What's it like living in the SE?

[HopperFan]

Originally from NJ/NYC area.
Moved to Atlanta at age 11
Back to NJ/NYC at 24
Back to Atlanta 9 years later
Been here (stop doing the math)
more than a couple decades ....
Lots of family in middle Nebraska
so I'm trying to visualize your spot

I'm reading you live in wide open spaces
rural, very community oriented
Stay at home Mom who home-schools
DH is a paramedic and income producer
Your idea of enjoyment is outdoors, camping



I would totally avoid any major cities!!!
Fun to visit, but living is a whole different animal.
We have TRAFFIC and a very different community style.
You might find it a stressful place to live.
Your DH may find a job but you will likely find
your cost of living will be harder to manage on one
and you still maintain your quality of living.

I think if you focus on rural areas
or at least ones within 1-2 hours of larger city
you can get the best of both worlds.
You could maintain a quality of life you are used to
but still in driving distance to the special city stuff
like sports, museums, amusement parks etc.

GREAT outdoors and camping stuff all over the SE,
but if you want to add mountains then look at the
areas that are in proximity to the Appalachian range.
Many of these spots could also put you in a range
of a days drive to the beaches.

We live in very metro Atlanta suburb
We have family that chose to live in N GA
They live a rural lifestyle, smaller community
but can drive the 1.5 hours to ATL for big events
I could never handle rural living
Even at 25 minutes north of downtown,
it's the farthest I have ever lived outside big city.
But I love the hustle, bustle, everything close
and have been in traffic my whole life.

Even as close to the city as I am
We have issues with coyotes, bears,
I have deer in my yard several nights a week.
Well probably every night but I only see them a few.
Snakes, bugs, gators .... everywhere.
You learn to co-exist.

As stated hurricanes can be super strong and scary,
or just rain storms, depending on where you pick.
Tornadoes ... you can't control them,
just have a safe place to go the rare times they hit.


PS
I do not consider myself a Georgian
But rather an Atlantan
[BIG DIFFERENCE]
We do not have gun toting, pick up driving
country boys. The pickups in our area are
actually so upgraded they cost as much as luxury car.
I think it's important to pick a community
that you will fit in to. They are DIVERSE.
If you don't fit in you will likely have negative impression.

Pace of life here is much slower than I'm used to in the Northeast. People are generally friendly. However, I have to say I don't fit in with the average southern guy...at all. I don't watch college football (I hate it), I don't own a pick up truck, I don't own a gun, I don't have a tattoo, I don't want a "man cave", I don't go hunting. Most of those are the norm here in the south, so I'm a bit of a fish out of water.

Being only 30 miles from AL border impacts your experience. It wasn't that long ago no one that was moving to Atlanta area would ever consider anything west of Six Flags. That area, while it has grown, is still routed in southern culture. As someone from S Jersey ... I can see where it would be very different for you, and I know I couldn't live there.

I do have to chuckle about the football. As someone from close to your area (folks born/raised in Camden and I did some time) I know that the obsession in the South with football is completely a different animal ... one reason the SEC has such a negative reputation and a good reason why they don't allow alcohol sold at sports events even though NCAA does. The big joke around here .... and ties to your experience with college stickers on vehicles etc .... that MANY people are what we call "sidewalk fans". That means they didn't attend the college they are so fanatically attached to ... many didn't attend college at all. They are loud and proud and repping .... without any connection to the school. And other than going to a football game (if they even did) they've never seen the campus.

 

[brockash]

You weren’t within driving distance of beaches in south Alabama? Or did you just not care for Gulf beaches compared to mid Atlantic beaches? Trying to understand the beach thing when you say you lived in south AL...

Sorry if I wasn't clear. Yes we were def within driving distance of Panama city... I just saw where the OP stated they'd like to be close to a beach so I was explaining that many parts of the mid Atlantic are close to the beach as well. For us the experience of living and traveling a bit in the SE just left a bad taste in my mouth to which I cant ever seeing a scenario in which we would live in the AL, GA, MS, LA area. It was just a totally different world to us that we just didnt happen to like (everyone prefers different things). We've lived in different places; PA, CO, NM, NY, VA, TN and AL and AL (and really the surrounding areas) is the only place I would def. not go back to, so I was just showing that there are other places that may meet their criteria (not as harsh winters, driving distance to beach etc) they may want to consider.

 

[disneyseniors]

OP, our family moved from Ohio, to Tennessee, to where we live now in No. Minnesota.
Whew, talk about a culture change.
First of all, never regretted leaving Ohio.
We absolutely loved Tennessee. We lived in the West central part, about 40 to 60 miles West of Nashville. Close enough to drive in if we wanted, but far enough out to be "rural". Yes, there are bugs, lots of them, especially the flying cockroaches. Ask me about my first encounter with those buggers; I about had a heart attack! LOL. There are dangerous snakes, but you get used to looking at the ground before walking. There is high humidity in the summer. I confess that this one bothered me the most, but as with all things, you get used to it. The falls are gorgeous and the springs are just plain beautiful! The winters are mild for the most part and doable. We loved the Southern culture and our friends there.

