[gr99a05]

This website appears to be filled with pages and pages of Northerners talking about moving South and not much else. Originally this mainly seemed to be a phenomenon with Florida and Texas etc... but after reading the posts in here it looks like Alabama is becoming the next destination.

Is the North going to turn into a depopulated wasteland soon, while the South loses its identity and becomes overpopulated?

I think this is an interesting question to consider. I live in an area of Virginia that to me seems more like New York City than the South. I would really like to go back to Alabama soon. But if the same thing happens to Alabama I guess people like me will have nowhere to go to to feel comfortable or at home anymore.

I don't dislike Northerners but the whole point of this website is to discuss good places to move to where you will feel at home based on what kind of a person you are. I prefer Southern culture but it seems to me that that is starting to disappear, even in the Deep South.

[Silkdashocker]

I would venture to assume that over the next decade Alabama will see an increase in population by more than 10% due to industry and capital shift from the northeast to the southeast. Many people i grew up with are now living in Charlotte, Jacksonville, and places in between for a number of reasons. Maybe some of the reason is weather or culture related. From what i hear a lot of technicial and manufacturing jobs are moving to states like Alabama because they can find cheaper labor.

[RebelPhotog]

I wonder if it has to do with politics? The North is more liberal, but with more conservatives in the rural areas. Alabama is VERY conservative, recently named the most conservative state in the country.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by gr99a05

Is Alabama going to become the next Florida?

No, it's not. Will Alabama grow? Probably. Will it experince explosive growth like Florida? No way.

Florida became THE destination for well-off northeasterners due to its accessibility (via same-time-zone flights and Interstate-95), its vast areas of coast land, it's tolerance and hospitality toward Jews, and the state's lack of income tax.

Alabama lacks all that. Alabama is not nearly as accessible due to its further distance, fewer airports and flights, and its in a different time zone. It is the Bible belt -- a hotbed of evangelicals and thus a tougher place for jewish or secular folks. It has some coastline but nothing like Florida, and Alabama has an income tax and is thus no tax haven.

Finally, there are three states in the U.S. whose name is (fairly or unfairly) completely and instantly synonymous with "hillbilly" and "backwards": West Virginia, Mississippi, and -- yes -- Alabama. You tell someone from Boston, New York, or Philadelphia that you're retiring to Florida, and the response is "Sure, of course." Tell 'em you're going to Alabama, and they'll look at you like you're insane.

[mike7586]

Contrary to popular belief, not EVERYONE from the Northeast is moving out. For the people who move, a majority of them have to sell their homes first before they can move so somebody is obviously buying them...

To begin, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile are all still very southern and I don't see them changing anytime soon. Also, I don't think Alabama, Louisana, Mississippi, etc will ever be like Florida. Alabama isn't growing that fast. People don't seem to understand that because certain areas of the South are going to grow, become more diverse, and will no longer be dominated by one culture doesn't mean the entire Southeast will change. Only certain cities/metro areas will change because they will be melting pots of different people and cultures. Why is this considered such a bad thing? For example, Atlanta is very diverse and cosmopolitan yet the rest of Georgia is still dominated by southern culture. Atlanta is only a small piece of the entire state. So, if you want southern culture go to Macon or Augusta or Savannah (or one of the hundreds of other small towns throughout the state that aren't growing) and if you want a variety of cultures go to Atlanta. I honestly don't think there's anything to worry about...

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by professorsenator

Finally, there are three states in the U.S. whose name is (fairly or unfairly) completely and instantly synonymous with "hillbilly" and "backwards": West Virginia, Mississippi, and -- yes -- Alabama.

and Kentucky...,and Arkansas.....

[antiquesmountainapache]

Hello. I have lived in the southeast my entire life. Although I have never actually lived in the state, I did live close to it (about 12 miles) for several years. I have had many friends from Alabama over the years. Never have I heard of Alabamians referred to as "hillbillies". If that's what any readers from other parts of the country think, then remember the "hillbillies" make the rockets that send people into space!

[MiamiRob]

as a Floridian who has been transplanted from the north as a child (well over 30 years ago) I can assure you that Alabama will never resemble Florida, except perhaps the Panhandle areas or what we deem as "lower Alabama".
Florida south of say Ocala for the most part was developed by Northerners and their culture ensued. We don't understand the whole Confederate flag issue, how religion is just so important of your very existance, have never eaten grits (looks like Cream of Wheat), I don't get NASCAR or monster truck rallies, hunting or the insane passion for college football.
That being said it's just based on cultural traits that people grew up with.
Most republicans in Florida are fisical conservatives but socially liberals compared to the rest of the South and this is due to the large amount of seniors who usually vote conservative anyways.
As many seniors leave the state they are being replaced by younger people who tend to be more liberal. The 2008 election should be a predictor of where Florida is heading politically since the state gave Obama the most votes percentage wise, even over NC or VA.
No Offense but you couldn't pay me to live in Alabama.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by antiquesmountainapache

Never have I heard of Alabamians referred to as "hillbillies".

"Hillbillies" are from places with hills. Alabama has a few small hills, but only in a couple of places in the state.
You may call us "rednecks." We'll proudly own up to that moniker.

[pennquaker09]

Originally Posted by Southlander

"Hillbillies" are from places with hills. Alabama has a few small hills, but only in a couple of places in the state.
You may call us "rednecks." We'll proudly own up to that moniker.

Speak for yourself!

Honestly, I don't think Alabama will ever change. It's just too conservative and the residents are . . . I hate to say cheap, but I can't come up with a suitable alternative.