Trying to find the “right” city to move to, but so hard.

[JayCeeKy]

Guys there have told me California and LA is just all about money.

I lived in LA for several years, and went to school there. I lived in a working class area near the airport, and I lived in Brentwood, just west of the 405 - not too far from O.J,'s house. It was my experience that, when you get to know your neighbors, regardless of where you live, there are some good people, and there are some not-so-nice people. It's a big mistake to lump everybody into stereotypical categories. If I didn't have a great job offer back in the Bluegrass State, I'd still be living in L.A. Granted, gasoline and rents are really high in L.A. but the salaries tend to be higher than in most parts of the country. You are paying for generally nice weather, good schools, nice beaches, and an ambience you don't get in most cities.

[Beancounter]

Yes, you’re absolutely right. I can’t FATHOM it either. I have talked some things Dallas, but I’ve also gone back to visit and had a good time, and went home. That’s my relationship with Texas now. I go to visit, and after a couple days or so I leave. And? Just because I “bad mouth” a place doesn’t mean much in the scheme of things.

 

Let me ask: how much time have YOU spent in Dallas? I was there for over 2 years, so I can talk a bit of shit about it. Do I need to remind you why? Between the racism, the crime, the alcoholism, the high police presence/profiling, the annual (flying) cricket plague, the traffic, the long commutes, the untrustworthy “Dallitude” gay scene, megachurches and overall Bible Belt location, racist Whites, mean Blacks, rude Hispanics, relentless 100 degree summers, constant allergies/air quality issues, tons of stray cats, icy winters where you walk out and your car is encased in ice...

 

Yeah, gotta love Dallas. But that’s not the point of the topic, is it? That said...I respect Texas and their cities and lots of fun can be had. However, it’s one thing to visit and another to live. And if you’re not living in a prestigious neighborhood (bubble) in Dallas, you’re going to see the “other” side of Texas.

After 38 years in Dallas I hardly think I need to be schooled about the City of Dallas....and especially by you. Geez!

[MiamiLooker]

Do you really think moving to a different city is going to resolve the perpetual issues you seem to have?

[+ OliverSaks]

Mocha, I’ve been harsh towards you in the past, and there have been times where I did not recognize the unearned privileges I have even within the escorting world, and as a result I did not fully comprehend the experience that you had and diminished those experiences or attributed them to your personality/attitude. I apologize for that.

 

Here though, I think the quoted post is spot on. It seems like you are always running from something. There will be no decent city until you’re at home with yourself.

 

Do you really think moving to a different city is going to resolve the perpetual issues you seem to have?

[marylander1940]

@Mocha No city will be perfect, just make a list of the pros and cons of each city and pick. If you don't like it or you think after a couple of months you had enough clients just move somewhere else.

 

Yes, you’re absolutely right. I can’t FATHOM it either. I have talked some things Dallas, but I’ve also gone back to visit and had a good time, and went home. That’s my relationship with Texas now. I go to visit, and after a couple days or so I leave. And? Just because I “bad mouth” a place doesn’t mean much in the scheme of things.

 

Let me ask: how much time have YOU spent in Dallas? I was there for over 2 years, so I can talk a bit of shit about it. Do I need to remind you why? Between the racism, the crime, the alcoholism, the high police presence/profiling, the annual (flying) cricket plague, the traffic, the long commutes, the untrustworthy “Dallitude” gay scene, megachurches and overall Bible Belt location, racist Whites, mean Blacks, rude Hispanics, relentless 100 degree summers, constant allergies/air quality issues, tons of stray cats, icy winters where you walk out and your car is encased in ice...

 

Yeah, gotta love Dallas. But that’s not the point of the topic, is it? That said...I respect Texas and their cities and lots of fun can be had. However, it’s one thing to visit and another to live. And if you’re not living in a prestigious neighborhood (bubble) in Dallas, you’re going to see the “other” side of Texas.