I would recommend that you rent for a year in the area you want to try out, if possible. You might like the idea of the SE, but not actually living there when you try it. It would be a shame for you to be miserable with your decision if you don't like it.

Our reason to move to the far north is a long one, but we have adjusted and love it here now, even the winters!

good luck!

 

[LSUmiss]

Originally from NJ/NYC area.
Moved to Atlanta at age 11
Back to NJ/NYC at 24
Back to Atlanta 9 years later
Been here (stop doing the math)
more than a couple decades ....
Lots of family in middle Nebraska
so I'm trying to visualize your spot

I'm reading you live in wide open spaces
rural, very community oriented
Stay at home Mom who home-schools
DH is a paramedic and income producer
Your idea of enjoyment is outdoors, camping



I would totally avoid any major cities!!!
Fun to visit, but living is a whole different animal.
We have TRAFFIC and a very different community style.
You might find it a stressful place to live.
Your DH may find a job but you will likely find
your cost of living will be harder to manage on one
and you still maintain your quality of living.

I think if you focus on rural areas
or at least ones within 1-2 hours of larger city
you can get the best of both worlds.
You could maintain a quality of life you are used to
but still in driving distance to the special city stuff
like sports, museums, amusement parks etc.

GREAT outdoors and camping stuff all over the SE,
but if you want to add mountains then look at the
areas that are in proximity to the Appalachian range.
Many of these spots could also put you in a range
of a days drive to the beaches.

We live in very metro Atlanta suburb
We have family that chose to live in N GA
They live a rural lifestyle, smaller community
but can drive the 1.5 hours to ATL for big events
I could never handle rural living
Even at 25 minutes north of downtown,
it's the farthest I have ever lived outside big city.
But I love the hustle, bustle, everything close
and have been in traffic my whole life.

Even as close to the city as I am
We have issues with coyotes, bears,
I have deer in my yard several nights a week.
Well probably every night but I only see them a few.
Snakes, bugs, gators .... everywhere.
You learn to co-exist.

As stated hurricanes can be super strong and scary,
or just rain storms, depending on where you pick.
Tornadoes ... you can't control them,
just have a safe place to go the rare times they hit.


PS
I do not consider myself a Georgian
But rather an Atlantan
[BIG DIFFERENCE]
We do not have gun toting, pick up driving
country boys. The pickups in our area are
actually so upgraded they cost as much as luxury car.
I think it's important to pick a community
that you will fit in to. They are DIVERSE.
If you don't fit in you will likely have negative impression.




Being only 30 miles from AL border impacts your experience. It wasn't that long ago no one that was moving to Atlanta area would ever consider anything west of Six Flags. That area, while it has grown, is still routed in southern culture. As someone from S Jersey ... I can see where it would be very different for you, and I know I couldn't live there.

I do have to chuckle about the football. As someone from close to your area (folks born/raised in Camden and I did some time) I know that the obsession in the South with football is completely a different animal ... one reason the SEC has such a negative reputation and a good reason why they don't allow alcohol sold at sports events even though NCAA does. The big joke around here .... and ties to your experience with college stickers on vehicles etc .... that MANY people are what we call "sidewalk fans". That means they didn't attend the college they are so fanatically attached to ... many didn't attend college at all. They are loud and proud and repping .... without any connection to the school. And other than going to a football game (if they even did) they've never seen the campus.

I get what your saying. I consider myself a New Orleanian more than a Louisianaian although I do love Louisiana. I just prefer NOLA. I lived in Baton Rouge during & after college & moved back to NOLA as soon as I could.

 

[HopperFan]

I get what your saying. I consider myself a New Orleanian more than a Louisianaian although I do love Louisiana. I just prefer NOLA. I lived in Baton Rouge during & after college & moved back to NOLA as soon as I could.

Oh I LOVE NOLA! I certainly can see it being similar situation.

Since I'm not originally from Georgia ... and the state of Georgia is SO different from the Atlanta area ... I can't relate on two levels. So if someone asks where I'm from I say "Atlanta", then they say "Georgia?" and I say "No, just Atlanta."

 

[Wendy31]

Both my & DH's families are from the southeast & have lived here for multiple generations. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

My mom is from Alabama, & my dad is from Georgia. We live in southeast TN, right on the TN-GA line & kinda right smack dab in the middle of everything, about 2 1/2 hours from the Gatlinburg area, 2 hours from Knoxville, 2 1/2 hours from Nashville, 2 hours from Huntsville or Birmingham, & 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta. And 6 hours from the nearest beach... which is too far!! (I'm a beach girl!)

