Life In Eastern Kentucky

As a young remote professional who can work anywhere in the world with a decent wifi connection, alongside my strong sense of independence and passion for the outdoors and travelling, I have often been labelled as a “free spirit” by my friends and family.  

Having lived in several major cities in the last decade, including Austin TX, Denver CO, and Toronto ON, (as well as in several rural areas across the US and Canada, and traveling internationally whenever an opportunity came) I have always taken pride in my ability to soak in new experiences, immerse myself in other cultures, and make new friends and along the way. So for the past 10+ years, I had convinced myself that I had no interest in growing roots or settling down anywhere permanently - why would I? I was free!  

But the truth is that since leaving my hometown in Florida at the age of 18, nowhere had truly felt like home. Maybe that’s why I moved around so much! As I neared my 30s, I felt a growing need for a more stable sanctuary.  

When I first heard of the Soar Kentucky initiative through the MakeMyMove platform, I was a bit skeptical. I began researching several different regions across the US which offered these types of initiatives through the platform, yet somehow I always seemed to find my way back to the Eastern Kentucky page over any of the others. It seemed too good to be true!  

Truthfully, I didn’t have much pre-existing knowledge or any strong opinions when it came to Eastern Kentucky - but the more I researched, the more it became clear that the region had everything I was looking for in my new home.  

With my biggest hobbies being hiking and swimming, the many State Parks, forests, lakes, and cave systems interested me right away.  

My research also highlighted other things that made me fall in love with the area - friendly and welcoming people, deep cultural and historical identity, and endless places to explore.  

A couple weeks after that, I took a leap of faith and drove to view some homes in Eastern Kentucky. While driving through the winding roads, an indescribable feeling washed over me. The idea became tangible. It just felt “right”. This was my new home!  

It took some time to find the perfect house, but Soar Kentucky offered several resources to help me identify my ideal area, and also helped connect me with the right people to make my dream a reality. Latasha was incredibly friendly and knowledgable; she made everything feel seamless and welcoming.  

I cannot thank Soar Kentucky (and Latasha, and the MakeMyMove platform) enough! I am excited to settle into my new community here in Morgan county, and begin exploring the beautiful area I’ve chosen as my new home. 

Your newest neighbor,

Carlee 🫶🏻

#testimonial

We've created a Neighbor Network Facebook group for anyone who’s already moved here or thinking about making the move! You’ll find local tips, events, and plenty of chances to connect with others on the same journey.

This group exists to help newcomers settle in, thrive, and make their move a success story! If you move to Eastern Kentucky, you aren't just moving to a place, you're moving to a community of friends and neighbors ready to welcome you!

If you're ready to apply and learn more about this awesome community, click here.

A short video clip of a local Farmstead nestled in the hills of Eastern KY- Martin County. Check her TikTok page out for more lifestyle and outdoor EKY content.

https://www.tiktok.com/@martikamarie91?_t=ZP-8sw9duPvhl8&_r=1 Video credit: Martika McCoy Scott of Black and Mild Farmstead

What a beautiful sight to wake up to this morning.

Pikeville KY, snow capped mountains/trees.

One of the many views from Harlan, Kentucky!