[dasmi]

Ok...here we go...
I'm not trying to start a war between southern states here, but which one is the best for gun owners, and for quality of life? I'm thinking about getting off the west coast, and trying out the south. I'm looking for a place with traditional values, small towns, lakes, rivers, green plants, stuff like that. (Remember, I live in San Diego, half the year, everything here is brown.) Some place peaceful, with good people. Basically the antithesis of Southern California would be perfect.

EDIT: Any mention of specific towns or counties would also be good.

[Mr. X]

As someone who's only lived down this way for a few years, I like E. TN and N. GA fairly well.

[dasmi]

By the way, I promise not to bring any California tendencies to your beloved South. I don't fit in out here very well, despite being born and raised here.

[Rupestris]

I'm going to have to vote Tennessee or North Carolina.
I've been to both and would love the opportunity to move to either of them.
Third would be West Virginia but thats not exactly south.

[Krag]

The GREAT state of North Carolina. The hunting is plentiful and good; pro-gun sentiment is commonplace (outside of a couple big cities full of former yankees); we have a "Must Issue" CCW law and your permit exempts you from needing a N.C. handgun purchase permit and Federal background checks; the majority of sheriffs and police departments are pro-gun; and we have two great Republican senators: Elizabeth Dole (Lizzy) and Richard Burr. Eeeeehhhhhaaaaa...................... :neener:

Ever since West Virginia stabbed the Confederacy in back during the War for Southern Independence, they have been trying to redeem themselves by claiming they are Southerners. IMHO, they are nothing but yankee wannabees! :fire:

[perception]

Well, I live in Tennessee so I think I will start it off and say that we have it pretty good here. Good gun laws, varied climate, and depending where you want to live, we have everything from huge cities to tiny towns to land that is completely isolated. West Tennessee is pretty flat, East Tennessee has hills and mountains, with lots of outdoor areas for camping or backpacking. We have lakes everywhere, and rivers from the smallest creeks right up to the mighty Mississippi. We have some of the best whitewater in the region. Look around, and you can find what you are looking for here.

^^wow, in the time it took me to type that, I went from the first reply to the 5th or 6th

[Vernal45]

Texas, although with recent pro gun laws, Florida is looking good too.

[sm]

I was born,raised and live in AR. T'aint bad...

I personally am looking at Texas myself.

LUCKENBACH, Texas (AP) -- They like to say around here that you can't find a place more laid-back without being unconscious.

Well - since Luckenbach done been bought and preserved, guess I'll have to get rich, buy my own town.

First sign I put up will read " All Persons Are Armed" .
Second sign will read " We shoot Liberals - Next!! "
Third...can't say on this forum... ;)

[Pawcatch]

I can only speak for NW Georgia and the west metro Atlanta area.

Here are a few counties.

Douglas county is crowded and getting more crowded everyday.We have a specific neighborhood here that is mostly made up of transplanted New Yorkers.It is still one of the most republican counties in the Atlanta area,though.
You probably won't find a more patriotic metro county than Douglas.When Ronald Young was captured in Iraq,there were yellow ribbons on every tree and candle light vigils held every week.


Carroll county would be a better bet if you wanted the traditional southern culture without a long drive to Atlanta.Carroll county still has plenty of places to hunt,fish,and shoot.Very traditional values,but still fairly diverse culturally.
There's still plenty old style country homes,as well as new moderatly priced ones.

Haralson county would also fit your criteria pretty well.Bremen,Buchanan,Tallapoosa,and Waco are all great little towns with huge hunting,fishing,and shooting cultures.Lots of green pastures,planted pines,creeks,hills,and a church on just about every street.Northern Haralson even has a small Long Leaf Pine population.
One downside is they have a slight meth problem in the western part of the county,but it's manageable.

[Fred Fuller]

Take a look at the state-by-state listings on packing.org for more details than I have room to write here.

Otherwise, big-city south isn't that much different from big-city anywhere else, stay oriented toward the really rural (not yuppiefied) areas if you can make a living there. Small towns are a good choice for the most part but I like it 'waaay out in the country (five whole miles from the small university town where my wife teaches 8^). There are lots of nice places in a number of southern states, they are where you find them. My personal experience is mostly with AL and NC, most parts of either are pretty much shooter friendly. Both have widely varied topography, from beach to mountains (old worn down mountains in both cases, we aren't talking the Rockies here). NC has a lot more of both, of course, with everything in between too. I was born in AL and still consider it home, but NC will likely be where I live 'till I get planted.

You should visit the east coast especially around Beaufort/Morehead City and down around Wilmington to the SC line if you are a beach freak. Nothing like the west coast waves, but we got warm water...

Note that we have four seasons here, winter, spring, hot and humid.

Have you bought your pickup truck yet?

Good luck,

lpl/nc (whose biggest gun is a 9'6" Dana Point Hobie, but it's a wallhanger now that I'm too broke up to ride)

[dasmi]

1) Yes, I've got a pickup truck
2) I like the ocean and beach, but not enough to insist on living near the water.

[357wheelgunner]

I am living in East Tennessee right now, and I am hoping to move to Colorado in a few years. There are things I love and things I hate about East TN...

Minuses are:
-9.7% SALES TAX
-too hot in the summer
-too humid
-if you don't have allergies before you move here, you will get them
-horrible public services (The public services here are a joke, especially the Police, they don't pay enough for quality officers, and people here refuse to pay the taxes it takes to get good public services)

The pluses are:
-NO INCOME TAX
-kinda pro gun (I still get "the eye" when I open carry)
-very conservative (politically)
-very religous area
-people are extremely polite
-awesome winter (between 20 and 60 degrees)
-the most beautiful women I've ever seen are all over the place here

[Turkey Creek]

I second what Lee said- cities are cities anywhere- that said, I left Michigan and Detroit for rural Missouri almost 35 years ago and never looked back- if I were going to make a move I think I'd pick a Southern state with smaller urban areas than Missouri- St Louis and Kansas City seem to be politically at war with the rural part of the state and it's a 50 50 crap shoot every election- I've spent time in both Tennessee and Kentucky and those would be my choices if I were to move-

[Nio]

The laws are very easy here. The people are very easy. I open carry sometimes in my office building if I forget to wear my sports coat and nobody cares - and I work in a computer company.

The knife laws, OTOH, are kind of confusing.

Nio

[XDfan]

North Carolina is a great state to live and has very good hunting. It is not however the best for conceal carry. We have more restrictions than the states around us. Also democats control all branches of state so there is little chance for improvment.

[possenti]

Not sure if it's South enough, but I like it here in Kentucky.

A few years ago, one of the gun-grabber organizations (HCI, VPC?) "graded" the states on their "progress" in passing gun control laws. Kentucky got an "F". I'm proud of that :D .

[EVIL5LITER]

No BG checks or courses required for CCW in Alabama.

