"WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME..."

"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.

Takin' a break from all your worries sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you wanna go

Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came.

You wanna be where you can see,

Our troubles are all the same.

You wanna be where everybody knows your name."

Okay, okay.  I exaggerate just a bit here.  Not everybody knows your name in Oldham County.  That only really exists in a pub called Cheers.  But many of us do know each other in this tight-knit community, and most of us still wave and smile when you drive down the street.

Oldham County has been our home now for over 20 years, and we came for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that we wanted a slower pace, a friendly small-town atmosphere where we could put down roots and get involved in the community.  We had heard about Oldham County's award-winning schools, beautiful countryside and great quality of life.  Long story short:  it was the best move we ever made.

We live in Crestwood, just over the Jefferson/Oldham line.  Just far enough away that we feel like we're "out in the country," but all of our convenience shopping is at our fingertips.  And get this!  We even have a Starbucks!

Oldham County has a rich history that spans more than 200 years.  The county is named for Colonel William Oldham, a revolutionary war officer from Jefferson County.  (For you trivia folks:  The name Oldham is Anglo-Saxon in origin and means "old home").

Let us take you on a tour:  One of the most beautiful areas of Oldham County is a 14-mile stretch of road (Highway 42) that has been designated as a Kentucky Scenic Byway, and for good reason.  Here you'll find mile after mile of four-board fencing and magnificent thoroughbred horse farms.  Or take a drive into Westport, Goshen or Prospect and take in the sights of the mighty Ohio River.

LaGrange is Oldham County's largest city, and is the county seat.  We especially love to take our clients out to eat on Main Street in downtown LaGrange.  They're always amazed as we sit in one of the many unique restaurants and watch the train go by, right down the middle of Main Street.  Stately historic buildings house many one-of-a-kind shops, and if you're an antique lover, this is the place to find just what you're looking for.  The courthouse lawn hosts many fun events each year such as Oldham County Day, and going to Light Up LaGrange in December feels like walking right into a Norman Rockwell painting.

Historic Pewee Valley is home to the Locust, one of the sites featured in the Little Colonel stories and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The famous Little Colonel Theatre in the Louisville area's oldest community theatre, now in its 51st season.

Other "bedroom" communities of Oldham County such as Crestwood, Centerfield, Buckner, and Ballardsville offer lovely well-manicured neighborhoods and breathtaking rolling countryside.

Oldham County is the wealthiest county in Kentucky and 48th wealthiest county in the U.S., and ranks second highest in Kentucky for percentage of college-educated residents.

Currently the population of Oldham County is rapidly expanding as adjacent Jefferson County is running out of space for new suburban-style development.  Currently the population is increasing at about 4% per year.  At current rates of growth, the number of residents will double every 21 years.  Over the period from 1960 to 2000, the population increased 245% (in the same period, Jefferson County only increased 13.5%).  At the current rate, Oldham County will have a population around 61,000 by 2010.

As long as growth remains well-planned, smart growth, we should be able to continue to enjoy all the benefits that progress brings, while still maintaining the small-town atmosphere we love so much.

Yes, we LOVE Oldham County.  It's our home, and we've made lots of friends that have become family.  The people of this county have been kind enough to trust us to sell their homes and farms for 20 years.  We have a wonderful church home, and we've gotten involved in many community activities.  I think we'll stay.

So when you see us driving down the street, be sure to wave.  We promise to wave back!

(Please be sure to visit our website:  www.TheShaferTeam.com)

(lyrics from the theme song to the hit T.V. show, Cheers)