If you desperately long to catch a glimpse of George Clooney, but hectic Los Angeles just isn't your scene, consider an escape to beautiful Maysville, Kentucky: George even named his production company after this historically rich city with charm.
Maysville is the seat of Mason County and boasted a population of 9,011 at the 2010 census. The area was founded by famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton. Maysville was one of the early Kentucky settlements along the winding Ohio River. The town enjoys close proximity to both Cincinnati, Ohio and Lexington, Kentucky.
Moving to Maysville
Maysville has a variety of housing to fit your individual needs, and with a low cost of living, you'll have an easier time affording that monthly rent. Moving here is feasible any time of year, although naturally the winter might provide a challenge with ice. You may not break the bank here, but don't break your back, either! Make sure to save extra for a deposit and first month's rent, and bring along pay stubs, a credit report and letters of reference to better show your desirability as a potential tenant. Feed Your Piggy Bank
The average cost of rent here is almost half less than the national average, so you can actually save money for a rainy day. Honestly, though, isn't it more fun to spend cash on sunny ones? Nevertheless, you'll find several apartment complexes in Maysville, particularly in the downtown area. Homes rent here as well, with a larger collection throughout the east and west ends of town.
Getting Around Town
Maysville provides public transportation via city-wide bus service, and you'll definitely want to hop aboard the bright green trolley, which adds to its downtown charm. Over three quarters of locals drive, while about a fifth carpool. The remaining numbers either walk, bicycle or make use of the public transit system. Maysville also has an Amtrak station, making your out-of-town excursions far more convenient.
Neighborhoods in Maysville
For a smaller city, Maysville is impressively filled with unique neighborhoods to explore.
Downtown: You won't find a more beautiful sight than that of downtown Maysville. Nestled around the scenic Simon Kenton Bridge, this architecturally stunning cityscape features easy access to charming local businesses, restaurants and festivities. "Girl Singer" and Maysville native Rosemary Clooney debuted her first movie, "The Stars are Singing," at the Russell Theater here in 1953. Market Street, the main hub of annual downtown events, features a beautiful fountain, cobblestone streets, cute shops and Chandler's Restaurant. Parc Cafe is an impeccable display of French-inspired design and the perfect spot to grab a latte and people-watch. This area is ideal to find apartment options in the row houses packed along its streets. Stroll along the floodwall -- built between 1948 and 1952 -- to view a collection of murals, each depicting a piece of Maysville's history.
East End: This is a highly residential area, so finding a rental apt here is a breeze. Forest Avenue runs along this neighborhood, connecting street after street of homes and subdivisions, and it's still close to the downtown scene.
West End: The west end of town features more row houses to choose from, so if you're looking for a smaller one-bedroom apartment for rent that are still within walking distance of downtown, this is an excellent place to begin your search. Caproni's Restaurant is found on this side of the city and offers a lovely setting beside the train tracks with a view of the placid Ohio River. Deerfield Village: Nestled off of Forest Avenue, this subdivision has a variety of homes and amenities to meet your renting needs.
Cedarwood: This large collection of homes is located on U.S. 62, which provides easy access to Maysville's shopping district along Highway 68.
Ashwood: This neighborhood features numerous larger homes with higher bedroom counts. The area is still close to the downtown area in the west end.
Old Washington: Old Washington is an incredible village to behold. Dating back to the 1770s, it still maintains an old-time feel with a collection of museums, shops, restaurants and gorgeous log cabins. Harriet Beecher Stowe's experiences here inspired her to write Uncle Tom's Cabin, thus prompting Abraham Lincoln to call her, "the little lady who started the big war."
Living in Maysville
Maysville certainly knows how to put on a show. Every year, the city hosts numerous outdoor festivals such as Maysville Uncorked, Arts Explosion, Pig Out in Maysville, St. Patrick's Fall Festival, and Oktoberfest. Old Washington has its own annual activities, including Frontier Christmas, the Simon Kenton Festival, Woodcarvers' Day and a Chocolate Festival. The annual Rosemary Clooney Music Festival was started by the singer in 1999, and past performers have included Roberta Flack, Michael Bolton, Alison Krauss and Linda Ronstadt.
The Maysville Players regularly produce theatrical shows at the acclaimed (and said to be haunted) Washington Opera Theater. For culinary delights, snag a table at Chandler's or Parc Cafe downtown, take in Caproni's river view dining on the west end, or enjoy Mi Camino Real, deSha's, and Pasquale's, all off Highway 68. Nature lovers will adore Blue Licks State Park, which offers camping, hiking trails and a museum.
Maysville is a charming, lively community full of opportunity and spirit. The possibility of seeing the handsome Mr. Clooney is simply the icing on an already delicious cake.