Remember a couple of weeks ago when I said I was freaking out about being back in the US and couldn’t wait to leave Louisville and wanted to move to New York immediately? Well, that all changed.
A few days after I posted that, I realized something I thought would never be true.
I actually like Louisville.
I had been way too quick to judge this little city stuck between the north and the south. I immediately wrote it off as too small and too backward. I figured since it is Kentucky it would be too religious and too conservative. I thought people would close minded and unwelcoming. On the whole, I couldn’t have been further from the truth and I’ve since discovered a few great things about this city that are making me want to stay.
1. There’s a huge craft beer and food scene
There’s only two things I really need in life to be happy- good food and good beer. Luckily, Louisville has an abundance of both! The city was recently named as one of the most underrated food cities in the US by Thrillist and has received countless other accolades over the years. It’s definitely a fun place to eat. On Friday I attended the opening night of Roux, a New Orleans inspired restaurant, and had great gumbo and a fabulous cocktail.
My favorite Louisville lunch spot.
Oh, and the beer? While a lot of the breweries in Kentucky aren’t my favorite, there is a passion for craft beer here. Holy Grale has a rotating theme of craft beers and other craft beer bars regularly host tap takeovers. Last week I attended a craft beer night at the Kentucky Science Center (more about that soon!) and next week there’s a huge craft beer festival. I’m excited to discover more about brewing in this region.
2. I can easily explore more of the US
Okay, the airport here is absolute shit, but driving wise, Louisville is centrally located to a lot of cities- less than 3 hours to Nashville, 4.5 to St. Louis, and 7 or so to Atlanta. I’m already dreaming up road trips around the South, an area of the country I haven’t had to chance to visit much.
Plus, there’s a lot of natural beauty in the area. I’m going to hiking at Red River Gorge in a couple of weeks in hopes of catching some fall colors (unlike my fall color Seoraksan hike a couple of years ago) and I hope to make it out to Cumberland Falls sometime soon.
3. It’s a nice size…and cheap
As much as I love London, since leaving I’ve realized that being there made me feel anxious and exhausted a lot of the time. Louisville is much, much smaller. I used to think of this as a negative, but it turns out there’s still a lot of things to do. Yes, there’s a serious lack of public transportation and I’ve had to learn to drive again, but it turns out even that’s not as bad as I thought.
Louisville is also cheap. Like, really, really cheap. I was taking a look at apartment ads on Craigslist and you can rent a one bedroom place for well under $1,000 a month. Like $600 a month in some places. For a one bedroom apartment in a good location. $600. I still can’t believe it. Not having to pay half my wage toward rent means I could spend it on things I like more. Like food, beer, and travel.
4. I’m close to family and friends
I think I underestimated how much I missed my family and friends in the US. Even just the simple things. It’s nice to be able to complain about Brady Hoke with my dad or make fun of people on House Hunters with my mom or go to Target with my sister. This weekend I’m driving up to Ann Arbor for a birthday celebration and an epic day of tailgating.
My lovely parents!
My sister will probably hate me for posting this.
I’m within driving distance of friends in Chicago and family in North Carolina, and am already trying to plan long weekends in Minneapolis, San Francisco, and New York to see others. Oh, and next month I get to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family for the first time since 2008! These were things that were impossible abroad, and would be nearly impossible in American cities that are further away or more expensive.
(Yes, there are two sides to this coin. I do miss my UK friends a whole bunch!)
5. There’s a plethora of writing and work opportunities
Since I’ve been back I’ve gotten a huge amount of new freelance work. People want people who can write about Louisville. There are a million other people trying to write about cities like London and New York. The competition in Louisville is a lot less stiff. Maybe that seems like settling for some, but if I can do what I love without having to have tons of connections (which I don’t) then I am happy.
I was also offered an internship doing social media for what seems like a totally awesome local digital marketing agency and I’m so excited for this opportunity to learn more about something I love in a professional environment. This is worth sticking around for alone!
I’ve second guessed a lot of decisions I’ve made in my life, but deciding to stay in Louisville? I’ve never felt more sure of anything.
Has a place ever surprised you? Are you coming to Louisville in the future (you should)? Let’s grab a beer!
So Michigan or Kentucky beer? Which is better?
Ashley Fleckenstein recently posted..What I Learned from Giving Up Meat, Alcohol and Complaining in India
Michigan. Hands down! Luckily, I can get a lot of them down here
I’ve lurked for a while but just wanted to extend my congrats on the feeling that you’e found your fit and more importantly, are happy with your decision. I’m in Pittsburgh and in many ways it’s similar to Louisville (craptastic airport i.e. limited direct flights and yet the standard of living is very cheap which is always a plus since it does give you more $$ to play with, which of course I’m referring to travel
) No city is perfect, they all have their flaws and imperfections in some ways but the more important thing is focusing on the good in that city which you have clearly done! I did the Bourbon trail last year (well, most of the distilleries) but didn’t make it to Louisville. It’s definitely on the list for future visits! Looks like a really fun and neat place!
Julie (The Red Headed Traveler) recently posted..The Dogs of Peru-a photo essay
Thanks for commenting, Julie! I’ve heard awesome things about Pittsburgh as well, I need to get up there sometime. If you ever make it to Louisville, let me know
Oh Amanda! I’m so glad you feel settled again . Louisville actually sounds awesome! And I can totally sympathise with London leaving you feeling anxious and exhausted because that’s how it makes me feel sometimes.
