Which Southern state do you find most underrated and why?

[Sharif662]

Originally Posted by sub

There are plenty of northerners who retire to Mississippi.

Most southern states seem to be enjoying some degree of popularity at the moment, but Mississippi seems to be stereotyped and overlooked more than the others.

Hence why i said the Sipp ( with honorable nod to Arkansas & West VA).If your state don't have a large city or cities that outshines the state than it's a blank stare to people ( especially West & East Coast America/ Da Coasters). Now stats based on industries & occupations is still a factor of course but majority people still think the Sipp have the smallest economy in this country ( smh).

There's plentiful livable areas here but a typical citydata posters can't live without high compact urban density, Singaporean style transit system, & superficial diversity. ( shrugs)

[Alabama211]

Originally Posted by innovator82

Totally agree. I read the responses and think people are reading the question in different ways. But Nashville alone makes Tennessee not underrated I'd say. Plus Tennessee holds a significant place in our national cultural psyche what with country music, Memphis blues, Elvis, and the Great Smokies.

Yep, I think many posters are reading this as “what’s your favorite southern state.” I mean, North Carolina is currently 4th in this poll. North Carolina! People rave about NC (for good reason) and it’s population has been booming for years. I think you have to remove FL, GA, NC, and TX off the bat. Just because someplace in those states may be underrated doesn’t mean that’s true of the state as a whole.

It’s gotta be someplace like Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana (maybe), South Carolina, Kentucky, or West Virginia (if the last two are considered southern). I was a homer and voted for Alabama.

[fivenine]

I would say Alabama as well for underrated. It is not without its struggles but it does contain some pretty nice areas. Huntsville, AL is a growing small city that has one of the highest populations of residents with Masters and Ph.D degrees (take that southern stereotypes). Birmingham is starting to get some positive momentum and has a lot of potential plus the Gulf Shores area is the classic beach vacation. Add to that better than expected scernary in the northern and eastern 1/3rds of the state and then you realize that Alabama with all of its faults is not as bad as the media portrays it to be.

Kentucky my home state would be a close second. If it wasn't for the drama surrounding recent events would probably be my pick for most underrated state as KY has some really nice scenery and charming areas. Red River Gorge, Mammoth Cave, Land Between the Lakes, Cumberland Falls, etc. all nice. Overall friendly people although the strain of 2020 especially politically is starting to take its toll on some people's friendiness which is unfortunate.