 

I guess we can scratch Dallas and all other cities from Texas off the list, right?

 

Would you apply all/most of this characteristics to Bible Belt cities?

[LoveAGoodMassage]

I’ve lived in a number of medium to large cities in the last 35 years, giving my age away.

 

I’ve been in the Dallas area for the past 18 years. The only bad part is 10-12 weeks of hot weather but the benefits are shorts almost year round. Very few winter days below 32 degrees. Sunny most of the time.

 

For what is viewed as a good old boy city it has great restaurants, very multicultural, good gay scene, gay couples are accepted and welcomed in some churches to most businesses.

 

Cost of living is cheaper than the majority of US cities and pretty descent public transportation including rail

[Mocha]

After 38 years in Dallas I hardly think I need to be schooled about the City of Dallas....and especially by you. Geez!

 

My point exactly. Once you are there for awhile, you eventually end up becoming adjusted to the surroundings. You thought I was going to say something about not being there long enough.

 

If you’re going to dredge up some old thread from 3 years ago, in an effort to add negativity (because let’s face it, things were going okay until you stuck your nose here and said something negative), then be prepared to get something negative back in return.

 

I’m just doing what you’re do. Criticize.

[Mocha]

I lived in LA for several years, and went to school there. I lived in a working class area near the airport, and I lived in Brentwood, just west of the 405 - not too far from O.J,'s house. It was my experience that, when you get to know your neighbors, regardless of where you live, there are some good people, and there are some not-so-nice people. It's a big mistake to lump everybody into stereotypical categories. If I didn't have a great job offer back in the Bluegrass State, I'd still be living in L.A. Granted, gasoline and rents are really high in L.A. but the salaries tend to be higher than in most parts of the country. You are paying for generally nice weather, good schools, nice beaches, and an ambience you don't get in most cities.

 

That’s true, but remember I didn’t say people in LA were all about money. That’s not what I said. I was simply quoting what a guy I met who lives in LA..TOLD me about the general “scene” there. Granted, this guy drove a BMW...so it’s like, I’m sure he’s perpetrating the same image of “status” just like he claims others in LA are doing.

 

But otherwise you are right. LA has tons of opportunity and lifestyle, I don’t even have to reiterate it. However, I’ve also heard others say there’s nothing going on there either.

 

Sometimes a city can have everything going on, but yet nothing at all in the same. When I was in LA for a week after Palm Springs last month, it was eerily quiet. No solid business inquiries, just flakes. I dare say I was even a bit bored until my last day, I just popped on Grindr, met a guy from France, took us to West Hollywood, met his friends, then swapped dates at the end of the night.

 

So IMO, Los Angeles is good for “fun”, but probably not somewhere where anybody can “start up” in without a large budget. I know guys who made the moves to New York and LA “back then”, but due to the logistics of today, couldn’t make those same moves.

Edited May 29, 2019 by Mocha

[Mocha]

Do you really think moving to a different city is going to resolve the perpetual issues you seem to have?

 

Do you really think I’m going to take the advice of someone who perpetually has nothing good to add to anything I post? NO. Thankyou, bye ??

 

Mocha, I’ve been harsh towards you in the past, and there have been times where I did not recognize the unearned privileges I have even within the escorting world, and as a result I did not fully comprehend the experience that you had and diminished those experiences or attributed them to your personality/attitude. I apologize for that.

 

Here though, I think the quoted post is spot on. It seems like you are always running from something. There will be no decent city until you’re at home with yourself.

 

I accept your apology.

 

But show me your psychology license before you try to psycho analyze me. And then show me where you’ve actually sat down and had a real life conversation me, seen what I’m actually doing and whether that equates to “running from something”. Then see why I actually feel the way about certain places, and why I want to make sure the next move I make is a carefully considered one.

 

Show me, and everyone on the forum that...and I will critically acclaim your statement about “running from something”. Because right now all you’re doing is talking fluff and making up stuff.

