[Riley.]

I tend to disagree that town meeting offers the opportunity to 'discuss' issues. As I mentioned, you can't discuss pressing concerns in a 5 hour meeting that combines both the town and school budget and other matters, especially when there is always someone who moves to 'cease debate.' And it's not really a debate, it's someone voicing their opinion. My perception now is that if a person really wanted to be fully informed on all issues in town, they would need to attend select board AND school board meetings regularly (since we are not well informed by either body). And since you only get 100+ people showing up for the meeting (in a town of 1000 voters) you are not hearing everyone's concerns. (That said, there are many in town who 'trust' that other voters who share their views will vote 'for them.')
We've tried reaching out to see if switching the date or time would be acceptable, but that has been resisted thus far. People work, have kids with activities, etc, and no one appears interested in giving up their Saturday to participate in democracy
Town meeting is a quaint anachronism.

[cgregor]

As you've pointed out, democracy is actually a lot of work, pamjedlicka. We generally are not educated to participate in it.

[OutdoorLover]

I visited the Research Triangle area about 15 years ago. The people in the company I visited were fine - but those were PhDs, from around the world, working in a multinational corporation with a big site there, so, well-educated, open-minded people who were doing well in their careers. On the other hand, I had lunch in a small town cafe' and I was really surprised and taken aback by the hostility from the true locals down there, when they heard my northern speech - it felt a little like I had been dropped into a bad movie to me.

[cgregor]

To understand them, read Joe Pageant's Deer Hunting with Jesus. He points out how unconscious they, the people he grew up with, are totally screwed by their own culture.

[wantastiquet]

Moved from Brattleboro, VT to Asheville, NC.

[DC Fairwinds]

Originally Posted by wantastiquet

Moved from Brattleboro, VT to Asheville, NC.

How do you like it down there? How differe t is the lifestyle?

[tallydude02]

Originally Posted by OutdoorLover

I visited the Research Triangle area about 15 years ago. The people in the company I visited were fine - but those were PhDs, from around the world, working in a multinational corporation with a big site there, so, well-educated, open-minded people who were doing well in their careers. On the other hand, I had lunch in a small town cafe' and I was really surprised and taken aback by the hostility from the true locals down there, when they heard my northern speech - it felt a little like I had been dropped into a bad movie to me.

There was a forum member on here several years ago who is no longer active who commented that she felt her Long Island accent caused some rift with some of the natives and possibly limited her job prospects. I believe she lived over near St. Johnsbury but I'm not sure.

I also had a friend who from southwestern PA to Bridgeport, CT for a job back in the 1980's and he felt like people treated him differently because of this accent, which reportedly sounded southern to them.

My cousin moved down to the Triangle in 1998 from Pittsburgh and had no problems. She has since married then and they frequently vacation in the western NC mountains and found the people decent overall. Are there idiots out there who hate anything different? For sure, but they are certainly not confined to one area.

[BLISSLIGHTJOY]

I grew up in the Charlotte area of North Carolina, went to grad school in Chapel Hill, and lived in Asheville for seven years prior to moving to Vermont in 2014. Happy to answer any specific questions.

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

Originally Posted by BLISSLIGHTJOY

I grew up in the Charlotte area of North Carolina, went to grad school in Chapel Hill, and lived in Asheville for seven years prior to moving to Vermont in 2014. Happy to answer any specific questions.

Hi BLISSLIGHTJOY. My family is thinking of moving to a mountain area. We're trying to decide between northern or southern mountains right now. It would be great to hear your thoughts on how WNC compares to Vermont as far as community feel (I've heard people describe Asheville as "transient." We're looking for a place we can really get involved in the community, put down roots, etc.), friendliness of people, natural beauty, ability to be outdoors all year round (and how much people actually ARE outdoors all year round), hiking opportunities and anything else you care to include (general opinion on which area you like better and why would be great, too). You can PM me if you feel more comfortable. Thank you for the help.

[cgregor]

I have relatives living about 40 miles outside Asheville. First rule: Live above 3,500 feetnto avoid the Southern humidity. Second: check to see what percentage of your targeted town are from elsewhere. A lot of "Floridiots" (as my relatives called themselves when they moved) are changing the local spirit (much of it for the better in their town, in my opinion; the good old boy network is starting to crumble). Third rule: sell your skis and snowshoes.