[magrack]

Originally Posted by sberdrow

Socal native here (transplant to Oregon, a real environmental conscience state). Arkansas may be the only state I can compare to my beautiful NW. I agree with the above comment and laughed when I heard that SoCal is environmentally conscience. That state is full of garbage, bad air, and snooty people. Your state is very special. Ark residents should be glad that most of us (not me) think your a bunch of rednecks. Please don't let the cat out of the bag. Send them to Texas. Im a Clinton loving tree hugging liberal (loved hope ark BTW) and I found the folks in Arkansas very nice. In fact, extremely nice. You want to go to a state that hates liberals, try wyoming. Yikes. Anyway God bless Arkansas. See you in about 15 years when I retire to Mountain Home.

After I retired from the Army, I stayed in Western WA rather than returning to AR, partially because of economics, and partially because of the beauty of the place.

Over the next 25 years I saw Western WA change from a nice place to live and raise a family into a SoCal north and decided to retire home. (it's not the same as SoCal, but it will be).

I returned here to get away from that type of liberalism that ruined a great state (my stepfather was assigned to CA a couple of times and me once. I graduated from high school there.)

My wife is from CA, and one of our kids lives there. We visited at least twice a year as a minimum both in NorCal and SoCal.

I saw CA change from a state with the best educational system in the country and a place with the best highway infastructure into something much less.

CA doesn't even generate enough power to support the population base, because the voting public will not allow more energy plants to be built. All in the name of "green". How stupid is that?

Part of it was due to the massive population growth, and part of it was the, IMO, mis-use of public funds to further every ill conceived screwball idea for the betterment of innumerable special interest groups you can imagine.

I see the same things happening to WA and Oregon. Soon enough, the western states will all see 600k, 750 square foot houses on 5000 foot lots just like much of CA. Don't believe me? Better take a real hard look at Puget Sound and Clackamas County.

Besides the weather issues of living in Western WA, I came home to get away from the crowds, the fiscal stupidity and the voting public that allowed it to happen.


Lest anyone get the wrong idea, I'm not an uber-conservative fundamentalist.

I'm a fiscal conservative and a social libertarian, a registered Independant. I don't attend church (I'm an agnostic and believe in the theory of evolution) and like a drink or two on occasion.

I don't care what your sexual proclivities are, though I do prefer you keep it to the privacy of your own home.

I don't care how many people move from the left coast to Arkansas; by the time it gets to be a real problem I'll have lived out my days.

When you do come, keep in mind that it's not what you left. It will never be what you left. Make sure you understand that. In time it may become more like what you left, but your grandkids or great-grand-children will be the ones who see it.

For the most part it's still mostly rural or semi rural, and although most Arkansans are pretty good stewards of the land, horse***, cows*** and chickens*** does not smell like a fern bar.

Rice paddies generate mosquitoes and contribute to the sometimes opressive humidity in the delta.

Mid July through August is humid...real humid and if you can't live without air conditioning, keep in mind that a lot of power is generated by Nuclear One, and if the energy demand keeps incleasing (it will) more nuclear plants will probably be built.

It is in tornado alley. Deal with it.

Respect the beliefs of your neighbors, even if what they believe is opposed to your views. I say this simply because it's my experience that liberals talk a good game but refuse to accept that other views may have some validity. (Yeah, I know it's somewhat stereotypical.)

If you do come, please try to remember that you're coming here to take advantage of what Arkansas has to offer, not to make it into a replica of what you left.

If you wanted that, you'd stay there...right?

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by magrack

After I retired from the Army, I stayed in Western WA rather than returning to AR, partially because of economics, and partially because of the beauty of the place.

Over the next 25 years I saw Western WA change from a nice place to live and raise a family into a SoCal north and decided to retire home. (it's not the same as SoCal, but it will be).

I returned here to get away from that type of liberalism that ruined a great state (my stepfather was assigned to CA a couple of times and me once. I graduated from high school there.)

My wife is from CA, and one of our kids lives there. We visited at least twice a year as a minimum both in NorCal and SoCal.

I saw CA change from a state with the best educational system in the country and a place with the best highway infastructure into something much less.

CA doesn't even generate enough power to support the population base, because the voting public will not allow more energy plants to be built. All in the name of "green". How stupid is that?

