Moving to Kentucky

Have you always dreamed of relocating to the South? Or are you considering relocating due to personal or professional reasons? Regardless of the reason why you’re relocating, you consider moving to Kentucky, the Bluegrass State!

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• Kentucky, which is also known as the Bluegrass State, is home to over 4 million residents and is also the land of inventions that include the world-famous KFC franchise
• Panoramic view of Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky is home to over 4,4 million people and is also the land where several popular creations were invented, including the globally famous KFC franchise. In addition to that, Kentucky is also home to the Kentucky Derby, which attracts thousands upon thousands of tourists every year.

If you’re interested in moving to Kentucky, here’s a complete guide about moving to the Bluegrass State!

Contents:

Pros and Cons

Just like many other states in the South, Kentucky has both its pros and cons. The important thing to keep in mind is that these pros and these cons are pretty relative; perhaps a pro may sound like a con to you. Here are the 14 pros and cons of living in Kentucky!

Pros

• Cost of living: The cost of living in Kentucky is 86.5, which is almost 15 percentage points below the national average of 100. This means that Kentucky is one of the most budget-friendly states in the country.
• Close to major cities: Depending on where in Kentucky you move to, you’ll be close to major cities in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, and Illinois.
• All four seasons: Living in Kentucky means that you’ll get to experience all four seasons quite distinctly. Though summers can be quite humid and winters aren’t as cold as they are in New England.
• Outdoor activities: The Commonwealth of Kentucky offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, visiting parks, and appreciating lakes.
• Housing costs: The average home price in Kentucky is approximately $163,000, which is over one hundred thousand dollars. This means that Kentucky is one of the most affordable states in the country.
• Job opportunities: There are several industries in Kentucky, which means that there are plenty of job opportunities in this state. The job growth rate in this state is 1.2%, almost the same percentage as the national average rate of 1.4%.
• Crime rates: Kentucky is one of the 15 safest states to live in America. The violent crime rate in this state is over 160 percentage points below the national average of 379.

Cons

• Poverty rates: Unfortunately, Kentucky has one of the 10 highest poverty rates in the United States, with 14.6% of its population living in poverty.
• Education system: According to reports, Kentucky is the sixth-least educated state in the country. Only 33% of the state’s population has a college diploma.
• Health care quality: Kentucky ranks at #44 when it comes to health care. While access to health care is better than it is in most states, Kentucky still has a long way to go in terms of health care and public health quality.
• Pollution levels: If you move to Louisville, Kentucky, one of the things you’ll have to deal with is pollution. The Bluegrass State is responsible for releasing over 1,100 pounds of industrial toxins into the air.
• Hunting season accidents: When you move to Kentucky, you’ll see that hunting is a pretty big thing in this state. You’ll also find out that, during hunting season, there are more traffic accidents in the state because there are more animals on the roads.
• Entertainment options: Most cities in Kentucky have a simple and quiet lifestyle. That means that you won’t find many entertainment options unless you move to Louisville.
• Weather: The weather in Kentucky is pretty unreliable. You’ll experience tornado and storm warnings more often than not. And there’s a lot of rain in this state.

Fun Facts

• Kentucky has a long history. This state is home to KFC, the Kentucky Derby, the Happy Birthday song, and Muhammad Ali.
• Athletes competing at the Kentucky Derby

The Commonwealth of Kentucky was first established back in 1792. Since then, this state has played a major role in different events and has become known for being a land of delicious inventions. Below we’ll show you 6 fun facts about Kentucky!

• Chicken and Cheeseburgers
  • Kentucky is the land where several inventions were created and some of these inventions are more delicious than others. Kentucky Fried Chicken (or KFC) was invented here. And rumor has it that a Kaelin’s restaurant in Louisville invented the cheeseburger!
• Hunger Games
  • According to a fan-made map, District 12 in the Hunger Games would cut through Kentucky. Do you know who’s a Kentucky native? Ms. Katniss Everdeen herself. Or rather, Jennifer Lawrence, the actress who portrays Katniss.
• Bourbon
  • If you enjoy appreciating distilled beverages, then you must know that Kentucky is known as the world’s capital of bourbon. In fact, there’s even a county in this state that is called Bourbon County!
• Horse Racing
  • One of the oldest and most popular horse racing events in the United States is the Kentucky Derby. Before the pandemic, this event used to welcome approximately 150,000 on-track visitors!
• College Basketball
  • One of the most interesting aspects of living in Kentucky is that you get to experience the college basketball rivalry that goes on in this state. If you move to the Bluegrass State, be ready to see the passionate rivalry between the Cardinals from the University of Louisville and the Wildcats from the University of Kentucky.
• Happy Birthday
  • You probably didn’t know that the “happy birthday to you” song as we know it was invented in Kentucky, did you? That’s correct. The Hill sisters, Patty and Mildred, are believed to have invented the tune back in the 19th century.