When it comes to geography, our mountains aren't as tall & craggy as the mountains in the West, but there are plenty of places for camping & hiking & boating - so many different outdoor opportunities! Our landscapes are a bit different & greener. And the horizons, perhaps, aren't as expansive as what you'll see in the West. Our spaces are, maybe, "closer" & not as wide, if that makes sense. But, here, you can find place like as diverse as Reelfoot Lake to the Smoky Mountains & lakes, rivers, forests, waterfalls, swamps, valleys, caverns & caves, bayous, meadows, etc.

I don't like tornadoes, &, seemingly, "tornado-alley" has moved a bit east. However, while we do have tornadoes, most of the time, they're aren't as large or as high on the F 1-5 scale as they are in the midwest. Where we live, the tornadoes & thunderstorms come up from Alabama, but they mostly (mostly!) fizzzle out before they get to our area. Where we are, we also often get the remnants of hurricanes that come up from the Gulf as tropical storms/depressions.

(As an aside, I don't know what it is, but people that live in our area actually joke about it - weather tends to happen all around us, but not to us. It's like we're in a bowl. For example, it will snow to our north, to our east, to our west, & to our south, but we'll get nothing.)

I love the South & would never want to move away. DD is currently attending a liberal arts college w/ students from all over, & I've (jokingly) told her, "Don't you dare find & fall in love w/ someone not from the South!" I know the South sometimes has a bad reputation - but that's just from people who don't get it. And no matter what people tell you, not every guy who lives in the South is an illiterate, tobacco-chewing, backwards "good 'ol boy" w/ a truck, a tattoo, & a gun. However, we do like our guns & the SEC! LOL! The SEC is more popular than the NFL & the NBA.

The humidity, the culture, the bugs, the myths, the food, the stories, the literature, the people, the music, the land... I love it all.

Winters are mild, & snow days are magical. Everyone gets excited at the possibility of snow! We have a possible snow day predicted for this coming Tuesday, & everyone is rushing to the store to get bread & milk & eggs! Spring comes early with an explosion of flowers & allergies & pollen. (And, in between winter & spring, are Dogwood Winter & Blackberry Winter.) Fall is pumpkin farms & football & wearing sweaters & boots even though you're sweating like a sinner in a church. And summer... summer is my favorite! The days are hot & & hazy & humid, & the cicadas are singing. The nights are sultry w/ the smell of night blossoms in the air & lightning bugs twinkling the sky.

There's a saying that goes, "North is a direction. The South is a place." And it's so true!

So much literature & music comes from the South, & there's a reason for that! And, yes, parts of our history are not pretty, but we have such a beautiful mix of cultures here... and it all combines into the mystique that is the South.

And the food! You won't find food any better than the South, & there has been a southern renaissance when it comes to food w/ a lot of up & coming & award-winning chefs & restaurants. Oh, & BBQ is a food - not grilling hamburgers & hot dogs on a grill outside on the patio.

And there are so many different museums & historical places to visit - perfect for a homeschooling family. There are also cultural centers w/ theatres & festivals. We homeschool as well, & there is a very active homeschooling community where live. In our area, there is a children's museum, an art museum, a zoo, & an aquarium, & all offer homeschool programs. Our 2 older children took art lessons at the art museum through its homeschooling program. TN, I think, is considered a mid-range state when it comes to homeschooling laws, but I've never had a problem. We are registered w/ an umbrella school. I don't have to notify the local school system or anything like that. DD graduated high school last year, scored high enough on her ACT for an academic scholarship, & had no problem being accepted into college. Older DS is a senior this year, also scored high enough on his ACT for an academic scholarship, & won't have any problem being accepted into college next fall.

While I really like the area where we live, we have family that live in the Biloxi, MS area, &, after visiting a few times, DH & I both discovered we absolutely love the LA/MS/AL Gulf Coast area & hope to move there eventually - DH just needs to find a job there! I adore New Orleans!

But I do think the Gulf Coast area is more humid than the Atlantic side of Florida.

 

[luvsJack]

Both my & DH's families are from the southeast & have lived here for multiple generations. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

My mom is from Alabama, & my dad is from Georgia. We live in southeast TN, right on the TN-GA line & kinda right smack dab in the middle of everything, about 2 1/2 hours from the Gatlinburg area, 2 hours from Knoxville, 2 1/2 hours from Nashville, 2 hours from Huntsville or Birmingham, & 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta. And 6 hours from the nearest beach... which is too far!! (I'm a beach girl!)

