NJ and Italian--HELP (Greenville, Greer, Mauldin: fit in, transplants, house)

[familymom]

We are from NJ and Italian. We are pretty easy going people but my husband believes that once we cross into Southern territory we will not fit in.

Any other relocating families from NJ or NY, I would like to hear how it is going and what area you settled in and any regrets?

[Skyliner]

I worked with an Italian NJ native several years ago and he and his family really enjoyed living here. With so many (and I do mean MANY) New York natives moving into this area, you shouldn't feel lonely or culturally removed at all. Greenville is a unique place that is constantly changing into a more cultural hub. It is already a very culturally diverse city with plenty of great opportunities year-round. I suggest looking around the Mauldin-Simpsonville, Powdersville-Wren, Travelers Rest, and Greer areas first. If you find something in the city of Greenville, then I recommend moving here above any of the suburbs since most of the Upstate's culture and social life is centered in our vibrant award-winning downtown. There are several great neighborhoods within the city and more are being planned and built right now.

[flgargoyle]

I think anyone considering a move anywhere should do so with the attitude of trying to adapt to the local persona, and embrace the differences of your new surroundings, rather than complain about how we did it in (former city). I've never been able to figure out why some people move to a new area, then set about to change it. It's kind of like people who move to a beautiful, wooded setting, and then knock all the trees down! I'm (eventually) moving to rural SC BECAUSE of the way it is, and you'll be hard-pressed to tell me from a native within a few years. So- I think a lot of it is up to the individual.

[Greenville]

Originally Posted by familymom

We are from NJ and Italian. We are pretty easy going people but my husband believes that once we cross into Southern territory we will not fit in.

Any other relocating families from NJ or NY, I would like to hear how it is going and what area you settled in and any regrets?

There are plenty of people in Greenville who are not locals. Should you choose to relocate to Greenville, you can take comfort in the fact that plenty of other Italians from New Jersey preceded you.

I am sure that there are aspects of life in Greenville that are different than what you are accustomed to, but that can be said with any relocation. People in Greenville are generally very pleasant and accommodating. Based on what you said, your husband will likely be very surprised.

Have you had a chance to visit Greenville for yourself?

[roanoker 4]

I was surprised recently on a trip to Wilmington NC how many ex New York Italians have settled in that area. I have a friend that lives on Long Island and almost every other person I met was planning to move there. There must be something in the water over there. Anyway, if you ever feel homesick visit the NC coast sometime! By the way, there was a great Italian market in Wilmington but I forgot the name.

[backtofla]

nc and sc have become very popular among ny and nj natives. dont worry! there are plenty of you all out there!

[NoodlesKnowles]

Originally Posted by familymom

We are from NJ and Italian. We are pretty easy going people but my husband believes that once we cross into Southern territory we will not fit in.

Any other relocating families from NJ or NY, I would like to hear how it is going and what area you settled in and any regrets?

I moved here from rochester, NY just a few short months ago, and I love it. There are tons of transplants here from all over the country, so don't feel like you'd be an outsider here. I thought that originally when all I heard about the south is that they were slower than the north and don't like northerners(yanks), but when I moved here I realized that stereotype is clearly out of date. anyway, all I can say is come for a visit, your first impression will tell you all you need to know, it did for me, hope this helps a little!
on another note, know any Italians chefs looking to open up a nice authentic Italian restaurant? cuz in my opinion we are in dire need down here! I miss the little italian place around the corner from my house in NY, La Trattoria D'Abruzzo with the awesome elderly gentleman(76 years old)Giustino Toppi coming out to my table to make sure the food he prepared was up to par haven't seen anything like that down here, miss it terribly