Living in the Bluegrass - 3/28/2010

Lexington-fayette is a city with a very small town feel. People here are very friendly and welcoming; in no time at all these people make you feel like you belong, especially if you are a University of Kentucky fan and if you like horses. In addition to sports, and racing at Keeneland there are plenty of cultural events, concerts, theater and the ballet. If you like good food, this is the place for you; I have lived here ten years and still have not managed to sample all the top rated restaurants and this is not from lack of trying. All in all this is a good place to live.

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Living in the Bluegrass - 3/28/2010

Lexington-fayette is a city with a very small town feel. People here are very friendly and welcoming; in no time at all these people make you feel like you belong, especially if you are a University of Kentucky fan and if you like horses. In addition to sports, and racing at Keeneland there are plenty of cultural events, concerts, theater and the ballet. If you like good food, this is the place for you; I have lived here ten years and still have not managed to sample all the top rated restaurants and this is not from lack of trying. All in all this is a good place to live.

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Criminals Thrive in Kentucky - 3/17/2010

I am a native Kentuckian, and moved back here in 1985. During the past five years I have been a consistent victim of burglaries orchestrated by crooked neighbors and auctioneers and their associates who have connections with local law enforcement, I have no doubt of this after having to do my own investigation to find this out while still being hit by these low lives. This does not end here. The local authorities have a blind eye to burglaries here unless you have a big name or big money. Victims, especially single older women, don't have a chance. Nicholasville is also full of criminal types, and one of the suspects was murdered not far from my Mother's home there. Her home was also a target while she was terminally ill by people that we knew and thought we could trust and who, I have no doubt, are hooked with the Lexington crooks. Lexington has always been a "class conscience" city, and these violations have proven many times how corrupt this city really is if you are not on the "inside track" with the locals who run the city. If you don't mind being a target of crime, by all means come here. You will fast lose anything and everything you have spent nearly forty years of your life saving for you old age and your children.

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CRIME IN LEXINGTON IS A WAY OF LIFE - 2/12/2010

I was born and raised in Lexington before it became a larger city in Kentucky. I moved back here in 1985 after the death of my husband. During the past five years, I have been the victim of burglaries by a group of career criminals. They have connections with the local police so nothing has ever been done even though I know who the perps are. They even branched out to include my dying mother. If you like the good 'ole boy mentality and people who will smile at you while they are ripping you off, you are welcome to come and live here. Lexington and central Kentucky has become a haven for organized criminal groups including those who have crossed our boarders illegally. You will only get help from the locals if you have big money, a big name or big connections with the crooked local authorities. This is also a haven for drug dealers and other forms of low life.

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What's good and bad about Fayette County in my opi - 12/19/2009

