Are Transplants/Outsiders welcome? (Birmingham: compensation, living, low cost)

[LindaIL]

Been reading quite a few posts in the W. NC forum about the way that many of the W.NC natives don't like transplants moving into their area and can be quite rude to the new guys?

Just wondering if this problem exists much in the Birmingham (suburbs) area?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by LindaIL

Been reading quite a few posts in the W. NC forum about the way that many of the W.NC natives don't like transplants moving into their area and can be quite rude to the new guys?

Just wondering if this problem exists much in the Birmingham (suburbs) area?

We moved here 16 years ago from the Midwest and feel quite at home. It's really all in how well you step outside your own comfort zone and meet people (which is true wherever you go). One mild caution. If you move to Birmingham, a surprisingly cosmopolitan place in a lot of ways, respect the ways they're different and don't try to tell people how you did things up north. I think people who move here and immediately begin critiquing everything aren't welcome at all. Otherwise, it's a very welcoming community.

[Back Again]

I'm from NY and do not have any problems since I moved here seven years ago.

[Keeper]

No offense Back again, but a lot of Ny'ers and Long Islanders are moving to NC for the low cost housing. Not saying that is the reason for the discontent as I haven't read the NC forum.

Personally I believe it is human nature to compare cities, however it is best to keep your opinions if you don't like something about an area to yourself.

[Back Again]

Originally Posted by Keeper

No offense Back again, but a lot of Ny'ers and Long Islanders are moving to NC for the low cost housing. Not saying that is the reason for the discontent as I haven't read the NC forum.

Personally I believe it is human nature to compare cities, however it is best to keep your opinions if you don't like something about an area to yourself.

No offense taken.

I have also lived in NC (Charlotte) (actually, being a retired Marine, I have lived in a few places) and never had any problems while living there either. I guess like Keeper said, keep your opinions to yourself. Also learn to adapt and go with the flow, you should be all right.

[Threestep2]

We have had this topic numerous times. Just read through some of the old posts.
We moved here about six years ago after an odyssey through the US/Europe. Knew nothing about Birmingham at all. My husband is mulling over a job offer with immediate 25% compensation increase and about 50% in a year. He is mulling because it means leaving Birmingham.

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by LindaIL

Been reading quite a few posts in the W. NC forum about the way that many of the W.NC natives don't like transplants moving into their area and can be quite rude to the new guys?

Just wondering if this problem exists much in the Birmingham (suburbs) area?

You won't have a problem....just be friendly and neighborly and put your best foot forward...this would be the case anywhere. People will respond in kind.

My neighbor across the street is a 2nd generation Polish woman who grew up in Chicago and has no problems at all....I work with a couple who met here and got married. He is from Michigan and she grew up in Chicago. They started dating when they met at a grocery store HQ here. They really get involved in the community and probably know more people than I do! Love it and just moved his son (a professonal chef) down from upstate NY. Same reaction.

If you move here, frankly, get ready to really like it. I think you will. I know you cannot get involved in the community as much as you nornally would, but try as much as you can and it will be returned to you and your husband in spades.

b

[Back Again]

Originally Posted by Threestep

We have had this topic numerous times. Just read through some of the old posts.
We moved here about six years ago after an odyssey through the US/Europe. Knew nothing about Birmingham at all. My husband is mulling over a job offer with immediate 25% compensation increase and about 50% in a year. He is mulling because it means leaving Birmingham.

So he was offered the job!?

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by Threestep

We have had this topic numerous times. Just read through some of the old posts.
We moved here about six years ago after an odyssey through the US/Europe. Knew nothing about Birmingham at all. My husband is mulling over a job offer with immediate 25% compensation increase and about 50% in a year. He is mulling because it means leaving Birmingham.

I'd take it and run.........

[bhamkaren]

as a native i'll say i've never met a "transplant" i didn't like.

and yeah don't "critique" everything. it's not that you won't be welcome you will be it's just annoying and we'll just roll our eyes at you. and who wants that?