[Mocha]

I’ve lived in a number of medium to large cities in the last 35 years, giving my age away.

 

I’ve been in the Dallas area for the past 18 years. The only bad part is 10-12 weeks of hot weather but the benefits are shorts almost year round. Very few winter days below 32 degrees. Sunny most of the time.

 

For what is viewed as a good old boy city it has great restaurants, very multicultural, good gay scene, gay couples are accepted and welcomed in some churches to most businesses.

 

Cost of living is cheaper than the majority of US cities and pretty descent public transportation including rail

 

Well that’s insightful. Despite me mentioning the unlikeable things about Dallas, I’m very aware Dallas is a “World Class” City. I was even thinking on my last visit couple months ago, maybe I should move back to Dallas. I love the buildings, the endless choices of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels for reasonable prices, the Galleria and North Park malls, Reverchon Park, Plethoras of restaurant choice, Midtown spa/Club Dallas, Cedar Springs/Oaklawn bars and shops...so much to do.

 

But then it hit me as to why I don’t. The reasons are almost hard to recognize, but over time it adds up. The stuff I’ve heard and had experienced in Dallas tends to remind me that it’s simply not open-minded enough to settle in. And making the wrong move in Texas could get one KILLED. Especially if you’re of certain ethnicities.

 

Like the time I’ll never forget: some old cowboy guy in Fort Worth came over to our table at Whataburger as we were about to sit, and exclaimed “that’s my seat!” As me and my Hispanic friend were POLITELY walking away, he yells, FAGGOTS! Mind you...this was in completely packed restaurant on a Saturday night after 2 am (generally not a time to engage with idiots).

 

Not being one to back down (though nowadays I would have just walked away and said some choice words), I turned around and addressed him. Then the police tried to arrest ME! Meanwhile, still let this deplorable walk around the restaurant intimidating people.

 

Texas is a state built on honoring some, while punishing others. That’s why hurricane season there is so vicious. They’re growing larger so they can reach Dallas instead of just Houston lol. Repercussions bitch! Lol (please don’t take that with too much seriousness, natural disasters are no laughing matter)

 

@Mocha No city will be perfect, just make a list of the pros and cons of each city and pick. If you don't like it or you think after a couple of months you had enough clients just move somewhere else.

 

I guess we can scratch Dallas and all other cities from Texas off the list, right?

 

Would you apply all/most of this characteristics to Bible Belt cities?

 

Good point...but yes. It applies to all Bible Belt cities, except for a select few smaller markets. Little Rock seems to not apply. Oklahoma City seems to not apply. Iowa seems to be in a special class of its own as well.

 

But places like Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Charlotte...too many games and nonsense going on in those places. (And I guess Iowa isn’t in the Bible Belt...considering Roseanne)

 

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/26/b7/8c/26b78ca89dbcfeb091c506fb416b3a1e.jpg

[marylander1940]

Well that’s insightful. Despite me mentioning the unlikeable things about Dallas, I’m very aware Dallas is a “World Class” City. I was even thinking on my last visit couple months ago, maybe I should move back to Dallas. I love the buildings, the endless choices of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels for reasonable prices, the Galleria and North Park malls, Reverchon Park, Plethoras of restaurant choice, Midtown spa/Club Dallas, Cedar Springs/Oaklawn bars and shops...so much to do.

 

But then it hit me as to why I don’t. The reasons are almost hard to recognize, but over time it adds up. The stuff I’ve heard and had experienced in Dallas tends to remind me that it’s simply not open-minded enough to settle in. And making the wrong move in Texas could get one KILLED. Especially if you’re of certain ethnicities.

 

Like the time I’ll never forget: some old cowboy guy in Fort Worth came over to our table at Whataburger as we were about to sit, and exclaimed “that’s my seat!” As me and my Hispanic friend were POLITELY walking away, he yells, FAGGOTS! Mind you...this was in completely packed restaurant on a Saturday night after 2 am (generally not a time to engage with idiots).