When it comes to geography, our mountains aren't as tall & craggy as the mountains in the West, but there are plenty of places for camping & hiking & boating - so many different outdoor opportunities! Our landscapes are a bit different & greener. And the horizons, perhaps, aren't as expansive as what you'll see in the West. Our spaces are, maybe, "closer" & not as wide, if that makes sense. But, here, you can find place like as diverse as Reelfoot Lake to the Smoky Mountains & lakes, rivers, forests, waterfalls, swamps, valleys, caverns & caves, bayous, meadows, etc.

I don't like tornadoes, &, seemingly, "tornado-alley" has moved a bit east. However, while we do have tornadoes, most of the time, they're aren't as large or as high on the F 1-5 scale as they are in the midwest. Where we live, the tornadoes & thunderstorms come up from Alabama, but they mostly (mostly!) fizzzle out before they get to our area. Where we are, we also often get the remnants of hurricanes that come up from the Gulf as tropical storms/depressions.

(As an aside, I don't know what it is, but people that live in our area actually joke about it - weather tends to happen all around us, but not to us. It's like we're in a bowl. For example, it will snow to our north, to our east, to our west, & to our south, but we'll get nothing.)

I love the South & would never want to move away. DD is currently attending a liberal arts college w/ students from all over, & I've (jokingly) told her, "Don't you dare find & fall in love w/ someone not from the South!" I know the South sometimes has a bad reputation - but that's just from people who don't get it. And no matter what people tell you, not every guy who lives in the South is an illiterate, tobacco-chewing, backwards "good 'ol boy" w/ a truck, a tattoo, & a gun. However, we do like our guns & the SEC! LOL! The SEC is more popular than the NFL & the NBA.

The humidity, the culture, the bugs, the myths, the food, the stories, the literature, the people, the music, the land... I love it all.

Winters are mild, & snow days are magical. Everyone gets excited at the possibility of snow! We have a possible snow day predicted for this coming Tuesday, & everyone is rushing to the store to get bread & milk & eggs! Spring comes early with an explosion of flowers & allergies & pollen. (And, in between winter & spring, are Dogwood Winter & Blackberry Winter.) Fall is pumpkin farms & football & wearing sweaters & boots even though you're sweating like a sinner in a church. And summer... summer is my favorite! The days are hot & & hazy & humid, & the cicadas are singing. The nights are sultry w/ the smell of night blossoms in the air & lightning bugs twinkling the sky.

There's a saying that goes, "North is a direction. The South is a place." And it's so true!

So much literature & music comes from the South, & there's a reason for that! And, yes, parts of our history are not pretty, but we have such a beautiful mix of cultures here... and it all combines into the mystique that is the South.

And the food! You won't find food any better than the South, & there has been a southern renaissance when it comes to food w/ a lot of up & coming & award-winning chefs & restaurants. Oh, & BBQ is a food - not grilling hamburgers & hot dogs on a grill outside on the patio.

And there are so many different museums & historical places to visit - perfect for a homeschooling family. There are also cultural centers w/ theatres & festivals. We homeschool as well, & there is a very active homeschooling community where live. In our area, there is a children's museum, an art museum, a zoo, & an aquarium, & all offer homeschool programs. Our 2 older children took art lessons at the art museum through its homeschooling program. TN, I think, is considered a mid-range state when it comes to homeschooling laws, but I've never had a problem. We are registered w/ an umbrella school. I don't have to notify the local school system or anything like that. DD graduated high school last year, scored high enough on her ACT for an academic scholarship, & had no problem being accepted into college. Older DS is a senior this year, also scored high enough on his ACT for an academic scholarship, & won't have any problem being accepted into college next fall.

While I really like the area where we live, we have family that live in the Biloxi, MS area, &, after visiting a few times, DH & I both discovered we absolutely love the LA/MS/AL Gulf Coast area & hope to move there eventually - DH just needs to find a job there! I adore New Orleans!

But I do think the Gulf Coast area is more humid than the Atlantic side of Florida.

We need a “Love” button!! Love your post and description of our South!!

 

[LSUmiss]

Both my & DH's families are from the southeast & have lived here for multiple generations. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

My mom is from Alabama, & my dad is from Georgia. We live in southeast TN, right on the TN-GA line & kinda right smack dab in the middle of everything, about 2 1/2 hours from the Gatlinburg area, 2 hours from Knoxville, 2 1/2 hours from Nashville, 2 hours from Huntsville or Birmingham, & 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta. And 6 hours from the nearest beach... which is too far!! (I'm a beach girl!)

When it comes to geography, our mountains aren't as tall & craggy as the mountains in the West, but there are plenty of places for camping & hiking & boating - so many different outdoor opportunities! Our landscapes are a bit different & greener. And the horizons, perhaps, aren't as expansive as what you'll see in the West. Our spaces are, maybe, "closer" & not as wide, if that makes sense. But, here, you can find place like as diverse as Reelfoot Lake to the Smoky Mountains & lakes, rivers, forests, waterfalls, swamps, valleys, caverns & caves, bayous, meadows, etc.

