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But there are literally 100's of "Mayberry-types" in Ohio. Between the 6 or 7 large cities is a WHOOOOLE bunch of farmland. And it's all dotted with tiny little towns.
This is the one strong selling point about Ohio. Small town charm (depending on the part of the state. Some of this also could mean "rural poverty" if you are in appalachian Ohio).
Arab Alabama sure is close. You have main street stores downtown, everyone knows everyone. Large city is only 30 minutes drive. We have about 7500 people and have everything we need here. Love it here and can not see myself anywhere else.
Mayberry does exist.......in just about every flyover state in the union outside of major cities. The problems start, however, just about the time you hit town. If you want to be a mayberrian, you have to try to "fit in." Trust me, it's harder than it looks. I say this having watched californian after californian come here only to end up being totally miserable.
Yes, the Mayberry exists both in mind and as a tangible place. Its Bedford, VA. Nice old fashioned downtown, hardware store with creaky wooden floors, and oh, what kind folks everywhere! Moved here 8 years ago from snobby CT.. this really is real McCoy!
Shux, where I live it's smaller than Mayberry!
The sheriff lives here but has to commute 38 miles to the county seat (pop 2800)to his office. We have a population of 145. They changed the sign when we moved in. We have the area high school, a post office, a feed and seed store, a gas station that sells propane too, a garage, a hardware store, and a bar/restaurant. Everyone works - no one is laying about in front of the gas station or bar all livelong day to chat with passerby. You can meet friends at the weekly Sunday brunch, the ice cream socials, the BBQs, the cattle brandings, the 'smokers' (poker and blackjack and supper buffet), or the annual rodeo. Everyone makes quilts and pies, or cans vegies for the county fair; all the kids show their animals there - from bunnies to calves. There is no personal injury or property crime.
My son keeps telling me to watch the cornfield in case children start coming out of it... it is so quiet and "nice" it spooks him.
Mayberry does exist.......in just about every flyover state in the union outside of major cities. The problems start, however, just about the time you hit town. If you want to be a mayberrian, you have to try to "fit in." Trust me, it's harder than it looks. I say this having watched californian after californian come here only to end up being totally miserable.
Realize this is an old post, but as a big city Californian who sometimes does consider a move to a very small town, I'm curious why you (or anyone who agrees with you) think(s) this is?
Location: Oklahoma(formerly SoCalif) Originally Mich,
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Humble
Realize this is an old post, but as a big city Californian who sometimes does consider a move to a very small town, I'm curious why you (or anyone who agrees with you) think(s) this is?
I lived in SoCal for 36 yr's before moving to a small town in Oklahoma.
I can fit into any small town, and the simple reason is, I was raised on a Dairy Farm in Mi. But the main reason is:
I may have left the country for all those yr's, but the country never left me.
Realize this is an old post, but as a big city Californian who sometimes does consider a move to a very small town, I'm curious why you (or anyone who agrees with you) think(s) this is?
We moved from SC to NE 3 years ago.
They say it takes 20 years here to be considered a local. It's pretty much true.
BUT...
We didn't come here to change things. We don't tell other people how to live, or ever even imply that they do things 'wrong' - because we don't feel or think that they do. We ARE different; we have what they call 'round here "miniature cows" (Dexters) instead of the big Angus. We have chickens and we keep them in a coop and a pen instead of free-range. We have a garden where I put down garden cloth so I don't have to hack weeds all summer. We have 60 acres as opposed to hundreds. We are friendly but do our own thing on our own property. We sell eggs in the winter when locals can't get to the store - $1 a dozen. DH has a shop where he works on small engines and woodworking repairs for our neighbors. We respect and listen to other people's rights, boundaries, and opinions while not offering our own. We enjoy the folks around us and participate in the organizations, but do not try to lead anyone or anything.
We didn't come here to show or tell others how to do things; we came here to do our own thing, and we make as much fun of ourselves as the locals do. So while we are still 'furriners' with funny ideas and funny ways of doing things, we are happy and comfortable where we are and with ourselves and what we do.
From what I've seen, most folks move to places with expectations; they expect the people to like, admire, respect, and listen to them. They expect the area to cater to THEM, not the other way around. They expect people to listen to them endlessly expound on their own beliefs and experiences. These people are frequently completely surprised, some even angry and resentful, when that doesn't happen.
We came here with no expectations from others, only from ourselves - to be able to finally do what we've always dreamed of doing, in a place where people leave us alone. In that respect, this place really IS Mayberry - as long as you aren't bothering others with your expectations and demands, people are warm, friendly, open, welcoming, and fun.
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and Otis Campbell at night!