Beverley | Pack Your Passport recently posted..On Running Away
Thanks Beverley! I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way about London. My feels about that city were all over the place. But I still miss it
Interesting article! You made me reminisce my stay in the Madison, WI. I personally liked Madison more than Chicago or NY for its serenity
Madison is beautiful so I can definitely understand why you would feel that way!
I REALLY want to explore the south….and Nashville……and now Louisville! Sounds like a great place to be located now in my opinion, and you’ve got some great doors opening. Congrats!!
Let’s celebrate in February??
Jessica Wray recently posted..Why Staying at a Hostel Alone Isn’t All That Scary
Me tooooooo. And if February doesn’t work out we are definitely having an epic American reunion sometime early next year!
I’m glad that you’re feeling happier about where you are! And you’re selling me on Louisville…I might have to make it out there sometime, because I’ve never been!
Gabby recently posted..Birchbox: September 2014
Come visit! I’ll show you around to the best places. I’m sure there are a ton of veggie friendly restaurants here
Congrats! It sounds like Louisville it’s a perfect fit. It’s crazy (and ironic) when the thing you think you don’t want ends up being perfect– gotta love life.
xo
Mel @ http://www.marevoli.com
Melody recently posted..I Did It!
Thank you Melody! It’s a crazy ride, but that’s what makes it fun
I am so glad to read this, you sound happy and that makes me happy.
And I really, REALLY want to visit Nashville, so jealous is so close to you!
xx
Thanks Cri!! Hope you’re doing well. We need to catch up. You’ll have to come to visit someday and we can go to Nashville
xx
I really enjoyed reading this and think I needed to read this. I oftentimes feel split with where I want to be and keep feeling like I need to be in a bigger, more thriving environment. I still think this may not be a long-term solution (I currently live in the Lansing, Michigan area), a post like this reminds me of how close Chicago is, or that there are good and exciting things to be seen in Michigan and not just “out there.” I’m glad you are really loving Louisville!
Erika recently posted..How to Be Grateful When Life Isn’t What You Expected
I, personally, don’t think I’d ever be completely satisfied with where I live, grass is always greener syndrome, but I’ve decided that by focusing on the positive aspects about a place it makes me enjoy it more. Central Michigan may not be the most exciting place in the world, but you’re right, there are some exciting things in the state and nearby!
Yay, so happy to read this! It’s great that you’re happy with where you are now. You give me hope that maybe someday I’ll be happy settling down close to home, too. Haha. Craft beer would certainly be enough to convince me to stick around a while!
Kaleena’s Kaleidoscope recently posted..A Goodbye Letter To My Passport
Ahhh yeah, settling down is still scary but I’m trying to focus on the good things so I don’t get too stir crazy!
Sounds like you’ve found a great place to live with abundant opportunities. Keep up the positive outlook and I’m sure you will fall even more in love with Louisville!
Alex, Speaking Denglish recently posted..BLACK FOREST DAY HIKE: FORBACH TO BAD WILDBAD
It’s worked out surprisingly well- and you bring up such a good point, outlook makes SUCH a difference!
Sometimes the most underrated places can be the best! Sounds like everything is falling into place.
Miquel recently posted..Bangkok Bloopers
I agree! It’s the places that surprise you that you end up remembering more and liking better.
Welcome home! We are happy for you and hope to see you soon. Hugs
Thank you!! Miss you guys and hope we can get together soon!
This is awesome news, Amanda, and I love your perspective! I was actually just thinking the other day about how there are a lot of things I miss about Nashville and many of the things that I initially hated about the city, I have actually come to appreciate with distance and time away. The food scene there improved tenfold during my 7 years there, and I cannot say enough about how nice it is to be somewhere with affordable housing paired with a nice local economy. Tony & I only visited Lousville twice during our time in the South, but we both agreed we liked it a lot and think it is one of those “up & coming” cities. We actually had a conversation the other day where we said that if we were to move back to the States, we would want to move back to the South and put Louisville on the list of cities we would consider, so I’m really excited to see how this new adventure unfolds for you!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted..Mini Budget Breakdown: London Travel Costs
I’ve heard SUCH great things about Nashville, but I understand. I hated Louisville the first fews times I visited and never imagined myself here. It’s funny how things change. It really is up and coming. I’m excited to see how it continued to grow. If y’all are ever in the area, let me know and we’ll have to grab a beer or coffee
Sounds like a great opportunity you have there. I literally know nothing about Louisville, so keep the posts coming!
Laura recently posted..Where We Stayed: Gyeongju
I’ll definitely have some Louisville/Kentucky centered posts coming soon- mostly about food and beer
Congratulations on finding a place you’re happy to call home! Louisville is great. I traveled there twice for work when I lived in NYC and enjoyed the slower pace of life – and the food! I’m sure it’s only gotten better since then. Enjoy!
Heather recently posted..Sigulda, Latvia: Medieval Castles Amid Autumn Leaves
Thanks Heather! I’ve been surprised how much I enjoy the slower pace- it’s surprisingly refreshing.
Ah, I so miss good craft beer. It’s pretty difficult to get my hands on here and when I do it’s $9 a pop at least. Not so good for the pocketbook!
Yalanda Ludtke recently posted..Culture Shock
Yes, the cost of craft beer is something I do not miss about Korea at all!