Well, I just have to reply to this, because it is pretty absurd.
I moved here 15 years ago and the first thing that completely amazed me, was the absent of violent crime...as in maybe 1 murder per year. Yes, it has changed over the years, but I find it due more to population growth and what that brings with it.
The second most striking for me, was the cleanliness of the city! I had never seen city streets as clean as Lexington-ever! I do believe the traffic is horrible, but again..population growth is a major factor. They are working on ways to improve that problem, but everything takes time.
Upon moving here, I was surprised to not get the "southern hospitality" feel that we all hear so much about. I believe that to be a myth. If that is what you are looking for, then by all means, go to TN!! They will honey and baby you to death. I still find that folks, even in Indianapolis, are MUCH friendlier to strangers than here. I still feel the snobbiness daily and been here a long time, so I don't expect it to change...rudeness is everywhere!
Yes, Lexington and the surrounding areas are HUGE UK sports fans, but what college town isn't? I find them to be worse bandwagon jumpers than most colloege towns, since they always want to fire the coach every time they lose a game...pretty sad.
This IS the Horse capitol of the world, so yes, there are a lot of horses...but taking a drive through horse farm country is fabulous!!! You will not see sites such as this anywhere but here! They are nothing less than picturesque and there is nothing like the rolling pastures with new colts playing in the spring. I still find it breathtaking after 15 years.
Climate- well, in the summer, it is HOT! As in, just as hot as the southern states, without a doubt. There doesn't usually seem to be much of a sring or fall, it just goes from hot to cold..and back. In the last 4-5 years, drought has been a pretty big problem in the summer months..for those of you who garden, want to own horses or livestock. Winters are much milder than just north in Indiana, with precipitation usually being more in the form of rain or ice. I consider winter to be the rainy season. For the snow lovers...here right now, gone in a few hours, unless the rare 18" happens to fall.
Employment--The economy is bad right now, just like everywhere, but there are jobs to be found. If you are in the medical field, of any sort, you can find a job right away...with good pay. The Toyota car plant has now went to hiring temporaries only...work for 3 years for ~$13 and maybe get on permanent making 20-some. IT is a very long, painful process, so don't relocate here for that, unless you KNOW you have a foot in the door.
Cost of living- I find it more expensive to shop here..groceries, clothes, etc., but I contribute that in part to Toyota. Gas is usually cheaper here than other places in the US. There are nice, new-ish apartments that you can rent for ~400/ mo. that include a ton of amenities-gym, pool, clubhouse, etc. House rental is costly, unless you are willing to live further out of town.
In my opinion- Lexington is a nice place to live, depending on your interests. If you are truly a city person, I would opt for Louisville or Cincinnati, OH, which is 1.5 hours away. Lexington is a small city, without much to do...in my opinion. If you are a nature person, you want to head a bit farther south, as there is not much to offer close by. Within 1-2 hours or so south, you will have endless hiking, boating, cave dwelling, etc., but not here. This place is great for small city shopping and eating out...tons of options!
If you are at a point in your life to kick back and relax, not expecting excitement daily, this may be the place for you. If you are not a city person, but like the convenience of one, I suggest one of the nearby small towns to live in and then you can leave the city behind when you are done. It is very easy to live in a number of small towns within a 15 min. drive of Lexington..Versailles, Georgetwon, Frankfort, Winchester, Richmond, Harrodsburg, and more.
Lee |
Stamping Ground, KY |
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