A Breath of Fresh Air: Why Eastern Kentucky is Perfect for Remote Workers
By Natalia Wolting • Apr 16, 2024
Eastern Kentucky whispers the promise of a simpler life, one woven with breathtaking landscapes, leisurely country drives and curling up with a good book on the porch. But beneath the idyllic facade lies a surprisingly robust infrastructure perfect for today's remote worker. The communities of Prestonsburg, Pikeville, Whitesburg and Johnson County each offer a distinct flavor making them ideal destinations for remote workers and their families.
Unveiling the Magic of Each Community
Prestonsburg - As the gateway to scenic Breaks Interstate Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the South - Prestonsburg is a family-friendly town where memories are made. The Prestonsburg area is known as the birthplace of country music icon Loretta Lynn and locals can tour the mountain cabin she grew up in with her 7 siblings. The local music scene that helped inspire her career is alive and well at the Mountain Arts Center which features live music from national headliners, BJO’s Kentucky Opry and a recording studio for aspiring local artists. Outdoor lovers will enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails including the Prestonsburg Passage and Garfield Trail and Stonecrest Golf Course located on 300 acres of mountaintop, provides a scenic view for remote workers wanting to fine-tune their golf swing. Whether it's summer or winter, locals love to come together at events like the Levisa Fork Paddlefest or Christmas in the Park.
Breaks Interstate Park is home to Breaks Canyon - one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River.
Pikesville – Pikeville is the largest of the four communities and offers remote workers the amenities of a big city while retaining its small-town charm. The revitalized downtown area features unique shops such as Bridgett’s Quilting and Fabric Shop and Dance World & Gifts or locals can find national brands at the Cassidy Shopping Sarea. The Appalachian Center for the Arts is a dynamic space for theater, music and visual arts. Local events include the eclectic Hillbilly days and recreational activities in the area include the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and the Middle Creek Battlefield. Pikeville serves as the perfect home base for all that Eastern Kentucky has to offer.
Whitesburg – Located in Letcher County, Whitesburg beckons remote workers looking to experience life off the beaten path. Whitesburg is known for its commitment to sustainability and its thriving arts scene. The Appalachian Regional Commission has designated Whitesburg a "Sustainable Community," highlighting its efforts in green building and renewable energy. The renowned Appalshop, a nonprofit arts and education center, fosters creativity through storytelling, music and visual arts programs. Delve into the region's coal mining history at the David A. Zegeer Coal & Railroad Museum and for a day filled with adventure, head to Fishpond Lake where you will find ATV access points that lead to 22 miles of legal riding trails around the lake.
Surrounded by mountains, you'll find shops, restaurants and bars in Downtown Whitesburg.
Johnson County - Johnson County offers telecommuters a taste of rural Kentucky living. The county boasts a rich history exemplified by the Paintsville Historic District. Nature lovers can explore the scenic Paintsville Lake State Park, known for its cliffs and wood covers along the shoreline it’s known as a local haven for fishing, boating and skiing. Paintsville also is a great place to start a Sunday drive along the Country Music Highway as it is home to the Country Music Highway Museum where locals can catch a live show featuring the area's beloved bluegrass or gospel music. The restaurant scene includes many locally-owned restaurants offering everything from barbeque to pizza and traditional Appalachian fare.
In Paintsville, you can catch the Country Music Highway Tribute Show, featuring up-and-coming musicians from up and down country music’s most famous stretch of roadway.
Financial Incentives for Remote Workers
All four communities have partnered up with MakeMyMove to help entice remote workers to relocate to the area through relocation packages that include $5,000 in cash to help offset moving costs and a tailored welcome package worth $250. Additionally, spouses working in education or healthcare who also relocate to the area can qualify for a $2,500 bonus, making Eastern Kentucky an even more attractive option for dual-income families. Mover Kisha Prater agrees, “We moved to Eastern KY from Charleston, South Carolina. We love the mountains and the cost of living in this area. We’re surrounded by a couple of beautiful state parks including Dewey Lake and Paintsville Lake. There are tons of nature trails that we love to hike. We have currently lived in Johnson County for 5 months now and the best part is how friendly the community is. This is definitely a great place to raise children which is why we made the move. I would recommend MakeMyMove because they are so resourceful for all your moving needs,” Prater says.
Kisha and her family are loving their move to Eastern Kentucky.
Building a Life in Eastern Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky offers more than just outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes. All four communities boast reliable high-speed internet, ensuring seamless video conferencing and uninterrupted work for remote professionals. Locals are also known for their warmth and hospitality, readily welcoming newcomers with open arms. Families can look forward to excellent public schools, while healthcare facilities are readily available throughout the region including Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
Plus, Eastern Kentucky's central location makes it easily accessible to major cities like Lexington and Louisville while offering a peaceful retreat from urban hustle and bustle. For remote workers seeking the best of both worlds, it's hard to beat this sweet spot.
About MakeMyMove
Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.