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| What Berea is like for active adults |
Berea, Kentucky makes an unusual and historic retirement community for active adults. It is not only one of the fastest growing towns in America (estimated 73% growth from 2000 to 2010), but it is also one of the most unusual small towns in the south. The town was founded by abolitionist missionaries in 1853. They established Berea College, a coeducational institution which also became the only integrated college in the south for 40 years. Even today, students at the college do not have to pay tuition, but they do have to work. Many African Americans moved here as a result of the town’s history of racial tolerance (although for some reason only 4.3% of the town was listed as African American in the 2000 census). The town has a long association with the arts and crafts of Appalachia. Folk arts have been studied, celebrated and practiced in Berea since the 1890’s.
Berea is a charming college town and getting to participate in its youthful atmosphere and many cultural offerings. There is a small commercial district near the campus, but the main shopping is done outside of town. Serious shoppers go to Lexington (39 miles). Berea is located in Madison County.
Active adults can live near the campus in the larger homes available there, or in historic homes in the town proper. With the legions of retirees moving to this community we expect many active adult developments will be built in the area. Real estate prices are significantly lower than elsewhere in the Sunbelt or coastal regions of the U.S.
According to Yahoo Real Estate the MLS median asking price in the spring of 2007 for 272 homes listed on the MLS was $149,900, the same price listed for 45 homes in the real estate classifieds at that time.
Here is information on retirement in Kentucky or in Bowling Green |
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| What is special about this community |
| • College town with a vital university
• “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital” - 3 big annual arts and crafts festivals
• Berea College has a huge endowment – no one pays tuition
• It is a dry town (no alcohol purchased or served)
• Kentucky Artisan Center
• Berea Country Club (9 hole golf) plus other golf courses
• Very low cost of living |
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| What is not special about this community |
| It is a dry town (no alcohol purchased or served), which often has a negative affect on restaurant selection. It is a small town that is growing extraordinarily fast, subject to future problems. |
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| What kinds of people like living here |
| Berea attracts a community of who would like to live in a small and vital college town with a history of tolerance and a love of arts and crafts. |
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| Local economy is driven by |
| In addition to Berea College the arts and crafts infrastructure is big. |
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| Physical environment |
| Berea is located in central Kentucky. Foothills of the wooded Appalachian Mountains roll away to the south and east. The climate is milder than in the north but one can experience all 4 seasons. |
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| Cultural environment |
| Berea College provides many of the cultural resources in this town. Elderhostel holds classes here occasionally. There are 3 large annual arts and crafts fairs held in Berea. In addition there are many galleries for the arts and crafts. |
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| Medical facilities |
| Berea Hospital. Berea Health Care Center is a nursing home. |
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| Transportation |
| Blue Grass Airport in Lexington is 38 miles, Cincinnati Airport is 104 miles. Interstate 75 is close to town. |
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Active Adult Communities in Berea |
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| Berea Active Communities |
| Facts about BEREA | | State | : KY | | Environment | : College Town,Small Town, | | City Population | : 10,000-25,000 | | Median age of Population | : 25-44 | | Avg Jan Temperature | : 21-40 | | Median HH Income | : 0-20,000 | | Average Home Price (MLS) | : $100,000-$200,000 | | Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house | : 2000-4000 | | Total Crime Index | : <80 (Very low) | | Cost of Living Index | : | | Culture Index | : 101-110 (slightly above average) | | State Sales Tax | : | | State Income Tax | : | | Name of the Guide | : |
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Vote on the Ratings for Berea |
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Update Your Ratings |
Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 2.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)
Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)
Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 1.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 5.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)
Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 0.0/5 ( 0 votes cast)
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