[bansley]

Hi folks,

I am researching relocation incentive programs and came across Remote Shoals, which offers $10,000 for out-of-state remote workers to move to The Shoals.

I'd love to hear from locals on how this program has been received and viewed within the community.

I'd also love to hear from anyone who has taken advantage of this program! How has it gone, and how are you liking the area?

I would be coming in as a left-of-liberal atheist from Seattle, so I certainly expect some culture shock! That said, I actually grew up in Decatur, AL and Oklahoma, so the South is not exactly strange terrain for me. I am quickly getting priced out of Seattle, my priorities have shifted over the years, and I find myself longing to be a part of a community.

I appreciate any input!

[harry chickpea]

Vermont has a similar program. I'm not terribly impressed by any of them. $10K barely covers the costs of moving, especially from such a distance, and if you find it is not a fit, the financials look even worse.

Left of liberal is going to ostracize you from most groups. Atheists are better tolerated. I have a left of liberal friend in Vermont who came to visit, and he stated that he would NEVER consider living in Alabama. Even middle of the road centrists are viewed with suspicion.

If you want to get a feel for the attitudes in the Shoals, wander over to www.courierjournal.net (the local pennysaver free classified paper) and read a few of the letters to the editor and editorials.

I'm not sure where you will find "left of liberal" groups and areas of low taxation and rural living. The two are generally mutually exclusive.

[GreggT]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

I'm not sure where you will find "left of liberal" groups and areas of low taxation and rural living. The two are generally mutually exclusive.

Very true, "Left of Liberal" and low taxation don't go hand in hand. You can look at a voting map, rural areas are overwhelmingly red.

[bansley]

I appreciate the input so far!

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

Left of liberal is going to ostracize you from most groups. Atheists are better tolerated.

If you want to get a feel for the attitudes in the Shoals, wander over to www.courierjournal.net (the local pennysaver free classified paper) and read a few of the letters to the editor and editorials.

I am relieved to hear that there is some tolerance for atheism, and totally understand that my politics aren't going to be mirrored there. My main concern is being welcomed despite that, and being able to make genuine connections.

The Pennysaver is a great resource, thank you!

[GreggT]

Originally Posted by bansley

I appreciate the input so far!



I am relieved to hear that there is some tolerance for atheism, and totally understand that my politics aren't going to be mirrored there. My main concern is being welcomed despite that, and being able to make genuine connections.

The Pennysaver is a great resource, thank you!

I don't think that would be an issue anywhere in Alabama, we are years past that.

[Southern man]

Its going to be hot, humid , people will talk slow, the culture will be very different from Wa. You won’t like the way business is conducted, they will drive cars different, you will have to own a car, there won’t be any local transportation, you will occasionally see a Confederate flag/statue/street name. But heck come on down.

[johnsonkk]

Florence and Shoals got a renewed airline awarded as part of federal contract. It was another company but will now be Contour airlines to ferry passengers to/from Charlotte, NC. Think of it as a small America airlines. Commuter that makes a few daily trips. The federal govt pays the airline $200 per passenger and it will be 10-20 person planes. A few municipal airports get federal reimbursement to ferry passengers to first leg of a major airline hub. Service will start in early March and bookings can be made today.

https://whnt.com/news/shoals/new-air...hwest-alabama/