Longest hunting season in the country.

Great saltwater/freshwater fishing.

Plenty of foliage.

Cheap real estate.

No liberals.

I live in Mobile and love it here. Couldn't ask for a friendlier place.

[charlesb_la]

Louisiana
The laws are very easy here. The people are very easy. I open carry sometimes in my office building if I forget to wear my sports coat and nobody cares - and I work in a computer company.

The knife laws, OTOH, are kind of confusing.

Nio

You forgot to mention the food.



Basically anywhere in the South outside of the larger cities will be fine. Hope you like grits. :)

[Mannlicher]

well it sure ain't South Florida

......and Possenti, Kentucky is a northern state. :)

[Bacon]

dasmi,
I'm in a similar situation as you. Because I dress like a human and still have social skills, people think I'm from somewhere else. (Gosh, I've only been in California 52 years)

My wife is leaving on a house hunting trip in a couple weeks. She'll be looking across the Heart Of Dixie - Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. I'm hoping she'll find time for Eastern Tennessee too. Since my people are originally from The South, I'm looking forward to moving back to the "old country."

I'd like to hear how you make out in your effort to get out of Kalifornia.

[DarkKnight01]

Ive lived in alot of different states... ranging from northern states to some southern states... my preference is Texas... Lots to see and do, great people, great food, great weather... as Hank Hill would probably put it... Being a Texan Makes you feel more American :)

I do recommend finding a quiet place not too far from a larger city, perhaps outside houston or san antonio would suit you. At least thats my preference... Live where its quiet enough to urinate off your front porch, but close enough to the city for when you feel like seeing one (if ever) isnt more than an hour or two away... Thats my plan in the near future :D

[MICHAEL T]

Well central Ky south of Lexington Iam a hr from Lex. and about the same from Louisville. Really peaceful old fashion 4th of July's and in moring number 1 daugther on homecomeing float. Still pulled by Bubba and his tractor.

[armoredman]

AZ.
Open carry, shall issue CCW, no ammo/magazine/assault weapon/purchase frequency restrictions, Class 3 friendly, permit allows any legal weapon to be carried concealed, including legal class 3...lots of room....
No waiting period, registration, licensing, except CCW, which you don't need if you want to carry open. Only better places than here, for gun laws, is Alaska and Vermont. We also just put a law in for firearms education in public schools - final exam must include range time.
We do restrict carrytng of nunchucks, though...go figure.

[Waitone]

You gonna have to narrow it down a tad.
--You want humongous urban areas? Got 'em.
--Or maybe you're into really small town America? Got 'em, too.
--Flat geography? Yep.
--Mountains? Plenty.
--Rolling hills? All over.
--Water. You like water? Salt or Fresh?
--Like flat water or water with waves?
--Beach?
--Intercoastal waterways?
--Sports beside shooting? Hunting, hiking, rock climbing, skiing (snow or water)
--Culture? (Yes we do have a culture down here) NASCAR is a distinct culture.
--What kinds of resorts do you like? We have everything from WalMart-By-The-Sea (AKA Myrtle Beach) to something setting worldclass standards (Hilton Head).
--Play golf? Of course.
--Like history? Charleston is a living museum. Mobile, Savanah, Beaufort (pronounced bew'-ford)
--Wanna be around military installations? Name your branch of service.
--You like sauna heat? We got it.
--Mountains and cool dry air. That too.
--Pretty women? Oh, yea!
--Need an airport? How big you want?

Give us a little more to go on. :D

[Sir Aardvark]

Mexico is my favorite southern state.

They send so many friendly faces up to the northern states to help us out in jobs that no one else would do.

[VARifleman]

AZ.
I think he means the good states of the Confederacy. :neener:

I'm kind of partial to VA, my NRA rifle qualifications should be enough "proof of competance with small arms" for CCW, shall-issue, no silly laws on private sales, NO PISTOL PURCHASE PERMITS LIKE NC, although there is a "one [hand-]gun a month" law, that doesn't affect CCW holders. Open carry just about anywhere (in the general assembly if you're a CCW holder). Not so great for hunting as I know, but I don't hunt (not yet at least).

[dasmi]

No talking about the illegal immigration problem in my thread! This thread is where I am gathering information so that I can plan my escape! Do not taint it!

[AZTOY]

I think he means the good states of the Confederacy.


Arizona's Civil War story is a colorful one. Colonel John R. Baylor of the Confederate States of America defeated Union troops in Arizona and New Mexico in March 1861. Arizona became a Confederate Territory when it was annexed by President Jefferson Davis. Baylor was later named governor in January 1862. He set up a territorial government for the Confederacy with its own constitution. It was not until General Carelton and the California Volunteers recaptured Tucson in June 1862 and drove out Confederate forces was Arizona under Union control. Arizona became a territory under the Union flag February 26 1863. The Battle of Picacho Pass, "the westernmost conflict of the Civil War", was fought on April 15, 1862. It took place between Tucson and Phoenix near Picacho Peak.

(If you go on the I-10 from Phoenix to Tucson, you will pass the Picacho Peak mountains and see an exit to see the park.)

http://jeff.scott.tripod.com/civil.html


VARifleman:neener:

[LMC]

Another vote for louisiana. I live in cajun country were guns are second nature,no issues about them down here.Also great hunting and fishing too i'll never leave. :D

[Ridge]

Let's hear it for Kentucky!!!!!!!

[Luku]

you might want to check out kentucky. From what I have read they have pretty good gun laws. Even better in some respects than Indiana.

[LiquidTension]

Nobody speaking up for SC yet?

Purchase permit? HA. Losers. We don need no steenkin permits. No 1 gun/month law anymore. Plenty of restrictions on where not to carry, but not much different from other states. Shall issue, and no background check for CWP holders. Class III state. Richland county is not good for a conservative person as far as voting goes (racial makeup makes it impossible), but Lexington County is ok. Also, Lex will sign off on Class III stuff (Rich will not). I only lived in the upstate for a few years, but I never had any run-ins with the law up there. It was nice while I was there and I'm thinking of moving back.

Hunting is great around Newberry, Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, and I've heard that it's good in the upstate as well.

City of Columbia is full of corrupt politicians, but I'm guessing that most metropolitan areas are. There are several police departments (South Congaree comes to mind, as does Irmo) that are also full of garbage, but they're easy to avoid. The main thing that you may have problems with is finding something to do. This place is BORING.

[71Commander]

Without any bias, Tennessee. :D

[Ala Dan]

Another vote for east Tennessee, other than inside the city of Knoxville.
Probably, somewhere in Blount County would be ideal? Property in and
'round Sevierville, TN has tripled in price over the last decade.

For example, a choice piece of property round Sevierville, TN cost 3x
what the same piece of property would cost in Alabama's Greystone
sub division.

