Moving to Louisville, KY

Every spring, women in grandiose hats and men in class slacks converge on a plot of dirt with glasses of bourbon in hand. They’re there to watch one of Louisville’s greatest events: the Kentucky Derby, the famous American horserace that exemplifies the city’s Kentuckian vibe.

But Derby City is more than horse races and American whiskey. It is an ever-developing metro with great college, arts and sports scenes that offer everything from ballet to basketball to indie music blended with a tinge of blues.

Layout of Louisville

Louisville is located in northwest Kentucky, on the Ohio River, which separates Kentucky from Indiana. The greater area is hilly, wet and covered in trees and meadows; it is generally referred to as the Bluegrass Region for its native, blue-flowered grass.

The metropolitan area includes the large cities of Elizabethtown, KY, and Scottsburg, IN. It is home to over 1.3 million people. Louisville itself has over 50 neighborhoods, the most famous of which include Downtown and Portland on the river, and well-developed Butchertown and Smoketown.

Positives of Moving to Louisville

Bourbon – Louisville produces 1/3 of the world’s supply of this American whiskey. Connoisseurs will be delightfully tempted, and even non-fans can enjoy the city’s various celebrations of the drink.

College Town for Non-College Folk – The University of Louisville and other colleges bring a youthful, sports-happy scene to the city, but the metro is large enough to offer plenty of entertainment for those looking to avoid the college crowd.

Arts – Louisville is home to a number of big indie bands, including My Morning Jacket; it has an array of art and science museums; and the Kentucky Center and Forecastle Festival (music) are great places to see performances of all types.

Heritage – Louisville has roots in American history, including being the birthplace of Muhammad Ali and the home of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Today, its role as a heritage center continues, as it is the locale of the famous Kentucky Derby horse race and the old-time riverboat, Belle of Louisville.

Location – Louisville is centrally located in the US, making trips to Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, and Pittsburg, all day-drive possibilities.

Negatives of Moving to Louisville

Transportation – Louisville has a well-respected airport; however, its ground transportation is lacking. Its only public transit is a bus system, which is regarded as poor, and its highways are clogged, making driving unfortunate.

Weather – Louisville weather isn’t all bad. It gets four seasons, and it’s milder than northern cities. However, when a place snows in the winter, gets humid in the summer, and enjoys tornados every now and again, its weather is more negative than positive.

Downtown – The city is mostly unwalkable and suburban. Though it does have a downtown, which is getting better every year, it pales in comparison to the downtowns of other large cities, like Boston, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Public Schools – Residents complain about the public school system, and many choose to send their children to private schools to avoid it.

Economy – Louisville doesn’t have a weak economy, and its home to many large corporations. However, it also doesn’t have the growing tech and environmental fields that its neighbors, Columbus and Pittsburgh, do.

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