jake

I am a 23 year old from Boston and have read recently that Louisville is kind of a cool town. Does anyone agree? I know people's tastes are different but is there a fun nightlife, coffee houses, liberal folks? Thanks

Lou

Nope. You got bad info. the town blows, and the people are all rednecks and hicks...especially compared to Boston. Stay away, you'll hate it.

Native

As a native of L'ville and frequent visitor, let me assure you that it is no Boston.

Fun nightlife? No.

Coffee houses? A few in the Bardstown Road area, but nothing like what you're used to.

Liberal folks? Are you kidding? Especially compared to *anywhere* in the Northeast, it's extremely conservative.

Plus there's no downtown after dark, no young professionals, and no jobs for young professionals. The big issue in Louisville is "brain drain." All the bright young people leave. Go figure.

Ang

I moved away from Louisville 3 years ago and still visit frequently. I would say its no Boston as far as liberalism, but I wouldn't go as far as the other posters either. Actually compared to cities of the same size in the south (and Louisville does consider itself the south) it is more liberal and does have more hip things going on. Actually Bardstown Road is loaded with GREAT restaurants, not chains and many of them kind of funky. Louisville is known to be a restaurant mecca (again comparing to cities of the same size) and has many more local places which are nice and upscale. I lived there until I turned 26 and I found the singles scene for 20somethings to be fun and eclectic.

HOWEVER, compared to Boston it will be sleep probably. But compare it to say Birmingham, AL or Knoxville, TN (similar size and situated cities) it has more going on than others. I have heard from friends still living there that the job market has tanked, but if you could find a job there, the cost of living and especially housing is VERY low and you can live pretty good. If you want more specific info on bars, restaurants, and nightlife or even housing let me know.

Mike

Jake you're asking about some strange towns for a Bostonian....Kansas City, KS, Louisville.....from Boston?
You're looking for cheap meth or crack, is that the connection?
These are not towns which you'll want to visit.
KCK has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the US and is mostly slummy, inner and industrial areas. KC Missouri is a bit better.
Compared to Boston, you'd be slumming.

lmsa_mc

I am so sick of this eletist coastal attitude. The middle of the country has some good things and good people to offer also. Especially if you care about more than coffeehouses and bars.

maya

Imsa, am I missing something or are you trying to defend KC, Kansas and Louisville as 'hip' towns with great coffeehouses?
Those are the two towns Jakes has asked about in his two different posts.
They are both severely lacking in thses areas, and whether they're midwestern or eastern towns has nothing to do with it.

Gary

"Hip Louisville" is an oxymoron, and it has nothing to do with coastal elitism. A 23 year old from Boston would be miserable here. Miserable. What are you looking for, Jake? Change of weather? New job? Affordable housing? A place to hide??

linda

Hi Jake,
I consider myself an expert here. A native Louisvillian for 40 odd years, I think it's a great place to live in many ways. We have Bardstown Rd and Frankfort Ave- 2 streets with coffee houses, funky shops and great dining. We have some of the best medical facilities in the world. (The first US artificial heart was first implanted here and the Abio-Cor was as well) UofL is an excellent school. Liberals? Hell, yes there are. At least in some parts of town, LOL. Our newspaper is SOOO Democratic and Liberal. Majority of our town/state is Democratic.We're getting ready to re-elect the coolest Mayor as well.
on the downside...the nightlife absolutely sucks. We have great theater and performing arts, but the music scene is awful. Trust me. I'm a professional musician and now do most of my work at country clubs and conventions.
I live in a lovely area by 2 huge parks- (park system is wonderful.) Our riverfront is developing. It is easy to drive here and there are nice areas to live with no commute time at all. The cost of living and real estate is extremely low. There are many smokers here- that's a downer.I think it's a very friendly town and I enjoy living here.I also enjoy traveling elsewhere, LOL)

jedivader

I have been looking into Louisville for my next short trip. I have never been there but would like to see all parts of the country. There seems like there would be plenty to do, at least for a few days. Living in a big city is not all that. I live outside of Washington DC and can't stand it. The area is overcrowded, overpriced, full of traffic jams and pretty much everyone is rude. A five minute drive to the subway has become 15-30 minutes. I can't wait to move away from here. Anyway, these are some of the ideas I had for Louisville, maybe you can use them too.
-Louisville Slugger Museum
-Churchill Downs
-Wild Turkey Tour
-Day trip to Mammoth Cave
-Visit Indiana
-University of Louisville
-Fort Knox

jedivader

I just noticed how old the last posting is, almost a year ago. I guess people don't post much about Louisville.........

lisas

I just read the posts written about my hometown. I really take offense to being compared to rednecks & hicks. Sure some of Kentucky may be considered a little bit country, but Louisville is actually becoming quite the metropolis. It is also a wonderful place to live. I have traveled the country quite a bit & I am always happy to return home. Louisville has a wonderful art scene & the Bardstown Rd. area is full of unique restaurants, shops, bars & galleries. Also, we are home to the Kentucky Derby. The Derby & the festivities leading up to it are reason enough to visit.