Part of it was due to the massive population growth, and part of it was the, IMO, mis-use of public funds to further every ill conceived screwball idea for the betterment of innumerable special interest groups you can imagine.

I see the same things happening to WA and Oregon. Soon enough, the western states will all see 600k, 750 square foot houses on 5000 foot lots just like much of CA. Don't believe me? Better take a real hard look at Puget Sound and Clackamas County.

Besides the weather issues of living in Western WA, I came home to get away from the crowds, the fiscal stupidity and the voting public that allowed it to happen.


Lest anyone get the wrong idea, I'm not an uber-conservative fundamentalist.

I'm a fiscal conservative and a social libertarian, a registered Independant. I don't attend church (I'm an agnostic and believe in the theory of evolution) and like a drink or two on occasion.

I don't care what your sexual proclivities are, though I do prefer you keep it to the privacy of your own home.

I don't care how many people move from the left coast to Arkansas; by the time it gets to be a real problem I'll have lived out my days.

When you do come, keep in mind that it's not what you left. It will never be what you left. Make sure you understand that. In time it may become more like what you left, but your grandkids or great-grand-children will be the ones who see it.

For the most part it's still mostly rural or semi rural, and although most Arkansans are pretty good stewards of the land, horse***, cows*** and chickens*** does not smell like a fern bar.

Rice paddies generate mosquitoes and contribute to the sometimes opressive humidity in the delta.

Mid July through August is humid...real humid and if you can't live without air conditioning, keep in mind that a lot of power is generated by Nuclear One, and if the energy demand keeps incleasing (it will) more nuclear plants will probably be built.

It is in tornado alley. Deal with it.

Respect the beliefs of your neighbors, even if what they believe is opposed to your views. I say this simply because it's my experience that liberals talk a good game but refuse to accept that other views may have some validity. (Yeah, I know it's somewhat stereotypical.)

If you do come, please try to remember that you're coming here to take advantage of what Arkansas has to offer, not to make it into a replica of what you left.

If you wanted that, you'd stay there...right?

I lived in southern Oregon, and found it much like Arkansas. Ill do my best not to turn it into the West Coast. Like I was saying though, keep it a secret. Southern Oregon is starting to turn to the dark side.

[magrack]

Originally Posted by sberdrow

I lived in southern Oregon, and found it much like Arkansas. Ill do my best not to turn it into the West Coast. Like I was saying though, keep it a secret. Southern Oregon is starting to turn to the dark side.

I used to really enjoy Roseburg/Grants Pass/Medford.

Pretty. Great weather, good people.

Took a hard look a few years ago as a retirement option.

Discarded.

Darkside indeed.

[roonie]

I, too, lived in CA for all my life until Jan 2006 when I moved to AR. I live
in what I call the "countryside" and about 12 miles from town. I miss city
life at times and all that it has to offer. However, as someone said, AR is
a beautiful state. I am 1 hour away from Hot Springs, which I love, and
yes, Lake Hamilton and the Quachita Lake are just gorgeous and quite the
peaceful and tranquil setting.
This is without question, the Bible Belt, but I have not felt or experienced
anything but friendliness from the people of AR. Yes, they do ask you to
join their religious affliation but I am not a church going person yet and
on the contrary, my neighbors and the people in town are always polite
and willing to extend their help if needed.
I love CA and moved here for financial reasons. However, I do not miss
the traffic, smog and the all the rude and nasty people on the freeways
who wave to you with "ONE FINGER", LOL.
I have visited several areas of Arkansas and I think they are all beautiful.
Just had to put my "two cents" in..........good luck.

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by roonie

I, too, lived in CA for all my life until Jan 2006 when I moved to AR. I live
in what I call the "countryside" and about 12 miles from town. I miss city
life at times and all that it has to offer. However, as someone said, AR is
a beautiful state. I am 1 hour away from Hot Springs, which I love, and
yes, Lake Hamilton and the Quachita Lake are just gorgeous and quite the
peaceful and tranquil setting.
This is without question, the Bible Belt, but I have not felt or experienced
anything but friendliness from the people of AR. Yes, they do ask you to
join their religious affliation but I am not a church going person yet and
on the contrary, my neighbors and the people in town are always polite
and willing to extend their help if needed.
I love CA and moved here for financial reasons. However, I do not miss
the traffic, smog and the all the rude and nasty people on the freeways
who wave to you with "ONE FINGER", LOL.
I have visited several areas of Arkansas and I think they are all beautiful.
Just had to put my "two cents" in..........good luck.

