Quality of Life
Southern Kentucky falls into that perfect middle ground between rural living and big-city amenities. Although not far from (and on the main artery between) the cities of Lexington, Kentucky, and Knoxville, Tennessee, Corbin maintains the personality of a friendly and accommodating community.
Affordable Living
The cost of living in Southern Kentucky is generally lower than the national average. The state and local tax burden per capita in Kentucky is one of the lowest in the nation. In 2002, Kentucky ranked 45th with taxes averaging $3,913 per capita, compared with a national average of $4,706. Both business and residential customers in Southern Kentucky enjoy some of the lowest utility prices in the U.S. The state’s abundant supply of coal means electricity is very affordable. Kentucky’s residential electricity prices were the fourth lowest in the nation at 6.57 cents per kWh. (Energy Information Administration) Kentucky’s natural gas costs, in the industrial, residential and commercial sectors, are competitive, particularly within the Midwest and Southeast regions of the nation.
Staying Connected
An integrated system of fiber optic technology, satellites, cellular, and digital microwave technology provides a solid infrastructure for Kentucky. The Kentucky Information Highway is a statewide digital network with an access ramp in all of Kentucky’s 120 counties. It provides for high speed, high capacity delivery of voice, data, and video transmission.
Comfortable Living
Southern Kentucky’s violent crime rate is far below the national rate. The state’s geographical location produces a moderate climate. Annual mean temperatures vary from approximately 58ºF in the southwest to approximately 52ºF in the northeast. January is the coldest month with mean temperatures ranging from approximately 35ºF in the south to approximately 29ºF in the north. July is the warmest month with mean temperatures from 79ºF to 74ºF across the Commonwealth.
A Beautiful Region
Southern Kentucky’s abundant natural areas, preserved historical attractions, cultural heritage, and traditions make the Bluegrass State a favorite for millions of visitors each year. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and Laurel River Lake are two popular natural attractions just minutes from Corbin. In Bell County, the panoramic Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is the largest national historical park in the country with 20,305 mountainous acres.
Cultural Richness
Kentucky leads the nation in developing cultural tourism, based on the personal, authentic experience of a region’s culture. U.S. Route 23 through the eastern Kentucky mountains is promoted as the Country Music Highway to celebrate the lives of dozens of famous country music stars that grew up along the route.
Southern Kentucky is home to many artisans creating both traditional and trendsetting folk arts and crafts. Kentucky’s communities are made vibrant by the wealth of arts opportunities available across the commonwealth. In large metropolitan areas and rural towns alike, Kentuckians enjoy a rich heritage in the performing, visual, traditional, and literary arts.
