Where to live?

[climb2core]

I would say she is being resourceful. She is using the forum as a format for gathering first hand information. Sure, she could look up temperature averages at Mount Charleston, but it won't tell you what it feels like to climb the August.

Climbing in mid summer at Charleston can still be warm, but it is at elevation and without the humidity it feels much better than the Red in the summer.

[clif]

the link would indicate that Steve Isabell is not female.

[Izzy]

Thats correct, I am not female, and while "find out for yourself" is amazingly insightful advice, I figured I'd ask people who might actually know firsthand. One thing I learned in the military was that it's not necessarily what you know, it's whether or not you know who to ask. So far the feedback has been very helpful, although as far as Chattanooga goes it seems like the central location of Lexington would actually be better, rather than being at the southernmost point of viable climbing destinations. Thoughts?

[dustonian]

There is a lot more good climbing close to Chattanooga than there is to Lexington. I don't know what you're talking about with the "southernmost" re: Chatt, there are lots of good climbing areas in Alabama and Georgia.

Vegas has lots of good high elevation limestone areas for the summer. Reno or Bishop are really better choices overall though for good summer climbing.

[whatahutch]

Richmond,KY is not a bad little town, it is 45 minutes from the 'Lode and the rest of the PMRP, by beautiful country roads. It is a college town that is quiet in the summer, the rent is cheaper than Lex, there is a bit of culture (ethnic foods, small concerts, etc), and a decent night life. The climbing community is made up of a mix of old school tradsters that were putting up the classics in the Red back in the early '80s, gumbies learning the ropes at EKU, and plenty of others that fall in between that experience spectrum. If you are more into the social scene than maybe Lexington is the place for you. If you are more interested in climbing than I suggest Richmond. I lived in Richmond for nearly a decade and there were many times that I headed down to the southern region at 5:00 in the afternoon (in late spring, summer, and early fall) and got at least three pitches in by dusk, and made it back to Richmond in time to join other climbers for drinks at one of the night spots. It is also only about 45 minutes north of the Rockcastle bouldering area off of I-65 that is getting developed and growing.

I would also suggest there are a number of local businesses there that are currently, or soon to be, hiring in preparation for the students coming back in August. I have always been partial to beautiful Kentucky girls and there are plenty that are working on their degrees in that town. That's where I found my beautiful wife and subsiquently climbing. If it isn't being rented, I know where the is a cheap studio apartment with climber friendly landlords. They let me build a bouldering wall in the basement there.

[allah]

I have spent time in Vegas in the summer is foot there, but with a 30 min drive up mt charleston the temps drop drastically and have needed a down jacket every day I have been there. The climbing there is super fun but quit manufactured. Cost of living in vegas is the cheapest in the country for a big city!

[robert birchell]

Izzy
I live in Bishop Ca.
PM me if you have any ?????.

[Izzy]

Dustin: I guess I didn't realize there was any concentration of good sport climbing in Alabama and Georgia, so choc that up to my ignorance, but it seems like Lexington is a pretty central location in regards to the majority of good climbing east of the mississippi. Is there really enough climbing south of Tennessee to contradict that?

Whatahutch: I agree, Richmond seems nice, although I've only visited briefly while interviewing at the Sherwin Williams plant back in the summer of 09'. Turns out though they're still hiring and I made an appointment to interview there in the next few weeks.

To everyone, it sounds like Vegas is getting a lot of praise. I've climbed in Red Rocks, and Mt. Charleston sounds awesome, but my understanding is that the job market is absolutely terrible out there right now. Anyone live there who can elaborate?

[allah]

rigging jobs all over vegas

[whatahutch]

Izzy, I took a look at your website. There is also a strong community of writers that live in Madison County (the county in which Richmond rests). There are all kinds of open mic events, readings, etc. that are hosted at EKU, in Richmond, or in Berea all the time. Eastern also brought in graphic artists, illustrators, and authors to teach the art of comics while I was living and studying there. You seem pretty experienced and gifted, but as a hopeful writer myself I know it helps to have a strong culture and group around you to push and support, and critique, you in your pursuits. I am sure you can find all that in almost any city you move to, but I know it is in Richmond. Also, thank you for your service to me, my family, and this nation. I know that a forum isn't the best venue to express my gratitude, but I sincerely appreciate your service.