[pokynojoe]

Over the last 26 years I have lived in Mississippi, Alabama, and currently Tennessee. I'm not native to any of them. I can say that I have enjoyed living in each and every one of them, but I'm told by others that I'm extremely adaptable, and I suppose it's true. Having said that, I'm hoping to retire in a few years and if I had my choice(and a snowball's chance in hell that I could convince my wife) I would very much like to move to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Good luck in your search.

Take care
Joe

[Ransom]

I'm from Alabama and I dont think I'd ever want to live anywhere else. Every state in the south has things to offer and I like to think Alabama has a little of everything. Plus you have easy access to the big stuff in other states without having to deal with living there. Atlanta and New Orleans for example. Fun to visit but I dont think I'd like to live there.

Plus Gulf Shores Alabama is some of the most amazing beaches in the entire country. I like it even more than most places in Florida. I doubt you'll find many people who have been that dont agree.

[Waitone]

I use this site to help me decide where to head when I go over the wall.
http://www.city-data.com/

[tg_26101]

Krag says:

Ever since West Virginia stabbed the Confederacy in back during the War for Southern Independence, they have been trying to redeem themselves by claiming they are Southerners. IMHO, they are nothing but yankee wannabees!

TG says:

B.S.

Break out your maps and history books, Krag, 95% of the land mass of WV lies south of the Mason-Dixon line. No one wanted poor 'lil 'ol WV until they found out what coal, oil, and natural gas were good for. WV gave as many sons for the Confederacy as she did for the North. Per capita, WV has sent more of her population to fight for freedom than any state, through every war and armed confrontation to the present.

But, beyond that, if you spend some time in the heart of WV, you find out the people are neither North or South, we're Mountaineers. The folks here seem to have instilled in them the best of both cultures. While "big city" dwellers and outsiders have always looked on WV as backward, it has a Mayberry charm and reflects back to an America many long for, and just don't know where to find in the new century. It's a kindler, gentler, slower paced way of life with deep roots in religion and neighborliness.

If you're looking for "gun friendly", if you look in the WV Code, the only written law says that a merchant can't display a firearm in a store window for sale. In 1985, WV adopted the "Right to Bear Arms" amendment to the state constitution that nullified all pre-existing firearms laws. Cost of living is low, and we get four distinct pleasant seasons that are all mild.

WV is totally green East to West and North to South. There are rivers and lakes for boating, white water rafting, the hunting and fishing are excellent, and there are fantastic motorcycle roads.

Stay out of Berkley County that has become a DC suburb, the Northern Panhandle (the 5% of WV that's above the Mason-Dixon line), and the cities of Huntington and Charleston (if you can call them cities; there are no cities over 100,000 population in WV), and you'll do fine. West-central is where I'm from, in the Wood, Jackson, Mason county area on the Ohio River. Depending on how rural you want to be, as you travel Eastward from the Ohio River, elevation rises and it becomes more and more rural.

tg

[MikeIsaj]

I vote for North Carolina (Just like living in a poem...). That should date when I lived there. Seriously, I've lived in San Diego and North Carolina, here's why I recommend N.C.;

As others have mentioned, the laws are pretty good all around, not just regarding guns. They actually enforce auto insurance laws, so the rates are cheap since everyone is insured.

They have the best beaches on the east coast. Some smart development about 50 years ago prevent it from becoming the Jersey shore south. They have mountains also.

They have seasons. Nothing too harsh but actual seasons.

The people are just nice. Can't say it any better than that.

Three things you'll like over So. Cal.; You can't see the air, you can actually breathe year 'round. It doesn't burn down once a year. The ground isn't likely to open up and swallow you.

Where ever you move, remember that when you choose a new hometown, you are the one that needs to assimilate to them. You are changing more than your adress. If you aren't willing to adapt to a new life style, stay where you are. There is a big difference between the south and the southwest. A little effort to learn the local customs and lifestyle will make your move much better.

Good luck.

[yesterdaysyouth]

......and Possenti, Kentucky is a northern state.

trust me, once you cross the ohio river it's a whole other world... :what:

[Selfdfenz]

Lived in NC, GA and now Texas and been all over the rest. For too many reasons to go into it looks like back to NC. You can’t go wrong with any of them in the small town/rural living department if you do your homework.

Leavin’ Texas will be a heart breaker.

S-

[unclebriar]

I've tried Ohio and Kentucky now I reside in Tennessee. You should check us out. Mike

[dasmi]

Tennessee is looking better and better, I'll have to do some more research.

[taliv]

I've lived in TN, AL, NC, CA, OH, PA, KY, AR and maybe some more I can't remember. Spent a good bit of time in GA and CO too.

In terms of raw beauty in the landscape, and finding a good mix between not being overdeveloped, reasonable prices and taxes, decent roads/schools/restaurants, I'd say East Tennessee wins pretty easy.

For outdoor stuff, far-east TN and far-west NC (between the Tri-Cities and Asheville) can't be beat. Just unbelievably great there. I choose to live a bit farther west though, in middle-TN because of a particular small town, Cookeville. Population is around 30,000 with 1/3 of that being a very good technical university. So relative to most small towns, the education level is very high (lots of ph.d.s). The cost of living compared to average income is exceptional. At one point last decade it was the best in the country.

Another city to consider is Oak Ridge, home of the Oak Ridge National Lab. So the schools and education there are also quite good. For practical purposes, it's a suburb of Knoxville, so you won't find a shortage of restaurants or cultural fare.

Murphreesboro is also a decent choice. It's a suburb of Nashville.
Finding a nice spot 30-45 minutes outside Lexington or Lousiville KY would also be a good choice.
Huntsville, AL (home of NASA/space and rocket center) isn't a bad place either.

While I like SC and GA and AL, I wouldn't move to the middle or southern part of those states because of fire ants. I hate fire ants and they're friggin everywhere. It's also a bit hot for me. TN/KY/NC are about perfect temperature-wise.

I love the country in WV, too; it's beautiful, but it's just too _Deliverance_ for me... My v12 Jaguar broke down as I was driving through and I had to spend several nights while it was being repaired. scary! coming from CA, it will take you a while to adjust to little things like finding mechanics for foreign autos, when you move to the South.

[cxm]

Tennessee is good, as is Texas ... but overall I like Louisiana best despite it's eccenctricities.

All that said, our retirement property is in eastern TN... Smokey Mountains are hard to beat all in all.

FWIW

Chuck

[DarkKnight01]

Wherever you happen to decide on dasmi, be sure to go take a good long visit first, moving is expensive and time consuming not to mention a major pain in the backside, Pick a spot you know your happy with, and then go for it !! ! :D

[Krag]

Dasmi - and remember, y'all (I assume the whole family is coming?) will get along with us just fine as long as you don't say "Well, back in Califorinia we did it this way!"
:eek:

Oh yeah, and always (always!) remember that barbeque (bar-b-que, BBQ, 'que) is a noun NOT a verb!!! :cool:

[dasmi]

Actually, I'm 23 and single, no kids. I'm the only one coming. I figure now is the time to do this, since I've got no attachments.

