The great culture shock

[SmokyMtnGal]

Originally Posted by beachbyrd

Hi, my name is Robin, and I'm a Food Network addict.

Our daughter (until they just changed it from 8 to 9pm) used to settle down for bed to Emeril......Yikes! I am seriously addicted.

Ah, I thought I felt a kindred soul

[Jammin4]

I moved here to retire because housing is much less expensive then in MD. HOWEVER, nothing else is!! I was exclaiming to a salesperson the other day as to something being so expensive and her reply was "well.. this is considered a retirement area." Speaking from experience I can say that being on a fixed income is not peaches and cream!! Everything here in TN is just as pricey as MD right outside of DC EXCEPT housing and the hair salon. Come prepared!! It is beautiful and I love the rural aura. I have no sidewalk on my street and just around the corner is country. The cultural diversity is gone and that seems a bit strange, but it is so peaceful!!! I am grateful. My only gripe is that it's growing fast and so is the traffic!!!

Another thing no one told me...I have to travel to Harriman to buy wine. Cumberland County is dry except for beer and coolers which you can buy in the grocery stores. But I now have a stash of my Mogen David Blackberry Wine that will last me at least half a year. There are wineries, but they're way too expensive ($17 for a small bottle). The closest Great Harvest Bread Company is Cookeville...38 miles away. Also worth the trip. I just buy a 3 month supply and freeze it. Anything you can't find close by, you can order on line...except alcohol that is.

[Bones]

Originally Posted by Jammin4

Another thing no one told me...I have to travel to Harriman to buy wine. .

Guess you'll have to see the "wine lady" in Crossville.....

[SolorzanoAssociates]

I agree with you but as the outsider coming from Miami FL, I also disagree. I understand most locals anywhere aren't to open with newcomers in their little rural towns, thus shunning as you mentioned. Luckily our neighbors have all come and introduced themselves (except for 1). Therefore I didn't see this on my little street, where as I did in town. Anyhow, I think we are all human regardless of our upbringing, whether you like it fried or grilled. And as the smartest beings in the world, you would think the locals would find it in their hearts as they preach in church to be more welcoming. Transition is hard enough let alone not feeling welcome and serenity in your new world. Unfortunately, many from South FLorida (like us), had to move because we could not truly afford to live there much longer, and that alone is very sad. Many locals know that life is inexpensive here for most newcomers vs their home states, therefore should feel sorrow for those who have had to move to have a much more tranquil life. And bottom line is we all want a peaceful and tranquil life and place to live. To live somewhere you can relax! Life is to short to be worrying about bills, taxes, etc. all the time. I was taught to be courteous and never judge, regardless of race, culture, and or religion and to be grateful for what I have. Therefore many who are lucky enough to be the locals and not the newcomers should be grateful at the fact that they did not have to adjust their entire world to have peace of mind!

[Lake.Lady]

New kid on the block here! I moved here from the west coast and have had no trouble what-so-ever in adjusting to the laid back ways of Tennessee. I love it here and wouldn't return there for love or money!! I couldn't begin to tell you how nice it was to slow down in everything I do.......and, I didn't move here because it was cheaper (even though it is) but because I loved it so much from the time I lived here back in 1972 (yes, I'm old!) when my ex was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. I didn't come here trying to change 'here' but to enjoy all that is offered in this beautiful state,

Just thought I'd let ya know that not all transplants want to change things. Some of us moved here 'for the change'

[Sniper]

Originally Posted by SolorzanoAssociates

I agree with you but as the outsider coming from Miami FL, I also disagree. I understand most locals anywhere aren't to open with newcomers in their little rural towns, thus shunning as you mentioned. Luckily our neighbors have all come and introduced themselves (except for 1). Therefore I didn't see this on my little street, where as I did in town. Anyhow, I think we are all human regardless of our upbringing, whether you like it fried or grilled. And as the smartest beings in the world, you would think the locals would find it in their hearts as they preach in church to be more welcoming. Transition is hard enough let alone not feeling welcome and serenity in your new world. Unfortunately, many from South FLorida (like us), had to move because we could not truly afford to live there much longer, and that alone is very sad. Many locals know that life is inexpensive here for most newcomers vs their home states, therefore should feel sorrow for those who have had to move to have a much more tranquil life. And bottom line is we all want a peaceful and tranquil life and place to live. To live somewhere you can relax! Life is to short to be worrying about bills, taxes, etc. all the time. I was taught to be courteous and never judge, regardless of race, culture, and or religion and to be grateful for what I have. Therefore many who are lucky enough to be the locals and not the newcomers should be grateful at the fact that they did not have to adjust their entire world to have peace of mind!

Wow! From my perspective, this was EXTREMELY well written!!! Thank you for conveying your sentiment. Being from Miami, this hits very close to home.

[Pam& Bill]

TnHilltopper,
What a super essay. I'm sorry I missed it the first time around!
Sorzano Assoc. great points and I agree.
Pam