Paducah is Someplace Special
Everyone who lives in Paducah has a connection with it. Paducah may be your birthplace where you and your family has deep roots. Perhaps you moved to Paducah for a job opportunity and discovered that it’s a place to call home and raise a family. A variety of factors may have led you to Paducah.
Paducah, not unlike any other city, wants to be loved with goals of seeing investment, growth, and progress. Please take some time to reflect on this great city and connect with it. Look at the architecture of downtown and the neighborhoods, experience its arts and culture as a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, visit a small business, enjoy the parks and green space, learn about its history and talk to the people who call it home. We truly believe that Paducah is Someplace Special.
Relocating to Paducah?
Paducah is warm, welcoming, and fun. Plus, it's a community that wants you. You will be an important piece of the Paducah puzzle that helps us grow, succeed, and achieve Paducah's mission – To Be the Best City in the World.
Email News - If you are interested in receiving information about what goes on in Paducah from the City government, sign up to receive email releases.
Chamber’s Welcome Package – If you are relocating to Paducah, the Paducah Area of Chamber of Commerce will send you a complimentary relocation packet. Plus, you’ll find links to several resources on their site.
Remote Workers - For remote workers, we have a Remote Worker Incentive Program that will make you want to move to this to this beautiful city with an incredible quality of life.
Please take a moment to hear more about Paducah from Mayor George Bray.
What to Experience First
As part of a 2024 survey regarding the expansion of Paducah’s Greenway Trail and Bike Lanes, we asked for the top three places, features, or activities in Paducah that make it unique and special. The world cloud shows a summary of the responses.
Some of the top locations include downtown and the riverfront, Noble Park, the floodwall and its beautiful Dafford Murals, the Lowertown neighborhood, the Greenway Trail, and Dolly McNutt Memorial Plaza. Several museums and cultural venues, businesses, and local events were included in the top three list as well.
What Makes Paducah Special? - Testimonials from Paducah Citizens
Amina Watkins (born in Paducah, left, and returned) - Paducah has a strong sense of hospitality and Southern charm. Residents take pride in their roots and promote this wonderful city across the U.S. and internationally.
Julie Colvis (has lived in Paducah 25 years) - We have Kentucky Lake and Shawnee National Forest close. We have a great walking trail (Greenway Trail), good tennis and pickleball facilities, a wonderful performing arts center (Carson Center) as well as Main Stage and Market House, and lots of choices for eating establishments.
Ross Smith (born in Paducah, left, and moved back in 2018) - Paducah is a great place to live. It has everything you could want and then some and a great mix of people that generally seem to want what's best for the community.
Lee Emmons (has lived in Paducah 12 years) - I love that we're a small town but have some amenities of a larger city - such as a Symphony, the Carson Center, and an active community theater with Market House. I like that we have a good number of locally owned restaurants and businesses, in addition to chain stores/restaurants, nice parks, and the Greenway Trail.
Karen Stone (has lived in Paducah 41 years) - I grew up in Lone Oak, moved away when I was 22, and came back 18 years ago. Paducah people are friendly; the town is safe; and access to parks and water at Kentucky Lake are very important to my family.
Austin Kirkland (has lived in Paducah 1 year) - I love it here. I had relocated to volunteer with Paducah Alliance of Neighbors through AmeriCorps to serve the community. Paducah stole my heart, and I have decided I will stay here even after my AmeriCorps contract expires and continue to serve this community.
Tammy Isom (has lived in Paducah 60 years) - Paducah is home! It always will be.
Jay Downs Siska (has lived in Paducah 20 years) - The Lower Town Neighborhood is a special place. Most of us know each other, share meals, and work with the neighborhood association.
Mayna Craggs (has lived in Paducah 32 years) - Beauty - such as the Dogwood Trail. Events and Art - such as the Quilt Show and the National Quilt Museum, the Carson Center, Yeiser Art Center, our pretty City Hall, our nice library, Lower Town and historic preservation. The Ohio River and the river industry - the Flood Wall Murals - the rail industry. I like the fact that Paducah is not too large yet large enough to have all the above and other amenities.
Gisella Lamas (has lived in Paducah 6 years) - I really like that it has a nice atmosphere to live. It is a charming town with a nice downtown and events. It has a mall and a functional airport.
Jinny McCormick (has lived in Paducah 3 years) - I've lived many places. My impression of Paducah is that it's a loving city. Rather than defaulting to seeing strangers as strangers, Paducahans seem to see strangers and acquaintances as people they love unless proven otherwise.
Fred Feiler (has lived in Paducah 78 years) - Paducah is the perfect size city. It offers many cultural opportunities that you wouldn’t expect in a town this size. The performing arts opportunities are amazing at the Market House and Carson Center. The Symphony exceeds all expectations for a city our size. The Paducah Singers and symphony choirs exhibit excellence with each performance. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities, and our city has moved forward with building and maintaining areas that improve our quality of life.
Erin Lewis (has lived in Paducah 15 years) - I like the small town living with some big city amenities. I can easily and safely ride my bike almost everywhere I regularly go. There are great arts and entertainment choices.
Erin Hendley (raised in Paducah, left, and moved back in 2013) - I love the history, charm, and variety of experiences the downtown and midtown areas provide for both locals and tourists.
Dave Ackley (raised in Ballard County; moved to Paducah in 2023) - As a former Marine, I've traveled extensively and found a unique charm in Paducah that stands out globally. It offers a blend of southern hospitality, even deeper than the South, providing a welcoming atmosphere. Exploding with opportunities, from thriving arts to growing businesses, Paducah is ideal for both personal and professional growth. Nowhere else in the world can you find all of that combined with our low cost of living, without the inherent issues that come with living in a bigger city.
Ashley Johnson (has lived in Paducah 24 years) - No traffic - amazing public schools - low cost of living - very little crime - total sense of community. It's a positive place. Downtown and the foodie scene can't be beat.
William Wade (has lived in Paducah 50 years) - I like the small-town feel. When you go somewhere, it's very likely that you will see someone you know. Traffic is usually not a problem. We have an active community with opportunities to join biking or running groups. Our local music groups are very talented and there are many opportunities to see live music. Our library is very inviting with an impressive youth section that should make any child want to read a book. Our Market House Theatre and Carson Center have a variety of quality shows.
