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Why Lexington Kentucky was named one of Top 10 Best Places to Live

By Kim Soper

Real Estate Agent with Cypress Residential Group

May 31, 2009 09:49 AM

Here is an excerpt from the Lexington Herald Leader's feature story titled: BLUEGRASS BOUND - Lexington Named Among 10 Best Cities to Live
Original print date in the Lexington Herald Leader, Sunday, May 10, 2009. Story By Melissa Nipper*

Brian and Angela Spiers relocated to Lexington last year from Ontario, Canada. As new Lexingtonians, they are used to being asked what brought them to the Bluegrass. Their answer tends to surprise people. "Sometimes people think it's strange we picked Lexington just because we wanted to live in Lexington," Angela Spiers said. "But then I explain all the wonderful things we love about this area, and they understand."

bluegrassbound

ABOVE: The Spiers family relocated last year from Ontario,
Canada, where Angela played women's hockey. They enjoy living
near the golf course and have embraced life in the Bluegrass.
From left: Brian; Lauren, age 4; Brianna, age 9; Angela; and pets
Sasha and Crickett (behind Brianna).
PHOTOS BY JASON GREGORY

The Spierses had no family or friends in Lexington. Neither spouse needed to relocate to Kentucky for a job. In fact, Brian's job allowed the couple to choose they wanted to live. They considered several large American cities, including Chicago and Raleigh, N.C. But a visit to Lexington changed everything. "We came for a visit and fell in love," Spiers said.

"We knew this was the place we wanted to live." They are not alone. Lexington was recently named one of the "Top 10 Best Places to Live in 2009" by RelocateAmerica^TM - a Web site that helps buyers and sellers access relocation sources that make moving easier. The site (www.relocateamerica.com) touts Lexington's schools, parks, higher educational institutions, low violent crime rate and horse culture. It also highlights the local real estate market, where "average
home prices and overall home values have remained stable." Spiers was not surprised by Lexington's top-10 ranking, and she adds her own evidence to the list of what makes Lexington an ideal place for new residents. "The people here are extraordinarily friendly," she said. One of the first people the Spierses met was their Realtor, Kim Soper of Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty.

Soper, a native Lexingtonian, says about half of her business is helping clients who are relocating o them ea. She enjoys introducing newcomers to the community ad sharing Lexington trivia with them. One of my favorite memories as a Realtor was the day I was showing houses to Brian and Angela," Soper said. "It was the day Big Brown was going for the Triple Crown. We took a break and stopped at Harry's and sat out on the patio to watch the race. It was packed and the mood was electrifying. There was no better way to introduce them to what makes Lexington special. I will always remember that day.

"You may be in a rush to show a lot of houses to someone who is visiting for just a few days from out of town, but at the same time, it's important to help them make a connection to the community," she said.

"There is always a way to tie in Lexington."

Smooth moves
If you're new to Central Kentucky or preparing to relocate to the Lexington area, real estate relocation specialists offer these tips to help the move go smoothly:

1. Work with a Realtor who knows the community. You'll save time and effort by working with a professional who can
guide you not only in the search for a home, but also throughout the transition to a new community, said Realtor Kim Soper of Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty. "Giving clients that local connection is as important as finding the right house," she said. "I try to find out what their interests are and connect them with local people and organizations I know share those interests."

2. Pick up the local newspaper. Soper suggest clients read past and current issues of the local newspaper to get a feel for the area. "It's a great way to get to know the events and the things happening in Lexington," Soper
said.

3. Get plugged in quickly. To feel part of your new community, make a point to visit local amenities such as the library,
the parks or museums. Volunteering for a local organization such as a hospital or charity also helps new residents feel connected to their surroundings. "It's not just a new home, it's a new lifestyle,"
Soper said.

4. Invest in a GPS. Learning your way around a new community can be frustrating - especially in Lexington where
street names seem to change as you drive (Harrodsburg Road to Broadway to Paris Pike, for example). A GPS can make your initial visits less stressful; you'll know your way around in no time.

If you have any questions about relocating to Lexington or simply what daily life is like here in our wonderful city, I will be happy to answer your questions and assist you.

Call/text me and please visit my official website for all things Lexington KY Real Estate at www.kimsoper.com.