Opinions of the "Southern hospitality" of Atlanta? (Savannah: transplants, mall)

[jkobb510]

To me, either this city has changed a lot over the years due to transplants, or Southern hospitality was never even all that big of a thing here. I'm writing this because I visited Macon, GA this morning, and really noticed how friendly the people there were. It just seemed noticeably different from the vibe I get in Atlanta, at least today... seemed more like TRUE Southern hospitality.

People won't even really make much eye contact with you here and don't seem too interested in conversing with people they don't know. Must be a big city thing?

I'm not saying Atlanta is full of horrible, mean people. I do see a lot of politeness and non-confrontational mannerisms here but that's really not the same thing as genuine friendliness.

[JoeTarheel]

It all comes down to each individual, so there is no real "southern hospitality of Atlanta". Some people are hospitable and others aren't.

In reality, Atlanta is a big city and you really can't expect people to exhibit small-town friendliness in a big city. I'm generally friendly, but I don't go around striking up conversations with people on MARTA or even looking people in the eye because you just don't know what negative situation might arise from it. You need to be on your guard in a big city environment, and that doesn't go hand-in-hand with southern hospitality. I think a lot of Atlantans are still hospitable, but it is not on display in every situation.

[jkobb510]

Originally Posted by JoeTarheel

It all comes down to each individual, so there is no real "southern hospitality of Atlanta". Some people are hospitable and others aren't.

In reality, Atlanta is a big city and you really can't expect people to exhibit small-town friendliness in a big city. I'm generally friendly, but I don't go around striking up conversations with people on MARTA or even looking people in the eye because you just don't know what negative situation might arise from it. You need to be on your guard in a big city environment, and that doesn't go hand-in-hand with southern hospitality. I think a lot of Atlantans are still hospitable, but it is not on display in every situation.

Well stated. Makes sense.

[bornjacksonian]

Originally Posted by JoeTarheel

It all comes down to each individual, so there is no real "southern hospitality of Atlanta". Some people are hospitable and others aren't.

In reality, Atlanta is a big city and you really can't expect people to exhibit small-town friendliness in a big city. I'm generally friendly, but I don't go around striking up conversations with people on MARTA or even looking people in the eye because you just don't know what negative situation might arise from it. You need to be on your guard in a big city environment, and that doesn't go hand-in-hand with southern hospitality. I think a lot of Atlantans are still hospitable, but it is not on display in every situation.

Well said and trust me it's not just the big city thing. I moved here from Jackson, Mississippi which isn't close to Atlanta in terms of population and some people were hospitable around the city and some wasn't. I am generally a person who have no problem just speaking I lose no energy from it. Some people choose otherwise lol

[ATLTJL]

Interesting that you say that about Macon.

Last Christmas on my way to Florida, I stopped at the Macon mall to eat dinner on the road in the fast food court. The whole time I was there, I felt like I was totally being sized up by a group of teens. I just got that feeling in my gut, something really feels like it is about to go down here. I was extremely careful walking back to my car.

I don't know what it was. I've never had that feeling in Atlanta, even after all the places I've been, which include Underground, Greenbriar Mall, Five Points, Auburn Avenue (before it got decent), etc.

I feel like Macon is much more sinister than Atlanta.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

Interesting that you say that about Macon.

Last Christmas on my way to Florida, I stopped at the Macon mall to eat dinner on the road in the fast food court. The whole time I was there, I felt like I was totally being sized up by a group of teens. I just got that feeling in my gut, something really feels like it is about to go down here. I was extremely careful walking back to my car.

I don't know what it was. I've never had that feeling in Atlanta, even after all the places I've been, which include Underground, Greenbriar Mall, Five Points, Auburn Avenue (before it got decent), etc.

I feel like Macon is much more sinister than Atlanta.

Well, your first mistake was going to Macon Mall ... and for the FOOD COURT?! There are lots of good fast-food places right off I-75 at Riverside and Bass, and I-475 at Thomaston Road. Heck, you could have gone 20 miles further south to Centerville / Warner Robins and eaten at the mall there!

TO THE OP: If you think MACON is friendly, come to Savannah.

Savannah ranked top 10 friendliest city in the world - Story | Savannah | WJCL News | Working for You | WJCL

[JMatl]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

Interesting that you say that about Macon.

Last Christmas on my way to Florida, I stopped at the Macon mall to eat dinner on the road in the fast food court. The whole time I was there, I felt like I was totally being sized up by a group of teens. I just got that feeling in my gut, something really feels like it is about to go down here. I was extremely careful walking back to my car.

I don't know what it was. I've never had that feeling in Atlanta, even after all the places I've been, which include Underground, Greenbriar Mall, Five Points, Auburn Avenue (before it got decent), etc.

I feel like Macon is much more sinister than Atlanta.

What newsboy said, times ten.

That used to be a nice area, but that ship sailed many years ago unfortunately.

[JPD]

Southern Hospitality is a sham that exacerbates all sort of problems.

[AnsleyPark]

I don't know about "Southern" hospitality, but like any place, Atlanta is full of hospitable folks and has its share of inhospitable folks. Just like any other place on the planet.

[testa50]

Just smile and say hi to people. They'll almost always smile and say hi back. In DC and points north, they'll just give you a strange look.