Fans of "America's Got Talent" can stand up and shout--Season 4 winner and country music singer Kevin Skinner is a Mayfield, Kentucky native who still lives out in the rural areas of town, showcasing his skills and enjoying the easy life.
Just a few dozen miles north of the Tennessee border stands the charming town of Mayfield, which boasts gorgeous green spaces, more modern golf courses than you can shake a stick at, and more than a handful of barbecue joints. It's a combination of love for nature and the amenities of the 21st century that make this town a true winner. Well, it's that and the friendly neighbors, low cost of living, and "aw, shucks" innocence unique to the Midwest. Southern Kentucky also enjoys better weather than its northern neighbors, ensuring summers are sunny and winters are manageable. Pack up your denim cutoffs, and stick a piece of straw between your teeth -- you're ready to head to Mayfield to explore the heartland of America.
Moving to Mayfield
Moving to any new town calls for organization, and probably a calming beverage or two, but getting out to Mayfield doesn't have to be overly stressful. Remember, the natives here are welcoming, so you'll feel settled before you know it.
Gather Your Papers
It's essential that you have all your important documents sorted and ready for your prospective landlord. Keep all your files together in one place, including your ID, credit report, pay stubs, and a cashier's check for that security deposit they're almost certain to request. If your credit is a wee bit out of sorts, come equipped with some references to your character and stability. Even if you're pretty darn certain your score is up to snuff, give it a once over. You never know when you might find an erroneous charge, and you don't want that time to be now.
Character-Filled Homes
Nearly every move begins with a search for the perfect accommodations, and when it comes to the Mayfield rental market, you might find everything you need and want in one. It's all about character here, at least for the houses. Most homes are a bit older, from 1950 to 1980, so you can find an exceptionally charming single family home for rent if you're into that. For those who prefer the glitz and glamour of a newer place, never fear. Newer homes do exist, as do apartment complexes with fashionable granite countertops and stainless steel everything.
Most people opt to own in these parts, but they're only the majority by a small margin. Renters are among friends, whether they're parking their possessions in a detached house or a 3-bedroom apartment. The even better news is that the vacancy rate is above average, so you don't need a lot of lead time before finding your perfect crash pad. It helps to get acquainted with a place before moving, but once you're sure, you only need a few weeks to search.
Picking a Neighborhood
Mayfield isn't the sort of high-flying, highfalutin locale that has fancy distinct neighborhoods that you find in the big cities. However, Mayfield's many areas do have some distinguishing characteristics that can help you choose one spot over another.
North Mayfield: Up north you've got your Mayfield Graves Country Club, a handful of parks, and several apartment buildings, including Windhaven Apartments, Mayfield Manor Apartments, and Davis Apartments. You've also got easy access to Highway 80 and 121.
South Mayfield: Below Highway 80 (also known as W. Broadway in town) is the Industrial section, plenty more parks and lush green areas of all stripes, and a few more intriguing apartment complexes, like Mayfield Plaza Apartments and Mayfield Garden Apartments. Highways 45, 121 and 464 are here.
Mayfield Living
There's more to a move than picking four walls and a paint scheme. Knowing a little bit more about the area you will spend the next several months or years is essential to acclimatizing to a new culture. Mayfield is proud of its heritage and its lifestyle, and it's easy to see why. Check out some of the grand ways the residents of this charming town spend their time, and you'll have no difficulty joining in.
Rustic Recreation
This is Kentucky--If you can't enjoy the outdoors, you're in the wrong place. With gorgeous weather, four full seasons, and grassland as far as the eye can see, you better have a plan for when the day is lovely and bright. Start with a round of golf at either one of the two local golf courses, or enjoy a silly day of putt-putt on the mini golf course. Maybe you just want to go for a drive. Mayfield has a bucolic landscape best viewed from a passenger window. Tree-lined streets, one-lane bridges, and plentiful wandering creeks are lovely to see any day of the week. Need to stay put and rest a bit? Why not relax and enjoy the live music at the weekly Mayfield Music Fest. Annual festivals, like the popular Gourd Patch Festival, also bring out the natives in droves. When in doubt, wander the streets downtown to pick up a novelty gift or antique at one of the local shops.
Once you've explored Mayfield, branch out. Check out all the stunning activities available in the great state of Kentucky. There are hiking and biking trails, horse riding, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, boating, and the longest cave system in the world, which is definitely worth an exploration or two. Don't forget how close Tennessee is. Hit up Nashville on a free weekend to discover how amazing Music City really is.
Getting Around Town
While the Midwest is full of smiling faces and tall-growing corn, it is not full of public transportation. Such is the case in Mayfield as well. There are a few bus stops, but they don't service much of the town or Kentucky as a whole. To get around, you need a car. Don't worry, commutes in Mayfield are shorter than the national average, so you won't spend an excess amount of time in your vehicle, but if you want to get from point A to point B, otherwise known as work and play, you'll need a set of wheels.
Mayfield has an embarrassment of riches for a small town, though most of them are found in the beautiful green scenery. Small towns have charm, affordable prices, and welcoming residents, but not always nearby amenities. Still, Mayfield gets a lot of love from its residents, and it's easy to see why. Come join the group, and you'll see why it's such a fabulous place too.