 

Not being one to back down (though nowadays I would have just walked away and said some choice words), I turned around and addressed him. Then the police tried to arrest ME! Meanwhile, still let this deplorable walk around the restaurant intimidating people.

 

Texas is a state built on honoring some, while punishing others. That’s why hurricane season there is so vicious. They’re growing larger so they can reach Dallas instead of just Houston lol. Repercussions bitch! Lol (please don’t take that with too much seriousness, natural disasters are no laughing matter)

 

 

 

Good point...but yes. It applies to all Bible Belt cities, except for a select few smaller markets. Little Rock seems to not apply. Oklahoma City seems to not apply. Iowa seems to be in a special class of its own as well.

 

But places like Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Charlotte...too many games and nonsense going on in those places. (And I guess Iowa isn’t in the Bible Belt...considering Roseanne)

 

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/26/b7/8c/26b78ca89dbcfeb091c506fb416b3a1e.jpg

 

 

 

[Mocha]

Lol...that’s funny, but let’s not get too off topic.

 

I was trying to make a slightly humorous yet informational type of thread about cities. I wasn’t intending to turn it into a Dallas or South bash. And I really didn’t want to dredge up the past in order to make my point, but some people won’t understand, unless you break it down to them.

 

@MiamiLooker, @Beancounter and @OliverSaks shouldn't discredit someone’s choices until they actually understand the reasons WHY.

 

Your advice about picking a city and playing it by ear sounds good, but the hardest part is the moving. I don’t want to spend all the money to move, then be dissatisfied. I want to move someplace where I can be content for at least 2-4 years.

 

 

My shortest move was to San Antonio. I was so eager to leave Dallas at the time, but I stayed in San Antonio for about 8 months before I decided to pack it in. I had a couple good friends, couple good dating opportunities, but the market was stagnant. When I visited a different city and had a client every day for 5 days straight...I knew it wasn’t a problem with “me”, but a matter of I had needed to get out of there. And I did.

 

Leaving a place in that short of time just isn’t fun because you’re ready to go as soon as you get settled. So don’t want to do that again.

[LoveAGoodMassage]

Well that’s insightful. Despite me mentioning the unlikeable things about Dallas, I’m very aware Dallas is a “World Class” City. I was even thinking on my last visit couple months ago, maybe I should move back to Dallas. I love the buildings, the endless choices of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels for reasonable prices, the Galleria and North Park malls, Reverchon Park, Plethoras of restaurant choice, Midtown spa/Club Dallas, Cedar Springs/Oaklawn bars and shops...so much to do.

 

But then it hit me as to why I don’t. The reasons are almost hard to recognize, but over time it adds up. The stuff I’ve heard and had experienced in Dallas tends to remind me that it’s simply not open-minded enough to settle in. And making the wrong move in Texas could get one KILLED. Especially if you’re of certain ethnicities.

 

Like the time I’ll never forget: some old cowboy guy in Fort Worth came over to our table at Whataburger as we were about to sit, and exclaimed “that’s my seat!” As me and my Hispanic friend were POLITELY walking away, he yells, FAGGOTS! Mind you...this was in completely packed restaurant on a Saturday night after 2 am (generally not a time to engage with idiots).

 

Not being one to back down (though nowadays I would have just walked away and said some choice words), I turned around and addressed him. Then the police tried to arrest ME! Meanwhile, still let this deplorable walk around the restaurant intimidating people.

 

Texas is a state built on honoring some, while punishing others. That’s why hurricane season there is so vicious. They’re growing larger so they can reach Dallas instead of just Houston lol. Repercussions bitch! Lol (please don’t take that with too much seriousness, natural disasters are no laughing matter)

 

 

 

Good point...but yes. It applies to all Bible Belt cities, except for a select few smaller markets. Little Rock seems to not apply. Oklahoma City seems to not apply. Iowa seems to be in a special class of its own as well.

