College-town
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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.
Michelle | Lexington-Fayette, KY