I don't like tornadoes, &, seemingly, "tornado-alley" has moved a bit east. However, while we do have tornadoes, most of the time, they're aren't as large or as high on the F 1-5 scale as they are in the midwest. Where we live, the tornadoes & thunderstorms come up from Alabama, but they mostly (mostly!) fizzzle out before they get to our area. Where we are, we also often get the remnants of hurricanes that come up from the Gulf as tropical storms/depressions.

(As an aside, I don't know what it is, but people that live in our area actually joke about it - weather tends to happen all around us, but not to us. It's like we're in a bowl. For example, it will snow to our north, to our east, to our west, & to our south, but we'll get nothing.)

I love the South & would never want to move away. DD is currently attending a liberal arts college w/ students from all over, & I've (jokingly) told her, "Don't you dare find & fall in love w/ someone not from the South!" I know the South sometimes has a bad reputation - but that's just from people who don't get it. And no matter what people tell you, not every guy who lives in the South is an illiterate, tobacco-chewing, backwards "good 'ol boy" w/ a truck, a tattoo, & a gun. However, we do like our guns & the SEC! LOL! The SEC is more popular than the NFL & the NBA.

The humidity, the culture, the bugs, the myths, the food, the stories, the literature, the people, the music, the land... I love it all.

Winters are mild, & snow days are magical. Everyone gets excited at the possibility of snow! We have a possible snow day predicted for this coming Tuesday, & everyone is rushing to the store to get bread & milk & eggs! Spring comes early with an explosion of flowers & allergies & pollen. (And, in between winter & spring, are Dogwood Winter & Blackberry Winter.) Fall is pumpkin farms & football & wearing sweaters & boots even though you're sweating like a sinner in a church. And summer... summer is my favorite! The days are hot & & hazy & humid, & the cicadas are singing. The nights are sultry w/ the smell of night blossoms in the air & lightning bugs twinkling the sky.

There's a saying that goes, "North is a direction. The South is a place." And it's so true!

So much literature & music comes from the South, & there's a reason for that! And, yes, parts of our history are not pretty, but we have such a beautiful mix of cultures here... and it all combines into the mystique that is the South.

And the food! You won't find food any better than the South, & there has been a southern renaissance when it comes to food w/ a lot of up & coming & award-winning chefs & restaurants. Oh, & BBQ is a food - not grilling hamburgers & hot dogs on a grill outside on the patio.

And there are so many different museums & historical places to visit - perfect for a homeschooling family. There are also cultural centers w/ theatres & festivals. We homeschool as well, & there is a very active homeschooling community where live. In our area, there is a children's museum, an art museum, a zoo, & an aquarium, & all offer homeschool programs. Our 2 older children took art lessons at the art museum through its homeschooling program. TN, I think, is considered a mid-range state when it comes to homeschooling laws, but I've never had a problem. We are registered w/ an umbrella school. I don't have to notify the local school system or anything like that. DD graduated high school last year, scored high enough on her ACT for an academic scholarship, & had no problem being accepted into college. Older DS is a senior this year, also scored high enough on his ACT for an academic scholarship, & won't have any problem being accepted into college next fall.

While I really like the area where we live, we have family that live in the Biloxi, MS area, &, after visiting a few times, DH & I both discovered we absolutely love the LA/MS/AL Gulf Coast area & hope to move there eventually - DH just needs to find a job there! I adore New Orleans!

But I do think the Gulf Coast area is more humid than the Atlantic side of Florida.

Thank you for this awesome post!

 

[SteveH]

@MommyBryn
The Pacific Northwest is home for me, grew up in Oregon and live in the Desert in Washington probably similar to your climate. I've spent time in South Korea and Japan as well. Back in 1995 we took a leave of faith and a career move to head to Missouri, not the SE but similar in many ways. I will say I loved the people in the small town, hands down some of the most friendly people, once trust was built. After 5 years and my primary mission was accomplished I felt it was time to head back West, a brief stop in California and then we've been back in the NW ever since.

I will say first of all, I highly encourage people to live their dream and move if that is your calling. However as much as I loved the people, the weather was not something I enjoyed at all. I jokingly say that you have two weeks in the Spring and two weeks in the Fall where the weather was perfect. But Winter it was freezing cold; ice storms, snow storms, etc. Hard to do much outside, at least for me. We learned more about Wind Chill then I ever wanted to know too. Then came summer. I live where summers can hit 115° and I enjoy it, but Missouri and my trips to Florida were like living in hell, temperature was one thing but the humidity OMG the humidity. I'd spent summers in South Korea and Japan, so I knew about humidity and summer showers, went through several Typhoons. But nothing prepared me for the humidity and rain I experienced in Missouri.