 

But places like Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Charlotte...too many games and nonsense going on in those places. (And I guess Iowa isn’t in the Bible Belt...considering Roseanne)

 

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/26/b7/8c/26b78ca89dbcfeb091c506fb416b3a1e.jpg

Points taken, I’m white my BF is Asian, I heard occasional comments but people can be $hitty$ anywhere. Hell, my daughters father-in-law called me a faggot, his favorite color is camo, I’m old enough now I’m not trying to get anybody’s approval

[Mocha]

Points taken, I’m white my BF is Asian, I heard occasional comments but people can be $hitty$ anywhere. Hell, my daughters father-in-law called me a faggot, his favorite color is camo, I’m old enough now I’m not trying to get anybody’s approval

 

Well...the point I was making was for that to even happen at all, just goes to show what one is up against. Your father in law knows you, so of course he’s going to throw something out there like that. Some random out in public getting in your face and saying that to you, is uncalled for.

 

I’m not interested in approval either unless it’s making me money, but that doesn’t mean I should accept being called out of my name in public. Nor do I want to position myself in regions where people think it’s anywhere close to acceptable to do that in.

[LoveAGoodMassage]

Texas does have its maturing to do

[+ WilliamM]

I was born in Austin, and Texans always say it is the most liberal place in the state, or they mention Lyndon Johnson & civil rights But, it would not be a good place for you, @Mocha, given your travel schedule.

 

Good luck, I hope you find a comfortable community in which to live.

[Mocha]

I was born in Austin, and Texans always say it is the most liberal place in the state, or they mention Lyndon Johnson & civil rights But, it would not be a good place for you, @Mocha, given your travel schedule.

 

Good luck, I hope you find a comfortable community in which to live.

 

Thanks, and good key points. I know Austin has also been compared to Nashville as well. Live music. Food. The “Liberal” island on the sea of intolerance.

 

Whenever I really start considering a city, I always google “why I left (insert city)”. There’s usually always tons of blogs or forum posts out there somewhere, in which people address the real issues about living in a city. I know it seems pessimistic, but I’d rather weigh the whys and why nots BEFORE moving there and finding out.

 

Austin seems to have a long list of “why I left” articles in my search. Some are just personal reasons, others are quite humorous yet believable to an extent:

 

And let me say one more thing to @Beancounter and @OliverSaks and @MiamiLooker. Because I don’t appreciate being made to feel like there’s something “wrong” with me. I need to break it down, 1 more time.

 

I’ve traveled to many cities/states, and I’ve met people who live there. I don’t just fly into a city, have clients come in on a conveyor belt, and go home. I actually do real life stuff. And based on all the “real life” stuff I’ve done, I’ve determined MAJORITY of people have either been in the same city/state their whole life, or they have only made 1 or 2 major moves when they were children or early adults, but at the decision of their parents. OR, they made a major move...but end up going BACK to the city they grew up in. I’ve seen that over and over and over again.

 

The average gay guy out here who’s not a flight attendant or in the adult business, are staying in the same city most of their life. Many gay guys my age think too basically mentally, to pack up and relocate. That’s why all my long distance “flings” never pan out. They can only think about what’s happening locally, and are scared to either move someone to them or pack up and leave their safety nest and go elsewhere.

 

The ones who do leave their 1st or 2nd hometowns, are the ones savvy enough to either land a career, or find a partner and move somewhere together (usually for their careers). At that point, they have each other and the social/financial ducks just naturally line up. However, if that relationship goes sour, guess where that person will likely go? Back to their hometown.

 

For me, going back to my hometown isn’t on the menu. I sorta did move back to Florida, but once you’ve traveled the country: lived in Texas, lived in Colorado, lived in Tennessee, spent extended periods in Wisconsin, Washington DC, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Missouri, California, Minnesota: you realize there’s an actual world outside of where you were born and raised! You may never want to go back!