Yeah, I remember all the people waving to me with that middle finger. My father lives in the West Hills of the San Franado Vally, and I hate driving there. Driving in Arkansas was much like driving in Oregon, at least southern Oregon. Hopefully it will stay the same. I would hate to live in Arkanfornia (Calikasas).

[Michael Canoy]

michael here- We have lived all over the Western Hemisphere but came to NW AR for the nature, facilities, environment and (believe it or not) because it is one of the areas least prone to natural disasters. My wife and I went to Harding University about 50 years ago and have a lot of good memories. My mothers people have been in the area for 4 generations (5 now). Glad you liked it.

[baptistlady]

I relocated 3 years ago from Bryant Arkansas to Russellville Arkansas. DO NOT let the scenic beauty make your decision, the people are anything but beautiful, if you intend on working NEVER MOVE HERE. Jobs are not even posted, I can’t believe they have not been sued. If you have children don't move here, the most popular else where will be outcast forever here. I grew tired of the Arkansas hillbilly remarks while in the city, but their are truly hillbillies in this area, unless you are a descendant of the Pen costal church (assembly of God), or (non demo national), they call themselves believers but hate blacks and Hispanics , and you appreciate being talked down too as a woman, live no further than 45 minutes from Little Rock, or inside Ft Smith, inside Rogers, Fayetteville. The entire community smells. No southern hospitality or love between Conway and Alma, backwards never intend on changing sad people I don’t want to change, just want to leave and never look back. If you intend on relocating, do not buy a home..rent for a year first. You will leave!

[sberdrow]

Originally Posted by baptistlady

I relocated 3 years ago from Bryant Arkansas to Russellville Arkansas. DO NOT let the scenic beauty make your decision, the people are anything but beautiful, if you intend on working NEVER MOVE HERE. Jobs are not even posted, I can’t believe they have not been sued. If you have children don't move here, the most popular else where will be outcast forever here. I grew tired of the Arkansas hillbilly remarks while in the city, but their are truly hillbillies in this area, unless you are a descendant of the Pen costal church (assembly of God), or (non demo national), they call themselves believers but hate blacks and Hispanics , and you appreciate being talked down too as a woman, live no further than 45 minutes from Little Rock, or inside Ft Smith, inside Rogers, Fayetteville. The entire community smells. No southern hospitality or love between Conway and Alma, backwards never intend on changing sad people I don’t want to change, just want to leave and never look back. If you intend on relocating, do not buy a home..rent for a year first. You will leave!

Yish....But Feyettville is Ok Right. I wonder what the deal is. Sounds like you had a rough time.

[Sam I Am]

Originally Posted by baptistlady

I relocated 3 years ago from Bryant Arkansas to Russellville Arkansas. DO NOT let the scenic beauty make your decision, the people are anything but beautiful, if you intend on working NEVER MOVE HERE. Jobs are not even posted, I can’t believe they have not been sued. If you have children don't move here, the most popular else where will be outcast forever here. I grew tired of the Arkansas hillbilly remarks while in the city, but their are truly hillbillies in this area, unless you are a descendant of the Pen costal church (assembly of God), or (non demo national), they call themselves believers but hate blacks and Hispanics , and you appreciate being talked down too as a woman, live no further than 45 minutes from Little Rock, or inside Ft Smith, inside Rogers, Fayetteville. The entire community smells. No southern hospitality or love between Conway and Alma, backwards never intend on changing sad people I don’t want to change, just want to leave and never look back. If you intend on relocating, do not buy a home..rent for a year first. You will leave!

Rebuttal, rebuttal!

I'm a resident and I simply DO NOT see what you are referring to in your diatribe.

This is a very close-knit community for the most part, but there are so many transplants I can't believe everyone from another city is being treated badly. That hasn't been my experience over the past 7 years at all, after living in Little Rock for 43 years. I have found this to be a most welcoming town...I wonder if the fact that you are obviously unhappy here could contribute to your reception, as you usually get back what you put forth. Yes, there are any number of nondemoninational churches here, but take a drive through downtown on Sunday morning - the Baptists and Methodists and Catholics have huge churches that are very middle of the road. I don't attend any of them on a regular basis and have yet to be proselytized by the Pentecostals, the Baptists, or anyone else.

