Louisville

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY “Kentucky is neither southern, northern, eastern, western.  It is the core of America.  If these United States can be called a body, Kentucky is its heart.”  (Jesse Stuart, Kentucky’s poet laureate)  Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, Kentucky, the 16th largest city in the United States and home to 1.2 million people.  It is situated on the Ohio River, and our beautiful park-like 55 hectare campus is just 10 minutes south of downtown. Louisville is a city with four distinct seasons.  Summer tends to come early, fall lasts longer, and the relatively short winters bring just a few snowfalls.  March is usually the wettest month, October the driest.  The average daily temperature in summer is 31 degrees Celsius and in winter a mild 2.7. Louisville is the 8th safest city in the U.S., one of the top 100 BEST U.S communities for young people, and one of America’s hottest cities for business expansion and relocation. Because of its river city history, Louisville metro continues to be a diverse community.  The city boasts a deep and rich multicultural heritage.  Louisville’s international population is increasing; between 2000 and 2004, Louisville’s foreign-born population grew by 93 percent, compared with 10 percent nationally.  This is due not only to the friendly and hospitable atmosphere, but also the low cost of living and vast resources of support available to newcomers. The community has long welcomed immigrants from all over the world.  This tradition continues today and people from over 91 countries including every continent in the world now call Louisville home. A Beautiful, Safe Neighborhood: The Highlands neighborhood where Bellarmine is located is known for its beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and cathedrals.  It has many parks, coffee shops, boutiques, and international restaurants, while being located in a very safe area.  It has developed a reputation with artists and other creative types as an affordable and eclectic place to live.  A few interesting facts: Louisville has the largest urban parks expansion project in America It was the home of Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken It is the hometown of actors Johnny Depp & Tom Cruise Louisville International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world The Louisville Zoo has 1,300 animals in its 54 hectares Louisville’s northern boarder is 1580 km of the Ohio River The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi-style sternwheeler steamboat in existence     (And BU students celebrate on it every October!) Thunder Over Louisville is North America’s largest annual fireworks show More information about Louisville.