If you're an optimist, you'll find this place a ch
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4/25/2006
People who grew up in Huntington and who are still here are mostly happy and content with their hometown. However…
If you didn’t grow up in Huntington and you’re thinking about moving to this area, you should seriously reconsider. You’ll find that people, while polite, are not overly friendly. Pre-existing social circles are extremely difficult to break into – you won’t be rejected, but you won’t be included either. So, if you want to fit in, you better have family or friends that are already here.
Living here is like being caught in a time warp where nothing ever changes. You just re-live the same day over and over again. If you’re looking for excitement, this isn’t the place.
There are pockets of wealth and prosperity, but the overall economy is mostly stagnant or in decline. The city is virtually broke with little hope in sight. Future unfunded city liabilities (including pensions and health care costs) are so large that little money can be spared from revenues to improve current conditions. City buildings and streets are dirty and run-down. Even the best neighborhood streets are filled with potholes. You’ll need a SUV to get around. Crime, while low, is on the rise.
Winters are gray, so you’ll want to be able to travel somewhere else to see some sunshine.
Education is a bright spot with state-of-the-art high school facilities and with Marshall University nearby. Quality private schools are also available. Unfortunately, the educated don’t tend to stick around.
Huntington has a very pervasive status-quo herd mentality that drives smart people away and prevents any real progress for the area. Long-term residents are hypersensitive about their city and not open to change. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys making things happen, you’ll be frustrated beyond belief should you decide to move here.
Huntington is a nice place to visit – but keep in mind that visiting here and living here are two very different things. If you're currently living in a prosperous and vibrant area, moving here may be a difficult adjustment for you.
Clint | Lexington-Fayette, KY