Lexington is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The schools are of good quality, there is a diverse population, and most people are non-discriminatory, regardless of socio-economic status. That having been said, the city/county government seems to operate on the principle that money talks. The city council turns a deaf ear to any public opposition to a project if they believe the project will bring money either to their campaigns, the city itself, or those that are already wealthy. They also seem to be unable to wisely spend the revenue the city does bring in. Even in wealthy neighborhoods, roads are in an atrocious state of patchwork or disrepair. To illustrate these points, one only need look downtown at the cite of the Webb Brother's CentrePoint, a hideous skyscraper that had already been rejected by the city of Atlanta. While the entire city protested the demolition of the oldest remaining block of historic businesses that remained, the city council pushed the project through and quickly employed the wrecking ball to insure that nothing the protesters did could delay the building's completion. No effort was made to come up with a design that fit the flavor of the rest of Main Street, and at least one successful Music Bar, The Dame, went out of business after being forced to move to the other end of Main. This isn't the first time the Webb brothers have been allowed to alter the face of Lexington with disastrous economic and aesthetic consequences. After being implicated in a viatical scheme that defrauded desperate HIV patients out of their life insurance, Kentucky Central, the Webb Brothers' insurance company, went under. This cheated many people who had invested in the Company out of their life savings. In addition, Festival Market was a Mall the Webb Brothers built downtown, where there is virtually no convenient parking. Although initially filled with restaurants and various shops like any mall, it today is home to one restaurant, a Starbucks, an Art Shop, and two floors of offices, most of them empty. The World Equestrian Games will be here next year, and in anticipation, many condominiums, restaurants and bars have renovated, been built, or expanded. Now they have to compete with a block that is fenced off and has only patchy grass covering it. I must stress that the city council knew before they approved the project that it wouldn't be finished before the games began, and that it is in city of the old Courthouse and the new Judicial complex (which another historic block was razed to make way for). Finally, the disparity between what the richest and poorest citizens of Lexington make is enormous. If you live north of Main Street you tend to be poorer; south of Main Street you tend to be middle or upper class. Finally, Lexington's largest employer, the University of Kentucky, seems very determined not to give its graduates jobs. If you don't have connections or don't already work there, you might as well forget applying. I have two Master's degrees and while out of work last year filled out over 90 applications for jobs that I am qualified to do. I was even working with a government agency whose employment counselor helped me determine which jobs my skills would cover the responsibilities of. I didn't receive a single interview. While this might sound like personal bitterness, I assure you that isn't the case. If it was, I would have long since left the city and the Commonwealth. I simply wish that the government, both local and state, seemed more interested in the welfare of the people of Kentucky and less interested in what they can get out of a job with the state. During every legislative session, the first order of business for both the house and Senate is to give themselves a hefty raise, usually far above the rate at which the cost of living has increased. U.K. recently hired a new basketball coach and his contract guarantees him the highest salary any person in that position has ever been paid. All this at a time when the state budget is in such bad shape that the Governor used the first part of the Economic Stimilus Package to balance the state budget--when it was supposed to be used to create new jobs for one of the poorest states in the Union. We are also near the bottom of all 50 in level of education of our citizens, per cent of the population that is college educated, and near the top in obesity, alcoholism, smoking rates, and other unhealthy life-style factors. So if you are in good financial shape and can find a job here that will enable that state to continue, you want a good place to raise children, or you enjoy political activism or breathtaking scenery, Kentucky is the place for you. If you're poor, don't have much education, or refuse to be hypocritical to important people, but want to come to Kentucky, I'd suggest Louisville or Berea.

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A Great Large Town - 6/27/2009

Lexington is home to several industries; Thoroughbred Racing, Higher Education, Hospitals and Medical, Computer/Printer Manufacturing and Automotive Manufacturing. With only 280 thousand people, there is a diversity of industries, and this adds some insulation from the current economic downturn. The social live here is amazing, with restaurants in every area that will surprise and delight even the pickiest customer. There are four automotive plants in Kentucky, with the closest to Lexington being the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Georgetown. This has supplied steady work for this area of Kentucky, and continues to feed tier one and tier two supply bases. I think it is a wonderful place to live because of the beautiful scenery, great social network and great college sports.

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Lexington's Diversity & Culture - 6/15/2009

Lexington has so much to offer. Aside from being an equestrian center, with the KY Horsepark. beautiful Horse Farms and Keenland, one of the most beautiful race tracks in the country, this little city is also a great supporter of the fine arts and theater. Lexington was known as "the Athens of the West" in the late 1800's and still has that opera house opened for many fine theatrical productions. We have visual art events throughout the year. If you are looking for more spectacular events there is Rupp Arena offering sporting events and big name concerts. There is always something to do in Lexington. It is a wonderful place to raise a family with an excellent school system and a varied multi-cultural population. Housing is also still extremely reasonable compared to most of the other states. There are several really nice parks as well. This is a little city with a big city offerings that maintains a small town appeal. There are some of the best restaurants here that offer cuisine from Chinese, Japanese & Sushi with Teppan Grills, to Italian, Indian, Thai and so much more. Shopping is great here from the malls large Department stores to the unique gift shops around town. Of course I cannot end this review without mentioning the University of Kentucky with its teaching medical hospital and our star ball team the Kentucky Wildcats. And if all of this is not enough entertainment, Cinncinatti, Ohio is about a 2 hour drive from here as is Louisville. I know I haven't mentioned everything that there is to offer here. Lexington is rich with a long history and is continually evolving with contemporary events and progression. All in all, this is a fabulous place to live.