[TimH]

Oh just forget the south and come to NEW YORK. Its great living here we have high property, school & income taxes. State sales tax is only 8.25%. Highest rates in the nation for electricty. We have great restrictive gun laws to keep us safe. As a matter of fact the legislature is trying to strengthen our Perma-Ban on "evil assault rifles". What wrong with NY? :banghead: :cuss: :banghead: :cuss: :barf:

[smince]

I'll have to put in my vote for the Great State of Alabama. Moved away three times, and I keep comong back.

Pluses:
We have rural areas and access to metropolitan areas, if you are so inclined. Where I live, I am about equal distance from 4 large cities. Also, property taxes are lowest in the nation. I pay about $60 a year for two acres.

Great food, access to beaches, rivers, the mountains(NE AL/SE TN/NW GA), lakes. Deer season limit is a deer a day (if you are lucky enough to see one every day).

Cost of CCW permits is different by county. We have the highest I know of, and it is $25.00 a year. Like someone else stated, no BG check, no CCW course required. Just go talk to the sheriff and ask nice. Even when Brady was in effect, our local Sheriff said if you have a permit, you don't have to wait 5 days. He didn't have manpower to run checks on everyone who wanted to buy a gun.

Mild winters. We love our football(War Eagle!).

Minuses:
Larger cities are the same, no matter which state you are in. We have VERY HOT summers and tornadoes! Job market depends on you specific skills. Most higher paying jobs are in Space/Technical fields.

[chopinbloc]

wouldn't have to go far off the left coast to get to az and it has probably the best firearm laws in the country, with the possible exception of vt. seriously, if you're planning on moving based on gun laws, then go to packing.org

[ezypikns]

Gun friendly (generally). More deer, hogs, turkey, quail, doves, you name it. Plus any type of terrain you want, from thick pine and hardwood forests in the east to miles of rolling prairie in the northwest, to the mountains in the Big Bend country to the semi tropical Rio Grande Valley. All sorts of variations in between. Sure, our summers can be pretty miserable (thank the Lord for air conditioning), but spring and fall are great, and depending upon where you are, winter can be fierce to non-existent.
Also the friendliest people anywhere and certainly the prettiest women in the U.S. No brag, just fact. Oh, and I was born and raised here, so I'm not prejudiced at all.

[landon74]

Texas has a little of everything, some swamp on the LA border, some 'hill country', some prairie like territory. Lots of game and good fishing, plus my Texas CHL is good lots of places, nice people by and large. Tennessee and Kentucky are a close second and third on my list. Oh and I'm a transplant BTW I grew up in south east PA (and I dislike the east more every time I go back).

[MountainPeak]

"South" Dakota. :)

[MountainPeak]

NM has better gun laws than many of the states that previous posters have mentioned. The state has CCW,. Open carry is legal. Your vehicle is considered an extension of your home. You may carry what you want, loaded or not, concealed or not, in it. It is also beautifull country. The northern mtns. of NM are wonderfull if you are a shooter/hunter. The elk herds are unbelievable.

[thorn726]

man stay here and fight or the CA laws will end up everywhere

[dasmi]

man stay here and fight or the CA laws will end up everywhere

Wish I could, but I can't afford to live in CA for much longer. And I don't want to raise a family here.

[WVleo]

Hi, Hell Berkeley County, Wv. isn't that bad !!! Jobs every where ( 4.9 % UE rate )! Got My CCW in 26 days . Good hunting, good fishing, lots of history ! Resturants , Stores, Schools and climate !!!.............WVleo

[Roadkill]

Gotta consider North Alabama. I live 15 miles south of Huntsville. Tenn river, Guntersville state park, Wheeler Wildlife refuge, Bankhead National Forest, Sipsey Wilderness area, all within one hour. Twenty minutes from Huntsville land is $3000-5000 per acre depending on how much of it you get. Huntsville is the technology center of the southeast. Redstone Arsenal just increased by 1600 jobs in the last Base Realignment and Closing session.


rk

[Cowboy Preacher]

You have to try Southwest Virginia. The mountains are "purtty" and the people are real nice for the most part. You have to watch some of the nosey yuppie types in Abingdon. Our CCw laws are real relaxed. I paid $15.00 and showed a copy of my hunter safety class from seventh grade and walked out the door with it. No real restricted areas other than schools and courthouses. If you go to a bar just open carry and dont drink. Also our local cops are pretty pro-gun on the whole. Great area to hunt, fish, camp, and hike. Give us a try and stay clear of Tennessee they aint right :D

[AnthonyRSS]

Didn't know there were so many of us Alabamians round these parts.... I have lived North of Huntsville from Knoxville for the last 7 years and I love it. It's small town life with slightly more amenities. Larry's gun shop has more guns than any place I've ever seen. Very few gun laws. Lots of new construction going up, which is good and bad. Land is cheaper across the border in TN. I'm only 10 miles from it. If you want to come down, give me a hollar and we can go to the range.

Good luck.

BTW, the south has the prettiest women of all...

[Sulaco]

I live in SC and if I hadn't grown up here, I wouldn't live here. I would rather live in Montana.

Too many damn yankees are moving down here to retire. They like the warm climate and cheap cost of living. The bad part is, they are pushing development into the rural areas, voting for democrats and pushing taxes/costs through the roof.

:cuss:

[Boss Spearman]

I guess it's perspective. I'd have given anything to have been able to grow up and live in San Diego, rather than Indiana. The one thing that makes Ca. bad is the anti-gun stance.

[dasmi]

And the incredibly high cost of living, and the crowds.

[Silver Bullet]

We have a specific neighborhood here that is mostly made up of transplanted New Yorkers.It is still one of the most republican counties in the Atlanta area,though.
Interesting how liberals always want to move to Republican school districts.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Forget it.

[tlhelmer]

Indiana :D

[TxCajun]

I've lived in San Antonio since 1975. It's a great place to be... a big city with a small town feel to it. It's quick and easy to get out of town with ample access to wide open spaces. I also spend a great deal of time around Lafayette, La. I was born and raised in S Louisiana. It's also a really good area... great hunting , fishing, shooting and eating. I'd say, anywhere between the two would be great (with the exception of Houston... yuk!) Texas and Louisiana get my vote!

[greyhound]

I moved from suburban Baltimore, MD to Birmingham, AL eight months ago.

And, I have to politely disagree with some of the folks who say that big cities are all the same. While there is certainly a lot of "big city samesness" between Baltimore and Birmingham, B'ham is a whole different world than a liberal Northeast city. My inlaws live in rural Greene County, so I can see the point as that is definately more conservative than Birmingham.