My wife often thinks she wants to life in Florida, but before I'd move to the South I would take an extended trip to "live" in the area in August, then decide.

 

[JaxDad]

I do have to chuckle about the football. As someone from close to your area (folks born/raised in Camden and I did some time) I know that the obsession in the South with football is completely a different animal ... one reason the SEC has such a negative reputation and a good reason why they don't allow alcohol sold at sports events even though NCAA does. The big joke around here .... and ties to your experience with college stickers on vehicles etc .... that MANY people are what we call "sidewalk fans". That means they didn't attend the college they are so fanatically attached to ... many didn't attend college at all. They are loud and proud and repping .... without any connection to the school. And other than going to a football game (if they even did) they've never seen the campus.

As one who grew up in the south, I definitely agree with this. However, it’s really not much different than people following professional sports teams. That “connection” is not any more significant. It’s often just where you live or who your family and friends support.

 

[North of Mouse]

@Wendy31, love your descriptive 'book on the South'!! In a nutshell, it's called 'Home'!! Most of what you wrote could be mine, except I'm more deep south, and if anything, a little more steeped in tradition!

Sorry, OP, for sort of hijacking your thread - this is what happens when you ask about the South, to some of us! LOL

 

[Gumbo4x4]

@MommyBryn
The Pacific Northwest is home for me, grew up in Oregon and live in the Desert in Washington probably similar to your climate. I've spent time in South Korea and Japan as well. Back in 1995 we took a leave of faith and a career move to head to Missouri, not the SE but similar in many ways. I will say I loved the people in the small town, hands down some of the most friendly people, once trust was built. After 5 years and my primary mission was accomplished I felt it was time to head back West, a brief stop in California and then we've been back in the NW ever since.

I will say first of all, I highly encourage people to live their dream and move if that is your calling. However as much as I loved the people, the weather was not something I enjoyed at all. I jokingly say that you have two weeks in the Spring and two weeks in the Fall where the weather was perfect. But Winter it was freezing cold; ice storms, snow storms, etc. Hard to do much outside, at least for me. We learned more about Wind Chill then I ever wanted to know too. Then came summer. I live where summers can hit 115° and I enjoy it, but Missouri and my trips to Florida were like living in hell, temperature was one thing but the humidity OMG the humidity. I'd spent summers in South Korea and Japan, so I knew about humidity and summer showers, went through several Typhoons. But nothing prepared me for the humidity and rain I experienced in Missouri.

My wife often thinks she wants to life in Florida, but before I'd move to the South I would take an extended trip to "live" in the area in August, then decide.

As a native Missourian who doesn’t sweat at WDW, I can attest to our sometimes brutal humidity. The rare 108 degree day here is usually more pleasant than 95 because it typically only gets that hot when the humidity is way down. And yes, we still have Winter unlike places further South. It snowed 15 days ago (with some minor snow in between) and it hasn’t fully melted. It was 3 degrees yesterday morning - nothing like No Minnesota, but a pretty drastic temp for a place that can also be brutally hot.

 

[Klayfish]

Originally from NJ/NYC area.

Being only 30 miles from AL border impacts your experience. It wasn't that long ago no one that was moving to Atlanta area would ever consider anything west of Six Flags. That area, while it has grown, is still routed in southern culture. As someone from S Jersey ... I can see where it would be very different for you, and I know I couldn't live there.

I do have to chuckle about the football. As someone from close to your area (folks born/raised in Camden and I did some time) I know that the obsession in the South with football is completely a different animal ... one reason the SEC has such a negative reputation and a good reason why they don't allow alcohol sold at sports events even though NCAA does. The big joke around here .... and ties to your experience with college stickers on vehicles etc .... that MANY people are what we call "sidewalk fans". That means they didn't attend the college they are so fanatically attached to ... many didn't attend college at all. They are loud and proud and repping .... without any connection to the school. And other than going to a football game (if they even did) they've never seen the campus.

I'm actually not that rural. I'm in the Dallas/Acworth area. It's not as packed at Marietta or other suburbs, but it's not completely rural.

If you're from the Camden area, you know that college football up there really isn't a "thing". I grew up without it. Never watched a game, never been to one. I simply don't get it. I've got a very negative view of the college football system, so I have no interest to get into it.

Ok, so you've toned it down from the post I quoted!! Yes, the south is more laid back than the north, in general. And, we 'have' lived other places - MD for 6 yrs. was the hardest to take as that was the farthest N., lived in ATL suburbs 3 years. Haven't heard of anyone retiring 'north' though, so I guess they come south in spite of our way of life!!
(you included, maybe????

Some people come south and try to 'make' it like where they came from in the north (we know some) - not gonna happen!!! There are definitely many 'mini' cultures within the south though - mostly in extreme rural areas - not usually in cities like Atlanta, so guess I was surprised at your strong post, as we've lived there, no pick up truck, no tattoos, etc.

