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So, I live in Maine and I'll be moving down to the Fayetteville, NC area in a couple of months for school and work opportunities. What exactly are the culture/people like down there? I've lived in New England my whole 23 years of life and never actually stepped foot in the state or, well, anywhere in the south for that matter. I don't want to step on any toes right off the get go being a yankee and all. What should I do as a new resident to make sure I'm being respectful of North Carolina/southern culture and fully embracing my new home?
Location: River's Edge Inn, Todd NC, and Lorgues France
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mainerchris
Well hello theyah,
So, I live in Maine and I'll be moving down to the Fayetteville, NC area in a couple of months for school and work opportunities. What exactly are the culture/people like down there? I've lived in New England my whole 23 years of life and never actually stepped foot in the state or, well, anywhere in the south for that matter. I don't want to step on any toes right off the get go being a yankee and all. What should I do as a new resident to make sure I'm being respectful of North Carolina/southern culture and fully embracing my new home?
Fayetteville is the home of Ft. Bragg, a very large military facility, so its a heavily military town, very patriotic, and pro-military. It also has a very large minority population, and overall is relatively low income. It has a reputation as not being a very desirable place to live, although it is getting better.
Last edited by Edward Teach; 08-13-2019 at 06:37 PM..
Fayetteville isn't really the south, to be honest. There's a military base there, so there are all different folks from all over there. The crime is a bit high, well really high. However, there are some nice areas! I've had friends who lived there very happily and who felt very safe.
OK... I am from CT (...and NY and IA and TN), and now live in Durham, not Fayetteville.
Some gentle hints:
1) They know the winters are worse in the North. Honest.
2) You will find that there are some foods you did not know you desperately need that just are not available here, or are done differently. Everyone here is tired of hearing this--- heck, I am tired of hearing MYSELF whine about pizza options. Barbecue is, in many ways a religion. I will never get used to sweet tea.
3) You will find summers hard to deal with. Everyone does.
4) NO ONE, locally-born or refugee from the North, cares how they did things where you came from.
5) Be polite... it is very important here.
6) If you have retained your regional accent (You can tell my ancestors were from Da Bronx) you know how The Shiny Folk think you are a hick from the woods... Just like in Maine, this is not the case. The region is full of sharp, perceptive people.
7) You will most likely need to subscribe to MLB dot com if you are a Sox fan. Not sure about football-- another form of religion here.
Aside from that... after 5 years I am still surprised how nice people are, how competent the governments are compared to New England, and just how many people have moved here from somewhere else. We feel like fools for not moving here sooner.
OK... I am from CT (...and NY and IA and TN), and now live in Durham, not Fayetteville.
Some gentle hints:
1) They know the winters are worse in the North. Honest.
2) You will find that there are some foods you did not know you desperately need that just are not available here, or are done differently. Everyone here is tired of hearing this--- heck, I am tired of hearing MYSELF whine about pizza options. Barbecue is, in many ways a religion. I will never get used to sweet tea.
3) You will find summers hard to deal with. Everyone does.
4) NO ONE, locally-born or refugee from the North, cares how they did things where you came from.
5) Be polite... it is very important here.
6) If you have retained your regional accent (You can tell my ancestors were from Da Bronx) you know how The Shiny Folk think you are a hick from the woods... Just like in Maine, this is not the case. The region is full of sharp, perceptive people.
Aside from that... after 5 years I am still surprised how nice people are, how competent the governments are compared to New England, and just how many people have moved here from somewhere else. We feel like fools for not moving here sooner.
It has a reputation as being a very desirable place to live, although it is getting better.
Pretty sure Edward Teach meant "it has a reputation as NOT being a very desirable place to live". Think of all the stereotypes you have about military towns and it probably fits in. There is some good stuff happening like a long overdue (IMO) minor league ballpark just built downtown, but it is still full of pawn shops and strip clubs, too. There are some good bits in Fayetteville, but overall if you asked most people in North Carolina which of the top 15 or 20 largest cities in the state they would least like to live in, Fayetteville would probably top the list. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it is what it is. You CAN find some good stuff, but you will have to hunt for it a bit more. Good news is that the beach and the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) are easy day trips.
1. 25% of Fayetteville is your shoes. military moves and jobs "mainly" are the impetus. no problem.
2. frequently, you will be asked where you go to church. this will continue for some time.
3. mind your manners. polite to a fault.
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