Overview
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However you want to pronounce it, Louisville is a quintessential Southern city with a sprawled out population of more than 700,000. Despite this somewhat large population, Louisville has a reputation for being relatively safe - in 2006 it was voted the eighth safest city. Louisville is not terribly diverse, as about 75 percent of the population is white and 23 percent is black, with very small populations of American Indians and Asians.
The city is probably best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, an annual event that draws much fanfare. Louisville has three prominent areas: the West End, the South End and the East End (which is considered the swankiest part). The residents of Louisville, on the whole, are a religious group - most residents belong to the Catholic and Southern Baptist churches. You'll need a car in Louisville, as the city's public transportation is not particularly strong, and only consists of buses serving downtown and some of the immediate suburbs.
A highlight for nature lovers is that the Greater Louisville Region has more than 120 parks. Though Louisville has a large population, most areas do not have an urban vibe - on the contrary the city has more of a small town feel to it. Since the city has been around for a long time, many of its neighborhoods are distinct. Hipster-ish people would like the Germantown (home to the popular Lynn's Paradise Café) and St. Josephs neighborhood for their kitschy architecture, while families with children may prefer the East End.
Remember that Louisville is the South, so you'll be right at home if you love BBQ. One of the most popular places around the city is Mark's Feed Store Bar-B-Q. Other decadent Southern treats can be found at Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen, which is a dream for people with a sweet tooth. If you're looking for local flavor, look no further than the Louisville Slugger Museum, considered a must-see attraction for locals, tourists and baseball fans alike.
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Louisville's major districts are best described as a series of spokes emanating from a central hub. Downtown sits on the southern bank of the Ohio river, and a number of happening thoroughfares jut more or less southward from there.
Louisville has it all. Small ecclectic bars along Bardstown Rd. and the Highlands, to huge big name places like the Hard Rock down on 4th Street Live!! 4th street is a social scene all to itself. With everything from open air concerts to UFC events. Also, right down the street is the new Yum Center, home to the Louisville Cardinals and many huge concerts. It was opened this year and it is already drawing big name talent from all over the world.
Between the Watterson (I-264)
and the Gene Snyder (265), everything is about 10 minutes from everything else.
Traffic isn't too bad but can be a little sluggish during rush hour. TARC has good bus service - my husband used it to get t work downtown for years with no problems. Parking downtown is NOT a big issue, but people used to parking 10 feet away from the Kroger are going to moan and complain about paying $1 to park 2 blocks away from a building.
Parking at UofL is tough, but so is any other university.
There are a lot of cute little neighboorhoods in the Highlands and St. Matthews areas. I lived in Kingsley for 7 years, and there was a good mix of owned and rental homes, and several nice apartment buildings and condos. Highlands tends to
be more for the eclectic folks, and St. Matthews for the 2.5 kids-and-golden-retriever
set. Pretty safe areas. People in the city tend to be a little cliquey - you either grew up there and "have enough friends" or move there as an adult and have to try to find the other newbies. But overall nice.
Go to The Kroger for your groceries. When it s forecast to snow, get right in your car and go to The Kroger to buy bread and milk. Don't ask why, just do it. John Belski on WAVE-3 rates storms on the "bread index" - more slices means a worse storm.
The Jewsh Community Center is a great gym for decent prices, although the joining fee can be steep. Fantastic outdoor pools, open I think from April-October.
There are many schools that provide a well rounded education and opportunities to excel. There are also good local schools for higher learning including Bellarmine University, University of Louisville, and Spalding University. Louisville is also home to Sullivan University and a branch of Campbellsville University. Do not assume that your child cannot learn and grow in the right school environment. Be part of their education process. Stay involved with their learning and get to know your child's teachers. If you have concerns contact the school's principal or the Jefferson County Board of Education. You and your child will reap much benefit from greater involvement.
There is a long list of successful and intelligent Americans that have been educated in Louisville schools including Diane Sawyer, Jeff Brohm, Tom Cruise, Louie Dampier, Frank Beard, and Mary T. Meagher.
Louisville has a humid subtropical climate ) and experiences four seasons. Spring-like conditions typically begin in mid to late March, summer from mid- to late-May to late September, with fall in the October–November period. Seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Louisville averages 87 days with low temperatures below freezing. Summer is typically hazy, hot, and humid with long periods of 90-100 degree temperatures and drought conditions at times. Louisville averages 31 days a year with high temperatures above 90 degrees. The mean annual temperature is 56.9 °F (13.8 °C), with an average annual snowfall of 14.7 inches (37 cm) and an average annual rainfall of 44.5 inches (1,130 mm).
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