There are various bars for informal gatherings, plenty of good local bands to hear, and a coffee house 'scene' for those who prefer to be wired. Lexington also has an alternative theater showing cult movies, the latest foreign films and the Troubadour concerts series. Basketball is an obvious attraction, and football and soccer are improving. You can even find a good drag show downtown on Friday nights. The city itself is consistently ranked as one of the nation' s safest.
Many students choose to rent in quiet residential neighborhoods close to campus.
For those who'd rather commute, there are small, quaint towns and rural areas within half an hour. Lexington also has a widely respected public school system . The mountains of Eastern Kentucky are just 45 minutes away, and all around there are great places to hike, swim, bike, and rock climb. Overall, Lexington is a great place to live and work. The city's rich urban landscape and dynamic social-economic situation spur a lot of grad research, field excursions, and activism, while its proximity to Appalachia provides plenty of opportunity for study and engagement in rural sites.