I absolutely love it here, and I lived in Maryland for all my 30+ years.

Strangely though, I do think the gun shows were more frequent and better back in Maryland! (at least so far)

[Holiday]

Well, I'll have to cast my vote for the great state of Alabama. However, Tennesse or north Georgia would be good choices as well. I drive a truck for a living and get to see a lot of the South. You can't really go wrong. As to the aformentioned tornado problem, well, we have tornados, California has wild fires and mud slides, as well as EARTHQUAKES! Problems with service? Check your attitude before blaming the South. Humidity? Well, yeah, why do ya think everything is so GREEN?!! And the comment on the food is so rediculous I can't even comment. Gun laws? Well, there are some differances. Tennesse and Florida are a little stricter on their carry licences. Alabama is probably the most leniant, not sure about Missisippi. Georgia is stricter than Alabama, but not so much as to be a problem. Just remember, both Tennessee and Florida's carry laws are fairly recent, about ten or so years old. Alabama and Georgia have allowed carry for much longer. Alabama is VERY conservative, as is Georgia. However, with the large influx of out-of state people into Atlanta, more and more liberals are moving into Georgia. Florida is a Republican state for now however it is a favorite retirement place for Northerners. The liberal element is constantly increasing there as a result. Tennesse is an odd state in some ways. Traditionally conservative, it has an occasional liberal swing every once in a while. But, to be fair, it is full of great folks, as are the other states I have mentioned. So, come on down and check us out. Don't worry about the details, let your heart tell ya where home is!

[M16]

PinnedAndRecessed,

I can see that you belong in California. Thanks for not staying in the South.

[Byron]

Pinned and Recessed, You comments on the South are way off base. I am native of the North Georgia Mountains having spent much of my life there. I live in Middle Tennessee now.Yes, we have deep pride in The South. I served in Nam with people of all regions in The US.Each had pride in there areas. Our culture and food are not to be labled as you have ignorantly done. The odds of you understanding anything about my beloved South are nil. Byron

[Waitone]

Actually, I thought R&R's comments were pretty much the stereotypes one would get from someone who had never been to the south. Slow, fat food, sweet tea, intolerant. . . . . .Yea, I've heard it all. Maybe some day I'll fire off a rant on the sins of Cali. :p

[jeff-10]

I can tell you the worst one is Florida. We get all the refugees from the Boston and NYC. The job market kind of blows unless you want a $10 an hour service job and everything here is expensive. Drivers suck and never know where they are going. The only plus side is no one here cares about anything, even the politicians or LEOs, so I would imagine as far as gun laws it is as good as the rest of the South. You can basically own anything here, defend yourself and carry. Its do more to apathy than anything else.

[dasmi]

let your heart tell ya where home is!
That's the plan. All I know is, home is not California.

fat food, sweet tea,
I was in Atlanta on business last september, and I had no problem with sweet tea or fattening foods. The hotel I stayed in had sweet tea and lemonade 24 hours a day on ice in the lobby. I drank gallons of the stuff.

[chaim]

If you are thinking of going from S. CA to the Southeast you really need to do a summer scouting trip. I live in MD which is further North than anywhere I think you will consider (and our politics are horrible) and we get quite hot in the summer. Ok, you are in S.CA so you think you can deal with the heat, but you have not dealt with the heat and humidity. Last year I was in LA in early summer and I couldn't believe how absolutely comfortable it was. The lack of humidity is quite noticable. If you come from out west to the heat and humidity of most of the Southeast you may not know what you are getting into.

Get out of the shower in the morning and you can't dry off. You are sticky all day. And the heat feels magnified and there is no getting away from it (and a fan, breeze or shade is no help).

That said, I have done some research into going south myself. Southeast VA seems pretty incredible, especially Williamsburg. TN, either Memphis or Nashville would be nice. NC appears to be quite a nice state. Parts of FL are nice, and parts of TX would be nice as well.

My first choice is Pittsburgh PA (not south, but great politically and a wonderful city), second is Richmond VA and third is a tie between the Williamsburg and Norfolk VA areas and Memphis TN.

But, beyond that, if you spend some time in the heart of WV, you find out the people are neither North or South, we're Mountaineers. The folks here seem to have instilled in them the best of both cultures.

I'm in MD where we too are south of the Mason-Dixon line but aren't really Northerners or Southerners (and neither group wants to claim us either, but that is another story). Anyway, what they say about Marylanders is that we "have the work ethic of the South and the friendliness and hospitality of the North". Best of both worlds :evil:

[hso]

Avoid Memphis like the plague ship it is. Worst representative in the TN legislature for gun banning is from Memphis. Worst crime in the state. Worst weather in the state.

Nashville is only slightly better, but with traffic that will remind you of home.

You haven't said what you do or what you want in a community other than tolerant self defence laws for firearms. If you're only used to SoCal then we have to assume you're also only used to big city positives as well as negatives. Do you like the theater? Live music? Libraries? Restraunts? Clubs? There's a lot of things you'll have to give up that are givens in your life if you move to much of the south. Many of them are good to give up, but some of them you will miss. You can find all of them in a very few places, but you have to know what you can give up before you can know where to go.

That said, ETN has some good locations. Satellites of Knoxville like Maryville offer small town comfort with great cultural opportunities and great rural living. Tullahoma SW of Knoxville provides similar opportunities. Due south is Chattanooga, possibly the best place to live in the state. Great cultural, educational, outdoor opportunites in a city sized between Knoxville and smaller towns like Maryville.

[dasmi]

Do you like the theater? Live music? Libraries? Restraunts? Clubs?

Eh, not really.
Live music is good, Jazz and Blues mostly. I think I can find that in the south, or I hope. I love history, historical museums and places. I know I can find that in the south. I'm not really a typical Californian. Like I said, I don't fit in so great around here.

[BradN]

This is a very interesting thread.

I lived in San Diego for 18 years; I've been in the Bay Area for 18 years. I spent 4 years in Maryland; 4 more years in North Carolina. My wife is from Kentucky.

California is not (any more) the state I grew up in. In the 1960s, it was truly the Golden State. Housing prices, cogestion, immigration, and the liberal democrats have ruined this state. They could not ruin the weather, the breaches, and the beautiful scenery.

The South is more friendly and cheaper to live. These are the "Red States" which means a lot to me. However, generally fewer job opportunities are available. The humidity is tough.

[Balog]

I can deal with a lot of aspects of the South, but I wonder about humidity. As an AZ native I've never really felt it.
I'm also interested in the racial tolerance issue. As a white married to a non-white, I wonder if I'd face any hassle from the locals? Not trying to stereotype, but I've never been there so I honestly don't know.

Alabama seems like a good candidate. I'm mainly looking for: good gun laws, low taxes, lots of wild places to hunt or fish, good growing season, cheap land, and access to beaches with warm water.

