Lexington is a city in the U.S. where the immigrant population has been increasing relatively recently.

According to the 2020 census, about 10% of Lexington's population is foreign-born, making the overall atmosphere of the city relatively welcoming to immigrants.

Thanks to the presence of the University of Kentucky, professors, researchers, and international students from around the world are consistently coming in, leading to a higher acceptance of people with international backgrounds. Here, I will honestly share the advantages and disadvantages of living here.

The first advantage is the low cost of living. The cost of living is about 10-15% lower than the national average, which serves as a significant buffer during the initial stages of immigration. Housing purchase or rental costs are significantly lower compared to major cities on the East and West Coasts, allowing for reduced expenses while maintaining access to education for children and healthcare, easing the burden of initial settlement.

The second advantage is the public education system. Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington is considered one of the best school districts in Kentucky.

There is also an ELL (English Language Learner) program that supports children who are not yet proficient in English. There are various private schools and alternative education options available, allowing families to choose according to their circumstances.

The third advantage is the healthcare infrastructure.

Understanding and accessing the healthcare system can be one of the initial challenges for immigrants, but Lexington has major healthcare institutions like UK Healthcare, Baptist Health, and St. Joseph, making it easier to receive specialized care. Low-income families can receive support through the Kentucky Medicaid program, Kynect.

The fourth advantage is the relatively safe environment. Although the overall crime rate in Lexington is higher than the national average, if you choose your residential area wisely, you can live in safe and pleasant neighborhoods like Tates Creek, Chevy Chase, and Andover. Compared to the random crime risks in major cities, the overall sense of safety is higher.

The fifth advantage is the opportunities created by the University of Kentucky. Job opportunities related to research, education, healthcare, and technology are widely distributed throughout the city. There are also manufacturing jobs available at places like Lexmark and the Toyota Georgetown plant, providing various pathways to employment depending on the field.

However, I must also honestly discuss the disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is that the Asian community, including Koreans, is relatively small. The Korean population is estimated to be around 279, making it difficult to expect the conveniences enjoyed in Korean towns like those in LA or Atlanta.

There is no H Mart here, and it seems unlikely that the proportion of Asian immigrants will increase in the future.

Therefore, to find Korean ingredients, you would need to travel to Columbus, Cincinnati, or Louisville.

The second disadvantage is the lack of public transportation. While there is a LexTran bus system, the routes are limited and the intervals between buses are long, making it practically very difficult to live without a car. It is advantageous to obtain a driver's license as quickly as possible during the initial stages of immigration.

The third disadvantage is the limitation of cultural diversity.

About 77.9% of Lexington's population is white, making it more challenging for immigrants to find a sense of cultural belonging compared to major cities where diverse cultures coexist. There are Asian restaurants and cultural events, but the options are limited. Additionally, winter ice storms are something to prepare for.

In Kentucky, winter ice storms can often be more dangerous than snow due to road icing, so caution is needed while driving. If you can recognize and prepare for these disadvantages in advance, Lexington has sufficient potential as an immigrant settlement with the stability of a small city and reasonable living costs.