Why do people want so badly to move to southern cities? (house, neighborhoods)

[083190]

It's true that many northern cities are dying, but I personally have not been attracted to many southern cities. There is not as much history, culture, interesting architecture, unique food, seasonal changes, powerful schools, mixed public transportation, and ethnic neighborhoods in certain new sun belt cities.

[Merlander]

I think it's usually because they get cold easily. When you're old or sedentary, your metabolism slows and you have trouble keeping warm. So the south is pretty much for snowbirds and couch potatoes [just kidding ].

You are generally right about the scene in southern cities. Although there are notable exceptions [like New Orleans, Miami], many southern cities back in the 80's [and even 90's] were ghost towns after 5pm, unlike the larger, thriving northern cities. That has changed somewhat with the downtown development that's taken place in the south since [Charlotte for example - dead in the 80's, more happening now].

[TheTruth08]

Lack of Affordable housing in the North. Imagine living with your parents till your 28 so you can afford a house on Long Island or moving to North Carolina and living nicely.

[PrinceTheo]

People go where the jobs are

[adventuregurl]

Warmth (ranks high on my list), slower, relaxed pace of life, lower cost of living, friendlier (in some cases ), and to try something new, broaden your horizons.

Someone told me once that the warmer the climate the more open and friendly people are and I think there is some truth to that, or at least they appear to be friendlier, as you see them more often because you're not inside hibernating .

P.S. there seems to be culture in places like Mobile (from the research I've done) it seems to have museums, ballet, live theatre, Mardi Gras and I'm sure I'm only tipping the iceberg. Lots of southern cities have wonderful historic districts, historics homes to purchase at a fraction of the price, historic home tours and just a wonderful, easy going lifestyle.

[Trkstp Tina]

The term "Southern" is kind of general--Florida, Texas and Arizona can all be considered Southern states, but they are very different in topography, vegetation and climate. So what region are you talking about exactly?

I agree with Tim--it's mainly a climate thing; people getting tired of cold and overcast weather. Also--speaking in big generalities--you'll find a slower pace in the South than the North, and that appeals to a lot of people. And let's not forget cost-of-living. Again, speaking in generalities, but the South often offers lower housing costs and lower taxes. For some people, all these benefits outweigh the negatives you mention.

[northstar22]

Originally Posted by PrinceTheo

People go where the jobs are

True. That's basically the main reason. It's unfortunate that more companies aren't setting up in the North.

[DailyJournalist]

I think people think that cheap housing will solve all their problems. They quickly realize that the cheap housing also comes with very low wages.

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by Trkstp Tina

The term "Southern" is kind of general--Florida, Texas and Arizona can all be considered Southern states, but they are very different in topography, vegetation and climate. So what region are you talking about exactly?

I agree with Tim--it's mainly a climate thing; people getting tired of cold and overcast weather. Also--speaking in big generalities--you'll find a slower pace in the South than the North, and that appeals to a lot of people. And let's not forget cost-of-living. Again, speaking in generalities, but the South often offers lower housing costs and lower taxes. For some people, all these benefits outweigh the negatives you mention.

Arizona is not a southern state. Not by any stretch of the imagination. It's Southwestern, which is a totally different region than Southern.

[goozer]

Generally speaking, there are two reasons why people move to southern cities: warmer weather and lower cost of living.