

I find no fault in the above except for the failure to mention that the drive time from Oldham County to downtown is about the same drivetime as from most of the good places to live in Jefferson County. For example, there is very little drive time difference from Douglas Loop to 1st & Main downtown.

[Peter1948]

Originally Posted by tomocox

I find no fault in the above except for the failure to mention that the drive time from Oldham County to downtown is about the same drivetime as from most of the good places to live in Jefferson County. For example, there is very little drive time difference from Douglas Loop to 1st & Main downtown.

HUH? There is no point in Oldham closer to downtown than the Highlands even in drive time. I challenge you. Prove it!

[tomocox]

Don't forget, I lived in Cresent Hill. From I-71 Exit 14 to 3rd & Market, 20 minutes drive time. From Douglas Loop to 3rd & Market 20 minutes drive time. Proven!

I would gladly give 15 minutes each way to have the quality of life in Oldham County vs most of Jefferson County, but on a 20 day work month, exit 14 will be on the same scale as the Highlands.

[CBfromVA]

Driving Directions from Prospect, KY to S 3rd St & W Market St, Louisville, KY (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/Prospect+KY/S+3rd+St+%26+W+Market+St+Louisville+KY+40202/ - broken link)

Even less without traffic.

[tomocox]

Originally Posted by CBfromVA

Driving Directions from Prospect, KY to S 3rd St & W Market St, Louisville, KY (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/Prospect+KY/S+3rd+St+%26+W+Market+St+Louisville+KY+40202/ - broken link)

Even less without traffic.

Good point, but remember, a large number of people living in Prospect zip code are actually in Oldham County.