Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Murray, Kentucky
Surrounded by Gently Rolling Hills, Murray is Home to Murray State University and Just 20 Minutes from Popular Land Between the Lakes
Surrounded by gently rolling hills and farmland in rural western Kentucky, Murray is home to Murray State University (11,000 students). It is also just 20 minutes from Land Between the Lakes, a huge national recreation area, and it has been named the "Friendliest Small Town in America" by Rand McNally.
Many people live here because of Land Between the Lakes, but Murray also has its share of cultural amenities, including Playhouse in the Park, the Clara M. Eagle Gallery and the Wrather West Kentucky Museum. Lovett Live lets resident meet touring musical artists, and the Murray Art Guild has classes and workshops. MSU has a good menu of lectures, music and theater performances and athletic events (particularly basketball), and the university offers free tuition to anyone age 65 or better. The downtown has a classic town square, antique stores and a farmers' market. Locals enjoy a handful of golf courses, one of which, Miller Memorial, has been named one of the best designed courses in America. New subdivisions mingle with older ones, and most residences are made from brick.
Land Between the Lakes has 170,000 acres of forests and wetlands, and its two lakes, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, boast a combined 4,000 miles of shoreline. Boaters, hikers, campers and fishermen flock to the area throughout the year.
Population: 18,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 32%
Cost of Living: 33% below the national average
Median Home Price: $235,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 30s and 40s. On average, the area receives 55 inches of rain and 9 inches of snow each year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Public Transit: Yes, but it is limited.
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 34%
Is Kentucky Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: The tornado risk is 153% greater than the national average, and several tornados caused extensive damage to the west, north and east of Murray in December, 2021. The poverty rate is above the national average, but much of this is attributed to the large student population.
Notes: MSU does not have a reputation as a party school. The senior center has a good reputation. Murray's population strted to drop in 2019 but is now rebounding. Home prices have increased 3% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Kentucky:
Kentucky became the 15th state to enter the Union on June 1, 1792. Early settlers noticed a dark grass growing from the rich limestone soil and gave the area its nickname - the Bluegrass State. Daniel Boone blazed a trail through the state's Cumberland Gap which many followed.
Bounded by the Ohio River and the Appalachian Mountains, the state has five divergent geographic regions. Rolling meadows, plateaus, mountains, flat lands, valleys, and coal fields are all possible within state borders. Because of its diverse geography, Kentucky has four different and distinct seasons with considerable fluctuations in summer and winter temperatures.
Although the Bluegrass State is noted for its Bourbon Whiskey, racehorses, coal, and tobacco, it is gaining a reputation for health services, auto manufacturing, transportation logistics, and biotechnology. Eight well-endowed public universities keep pulling the quality of life forward.
Fort Knox holds almost 150 million ounces of gold for the U.S. Government. Other items it's held include the Magna Carta and the crown of St. Stephen.
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