Funny State Laws

• The Commonwealth of Kentucky has some pretty funny laws, including fishing prohibitions and mandatory showers!
• A man aiming a bow and arrow

If you take a minute to read about your state’s legislature, you’ll find that it has some pretty unusual laws. The fact is that every state in America has its share of unusual laws that are pretty funny. Here are 5 of Kentucky’s funny state laws:

1. Bow and Arrow
   • Are you into fishing? In that case, we must warn you that it is illegal for Kentucky residents to fish using a bow and arrow!
2. Showering
   • If you don’t like showering that much, you should probably reconsider moving to Kentucky. According to the law, every person living in Kentucky must shower at least once per year.
3. Tossing dirty water
   • This law was created back when people would still wash their clothes out in front of their homes. According to the law, it’s illegal to throw out dirty water on the streets.
4. Snakes in the church
   • It’s kind of hard to point out why this law was created in the first place — but it’s illegal to use snakes or other reptiles during religious services.
5. Remarrying the same person
   • According to the law in Kentucky, female residents are allowed to marry and remarry the same man three times at most. Why would a couple get divorced and then remarry multiple times? We have no idea!

Weather and Climate

Kentucky is located in a central area of the United States, which means that its weather is actually pretty mild and is considered humid subtropical. This means that Kentucky experiences hot summers and average winters that occasionally can get a little too cold. If you’re moving to Kentucky, you’ll experience the most pleasant weather around mid-September to mid-November, once summer is over. Winter lasts from December to February, but the temperatures rarely drop below 0 °F — though strong winds make it feel colder than it really is.

Nature

One of the best parts of moving to Kentucky is that you’ll get to have incredible experiences while outdoors. The Bluegrass State is home to rivers, lakes, caves, state and national parks, falls, nature preserves, incredible hills, and lots of other natural wonders. If you’re moving to this state, here are 5 natural attractions to visit in Kentucky!

• Cumberland Falls
• Kentucky River
• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Saunders Springs Nature Preserve
• Daniel Boone National Forest

Natural Disasters

Due to several reasons, Kentucky is considered one of the most dangerous states in terms of natural disasters. For one, the geographical location of this state makes it vulnerable to catastrophic events such as tornadoes and floodings. Another reason is that Kentucky is considered the second-least prepared state for natural disasters. Below we’ll list some of the natural disasters that have occurred and that can occur in Kentucky.

• Hurricanes
• Blizzards
• Tornadoes
• Floodings
• Landslides

Moving Price from Major Cities

If you’re considering moving to Kentucky, then you’re probably wondering how much you’ll spend in the process. Our moving costs calculator can give you an estimate for free! Below we’ll list the moving prices from major cities to Kentucky.

• Moving price from Chicago to Kentucky: $1830 – $3051
• Moving price from New York City to Kentucky: $2424 – $4040
• Moving price from Los Angeles to Kentucky: $4247 – $7078
• Moving price from Houston to Kentucky: $2708 – $4513
• Moving price from Boston to Kentucky: $2734 – $4557
• Moving price from Seattle to Kentucky: $4613 – $7688

Housing / Real Estate

Kentucky is one of the most affordable states in the country. According to Zillow, the average home price in Kentucky is a little over $163,000. This same website reports that the average price for a house in the United States is approximately $276,700, which means that buying a house in Kentucky is significantly more affordable than in most other states. Renting an apartment in Kentucky is also pretty budget-friendly: the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment in this state is $680.

Price of Living

Moving to Kentucky means that you’ll be living in one of the most budget-friendly states in the country. In the cost of living list, Kentucky has an index rate of 86.5 (whereas the national average is 100), which makes it a highly affordable state. Below we’ll list the price of living in the 5 most populous counties in Kentucky.

Jefferson County

Fayette County

Kenton County

Warren County

Boone County

All the values presented in the tables above were retrieved from the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator.