Are there any places in Alabama where higher elevations (with less humidity, hopefully) are within easy driving distance of the ocean?

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Ditto.

[Lone_Gunman]

Granted, some people in the large metropolitan areas consider themselves to be progressive and will go out of their way to show that. But the majority of southerners will go out of their way to hassle you.


A majority of southerners will go out of their way to hassle someone married to a member of a different race?

How did you get that statistic?

Like people everywhere else, most southerners are too busy with their own lives to worry much about the race of your spouse. I don't think I would worry about that too much. If you set out to find racists, you can find them anywhere. But most communities are not going to burn a cross in your yard just because your wife is non-white.

As far as Alabama is concerned, the humidity is pretty much the same everywhere, and there really are no "higher elevations"... there are some rolling hills from Birmingham northward, but the humidity is about the same as anywhere else.

[AnthonyRSS]

There are a noticible number of mixed couples around here, and while many people look down upon it, I don't know anyone who really gives a dm enough to bother anyone about it...

PinnedandRecessed must not like the south...

Huntsville is considered the technology center of the South.

Alabama has only a few more people in the whole state then are in Atlanta and surrounding areas. 2.5m, I think, but don't quote me.

[Balog]

Thanks for the info. Not trying to slight any area, just curious.
I've met a lot of people in rural small-town areas that treat you differently if you have lots of tattos, or listen to the "wrong" kind of music, or marry someone they think you shouldn't, or do any of the other things they associate with "outsiders". That's prolly the way it is everywhere, but I'd imagine it's worse in some places than others. Some areas will always be more insular, for whatever reason.

Edit to add: I've been looking at that "city data" site posted earlier. I'm wondering if living close to the coast might help with the humidity? Even if it's the same as the rest of the state, the breeze from the ocean might help it feel less oppressive.

Another edit to comment on post made while composing this.
AnthonyRSS wrote: "There are a noticible number of mixed couples around here, and while many people look down upon it, I don't know anyone who really gives a dm enough to bother anyone about it..."
If "looking down" on mixed racial couples is common, that would be a problem for me. I'm looking for a place with a sense of community, and that's tough to achieve if a good portion of your neighbors think you're a race traitor. The fact that they're too apathetic to actually go out of their way to do something about it isn't all that reassuring.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Likewise.

[hso]

Gotta call BS on PinnedAndRecessed's, "But the majority of southerners will go out of their way to hassle you.". None of the hundreds of people I work with or the hundreds of people I know fit this description. If your mixed race relationship is black/white you may get the odd look in some communities or avoidance and there are cracker rednecks in places that might "go out of their way to hassle you" if you came onto their turf, but I'm a red headed freckle faced hillbilly that was born and raised in east TN and I avoid those folks myself.

Knoxville is so homogenous that it's rare to see black/white couples, but go north 40 minutes to Bristol, south 50 minutes to Chattanooga, west to Nashville, and east to Ashville and you'll easily see mixed race couples.

Is there racism? You bet! Do you find overt threatening racism, not much any more and I doubt that it's much worse than much of the rest of the country.

As far as proximity to the coast providing any relief to the summer humidity you can surrender that idea right now ;) cause it just ain't that way down south. You might get a little relief when the wind shifts onshore/offshore, but the air hangs like warm syrup and you can feel it going in and out when you breath.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

:D

[dasmi]

PinnedAndRecessed,
racism exists everywhere, even California.
Now, back to the topic at hand, what about Austin?

[RooK]

Balog, if you're looking for racial acceptance, definately stick to the cities. That's probably the only way you would guarantee most of the people not caring. As for the people who disapprove, it can also be seen as people disapproving of guns. They don't like them, but it's your life and your decision. Not neccessarily a rejection thing. Do stay out of the "bible belt" regions though. In some places, religion can almost take on a cult-like appearance with these fanatics running the area... A county to the north of mine is a perfect example (Jackson County). As for what cuts the humidity, I have no idea. Rain gives some relief from it, but it's short lived. Not long after a shower you'll see steam rising from the woods and the humidity is back.

PinnedAndRecessed, if by "Cumberland mountains" you're referring to anything in the KY range, those are more like big hills. Who did you buy fried ice tea from? :neener:

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Huh?

[No_Brakes23]

The Economic issue, my wife having a good job and the pure heaven 365 days a year of motorcycle riding is mainly what keeps me in San Diego.

I lived in the Chatanooga TN, North GA area for a short while before I joined the Corps, and I lived in Houston TX and Colorado Springs CO as well. I love the Ocean, but if I can't be near the Pacific, a river will do. I like a lot about AZ as far as laws go, but the wages are crappy, and four years in Yuma AZ, (Hotter than Hell most of the time,) really soured me on AZ. There is still hope for Flagstaff, though.

If I had to leave Cali I would go to Oregon, Vancouver WA, Flagstaff AZ, Reno NV, Colorado Springs CO, Knoxville TN, Austin TX, Mobile AL, or somewhere in Georgia.

Thing about leaving Cali is that it is hard to come back if you ever decide to do so. I ain't leaving till I am damn sure I don't wanna come back.

Dasmi if you wanna live in the south, why don't you start by moving to Santucky, uh I mean Santee, (Or Klantee as some call it.)

[epic37311]

East Tn here. I live between Knoxville and Chattanooga. I call it home. I have been to Oklahoma, N.C., G.A., Kentucky and some northen states but I always come back here. How can you live here and not like NCAA football. We bleed orange.

[Byron Quick]

Pinned&Recessed,

I'm Southern born and Southern bred. When I die; I'll be Southern dead.

In my lifetime, I've stood between racist rednecks and their intended black victims. And told some who were talking about the getting the guns in their pickups that they would never make it there. 26 years ago.

I work in an emergency department in a small rural hospital. I see mixed race children in here all the time. I don't see ravening hordes of bigots chasing behind them when they come. Their parents are healthy. Obviously, no one has beaten them lately.

I go out to eat. I see mixed race couples. I see some folks give them looks. But even that is surreptitious today. I haven't seen overt racial harassment since the above mentioned affair. Which was a company Christmas party held at Coleman's Lake in Emanuel County in 1979. We gave them the choice of giving up attempting to assault us or giving up breathing.

I first went out in Augusta, Georgia with a black woman in 1980. No one messed with us. Of either race. I last dated a black woman a few weeks ago. No one hassled us.

Frankly, sir, the only person that I see posting on this thread who is prejudiced...is you. Bigotry does not require any element of racism to be bigotry.

dasmi, I apologize for interjecting this into your thread. I like Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas. I work in SC but they got some funny laws and it would take some getting used to. Same thing in NC. Can't really advise you on the humidity as it has to be very bad before I notice it. I'll probably be heading to Texas one of these days.