Sorry, I thought you said you lived in the south all of your life. No, people generally don't retire up north. The weather is far better here and the pace of life isn't as crazy as it is up north. Atlanta really is an interesting case study, because so many of the people here are transplants (like me). From what I hear, 20 years ago, this place was vastly different. So it's quite the melting pot. However, you should come to the local community pool where I live and you'll see what I say what I say. People are generally very nice, as is the reputation of southerners, but I don't fit in for sure.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'm actually not that rural. I'm in the Dallas/Acworth area. It's not as packed at Marietta or other suburbs, but it's not completely rural.

If you're from the Camden area, you know that college football up there really isn't a "thing". I grew up without it. Never watched a game, never been to one. I simply don't get it. I've got a very negative view of the college football system, so I have no interest to get into it.




Sorry, I thought you said you lived in the south all of your life. No, people generally don't retire up north. The weather is far better here and the pace of life isn't as crazy as it is up north. Atlanta really is an interesting case study, because so many of the people here are transplants (like me). From what I hear, 20 years ago, this place was vastly different. So it's quite the melting pot. However, you should come to the local community pool where I live and you'll see what I say what I say. People are generally very nice, as is the reputation of southerners, but I don't fit in for sure.

The college football thing in the SE is really pretty simple. There are entire states with no pro sports of any kind. Moreover, it pretty much never gets cold enough to discourage tailgating. It’s their thing. It’s no more foreign to you than being a Red Sox fan would seem to someone from Mobile.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I’ve spent most of my life in Orlando. I love it here, but it’s not for everyone. It seems like the climate is getting hotter here- summers last forever (heat into December).. and the winters aren’t getting quite as chilly. It can be tough sweating during the holiday season. But it’s a beautiful 59 degrees right now!

There’s also plenty of camping areas around. There are places you can camp basically right on the beach!

To be fair, I think this is one of the coldest winters we’ve had in quite some time! Last year was crazy. I think there was one week in the 30s/40s and then the rest was 80.

OP-really, it’s such a personal thing. I lived in the North/North East until I moved to NOLA and it was really different. I liked it, but the lacking infrastructure in places was something that I didn’t like and what kept me from staying there after college. The summers were hot and there were some critters (Nutria just shouldn’t exist!), but the bigger issue there was flooding. Nola has a culture all it’s own and while the Saints will always be my #2 team, it’s just not somewhere I could live long term.

I love Florida (I like where I am but would like to move farther SE) and at this point I’m never leaving. It’s hot as heck in the summer and the sun tried to murder me, but it’s not that big of a deal. I really don’t spend that much time outside in the super hot months and am just used to it at this point. I also do not tolerate the cold very well and snow is just a PITA if you’re over the age of 7.

I’ve always lived in suburban centers. Not in a true downtown area, but everything is conveniently in about a 1-5 mile radius from me. I don’t think I would like more rural areas of Florida nor would I like being in more of a “in the city” location. I think matching the size/style of town that suits you is just as important as the geographical location. But as others have mentioned “the SE” is huge and has huge differences in culture between Nashville, Atlanta, and Miami for example. But I think you’re likely to find the downtown of any of those cities more similar to eachother than Miami and Ocala, Fl.

I love the water so proximity to beaches, the Caribbean, cruise terminals, some of the best diving in the country, and fresh seafood are all things I would really struggle to give up if I left Florida. I’ve made peace with the critters. Palmetto bugs are everywhere and sometimes I forget that it’s not normal everywhere to have lizards falling onto your car as you exit your garage haha. Like with anywhere, the more rural or close to nature you get, the more critters you’ll see.

So many people (especially) on these boards love Disney but hate Florida and would never want to live here, some love the idea but hate the reality and some just love it. The city data website is another great site for town specific info.

For the record, I know the internet used the McDonald’s all day breakfast menu as the final proof that Florida is not “The South” but many still consider it so and while I’ve met some that fit the stereotype some have described of the good ol boy, it’s definitely not the majority.

 

[HopperFan]

I'm actually not that rural. I'm in the Dallas/Acworth area. It's not as packed at Marietta or other suburbs, but it's not completely rural.

If you're from the Camden area, you know that college football up there really isn't a "thing". I grew up without it. Never watched a game, never been to one. I simply don't get it. I've got a very negative view of the college football system, so I have no interest to get into it.