Demographics

Kentucky is home to approximately 4,46 million people. 50.7% of the population are female persons, and 22.4% are persons who are under 18 years old. Since 2010, the population of the Bluegrass State has grown 3%, according to the US Census. The racial distribution of Kentucky is the following:

• White: 84.1%
• Black or African American: 8.5%
• Hispanic or Latino: 3.9%
• Two or more races: 2%
• Asian: 1.6%

Education

Kentucky ranks at #36 in terms of education. The Bluegrass State is one of the ten least educated states in the country, with a score of approximately 33 out of 100. Only 33.7% of the adult population has a college diploma, although the high school graduation rate in this state is 5 percentage points above the national average. These are the best high schools and universities in Kentucky:

High Schools

• DuPont Manual High School
• J. Graham Brown School
• Beechwood High School
• Highlands High School
• North Oldham High School

Colleges / Universities

• University of Kentucky
• University of Louisville
• Bellarmine University
• Berea College
• Centre College

Healthcare and Medical Institutions

While Kentucky ranks as the 16th state with the best health care access, this state has one of the worst health care quality and public health quality in the country. Overall, Kentucky ranks at #44. Over 9% of the population doesn’t have health insurance in this state, which is still better than the national average of 12.9%. Below we’ll list the 5 best hospitals in Kentucky.

• University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital
• Baptist Health Louisville
• St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood-Covington Hospitals
• Norton Hospital
• UofL Health-Jewish Hospital

Tourism / Attractions

In terms of tourism, Kentucky is most definitely one of the best states in the country. With a diverse geography, the Bluegrass State is home to beautiful attractions that include lakes, caves, rivers, mountains, hills, forests, parks, and more. If you’re moving to Kentucky, here are 5 tourist attractions you can’t miss:

• Daniel Boone National Forest
• Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park
• Kentucky Horse Park
• The Kentucky Derby Museum
• Lost River Cave

Top Cities

• Kentucky is home to over 400 cities, which means you may have a hard time choosing the ideal one. Below we’ll list the 5 most populous cities in Kentucky
• Aerial view of Downtown Lexington, Kentucky

While most people may peg Kentucky for being a rural state, that is actually not technically true. Kentucky’s population living in urban areas is much larger than the approximately 33% of people who live in rural areas in this state. If you’re moving to Kentucky, you must probably be wondering which cities are the best for you. Here are Kentucky’s top 5 cities:

1. Louisville: Louisville is home to the popular Cardinals from the University of Louisville, KFC, and Muhammad Ali. It is also the most populous city in Kentucky.
2. Lexington: This city is the second-most populous city in Kentucky, and is also home to the University of Kentucky. Lexington is popular because of horse breeding, which earned it the nickname of “horse capital of the world”.
3. Bowling Green: Bowling Green is mostly a university city. It is especially known for its amazingly beautiful caves that can be visited almost all year round. This city is also known for being responsible for the production of Corvette parts.
4. Owensboro: The fourth-most populous city in Kentucky, Owensboro is known for being a large industrial and cultural hub in Kentucky. An interesting trivia about this state is that is known as the barbecue capital of the world.
5. Frankfort: With a little over 26,000 residents, Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky. This city may not be as popular as Louisville, but it is home to many bourbon distilleries, which makes it quite popular among those who enjoy this beverage.

Job Market

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kentuck ranks at #22 in unemployment rates rank, tied with Tennessee with a rate of 5.0. Approximately 1,93 million people are currently employed in this state and the job growth in Kentucky is only 1.2% (national average: 1.4%). You can look for jobs in Kentucky on the state’s government website. Below are the top employers in Kentucky.

• Yum! Brands
• Texas Roadhouse
• Humana
• Kindred Healthcare
• Toyota

Economy

The economy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky relies on different sectors. The population of Kentucky works mostly with freight, material, and stock moving. Another major industry that employs several people in Kentucky is fast food services. Here are the top industries in the Bluegrass State:

• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Tourism
• Trade

Things to do in Kentucky

When we’re moving to a new place, one of the first things that we want to know is if this new place has plenty of entertainment options. Whether you’re into spending your free time outdoors or you prefer hanging out indoors, Kentucky has attractions that will please every type of resident. Here are 8 things to do in Kentucky:

1. Kentucky Derby: The Kentucky Derby is not only this state’s most important event, but it is also one of the most popular events in the entire country. Over 150,000 attend this annual horse race that gathers the most talented thoroughbred horses!
2. Mammoth Cave: Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is one of the longest cave systems in the world. This massive cave is believed to have additional 600 miles left to be explored in its system, in addition to the 400 miles that have already been explored!
3. Muhammad Ali Center: Muhammad Ali is one of the most famous people born in Kentucky. If you’re in Louisville, you should definitely visit this museum, which features exhibits of Muhammad’s life and his legacy as a boxer.
4. Kentucky Derby Museum: The Kentucky Derby only happens once per year and not everyone manages to get tickets in time. If you happen to be one of those people, you can always visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, which stays open all year round.
5. Newport Aquarium: If you’re moving to Kentucky with children, one of the most interesting options to enjoy a day with your kids is the Newport Aquarium. Though it doesn’t have as many species as other major aquariums, this is still a great place to visit.
6. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory: Are you a sports fan? In that case, you can’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the museum that showcases the history of baseball bats. You can also go on a factory tour and see how Louisville Slugger bats are made!
7. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Kentucky is especially known for the bourbon it produces. If you’re an admirer of this distilled beverage, you can go on a tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and visit the 37 distilleries in this circuit.
8. National Corvette Museum: Corvettes are a national icon. They are easily one of America’s favorite cars and they’re loved by many automobile lovers. If you’re a fan of Corvettes, you must visit the National Corvette Museum.

Public Transport

One of the things you won’t have to worry about if you move to Kentucky is public transport. This state has a well-developed transportation system that helps over 45,000 people commute to work every day in Louisville alone. However, if you move to smaller cities, you may have to consider getting a car. Here are 8 means of transportation in Kentucky:

Crime and Safety

In terms of crime and corrections, Kentucky is one of the 15 safest states in America. The public safety system in this state is one of the best, although the corrections system still has some room for improvement. Kentucky has a violent crime rate of 217 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly below the national average of 379/100,000. The incarceration rate in Kentucky, on the other hand, is above the national average at 516 per 100,000 residents, whereas the US average is 419 per 100,000 residents. Below we’ll list the 5 safest cities in Kentucky.

• Independence
• Fort Thomas
• Erlanger
• Mount Washington
• Danville

Acquire a New Driver’s License in Kentucky

One of the best ways to commute when you move to a new town is by using your own car. Public transportation may be cheaper, but it can take a while to get used to riding a bus in a new town. Once you’re permanently settled in Kentucky, you have 30 days to obtain a new license. Here’s what you have to do to transfer an out-of-state license to Kentucky.

• Visit the nearest Circuit Court Clerk’s Office or Driver Licensing Regional Office across Kentucky.
• Bring the following documentation:
  • Proof of Kentucky residence
  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security Number
  • Valid out-of-state license
• Pay the required fees.
• Wait 45 days until your new Kentucky driver’s license is issued.
• If your current license is expired for less than a year, you’ll have to take written and vision exams prior to acquiring a Kentucky driver’s license.

Road Safety, Highways, and Routes

According to traffic reports, the rate of car accident fatalities in Kentucky has been higher than the national average for over a decade. Still, this number seems to be declining in recent years. In 2017, there were over 36,800 injured people in car accidents, but that number dropped to a little over 34,700 in the following year. Texting while driving is the #1 cause of car crashes, with drunk driving trailing close behind. Below we’ll list the main highways and routes in Kentucky:

Highways

• I-75
• I-64
• I-69
• I-65
• I-71

Routes

• KY 7
• KY 11
• KY 15
• KY 10
• KY 9

Museums

Kentucky has plenty of entertainment options for those who enjoy spending their time connecting with nature or watching different sports. Now, if you’re more interested in hanging out indoors and appreciating art and history, the Bluegrass State also has lots of museum options for you. Here are7 museums to visit in Kentucky:

• Kentucky Derby Museum
• The Frazier History Museum
• The Speed Art Museum
• The Kentucky Museum
• Aviation Museum of Kentucky
• The Mary Todd Lincoln House
• National Corvette Museum

In the end, is moving to Kentucky worth it?

Kentucky still has a lot to improve in different aspects, especially when it comes to education and health care. Still, this Southern state is one of the most affordable in the country, with the median home price over $100,000 below the national average and a cost of living index of 86.5/100. Another advantage of living in Kentucky is that this state is located in a privileged location and you’ll have access to some of the major cities in the South and in the Midwest.