 

As much as I can talk smack about different cities, I also equally appreciate each in their own way. Texas was the 1st state I moved to outside of Florida (at the direction of my parents). I hated it. Moved back to Florida. 2 years into it, nothing was happening. I moved back to Texas, and got into the escort game. At that point, that’s when the epiphany struck: Instead of going back and forth between Texas and Florida, what should I do? Ummmmm....maybe move to a state that’s not Texas or Florida. And that’s exactly what I did.

 

But basic minded people, or those who are constantly cosseted by their family and friends will rarely ever understand what it’s like to make big moves, because it’s too scary for them. When I move from a city, whatever relationship/dates I had usually fizzle because they don’t have the ability to see themselves moving to a new city unless it’s for job or family. And that’s fine and understandable. Who wants to move to a city where they don’t know anyone and have to start life over?

 

People who have stepped out, won’t have that problem. Had I never left Florida to begin with, I would have most likely still been living there. I used to think I never wanted to live anywhere else besides Tampa, Miami and Orlando. Nowadays, I don’t even have those places on my travel list, unless I’m specifically seeing a specific person.

 

So point I’m making: don’t fault me for not being able to decide on my “home city”. Most people out here wouldn’t be able to find theirs either unless someone or something (Job or family) forced them to move there. Not many can make that endeavor on their own reconnaissance.

[+ not2rowdy]

Austin seems to have a long list of “why I left” articles in my search....

 

So point I’m making: don’t fault me for not being able to decide on my “home city”. Most people out here wouldn’t be able to find theirs either unless someone or something (Job or family) forced them to move there. Not many can make that endeavor on their own reconnaissance.

 

Maybe something really different then. Like entertainment division on a huge cruise ship. But be very careful IRT extracurricular activities.

[Mocha]

Maybe something really different then. Like entertainment division on a huge cruise ship. But be very careful IRT extracurricular activities.

 

Which extracurricular activities though?

[+ 5280Dane]

Thanks for the suggestions. The hub idea is always something to keep in mind. However, I can add in 3 optional put off-ers:

 

#5: Don’t want to pick states I’ve already lived (except maybe Colorado, which I’m debating)

#6: Don’t want states with extreme laws (seems North Carolina is one)

#7: Don't want small town big cities. Aka, cities who's economy/livelihood revolves around 1 or 2 things: e.g. A university (Austin), country music (Nashville), or a sports team (Green Bay).

 

Texas, Texas, Texas. What can I say. I read they recently passed a bill criminalizing “texting unsolicited erotic material”. That could mean just about anything

 

Texas would also land as #1 on my list: too saturated. Dallas and Houston has opportunity and potential, but everyone else is trying to get the same opportunity and potential as well. Austin lies at #4 cost of living and San Antonio at #2 with the limited (also wanted to use the word homogeneous) scene.

 

Fort Worth and Arlington I’m familiar with. Neither 2 cities have much of a business potential. I think in two years living there, I might of had like 3 to 5 clients. I would generally drive 30-40 miles to Dallas anytime I had a client.

 

Oklahoma City has mostly tapered off from where it was a few years ago, I have made a couple trips there this year. There’s still clients there, but usually after 1 or 2 days, it dries up.

 

New Orleans, I don’t have a ton of experience in...but I have been thru there and Baton Rouge. Based on the demographics of the area, I just don’t envision it being a hot spot for me.

 

This isn’t to pick apart your suggestions, but I’m glad you brought it up because that’s what makes it so hard to choose. Places may look good on the map, on paper, but they may not be suitable for my needs. Of course cities change, my brand changes, and new clients are born daily. So it’s not gospel.

