What cities are welcoming despite experiencing a lot of recent arrivals? (transplants, elementary school)

[Conrad Gray]

I've heard that in Austin, locals are very warm and welcoming, but when they find out that you're newly-moved to there, a separation slowly builds up. It's understandable, because it's one of those "at what price does grow do to a city's soul" sort of situations. I've definitely heard that from people in S.F., as well. Both of those cities are experiencing a lot of pains from rapid growth.

Is that the same everywhere? Seems like there's been a lot of people moving to the new South cities. Is there similar reluctance, even resentment, at new arrivals?

[PDF]

I wouldn't worry about it. I mean, what cities aren't experiencing growth these days? There are transplants everywhere. But generally, it depends on your attitude and where you're from. In some places, there's major resentment towards Northerners (particularly NYers) who bring NY with them.

[miami_winter_breeze]

Originally Posted by Conrad Gray

I've heard that in Austin, locals are very warm and welcoming, but when they find out that you're newly-moved to there, a separation slowly builds up. It's understandable, because it's one of those "at what price does grow do to a city's soul" sort of situations. I've definitely heard that from people in S.F., as well. Both of those cities are experiencing a lot of pains from rapid growth.

Is that the same everywhere? Seems like there's been a lot of people moving to the new South cities. Is there similar reluctance, even resentment, at new arrivals?

A lot of recent arrivals means a lot of people searching for friends. Usually cities who don't receive transplants are the least friendly, most closed, because everyone there has their friends since elementary school.

[jakabedy]

Albuquerque. Sure, there are families that have lived here for generations, but there are also a lot of transplants. Retirees, tech-types working at the labs, medical types . . . many come from out-of-state. I'm an hour up the road in Santa Fe, which could be considered more cliquish. However, in my two years here, I've found the workplace and the people in general more welcoming than in my 25 years in the Deep South. In Alabama, it didn't matter how long I had been there -- if it wasn't from birth, there was always something of a divide. I really don't find that in New Mexico at all.

[StealthRabbit]

PNW cities are pretty congenial to newcomers. We get 300 / month in our small county (and have been for 30 yrs).

WA is less 'nationalistic' / 'State proud' than OR, and Oregon is known for the Welcome to Oregon signs of Tom McCall (enjoy your visit, but don't stay).

Seattle would not know if you were new! but it is known for the Seattle FREEZE... (congenial, but not 'friendly' / warm.)

Tacoma, WA is military centric, so nearly everyone is from somewhere else.

from my experience of traveling and moving a lot... NE USA is very 'ingrown' with generations of 'locals' since the pilgrims! The rest of USA was 'settled' later. PNW being last.

Smaller / mid sized cities and towns that have a strong 'ethnic' root / history / businesses / land owners / employer base can be very restrictive to newcomers. (hint: if the local food is bratwurst and there is a Biergarten (or 6) on main street, then watch out!)

That is the case in several small towns near my TX home. I purposely chose a college town that is integrated / accepting of multiple cultures. (upon the advice of locals who had BTDT in the other towns nearby).

This is quite near Austin (which itself if pretty 'open' to newcomers (out of necessity) )

My previous life in Colorado, was during an era of high growth and the use of "NATIVE" Colorado license plates! It was NOT friendly to newcomers, but now that is mostly all who can afford (or stand) to live there. It is a political 'battleground state' (that is a bad sign... and creates insecurities / unrest with kids that have guns / adults with guns that act like kids ). When I was in HS in Colorado, we left our rifles in the rear window gun rack in our pickups (unlocked in school parking lot). That is no longer a very good idea! (and is now illegal).