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Newby to Kentucky - 12/26/2008

We just moved here; as of 12/18/08- we have gone thru many communities, as result of economy and spouse with disability, jobs and security. We are inching into our senior years, and wanting to find our 'Spot'. Having no family remaining 'cept our kids, one Military, and one still living at home. Arriving here week before Christmas, we found warm engaging people, drivers not afraid to share directions, and overall politeness. This being the day after Christmas, we are feeling like we have found home base. If you know you are not alone, and find a shared interest, in spite of chaos and worry in difficult times we found warmth. Appears to have you would want in a community to bring up children, or to settle in a 'new half nest'. paws in Kentucky

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Good city, comparatively inexpensive - 12/18/2008

Lots of dining and shopping, things to do, especially if you look a little deeper. There's of course horses and horse racing. Basketball and football, but there's dancing and clubs to see, some good local music ranging from bluegrass to rock to our own orchestra. And it doesn't cost a huge fortune to live here. Compared to many places housing never got as out of control here, so it hasn't fallen as far as some, but it's still more affordable than a lot of places. Local transportation is not so good, but if you're used to a big city the traffic jams here are nothing.

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Kentucky's favorite city - 12/3/2008

Lexington is a very pleasant town with a southern country charm. Plenty of restaurants, wonderful mall,the best college in america, low crime, affordable housing and the place where you can raise a family.

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Lexington - 11/17/2008

Lexington has been a great place to go to school. It's a nice little college town with very friendly people. A great mixture of small town and big city aspects.

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Lexington, KY pros and cons - 9/6/2008

I relocated to Lexington, KY from Carbondale, IL Jan this year(2008). I've not been so happy with Lexington. I really wanted to move to Knoxville, TN but was afraid of the crime rate looking so high (according to Sperlings 7/7). Lexington looks much like So IL. I did get to take a ride in the countryside and it was hilly and beautiful. The downtown here is beautiful and historic. Some of the houses remind me of houses in both New Orleans and Charleston, SC. My son can't stand staying in a motel and because of that I got stuck living in a not so pretty and not so good neighborhoods (near Woodhill Dr. If you move to Lexington and want to go to some of the best places you will need a car. I have to rely on the bus and the bus doesn't go to either the Horse Park or 2 of the best parks they have. So I've not been so happy here.

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If you want to live somewhere to raise kids...YES! - 7/1/2008

I LOOOOOOVED growing up in Lexington. I mainly grew up on the northside, Hollow Creek to be exact. I looovvvved growing up, I seriously can't stress that enough! If you're looking to start a family or already have one and you want to live somewhere safe and whatnot, then Lex is for you. HOWEVER..... If you are YOUNG or young-like (21-40 without kids) if you are college-age (you might like UK, but even the campus is uptight) if you are single (hahaha what a joke) if you enjoy nightclubs (they suck, period!) if you enjoy a diverse range of ppl (there's only a few types of ppl in Lex) if you are looking for "things to do" (unless you like horses) THEN LEXINGTON IS NOT FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!! It's the major opposite of a party-town. But I want my kids to have that same type of childhood that I had, which is why I say that lex is an awesome place to raise kids!!! It's just not for young ppl at all!!!

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Horse Country - 6/14/2008

Lexington is a small-medium size city that has some good things to offer those looking to move here. Cost-of-living and crime are fairly low compared to other locals. Housing and apartment rentals are available in abundance as continued development and sell-off of farmlands steadily continues. Those who love horses should never run out of activities or entertainment. Sports lovers can join in the lieges of loyal Cat Fanatics and cheer them on to success whether it be basketball or football. The household demographics of the community lean more towards the college-age adults, or family-oriented homes. Singles in between these two lifestyles may find Lexington very dull, as there is a lack of entertainment variety suited for this age group.

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Lexington, KY - 5/9/2008

Lexington is good place to live if you like experiencing all 4 seasons.