How to Move to Kentucky

• When you move to Kentucky, you’ll need to hire a moving company. These companies offer a wide range of services, including hot tub moving!
• Movers transporting a hot tub

Have you decided that Kentucky is the ideal location for you and your family? If that’s the case, you must probably be wondering what should be your next step. You could always make spur-of-the-moment decisions and move immediately. But if you want to make a smooth and unproblematic move to Kentucky while saving money in the process, here are 10 steps to help you move to Kentucky!

1. Plan ahead.
   • The best advice we can give you is to plan ahead of moving. Start looking into moving services and moving companies a few weeks in advance. Our download moving checklist comes in handy during the planning process.
2. Downsize.
   • Planning ahead will save you money — but so will downsizing. We all have those items that we don’t even use anymore, so why not get rid of them before moving to Kentucky?
3. Get moving quotes.
   • When we’re looking into buying a new car, we get quotes from different dealerships in search of the best price. Well, it’s no different when you’re moving to a different place. Get moving quotes from different companies using our free calculator!
4. Book movers.
   • Once you’ve contacted a moving company that fits your needs and your budget, it’s time to hire their services and book a date to move to Kentucky.
5. Visit your new area.
   • In case you’re unsure about moving to Kentucky, you can always visit this state before you make a final decision. Visiting your new area will allow you to see what it’s like and if it’s actually ideal for you.
6. Start packing.
   • By the time you get to this step, you will already have booked a moving company and visited your new area. Now it’s time to start packing your items and get ready to move to Kentucky!
7. Create an essentials box.
   • While this one is not an obligatory step, we strongly recommend that you create an essentials box to store all the items you’ll want to have easy access to once you get to Kentucky. What are these items? Toothbrushes, snacks, clothes, towels, and more.
8. Say farewells.
   • Relocating to a different place is both physically and mentally demanding. But what a lot of people don’t know is that this process is also emotionally demanding — it’s not easy to leave your life, your family, and your friends behind. That’s why we suggest that you take a few days to say your farewells.
9. Get some rest.
   • By now, you’re all set to move to Kentucky. You’ve packed, you’ve said your farewells. The next step before the big day is to get some well-deserved rest!
10. Enjoy the move.
    • Relocating to a new state and starting a new life can be quite difficult as you’ll still have to get used to a new routine. But at the same time, it’s also one of the best experiences in life. Because of that, our final advice to help you move to Kentucky is: enjoy the move!

Moving Services to Help You Relocate to Kentucky

Once you start looking into moving to Kentucky, you’ll notice that there are countless moving companies that can help you relocate. You’ll also notice that these companies offer a wide range of services, from furniture transportation to commercial moving. In case you’re not sure what these services are, below we’ll briefly talk about 9 moving services to help you relocate to Kentucky!

• Furniture Transportation
  • When you move to the Bluegrass State, you’ll have two options: selling all of your items, including the furniture, or moving furniture to Kentucky. If you’re going with the second option, keep in mind that most companies offer these services.
• Residential Movers
  • Whether you’re moving to Kentucky from a house or from an apartment, residential movers will help you. The only thing they can’t help you with is moving an office.
• Piano Transportation
  • If you’re a pianist or if you have a piano at home that holds sentimental value, we have good news for you: you can move a piano to Kentucky! Some companies specialize in piano transportation services, and their services are less expensive than buying a new piano.
• Art and Antiques Movers
  • Art pieces cannot be transported in the same way that furniture is transported. Antiques and artworks are fragile, thus they require more attention. Art and antique movers will help you greatly when you need to move fragile items to Kentucky.
• Hot Tub Movers
  • Most people believe that they can’t move bulky items such as hot tubs. That’s actually not true: many moving companies will move a hot tub to Kentucky. And the best part is that these services aren’t that expensive!
• Pool Table Movers
  • Similarly to moving hot tubs, you can also move a pool table to Kentucky. Pool table movers will transport your item with the utmost care, and it’s going to be cheaper than buying a new pool table.
• Office Movers
  • Remember that we said that residential movers can’t help you with office moving? That’s because there are office movers who are specialists in this kind of service! If you have to move an office to Kentucky, they are your go-to guys!
• Long Distance Movers
  • Some people move from a city to another within their own state. But then there are those who are moving from a different state or that are making cross-country moves. If that’s your case, you have to contact long-distance movers.
• Last Minute Movers
  • If you have reasons to make a last-minute move to Kentucky, rest assured that there are moving companies that can help you with that. Just keep in mind that last-minute moving is almost always more expensive than planning your move and booking a mover with some time in advance.