But in Dallas/Acworth (familiar enough, kids went to KSU and DD just moved into house in "Woodstock" just south of Acworth - adjustment for her but picked for work locations) ... that is still an old southern hub and many have never left and the culture is there. Anyone who moves there is the "foreigner" whereas many ATL suburbs are almost solidly transplants so you won't see the culture as much. It's not like areas closer to Atlanta that were farms 30-40 years ago and now full blown cities that merge right into urban. I grew up in Dunwoody, considered way out then, and now in I'm farther than that in an area no on would have moved to back then. There are many areas all around Atlanta that have maintained the feel they always had, and the residents, even though they have developed. I guess my point is that there are lots of areas around Atlanta that a "good ole boy" or even original Georgian might be hard to find. It's a strange place that way and why it's good for OP or anyone moving to do your homework.

Yup, up north college football is not a big deal and other sports are often more popular. South = football. When we were in school NO ONE embraced soccer, lacrosse, golf or any women's sports. Now look at it, teams everywhere. Prior to MLS Championship Atlanta United wait list for season tickets was 18 mos, bet it's well over a couple years now. Back in the day we could barely get a couple thousand folks to a Chiefs game. One reason we can't keep hockey teams. I don't get it, I know plenty that are obnoxious fans. My DH and DS went to a UGA game (I went to plenty in college years) and sat 50 yard line in the alumni section. They said it was so horrible, they behaved so badly ... they never returned to another game. Add SEC, even worse.

 

[Southernmiss]

The college football thing in the SE is really pretty simple. There are entire states with no pro sports of any kind. Moreover, it pretty much never gets cold enough to discourage tailgating. It’s their thing. It’s no more foreign to you than being a Red Sox fan would seem to someone from Mobile.

I get your point, but it cracks me up. Ds born and raised an hour away from Mobile is a big Red Sox fan. Bought him a Sales jersey and World Series ornament for Christmas. He also follows the Philadelphia Eagles. He got an Eagles shirt last year.

 

[luvsJack]

Honestly, where I am football in general is King. It’s like THE season. But it’s not just college. It’s high school, college and the Saints lol. Well there are fans of other pro teams but mostly it’s the Saints.

Friday night lights is huge. I graduated 37 years ago. I still know every season how my high school is doing and go to at least one game (with their big rival). Which made sense when I had kids there but I still go. When my sons were playing, there were people that were at every single game. Home or away and no matter how far.

Saturdays are for tail gating and college ball. Some folks just like to tailgate and don’t care one way or the other about the games. They go to one of the big three in this state depending on who has a home game. And then of course there is LSU and Bama. And no some of the most faithful fans have never been on the LSU or the Bama campus, but they love whichever school they are a fan of. OTH, there are a lot of football fans that don’t particularly follow college and like the pp don’t really understand the love of these schools. But, hey, they just go along with it and shake their heads.

Sundays are for the Saints (and those other teams lol).

No, really, there are plenty of fans of other teams but even most of them watch the Saints too.

I don’t know if it’s like this in other parts of the SE but football is just huge here. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t have their favorite team that they have been a fan of their whole life. I can remember ds watching the Saints play with my dad when he was like 3. And he would sit and watch the entire game. Dil has been an LSU fan so long she can’t really tell you why lol. There really isn’t an explanation. It just is.

 

[North of Mouse]

Sorry, @Klayfish, guess that was a little misleading - didn't mean to do it. Guess I've tried to put those sojourns out of my mind!! Dh's company transferred us a few times to other states, but was definitely temporary, until we could move back south.

 

[portocall]

But I do think the Gulf Coast area is more humid than the Atlantic side of Florida.

The Atlantic side of Florida and New Orleans are what and what as far as humidity. I grew up in Brevard County, FL and moved at the age of 24 to New Orleans. There isn't any difference between summer weather. Well, a slight difference. In Florida I could set my watch by the afternoon thunderstorms and in New Orleans anytime after 10am is fair game. Now New Orleans has a very short fall and spring and winter's are cooler. In Central Florida cooler weather doesn't show up before Thanksgiving and in New Orleans it typically starts to become more comfortable in late September or October. The evenings become comfortable first. And it tends to stay comfortable until March or April but sometimes it can last until May. Summer is equally brutal between both places. You just sweat a lot. From everywhere. I actually found Texas in the summer much much worse. It was so dry I felt like I was in an over . I'm sure it's all in the preference which you prefer to be cooked.

Now North Atlanta is the most extreme as far as differences between seasons that I have personally experienced. And I love that. The trees change colors in the fall which made my year. Summer, everyone was complaining about heat but I was the most comfortable I have ever been in my life during the summer season. I'm sure that will change as I acclimate.

Growing up six blocks from the ocean was nice but goinf to the beach was too much work so we only went a few times a year. Couldn't survive without our backyard pool. Here in New Orleans we don't have a pool so I paid for zoo membership to be able to cool off.

Some people can handle living in the South. Others just can't get adjusted to the cultural differences. I learned that living amongst all the transplants. I don't know anything different so I can't say I wouldn't like living up North. But I would probably have trouble adjusting.