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i love my city - 4/19/2008

Growing up in Lexington is one thing I can be grateful for. Its small enough to where you can memorize it like the back of your hand, yet large enough to feel like you have plenty to do. Though the weather is a little wacky at times, we do get to experience the 4 seasons most of the time. Driving through the country side gives you breathtaking views of farms and horses. Drive for about 45 to an hour and you can take a hike to Natural Bridge or Red River Gorge. Downtown is currently in development with new condos, businesses, restaurants, and retail shops in the works. There are plenty of old houses, small parks, and historic places to explore. There are more than a few boutiques such as General Eccentric, The Black Market, Calypso, Spree, Isle of You, Helen's, Mod, and Street Scene all ranging in prices from moderate to upscale. There are also specialty stores like CD Central, Pops, Sqecial, and 3rd Street Stuff to keep you satisfied as well. Campus is large yet fairly easy to navigate. During the summer traffic around downtown will decrease as most students go back home. Lexington is fairly quite, crime is pretty low, and you can feel safe as well as secure here. Traffic can be gruesome starting around 5, but its not hard to find your way around. If you learn side streets and different routes you can sometimes avoid most jams. There are a huge variety of neighborhoods ranging from historic to suburban so you can find your niche of what you want in a house. Our only mall is fine, offering most major retail stores, and Hamburg is like a little Lexington in itself. About 20 minutes out Winchester Road you will find a small suburban area filled with restaurants, stores, a movie theater, churches, and homes. Though traffic can be heavy on weekend nights, it is easy to get a lot done in one area. Other activities include UK Sports such as Basketball and Football, Keeneland, the Downtown Gallery Hop (usually occurring twice a year), Kentucky Horse Park, the Red Mile, the Opera House, Lexington Children's Museum and Theater, Woodland Arts Fair during August, midnight movies at the historic Kentucky Theater, or family movie nights during the summer at Jacobson Park. This is just the tip of the iceberg though. If you're into more historical excursions try the tour of Henry Clay's home at Ashland Park, Mary Todd's home, Waveland, Shaker Town, or the UK Basketball Museum. The school system is ok coming from personal experience from living here all my life. Some high schools are better than others, same goes for middle and elementary. All have high expectations though. All in all Lexington is a good middle sized city. Spread out nicely but still easy to get around. I would recommend living here definitely. Trust me, theres no place like Lexington.

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Lexington in a nutshell... - 3/7/2008

Lexington in a nutshell... Crime is low, and the city, like many college-towns, is kept clean and tidy. The town lives and breathes Kentucky Basketball, even if the fans have never touched a ball in their life and have no idea what, exactly, constitutes a "charge." However, the landscape is beautiful, particularly when you get just beyond the city limits towards the horse farms. And, men, you will be happy to hear that there really are some beautiful, beautiful girls/young women here. Beware, however, that many of the women fall into a sort of lifestyle pattern, one that can involve large, expensive purses, oversized sunglasses, overly-bleached teeth and a spray tan. The town is actually quite connected, and many people come from "old money" or at least like to pretend to. There are many "hot mom's" that are "fitnessy" and trendy and just flat out atypical mommy. No judgment though - I'm not a mom yet. There is a term known as TFB, which means "Trust-Fund-Babies," and these individuals exist in what can sometimes be a pretentious place. I am not originally from here, so though I am educated, outgoing, and personable it still can sometimes be a challenge to break into a social barrier in a group of friends who have taken horseback-riding lessons since childhood.... The people, generally, are exceptionally friendly. Restaurants and grocery stores, etc., you will find excuse me's, pleases, and thank you's, and people have no problem making the smallest of talk. It is sometimes frustrating to me, however, a SWF who likes sports, activity, outdoors, that most females were cheerleaders or dancers in high school and rarely participated in competitive sports. Another disappointing factor...a significant portion of the total population in Lexington and Kentucky alike are quite overweight. This is a trend nationwide, of course, but it certainly seems to be more common here. Must be all that KFC... Traffic is poor here, but I think at this point in time, public transportation in the US is an ever-growing problem ANYWHERE. However, note this: city planners years ago wanted Lexington to stay small and did not plan for or anticipate the growth that continues to emerge. They did not put any reasonable access route from the epicenter of the city and downtown area to interstate, and access to many of the nicer "pocket neighborhoods" means the daunting drive across town and at least 4 million traffic lights. Drivers are pretty slow, and if there is a chance of snow or ice the whole WORLD shuts down here. It. is. un.be.lieveable. If you are looking to move and you have school-aged children, tell them they will get many pointless snowdays, thus free trips to the mall or local teen hangout on perfectly frictioned roads. I have to say, I am originally from a small town in Ohio - roughly 2,000 people - and I have enjoyed my 5 years here. I am moving soon due to a career change and I will miss some features of the town. It really is a nice place to raise a family. It is safe, pretty, people are friendly, and geographically it is in a pretty decent area. The weather can be erratic (2 days ago it was 69 degrees, today it is sleeting), but definitely pleasant springs, early portions of the summer (later in summer = hot and sticky), autumn is terrific, and winters are generally shorter. (Speaking of which, spring and fall = the opening of the Keeneland horse track...a nice "cultural" additive to Lexington. It is a very unique and pleasant part of the community.) If you are moving from an over-congested, rude, smoggy, snotty city I would at least consider Lexington. There are some good, unique local restaurants for the surprisingly small city, and Lexington is actually a chain-restaurant trial site - major restaurant chains will open up in town to see if the demographics are appropriate for other locations throughout the country. Small town folks looking for a slightly more city-like feel that won't swallow you up? Lexington might be worth looking into. :) Best of luck to all who adventure to the Bluegrass state.

