[westd27]

I have read several forums about people who have relocated and found that the their children where not accepted at local schools because they were from northern states. This concerns me considering that I am from NY. I guess it depends on the effort that you give it, thankfully my daughter is very outgoing and can get along with just about anybody. We are unlike the typical Northerners with their liberal views and would like to raise our children in a very loving and conservative environment and maybe pick up some of that southern hospitality that we experienced on our visit to Arkansas last year. Does anyone have any opinions on this issue? Also, which area would be the best to raise three children Camden, Magnolia or El Dorado? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[SwinerBock]

I would imagine that, due to the recent influx of new students from all over the country, kids in the El Dorado district are starting to get used to all you "foreigners".

In all seriousness, I have not heard of any issues out of El Dorado regarding ...for lack of a better word... hostility towards northerners (or easterners or westerners, for that matter). Haven't heard of any of that from Camden or Magnolia either. If anything, it would probably make your kid(s) a bit of a novelty. El Dorado has often hosted foreign exchange students, and as best I can tell, they were always extremely popular. At least, that was my recollection of the way it was when I was in school.

That being said, I'm sure every school is going to have a bad apple or two in the bunch. Can I guarantee that your child will not get picked on or made fun of? No.

[nmnita]

There are so many transplants in Arkansas this will be a bigger problem only if you worry too much. Conservative views mix fine with Arkansas whether you are a democrat or republican.

Of course we live in NWA, which is more people from outside the state than in the state so I might be off base in my thoughts.

Nita

[kristyh]

wow i was not aware of any of this. We live in NW AR (springdale) and foreign seems to be the majority of people here right now. Camden is a very small town, i drove through it last year and only saw a gas station. Most people are very friendly here.

[arguy1973]

the only thing I ever see people from AR get mad about is when ppl from another place try and come here and change things. other than that..people are very friendly

[grmasterb]

I think anyone can be accepted in Arkansas so long as they have the right attitude. The degree to which you have to endure some razzing, I think, depends on the area of the state and the degree to which northerners have invaded that area. I spent eight years in Jonesboro, and while I had many friends I think I was always viewed as a bit of an outsider. Central and Northwest Arkansas might not be as bad. Just have a sense of humor when you see confederate flags and bumper stickers that read, "Save yo' confederate money boys, the South will rise again!"

[westd27]

If that is true, my husband should fit right in!!!

[SwinerBock]

Originally Posted by kristyh

wow i was not aware of any of this. We live in NW AR (springdale) and foreign seems to be the majority of people here right now. Camden is a very small town, i drove through it last year and only saw a gas station. Most people are very friendly here.

For what it is worth, Camden is more than just a gas station. You just hit the bypass. Camden has a large industrial park that is heavy with defense industry spending.

[SwinerBock]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

I think anyone can be accepted in Arkansas so long as they have the right attitude. The degree to which you have to endure some razzing, I think, depends on the area of the state and the degree to which northerners have invaded that area. I spent eight years in Jonesboro, and while I had many friends I think I was always viewed as a bit of an outsider. Central and Northwest Arkansas might not be as bad. Just have a sense of humor when you see confederate flags and bumper stickers that read, "Save yo' confederate money boys, the South will rise again!"

Depends more on how strong a yankee's accent is. I still give my wife's uncle a hard time about his Boston accent anytime he visits. It's all in good fun, though.

[Cali BassMan]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Just have a sense of humor when you see confederate flags and bumper stickers that read, "Save yo' confederate money boys, the South will rise again!"

Any Chance that can happen before the next election???