[Old Guy]

I'm also interested in the racial tolerance issue. As a white married to a non-white, I wonder if I'd face any hassle from the locals?

Well, we live in Orlando (since Dec; 2003) my Wife is from the West Indies, whom I met in Canada, we both were raised in the UK.

As a couple we have been visiting the US of A for twelve years, one dirty look is all we have got in that time, south of Atlanta, all we see are smiles here in Orlando, I am 70 this year, an ex bouncer from Liverpool England, a retired firearms instructor.

We hold hands every where we go (my Wife is gorgeous!) I am not small! Put your shoulders back, smile a lot, look everybody in the eye.

I got a whole lot of nasty looks in Bradford in England from Indian ladies (with facial dots!) the men looked the other way! I smiled and waved (the woman looked the other way!)

Once you realize you are as good as anybody else, maybe even better than most! Life is great.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

:)

[Byron Quick]

I work in a rural hospital serving two adjacent towns of less than 5,000 people combined. That counts as small towns for me. We had a quiet night. Only about fifteen patients. One mixed race couple and their child. That's about the standard mix. My physician tonight is black. None of the white people walked out in a huff or decided that they would rather be untreated than treated by a black man.

The town that I live in has less than 7,000 people. Does that count as small with you? I've dated several black women over the years. Even the people that I know for a fact are deeply prejudiced against blacks kept a straight face around me. Nothing was said and nothing was done. I don't what you expect from folk. Me, I will be left in peace. I haven't been shunned in the town. Augusta is about thirty miles away. The federal government lists it (With North Augusta, SC and Aiken, SC) as a metropolitan area. I've heard people from real cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York refer to it as a small town. To me it's a small city but to each his own. I mentioned it not as a place to live but as an addition to my personal experience with reactions to mixed race dating. As far as Southerners having "their ways"...like I said, I haven't been shunned or pilloried. Maybe I would have been blackballed from the country club if I had bothered to apply. Dunno. The local gun ranges were happy to take my membership dues. People still wave to me. Haven't noticed anyone dragging their children out of my path while I'm on a walk or turning their face from me and spitting.

And, no, I have not suggested living in any metropolitan area. I wouldn't live in a city myself and I'm not going to suggest that others do what I won't.

Small Southern towns can be clannish, granted. Southern rural folk accepted you in only five years? Liberal of them. I know of families who moved here from up North that it took a generation for them to be truly accepted. Well, really, their children. The ones who were born here. Not to say that they were mistreated in any way. It's just,"Yer not from around here, are ya?" Even though you've lived here longer than your questioner has been alive:D

Another thing. Several of the people who have mentioned various Southern metropolitan areas? They live on the edges of those areas. If you looked at photos out their bedroom windows; you would think they lived in a forest.

[Lone_Gunman]

Pinned and Recessed,

What small southern town did you live in that is filled with such racism?

I am not saying racism doesnt occur in small towns. Certainly it does, just like it does in larger cities, as well as cities in more enlightened areas of the country.

But I am curious what you base your opinion on exactly.

[dasmi]

Dasmi, you're contradicting yourself. You don't really know what you want, do you? Austin is one of the most expensive places to live. Thought you were looking for "traditional" south. Do you even know what that is?

I was asking about Austin because a friend is planning on moving there. You are taking this thread way to personally.

Better stay where you are, boy. You're confused.
And that was just plain un-called for.

[autospike]

Frankly, sir, the only person that I see posting on this thread who is prejudiced...is you. Bigotry does not require any element of racism to be bigotry.

Well said.

[dasmi]

"Yer not from around here, are ya?" Even though you've lived here longer than your questioner has been alive
No big deal. I get that now in San Diego, and I was born here.

[Pawcatch]

Plus,they have to ship everything in.

Exactly what type of food are you talking about?
Chickens?Peaches?Peanuts?Watermelons?Soy Beans?
Because the rural south is a known agricultural area,especially these foods(plus many others).
Where are you going to get fresher chicken from a super market in the U.S. than in Georgia?

[rhubarb]

I live way south in Texas and did some research recently concerning moving back up north. I'm from the hills of Arkinsaw. From what I found, Kentucky looks pretty good. It has the lowest crime rate of the states in the area. That's big for me. I'd rather there not be many thugs around than to have to shoot one. Unrestrictive gun laws - open carry or ccw both ok. I still ain't got as far as checking land prices and job availability, but what I have read looks good. Pretty country. Sparsely populated. Mild weather - no extremes of hot or cold.

I'm a shore-nuff hillbilly. I'm white. I growed up in a small rural county that was at least 95% white. The times that I've taken my non-white wife and mixed-breed son back to visit, everyone has been gracious to us. The people I've knowed that were covertly or blatantly racist when yakking with their pals always treated "people of color" with respect when in their presence. I've never known anyone in that area to mistreat anyone on account of race. My attitude before leaving my homeland was similar to P&R's. I didn't want to be one of those hicks. I now live in a county in which I am a minority based on my race. People here ain't no different. Race ain't even an issue with me anymore. They's good folks and they's bad folk everywhere. Most folks back in the hills is good folks.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Ditto.

[dasmi]

Where do you think all the jokes about inbred, toothless, illiterate rednecks come from, anyway? You think they just appeared out of thin air? They're funny for a reason.

"Yall" just hang on to your confederate money, boys. The south just may be something again, someday. (Snicker, snicker)


So far, all you've done is convince me to move to any state you don't live in. You're the only bigot I've seen on this thread.

You will not like it. And they will not like you. But, hey, it's your funeral.
We've never met. You don't know me, you know nothing about me. Remember that before you start assuming things.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Adios.

[dasmi]

So far you've only convinced me you have no idea what you want.
I have no reason, or desire, to convice you of anything.
Apparantly you're just another attention junkie.
Ya, I guess you're right. I started a thread asking people about nice places to live in the South, and you come in here yelling about bigots and racists and fried sweet tea, and I'm the attention junkie.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

See above.

[fletcher]

It is racist. Extremely so. I've only been gone for seven years. Don't try to tell me it's changed in that length of time.

It must have. Racism (in action/practice, not thought) around here is minimal to none. About the worst thing we ever have around here is someone making a baseless accusation of some white person being racist for looking at someone funny, and those are rare. I can not remember a real "hate crime" around here. My county has everyone from the reddest of the rednecks to the liberal/progressive northerners (seems to be primarily NY) that have relocated down here. I've been all over this state for this and that - from the regions where blacks make up the vast majority to those where it's white as far as the eye can see, and I've seen nothing to make me believe there are significant racial tensions. There may be pockets here and there, but next to nobody knows about them.

Then again, I speak only for NC, primarily the triangle.

[dasmi]

Stopped taking your psych meds, again? Really, man, what's the weather like on your planet?
Personal attacks, excellent! You've shown what caliber of person you are. Thanks for stopping by.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Ditto.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Whatever floats your boat.

