I feel that I’m constantly hearing of another accolade for Louisville. This is a notable thing, especially for a native of this eclectic, historical city. I must say, though, speaking directly to this wonderful city, that, ‘You’ve come a long way, baby.’ My memories of growing up here are excellent; however, (for you younger millennials out there), before there was Waterfront Park, there was a waterfront filled with scrapyards and fuel tanks. No one went downtown with any regularity. There were things around to do, but there wasn’t a great energy.
Things have changed. The Big Four Bridge is not just rusted metal sitting on stones anymore. Grass actually grows on the river. NuLu is the place to be. Bardstown Road has more fun places to eat and hang out than ever (while still successfully maintaining its weirdness). There are now more places to eat downtown than Count Von Count can number. The Goss Avenue antique mall is being re-done in Germantown. The University of Louisville has expanded and grown. Delicious restaurants are popping up on every corner. Churchill Downs started night racing. The energy has changed.
And, there is national recognition. CNN named the Derby City one of the top 20 travel destinations in 2013. This went further with National Geographic Traveler naming Louisville one of the top 20 Best in the World locations in 2013 (yeah, I said world, not national). My favorite award for the Ville came in 2012 from GC when it named Louisville the most manly town in America. Yeah, that’s right.
All the tips of the hat to Louisville being a great location to visit are great. But, what about to live? Yes, in 2011 Parenting magazine chimed in, listing Louisville to be one of the top 10 places to raise children, citing affordable housing, museums, and being the “City of Parks” (thanks, Frederick Law Olmsted).
Louisville is a city filled with beautiful tree-lined parkways, vast parks, historical buildings, excellent food, and fun things to do and see. I titled this post, “The Louisville Renaissance”, but I guess I really ask the question--is this a re-birth or just the beginnings of even better things to come?
Matt Gatewood
REALTOR
Keller Williams Louisville East
Keller Williams Louisville East
502-594-6582
