Is there a part of Kentucky that is close to the mountains? (Lexington: public schools)

[anjoe]

A nice size town that is scenic and has areas for shopping and good schools?

[rpb502]

Check out the Ashland-Huntington metro area

[EclecticEars]

To meet the OP's criteria, Ashland-Huntington metro would be the only area that qualifies. In Kentucky, that would consist of Boyd, Carter, and Greenup Counties.

Pikeville has good public schools in the city limits, but where can you drive for real shopping? You'd go to Bristol, Lexington, or...Huntington! (Not a put down of Pikeville at all, just the way it is.)

[kimmieyky]

Not mountains by any means, but the knobs around central KY- specifically the Elizabethtown area (within a 30 mile radius maybe) would be something to look at.

Honestly, there are few places in Kentucky where you will NOT find beautiful views, it just depends on the other amenities you are looking for. If you take any large city and circle as far as you would be willing to drive to shop, etc. - I promise you willl find breathtaking vistas. No, I am not biased, (maybe a little), but It is tough to miss the knobs and valleys all over the state.

Just a thought!