[dasmi]

Mods, this thread has degraded severely. You can lock it now. I'll continue my research elsewhere.

[dasmi]

Oh, that's cute. That's the best you can come up with?
I wasn't aware this was a contest to determine who can come up with the best come back. Grow up, my friend.

[fletcher]

I'm withdrawing my post so this thread is less hijacked.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

It's been real.

[dasmi]

You're not far from Disneyland. Try that. They like people who can't tell fact from fantasy.
Keep it up. You're doing great.

[dasmi]

I'm withdrawing my post so this thread is less hijacked.
Fletcher, your post was on topic and helpful.

[cz75bdaddy0506]

Alabama C.S.A.

[Waitone]

***poof***

[Robb]

I was asking about Austin because a friend is planning on moving there. You are taking this thread way to personally.

Austin is relatively expensive, although that's relative to other cities in Texas. Dallas and Houston both are less expensive, and Ft Worth is lower than the other 2.

Austin is a pretty liberal place, being the home of UTA and the state capitol. Driving about an hour outside of Austin proper will bring you to some beautiful hill country with more conservative views.

I cant' speak for the exact pricing in Austin, but a very good friend of mine is about to close on a brand new Fox & Jacobs house with about 1800 sq feet (I think it was 1800, but may have been a little more), 2 stories, and a small yard for about 106K. She got a few upgrades like the humongo tub in her bathroom and the seperate shower...

Smaller towns offer pretty good prices, and I have friends renting older 3 BR houses for $300-$400/mo. Gas around here is about $1.99/gal atm and food is relatively cheap. Speaking of food, Dallas Tx has more resturants than NY City, so food isn't much of a problem. :)

Ft Worth has fair Italian, great Mexican, pretty good Japanese, Very good Vietnamese, no Korean, little Carribbean, TONS of steak houses & Down Home cooking, and a smattering of decent seafood resturants. Dallas is similar, but lacks good Vietnamese, but makes up for it with good Korean :)

Racial makeup: I occasionally date a black girl, and I'm the whitest guy you've ever met :) We have never encountered a problem. Period. In fact, we got stuck at a comedy club next to this real rednecked looking fellow and his wife (shared a table... they pack you in like sardines) and I was expecting a snubbing. Well, color me disappointed! The guy ended up covering our bar tab! They were lovely people and we had a great time. (Note, this happened about 8 years ago) There's a good mix of blacks, mexicans, and Vietnamese is a growing demographic. Arlington, Tx is the 6th largest concentration of Vietnamese in America. People seem to be too busy gettin by to really worry about the race of the fellow next door...

Hope this helps!

[dasmi]

and I have friends renting older 3 BR houses for $300-$400/mo
Ahhhhh
That's what I'm looking for :)
Thank you for the information on Austin. Probably too large of a city , but the outlying areas sound nice.

[mtnbkr]

I've lived in TN (Columbia), NC (Buies Creek, Goldsboro, Tarboro, and New Bern), and now Va (Richmond, Roanoke, various parts of Northern Va). I call Va home and intend to stay here short of getting a great job offer in nearby Southern States. I'd consider Wv except that it's too far from my extended family.

If you look at Va, stay away from NoVa unless you like traffic and very expensive, yet shoddy, homes. Don't even think about owning a home in Nova unless you have $300k minimum (for a Townhouse in the outlying areas). Southwest Va (Roanoke area) is nice. It's quiet, less expensive, and scenic, but the job market isn't as strong. Richmond seems to be a compromise between the two.

Chris

[Holiday]

I knew the race card would be played eventually. I guess I should let it drop but Iam so sick and tired of the crapp that gets told on us. Do we have racism? Sure do. Is it worse than anywhere else? I don't really think so. I have heard as many or more racial slurs come from the mouths of visiting Northerners as from native Southerners. Mixed couples? It is probably more common here than some other places! One of the problems we have between races here is the fact that folks from other places won't let the past rest. We are constantly being reminded and criticised for things that happened years ago. I find it amazing that as a nation we can forgive the atrocities commited during WW II by the Axis powers, yet folks want to constantly remind Southerners of our past indescretions. Come on, folks! Kinda hard to get over things when you are always being slapped in the face with it! Back to the topic of mixed couple, I will say this. There will be snobs and purists everywhere you go. When you go to a region that is predominatly one race, mixed race couple will be regarded with intolerance at first. Go to Japan, marry a Japanese lady from a very traditional family. At first I am sure there will be resistance. It is a common thing. I have talked with many black folks in the area and many, especially the women, dislike the idea. The black women often will be intolerant of what they see as compitition. My wifes friend has dated and has had a child with a black man. This mans father is a city councilman from the city of Gadsden. The councilman has told his son NOT to marry my wifes friend, it would cost him BLACK votes! I tell this to prove a point. Not all racism is white on black, and racism is not native to only the South. Last, I will leave with this comment: The tales of racism in the South are reported by the same media that reports on the war in Iraq. Ya think they are any more fair in the reporting they do about us?

[db_tanker]

I just got back from my future uncle-in-laws place up past Alto, Texas....


guys..I am hard pressed to think where I have seen more pines. I have been to several states in this still fine nation....Maybe Virgina can compete... Texas is my home. Born and raised here. Another discussion board had almost the exact same question...and Texas gets brought up more than any other...few libs, lots of open space, good game critters, some of the best food in the world, gambling right next door(plug for Louisiana), damn good food right next door('nother plug for the cajuns), fellas who know how to party once or twice a year(Mardi Gras...nuff said), plenty of costal fishing, plenty of rivers for catfish, bunch of lakes for bass and diffrent pan-fish, snow up, and christmas in shorts down....I am telling you guys...you just can't beat it. Plus you have college and highschool baseball...ditto on the football...little bit of nascar WINSTON CUP and NHRA drag-racing...Austin is probably some of the best live music next to New Orleans....

In short...lots of places have the best of this and the best of that...but you can't deny that Texas has almost all of it in some form or another. :)


Darrell
unoffical Texas Hospitality commission :D

[Selfdfenz]

This thread is getting almost too long to read but...

Austin, Texas has been mentioned.

One element worth mentioing is Austin is home to a wonderful diverstiy of musical talent. [and Dallas has it moments]

It's kind of unique and interesting.

S-

[MAURICE]

NW AR here. Shall issue CCW (no open carry tho), seems like gun people are everywhere, couple of good ranges and shops. Only downside to this area is Fayettenam, which isnt all bad, other than the political climate and hippies.
The rest of the area is great, especially the smaller towns like Gentry, Decatur, Huntsville, etc.
I moved here about 5 years ago during my senior year of high school and dont see myself leaving. Love it here.

[Stauble]

being from Florida id say somewere in North Florida or South Georgia
if u live in south florida were my parents do, you will find it to be alot like california