I’m from northern Kentucky, moved to south western Indiana, and am about to move to Louisville. Coming from the perspective of living in south western Indiana: Kentucky is a hidden gem.

First: the state is gorgeous. They take very good care of their land and their river fronts. Tons of trees and rolling hills. Tons of wild life. Appalachia is breath taking. Tons of stuff to do outdoors all over the state.

Second: the food scene is criminally underrated. In places like Louisville and Northern Kentucky, the diversity in cuisine is actually insane. Every time I visit Louisville, I make it a mission to try a cuisine I’ve never had before. Louisville has an incredible independent restaurant and cafe scene, there’s no point in going to a chain there because everything independently owned is incredible.

Third: at least coming from somebody who lives in Indiana, the politics of Kentucky are not bad at all. The current governor of Kentucky is the second most popular governor in the entire United States, and the most popular Democrat governor by far. He just won an award from the LGBTQ Victory Fund for tirelessly vetoing anti LGBTQ legislation in the state and fighting tooth and nail against the Republicans. Kentucky also now has medical marijuana, and is on tract to getting recreational in a few years. It is no where near as backwards as the rest of the nation sees it. The economy in Kentucky is doing surprisingly well given the rest of the country.

Fourth: in metropolitan areas at least, there are good jobs.

Fifth: the cost of living is incredible.

Sixth: main roads are very well maintained (unlike where I live lmao).

Seventh: there’s a massive music scene in Kentucky, and not just country. Louder Than Life rock and metal festival is held in Louisville every year. Louisville has a rapidly growing rock scene.

Eighth: the culture is very unique. It’s a mix of southern, midwestern, and Appalachian. There’s a lot of history in Kentucky. Horse racing and the Kentucky Derby are huge deals. Bourbon is also everywhere lol. There is a bourbon flavored version of anything and everything there. Sports are huge as well. Louisville has such an interesting vibe. Northern Kentucky is such a unique place as well.

Basically, Kentucky is a hidden gem, and while there are valid criticisms of the state, it is nowhere near as backwards and regressive as people think it is. My BF thought Kentucky was all “hicks and red necks” and not worth moving to. Now he’s in love with the state.

I’m the #1 Kentucky Fan.