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College-town - 3/7/2008

Lexington in a nutshell... Crime is low, and the city, like many college-towns, is kept clean and tidy. The town lives and breathes Kentucky Basketball, even if the fans have never touched a ball in their life and have no idea what, exactly, constitutes a "charge." However, the landscape is beautiful, particularly when you get just beyond the city limits towards the horse farms. And, men, you will be happy to hear that there really are some beautiful, beautiful girls/young women here. Beware, however, that many of the women fall into a sort of lifestyle pattern, one that can involve large, expensive purses, oversized sunglasses, overly-bleached teeth and a spray tan. The town is actually quite connected, and many people come from "old money" or at least like to pretend to. There is a term known as TFB, which means "Trust-Fund-Babies," and these individuals exist in what can sometimes be a pretentious place. I am not originally from here, so though I am educated, outgoing, and personable it still can sometimes be a challenge to break into a social barrier in a group of friends who have taken horseback-riding lessons since childhood.... The people, generally, are exceptionally friendly. Restaurants and grocery stores, etc., you will find excuse me's, pleases, and thank you's, and people have no problem making the smallest of talk. It is sometimes frustrating to me, however, a SWF who likes sports, activity, outdoors, that most females were cheerleaders or dancers in high school and rarely participated in competitive sports. Another disappointing factor...a significant portion of the total population in Lexington and Kentucky alike are quite overweight. This is a trend nationwide, of course, but it certainly seems to be more common here. Must be all that KFC... Traffic is poor here, but I think at this point in time, public transportation in the US is an ever-growing problem ANYWHERE. However, note this: city planners years ago wanted Lexington to stay small and did not plan for or anticipate the growth that continues to emerge. They did not put any reasonable access route from the epicenter of the city and downtown area to interstate, and access to many of the nicer "pocket neighborhoods" means the daunting drive across town and at least 4 million traffic lights. Drivers are pretty slow, and if there is a chance of snow or ice the whole WORLD shuts down here. It. is. un.be.lieveable. If you are looking to move and you have school-aged children, tell them they will get many pointless snowdays, thus free trips to the mall or local teen hangout on perfectly frictioned roads. I have to say, I am originally from a small town in Ohio - roughly 2,000 people - and I have enjoyed my 5 years here. I am moving soon due to a career change and I will miss some features of the town. It really is a nice place to raise a family. It is safe, pretty, people are friendly, and geographically it is in a pretty decent area. The weather can be erratic (2 days ago it was 69 degrees, today it is sleeting), but definitely pleasant springs, early portions of the summer (later in summer = hot and sticky), autumn is terrific, and winters are generally shorter. (Speaking of which, spring and fall = the opening of the Keeneland horse track...a nice "cultural" additive to Lexington. It is a very unique and pleasant part of the community.) If you are moving from an over-congested, rude, smoggy, snotty city I would at least consider Lexington. There are some good, unique local restaurants for the surprisingly small city, and Lexington is actually a chain-restaurant trial site - major restaurant chains will open up in town to see if the demographics are appropriate for other locations throughout the country. Small town folks looking for a slightly more city-like feel that won't swallow you up? Lexington might be worth looking into. :) Best of luck to all who adventure to the Bluegrass state.

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Homes for You! - 2/25/2008

Today's market in Lexington, Kentucky is still a solid investment. 2007 showed the number of sales were down from 2006 by only 2%. 2006 was an outstanding year. Some neighborhoods are still showing increases in value each year. Our economy is strong and consumers are still buying and selling homes. Having raised 4 children here, I can tell you from my personal experience that Lexington is a great place to call home! To hear more about this wonderful town: call Charlie Dieruf. I am with RE/MAX Creative Realty 2808 Palumbo Drive #100, Lexington, Ky. 40509. You may email me @ charlie@charliedieruf.com or call my cell @ 859-312-0098.

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not kind to allergy sufferers - 1/26/2008

I have lived in Lexington since 1984, barring a one year odyssey to Wisconsin. It's a nice little city, but it is one of THE worst areas in America for allergy sufferers. I put up with it, because there are plenty of other things about the town that are very pleasant (particularly the easy one hour drive to nearby Red River Gorge), but my nose runs constantly between early August and late November.

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