Hate blacks and Hispanics? Talked down to as a woman? My neighbors are blacks and Hispanics - I don't hear this from them - and I'm a woman who can hold my own. Anyone who knows me would tell you I wouldn't stand for that for a second. All I've gotten is Southern deference to women. The Hispanic community as a whole seems to be very tight, but I think that is a choice based on culture, and it's okay with me. Whatever.

As far as kids, yes - it is tough at an older age to break into whatever clique is on top -but don't you think that holds true anywhere? I don't think kindergarteners know about popularity contests....it is harder for an older child to be accepted if they haven't been around from nursery school on, but that's kids. I don't think it really has that much to do with where you are from. These kids - a lot of them are related, for Pete's sake - they've been in this area since they were born and know everyone. That's going to be a huge factor...and kids are a tough audience. The two teenagers who lived next door to me just moved back to Georgia after 6 years here and were absolutely heartbroken to have to go. Wonder how they broke in and made it?

Don't post jobs? What in the world does that mean? I can only assume you are talking government jobs, which are posted at the courthouse. The paper is full of jobs, and who said private enterprise has to post a job anyway? They can hire any way they want to! Word of mouth is the easiest way to get a job in the smaller businesses, but if you talk smack about your town, who wants to hire someone who is unhappy and spewing misery?

There must be some love somewhere or no one would be here. I think if you became more involved in your community you might find more acceptance. This has been the best move my husband and I have ever made - I would never go back to the traffic and congestion in the Little Rock metro area, even though that's where 90% of my family is.

I am only speaking from personal experience, but we love it and wouldn't want to call anyplace else home. I'm sorry you've had a bad time - maybe a move back to Little Rock or another more "progressive" area would suit you better. Not everyone is cut out for rural life, and although Russellville is growing, it is still primarily a rural southern town. It's just what we were looking for, but I respect the fact that it's not for everyone.

My suggestion would ALWAYS be to rent for 6-12 months - you cannot know a town and how it will fit your needs immediately. Thank goodness for wonderful realtors who are semi-psychologists who can help you sort that out. We did buy immediately, but we had a great realtor who really listened to what we were saying. I'll throw in that I now believe the "buyers are liars" train of thought - what we THOUGHT we wanted and what we bought are two different things - but based on everything we told her, she found us a historic home in the middle of town on 3/4 acre, combining our love of historical homes, my desire to be a little more rural, and my husband's need to be able to get to work no matter what. I'm not living in the country, but there are few spots in downtown where you can have as much of a lot as we do....privacy fencing did the rest for me and we are incredibly happy.

My statement to balance this is that I lived my entire life in Little Rock, with a brief foray into college in Mississippi and a 14 month stint in the Caribbean...so I'm really very, very new to this area. We lived in Little Rock, took a transfer here, lived here 5 years and were offered a transfer to the Caribbean and took that. It was supposed to be for 5 years - at the end of 14 months we wanted to come HOME - and it was Russellville we wanted to come home to. I'm very happy and very proud of my town and am sorry your existence is miserable here - but I'll tell you what I'd tell anyone, including myself in the Caribbean - if you don't like it, leave....if you aren't comfortable, leave....nothing is worse than feeling stuck in a place you can't call home no matter how hard you try.

[nmnita]

Obviously there are 2 sides to every story. Sometimes fitting in can be diffucult, but attitude has everything to do with this or mostly it does.

Being an "outsider" can be something only you can overcome. I find it hard to beleive a Baptist, which from you sign on, I assme you are, can't fit in anywhere in the south. If you were catholic, Jewish or part of a more liberal religion it would be easier to beleive.

As for jobs, guess what? Not always are all jobs posted unless you are referring to government jobs. If that is the case, you can go to the courthouse. Of course they may not appear in the paper. Many jobs do go unposted and the person getting the job is someone's brother, cousin or friend. That is living in the real world.

Sam hit the nail on the head, move, find someplace that is more accepting of whatever you have to offer.

Every community has it's good and bad. Obviously, for some reason you feel discriminated against. From what I have heard Russellville area is a wonderful place to re-locate to except maybe, the chicken ranches and plants cause a little unpleasent odor in the summer.

Nita