Lexington is often referred to as 'The Horse Capital of the World.'

True to its name, horses roam the fields, and the surrounding area is filled with lush pastures and farms. However, living here reveals that this city is much more than just the 'home of horse racing.' While not large, the pace of life is slow, and the people are warm, making it a great place to live leisurely after retirement.

Lexington is located in the heart of Kentucky. It is an hour and a half drive from Louisville and two hours from Cincinnati. However, when looking at the city itself, it embodies the essence of a typical 'American small town.' It lacks the complexities of a big city while maintaining a perfect balance of not being too rural. With a population of about 320,000, it has a stable infrastructure for its size. Parks, shopping malls, hospitals, and restaurants are all reasonably close, and while driving is the norm, traffic congestion is not severe.

Above all, the greatest advantage of Lexington is its natural environment. The entire city feels like one big park. Just ten minutes outside the city center, you find sprawling green pastures, clear skies, and clean air. Spring and fall particularly showcase the city's true beauty. Horses frolic on the green grass, and the sight of white fences lined up looks like a scene from a postcard. Thanks to this peaceful natural environment, Lexington is often described as a 'mentally healing city' for retirees.

Living costs and housing expenses in Kentucky are about 10-15% lower than the national average. Especially, real estate prices are stable, making rent reasonable, and dining and healthcare costs are also lower than the national average. Additionally, there are significant tax benefits for retirees. Kentucky does not tax Social Security Benefits and recognizes retirement income below a certain amount as tax-exempt. This is a considerable advantage for seniors living on fixed incomes.

Lexington has large hospitals like the University of Kentucky Hospital and Baptist Health Lexington, which are well-equipped with internal medicine, orthopedics, and rehabilitation facilities frequently used by the elderly. The presence of a university hospital also indicates a high level of medical care. In fact, one reason many Kentuckians move to Lexington instead of Louisville after retirement is due to better access to healthcare.

Another charm of Lexington is that it is not as harsh as big cities, and greetings between neighbors are natural. Churches, local clubs, golf clubs, and volunteer groups are active, making it easy to maintain social relationships even after retirement. People are generally mild-mannered and friendly, reflecting the unique southern ease. A conversation that starts with "How are ya?" can easily last for ten minutes.

However, not everything is perfect. Winters in Lexington can be surprisingly cold, and summers are humid. In July and August, temperatures can rise to 90°F (about 32°C), and snow falls occasionally in winter. It is difficult to expect warm weather year-round like in Florida. Additionally, public transportation is lacking. Continuing to drive after retirement is one of the downsides. Furthermore, cultural diversity is limited compared to big cities. For satisfying arts performances, international cuisine, and large shopping options, one must go to Louisville or Cincinnati.

However, Lexington offers a quiet and honest life in return. On weekends, you can enjoy horse racing at Keeneland Racecourse, indulge in winery tours, or listen to live performances at small jazz bars downtown. The outskirts of the city have plenty of green spaces like Kentucky Horse Park, Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, and Jacobson Park, perfect for walks or picnics.

Ultimately, living in Lexington means leading a life that is not flashy but peaceful and balanced. It is a place where nature and city, tradition and modernity, leisure and practicality harmonize. For those who find a too quiet countryside burdensome yet dislike the hustle and bustle of big cities, Lexington is the ideal city that sits perfectly in between.

In short, Lexington is a 'slow but elegant city.' Like the pastures where horses run, when you want to slow down the pace of life a bit, the rhythm of this city fits just right.