Based on the most common questions from those coming to Lexington for the first time, I have organized the items to handle before and after the move.

Since Lexington is in Kentucky, there are a few things to keep in mind, so it's good to be aware of them.

The first thing to take care of before the move is housing. Good apartments and rental houses in Lexington tend to get filled quickly.

Especially in areas with good school districts like Tates Creek, Andover, and Chevy Chase, rental listings may be posted 3 to 4 months in advance. Start searching early through Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist Lexington, and be aware that credit checks and proof of income are usually required when signing a rental agreement.

If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN, you may need to prepare additional documents in advance. School assignments for children are based on residential addresses, so it's important to confirm the school district before deciding on housing. You can check assigned schools by entering your address in the school search feature on the Fayette County Public Schools website.

There are administrative tasks that need to be handled within 30 to 60 days after the move. Obtaining a Kentucky driver's license is the top priority. You need to apply for a license transfer or a new license at the Kentucky DMV, and there are several DMV offices in Lexington, including one at 1049 Export Street. It's recommended to make an online appointment, as walk-ins may experience long wait times.

If you have a vehicle, you also need to register it in Kentucky at the Fayette County Clerk's office. You can easily change your address online through the USPS website. You should also update your bank account and various bills to your new address.

Utility connections should also be prepared in advance before the move. Electricity and gas are connected through LG&E (Louisville Gas and Electric) or KU Energy (Kentucky Utilities). Internet providers in Lexington include Spectrum and MetroNet.

MetroNet is currently expanding fiber-based internet in Lexington, offering relatively fast speeds, while Spectrum has broader coverage. Trash collection is provided by LFUCG (Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government) and will be automatically registered after the move. For school registration for children, you need to visit the FCPS registration center immediately after moving. You will need proof of residence, vaccination records, and previous school transcripts, and foreign documents may require translation and notarization.

Here are some things that are good to know for convenience. For Asian groceries, there are Seoul Supermarket (3101 Clays Mill Rd) and Oriental Market in Lexington. If you need to go to H Mart in Columbus or Cincinnati, it takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours. There are Korean churches like Lexington Korean Presbyterian Church (lexkoreans.org) and Lexington Korean Disciples Methodist Church (lexjeja.com) that can help form an initial settlement network.

For healthcare, the first step is to designate a Primary Care Physician. Both UK Healthcare and Baptist Health accept new patient appointments online. For non-emergency visits, it's essential to check that the doctor is within your insurance network to avoid unexpected charges.

I hope this checklist is somewhat helpful for those preparing to move to Lexington.