Kulcs

Kulcs
Kulcs
Coordinates: 47°04′18″N 18°55′06″E / 47.071759°N 18.918457°ECoordinates: 47°04′18″N 18°55′06″E / 47.071759°N 18.918457°E
Country  Hungary
County Fejér
Area
 • Total 16.73 km2 (6.46 sq mi)
Population (2004)
 • Total 2,009
 • Density 120.08/km2 (311.0/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 2458
Area code(s) 25
Website www.kulcs.eu

Kulcs is a village in Fejér county, Hungary.

Located along the sandy shores of the great Danube River, Kulcs is located in Fejer County, in central Hungary. Kulcs has some of the best air quality in Hungary, and that air is put to use with the town's own wind-powered turbine (modern day, eco friendly wind-mill). Beautiful views from the river of colorful, quaint homes perched atop the hillside town of Kulcs. Steamboats were a common daily sight for locals up until the 1960s. Nowadays, commercial boats and tourist ferries from Budapest, Vienna and surrounding regions still travel past the scenic village.

In the last 20 years, many larger parcels of grazing and farmland had begun to be sub-divided. Kulcs was mainly settled as "summer residences" by apartment dwelling, middle-class families. Many small, family-owned vinyards and orchards are still enjoyed by multiple generational families near Rácalmás and Dunaujváros town. The term "kulcs" pronounced "cool-ch" translates to "key". A popular "nyaralótelep" or leisure village.

Kulcs has recently experienced a "population boom". Many families have been moving to Kulcs for affordable housing in safe neighborhoods and new schools. Many buying small cottages and re-furbishing them, adding on larger rooms, garages, etc. Others, build their dream homes on large lots with a seasonally changing scenic view of the Duna (Danube River). All of the amenities you would find in "western" homes are common: American style kitchens w/ stainless appliances, granite counters & tankless water heaters, euro-style baths w/ eco-flush toilets, open-concept living areas, lots with lush landscaping, and most exteriors seem to be stucco with traditional clay tile roofs. The architectural styles and home sizes are as varied as the families' budget. Home prices range from $75,000+ for a comfortable 2 bedroom to $200,000+ for a 3-4 bedroom or larger home, and they're all custom built. Many of the smaller or run down/ neglected properties are vacant and for sale - usually owned by senior citizens or their heirs.

Population data: 1996 main permanent residents: 1213. Population in 2006 main permanent residents: 2300. The number of homes, including summer homes: 2180. Population during the summer months reaches: 4500-4800.

The village has been expanding, adding a heritage center, new elementary school, volunteer fire brigade and numerous cultural clubs, an expanding library and activities for the residents. The re-development of road infrastructure, telephone, cable TV, internet, are becoming increasingly attractive for permanent residency. On-staff doctor's office, pediatrician, pharmacy, dentistry, are all under one roof: the Regional Medical Center, built in 2004, offers post-surgery rehabilitation, one-day surgery, and outpatient care in primary healthcare. A private Home for the Elderly can also be found in Kulcs, with nearly 30 residence enjoying excellent care amidst beautiful views of nature and the ever-changing Danube River.

Commercial businesses, grocery and convenience stores, building supply companies, and other services are prevalent. The new Kulcsi Kindergarten, built in 2004, had more than 70 children enrolled receiving excellent day care and education. The 140-student elementary school took up the name of eminent writer Stephen Black. In 2009, 2 additional class rooms and a music room were added to accommodate the growing needs of the community and the enrichment of the students.

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