Moving to Kentucky?
Part of the commonwealth of four U.S. states, Kentucky has given the world one of the most
delectable fast foods -- Kentucky Fried Chicken. The state's cuisine is distinctly southern with Owensboro being the
“Barbecue Capital of the World.” The state also holds the annual Kentucky Derby Festival, two weeks prior to the Kentucky
Derby horse racing spectacle.
The state is well known for its bourbon and whiskey distilleries. Bardstown
is where bourbon is aged and distilled and has come to be known as the Bourbon Capital of the World.
The state
is known by the nickname the “Bluegrass State.” The green pastures take the appearance of blue during spring due to bluish-purple
buds. It is grown on limestone rich soils and is especially useful for raising thoroughbred race horses. The name of
the state originated from the Iroquois word, Cane-tuck-ee, meaning “meadow lands.”
If you’re moving to Kentucky,
there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Kentucky
Kentucky Climate
The state is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with plentiful precipitation. The range of temperature
tends to vary across the state. Kentucky is also susceptible to tornadoes, floods and ice storms. The state is
surrounded by major bodies of water on three sides – the Mississippi River to the west, the Ohio River to the
north, and the Big Sandy River and Tug Fork to the east.
Registering your Car
Upon moving into the state of Kentucky, you have 10 days to title and register your
vehicle. You have to submit the title and registration application, insurance papers, your out-of-state title
and the required fees at the County Clerk's Office. You also need to get your vehicle inspected at a local sheriff's
office.
Obtaining a Kentucky Driver's License
You need to surrender your out-of-state driver's license in order to
obtain a Kentucky driver's license at a Circuit Court Clerk's Office. If you hold a valid driver's license from
another state, then you don't have to take any of the tests. If you are from a foreign nation, then you need
to take vision, written and skills test.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Kentucky was ranked 15th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 20
violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
Kentucky's major industries are agriculture, auto manufacturing, energy, and fuel production. The state's
major agricultural produce includes: broilers, cattle, calves, tobacco, soybean, barley, tomatoes, hay, and grain sorghum.
Horse breeding and racing was developed in the Bluegrass Region due to the high calcium content of the soil. The Paducah
Gaseous Diffusion Plant produces enriched uranium rods and the coal from the two coal fields contribute significantly
to the energy needs of the nation. Kentucky is also one of the leading states in automobile and truck assembly. The Chevrolet
Corvette, Ford Escape, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, and Toyota Venza are some of the cars that are assembled in the state.
Tourism is a major revenue-generating sector for the state.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Kentucky had an unemployment rate of 8.6 percent, which is slightly higher than the
national average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Kentucky is $41,576 while the average per capita income
for the state is $22,515.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Kentucky is $206,428, while the median sales price is just over $134,500. The Kentucky Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Kentucky.
Major landmarks and attractions
Mammoth Cave National Park; Mountain Life Museum; Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
National Historic Site; Mary Todd Lincoln House; Keeneland; The Locust Grove House; The Kentucky Center for the
Performing Arts; Churchill Downs.
Largest Cities: Lexington, Louisville, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Frankfort
Schools
The Kentucky Board of Education oversees the 174 public school districts throughout the state. The Board has come
up with a Commonwealth Diploma to motivate students. Every student is required to take four advanced placement
courses in English, math or science, foreign language, and an elective. After the exam in three of these courses,
the students whose marks exceed the threshold are eligible for refund of their registration fees. As part of
higher education, there are eight public four-year universities, and 16 public two-year colleges. Notable among
them are: the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, Ashland Community and Technical College,
and Bowling Green Technical College.
National Parks
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Mammoth Cave National Park
State park System
The Kentucky Department of Parks maintains and administers the 50 state parks which have
been acclaimed as some of the finest in the nation. From underground caves to some of the highest peaks in the
Appalachia to the scenic byways and shores of lakes and rivers, this varied topography of the state's parks lets
you and your family indulge in a range of outdoor recreation such as caving, hiking, horseback riding, camping,
swimming, fishing, boating, and shooting sports.
Major Airports
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Louisville International Airport
Blue Grass Airport
Barkley Regional Airport