 

I have a former client who’s moving back to Colorado from Atlanta because he couldn’t find the opportunities he went for. I’m like yeah, Atlanta is the most cutthroat city in the south next to Miami, for finding jobs or clients. After spending a week in Los Angeles earlier this month, I said if Atlanta and Miami were to ever panagea together, that's what Los Angeles is.

What extreme laws are you referring to in North Carolina? Both Charlotte and Raleigh are great cities not far from the Blue Ridge, Great Smokies, or the beach. They are both more liberal than people know. Denver is my favorite city by far. Lived there for 6 years, but Charlotte is a close 2. Denver COL is getting out of hand. A few other choices. Omaha? They don’t have the NFL, but you won’t find smarter and loyal football fans in many other cities. Game day in Lincoln is unbelievable. But winter sucks there, similar to Chicago. Virginia Beach/Newport, Louisville, Cincinnati or Baltimore are all mid sized cities worth a look too.

[marylander1940]

@Mocha I don't know why this thread reminds me so much to Amazon

 

Let us know who the top 5 cities you're considering are!

 

Any chance we can take a vote and recommend you a town?

 

I hope you find what you're looking for, I know how serious this subject is for your profession, pardon me for a little humor.

[caramelsub]

What extreme laws are you referring to in North Carolina? Both Charlotte and Raleigh are great cities not far from the Blue Ridge, Great Smokies, or the beach. They are both more liberal than people know. Denver is my favorite city by far. Lived there for 6 years, but Charlotte is a close 2. Denver COL is getting out of hand. A few other choices. Omaha? They don’t have the NFL, but you won’t find smarter and loyal football fans in many other cities. Game day in Lincoln is unbelievable. But winter sucks there, similar to Chicago. Virginia Beach/Newport, Louisville, Cincinnati or Baltimore are all mid sized cities worth a look too.

 

Raleigh and Charlotte are turning more liberal solely because of the out of state transplants. There are still a lot of conservative old money southern families in both cities, who may not take to kindly to gays, or blacks, or gays and blacks. I know more about raleigh culture than Charlotte, but have lived in both cities. North raleigh and Cary have a lot of transplants, you’d be less likely to see native born Raleigh citizens in these areas. But most of the more established neighborhoods “inside the beltline” or the older part of Raleigh are very conservative with mostly native born Raleigh citizens. It’s very old southern, and very preppy. This lifestyle may not be for everyone.

[+ Pensant]

Raleigh and Charlotte are turning more liberal solely because of the out of state transplants. There are still a lot of conservative old money southern families in both cities, who may not take to kindly to gays, or blacks, or gays and blacks. I know more about raleigh culture than Charlotte, but have lived in both cities. North raleigh and Cary have a lot of transplants, you’d be less likely to see native born Raleigh citizens in these areas. But most of the more established neighborhoods “inside the beltline” or the older part of Raleigh are very conservative with mostly native born Raleigh citizens. It’s very old southern, and very preppy. This lifestyle may not be for everyone.

Somewhat true of Nashville as well, although there are so many transplants there that one rarely encounters a drawl. I was always surprised to find Southerners to be much preppier than Northeastern WASPs, even though they generally graduated from SEC public universities. Oxford MS is one of the preppiest places I’ve ever visited.

[caramelsub]

I agree completely. Affluent southerners seem to almost exaggerate being preppy.

[Rudynate]

I lived in LA for several years, and went to school there. I lived in a working class area near the airport, and I lived in Brentwood, just west of the 405 - not too far from O.J,'s house. It was my experience that, when you get to know your neighbors, regardless of where you live, there are some good people, and there are some not-so-nice people. It's a big mistake to lump everybody into stereotypical categories. If I didn't have a great job offer back in the Bluegrass State, I'd still be living in L.A. Granted, gasoline and rents are really high in L.A. but the salaries tend to be higher than in most parts of the country. You are paying for generally nice weather, good schools, nice beaches, and an ambience you don't get in most cities.

 

 

I love LA. But for the pollution and congestion, I would happily live there.