Relocating to the Deep South
Nov 18th, 2015, 09:24 AM
#42
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OP posted on the evening of the 16th, then came back to weigh in on all of the answers on the afternoon of the 17th. It is now barely past noon (my time) on the 18th - it is probably not accurate to say the OP has abandoned the topic at this point.
As for the original topics - go for it. I moved from Wisconsin to the Mississippi Gulf Coast 20 years ago and my only prior visit was a drive through and stop at the beach for a couple hours. You may have issues finding housing without a job, I had to have someone co-sign the lease in order to make it work, then found a job within a couple weeks.
Quite unexpectedly, I liked the summers far more than the winters. Even though summer was hot and humid, at least it was consistent and one could adjust to it. Up north, the temp/humidity varies so much from day to day and week to week that the hot/humid spells are brutal, but down there it didn't seem so bad. Winter on the other hand kind of sucked - not warm enough for summer activities but not cold enough for winter stuff, so it seemed like a perpetual late fall to me.
As for location, I'm surprised you listed Mississippi and Georgia but skipped right over Alabama. Have you looked at Mobile, Montgomery or Birmingham? What about Jackson, Oxford or Hattiesburg in Mississippi?
As for the original topics - go for it. I moved from Wisconsin to the Mississippi Gulf Coast 20 years ago and my only prior visit was a drive through and stop at the beach for a couple hours. You may have issues finding housing without a job, I had to have someone co-sign the lease in order to make it work, then found a job within a couple weeks.
Quite unexpectedly, I liked the summers far more than the winters. Even though summer was hot and humid, at least it was consistent and one could adjust to it. Up north, the temp/humidity varies so much from day to day and week to week that the hot/humid spells are brutal, but down there it didn't seem so bad. Winter on the other hand kind of sucked - not warm enough for summer activities but not cold enough for winter stuff, so it seemed like a perpetual late fall to me.
As for location, I'm surprised you listed Mississippi and Georgia but skipped right over Alabama. Have you looked at Mobile, Montgomery or Birmingham? What about Jackson, Oxford or Hattiesburg in Mississippi?
Nov 18th, 2015, 12:03 PM
#43
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I'm sorry obxgirl but what? I have done extensive research on the "Deep South," far beyond just "hitting return." My background in Healthcare as a critical care technician means I get can get a job in about fifteen different areas including animal medicine which is what I ended up doing in Chicago. I have lived in Upstate New York, Tel Aviv, Boston, Chicago and Maine in my 31 years. I anticipate in ten years from now looking back and having added several cities and states. A cavalier attitude about employment doesn't speak to someone's preparedness.
I am currently employed which means when I'm in the hospital I'm not able to respond immediately. Lack of being led into a confrontation also is not an indication of my drive to move to the Deep South. I penned my original question because part of my Chicago experience was the lesson that I SHOULD do a bit more research before just up and moving. Aside from online research I decided to reach out to strangers... who I find will give you the most honest advice than family who, at least in my case, wish for me to stay close.
I am treating this move the way one treats backpacking through Europe. Most people have never been there... they talk to people, do the research they can, pack as best they can and then go. I have meticulously set aside money to be able to support myself in the event I can not find employment and should I hate the deep south or be unhappy with my decision I move back home with my family. I have zero to lose. Just because someone is able to live a different lifestyle or has been more financially responsible or is willing to take more risks doesn't mean anything bad. It means they're different from you. And that's okay.
And that's okay if I romanticized the south and my ideas of living near big plantation homes or enjoying southern hospitality. I would rather live there and see for myself.
Big town vs small town if I had to answer honestly I would probably prefer a smaller town within an hour or so commute to a city. The best of all words. To those who have answered my questions honestly and sincerely, I am very grateful. It is this hospitality and kindness that keeps the dreams of someone like me going. Thank you!
I am currently employed which means when I'm in the hospital I'm not able to respond immediately. Lack of being led into a confrontation also is not an indication of my drive to move to the Deep South. I penned my original question because part of my Chicago experience was the lesson that I SHOULD do a bit more research before just up and moving. Aside from online research I decided to reach out to strangers... who I find will give you the most honest advice than family who, at least in my case, wish for me to stay close.
I am treating this move the way one treats backpacking through Europe. Most people have never been there... they talk to people, do the research they can, pack as best they can and then go. I have meticulously set aside money to be able to support myself in the event I can not find employment and should I hate the deep south or be unhappy with my decision I move back home with my family. I have zero to lose. Just because someone is able to live a different lifestyle or has been more financially responsible or is willing to take more risks doesn't mean anything bad. It means they're different from you. And that's okay.
And that's okay if I romanticized the south and my ideas of living near big plantation homes or enjoying southern hospitality. I would rather live there and see for myself.
Big town vs small town if I had to answer honestly I would probably prefer a smaller town within an hour or so commute to a city. The best of all words. To those who have answered my questions honestly and sincerely, I am very grateful. It is this hospitality and kindness that keeps the dreams of someone like me going. Thank you!
Nov 18th, 2015, 01:00 PM
#44
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Are you Catholic? Don't advertise it. Are you Jewish? Don't advertise that either? Yes, I've been to the deep south (Georgia, and not collegy Athens). My ex boyfriend was Catholic and born and raised in North Carolina. He said he was looked at as badly as if he had been Jewish.
Nov 18th, 2015, 02:30 PM
#48
Here are some options with multiple locations -
Check out the hospitals AND the clinics -
http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/locations/index.html
http://www.piedmont.org/locations/locations-map
Emory and Piedmont are (IMO) the top hospitals in the state and they have smaller hospitals in smaller towns. See the varied locations. For years, NE GA has been a top hospital and they just opened a 2nd location in Braselton -
http://www.nghs.com/get-directions/
Gainesville is at the foothills of the north GA mountains and near Lake Lanier. Braselton is one of the fastest growing exurbs which was "country" a few years ago. Piedmont Newton is close to I think what you are imagining when you think of "plantation" country with Covington, Madison and Social Circle. Newnan might be a good fit too. Honestly, the majority of the smaller hospitals would be a good fit with only local commutes needed. If you go to one of the intown hospitals, you should live intown because Atlanta traffic is horrible.
In the NC mountains there are a lot of want ad listings for Highlands NC - which is a gorgeous little town in a gorgeous location. I don't know much about the quality of the hospital but I would guess it is high because a lot of semi-retired Atlanta doctors move their practice to the mountains.
http://www.mission-health.org/about-...s-hospital.php
Good luck and good for you!
Check out the hospitals AND the clinics -
http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/locations/index.html
http://www.piedmont.org/locations/locations-map
Emory and Piedmont are (IMO) the top hospitals in the state and they have smaller hospitals in smaller towns. See the varied locations. For years, NE GA has been a top hospital and they just opened a 2nd location in Braselton -
http://www.nghs.com/get-directions/
Gainesville is at the foothills of the north GA mountains and near Lake Lanier. Braselton is one of the fastest growing exurbs which was "country" a few years ago. Piedmont Newton is close to I think what you are imagining when you think of "plantation" country with Covington, Madison and Social Circle. Newnan might be a good fit too. Honestly, the majority of the smaller hospitals would be a good fit with only local commutes needed. If you go to one of the intown hospitals, you should live intown because Atlanta traffic is horrible.
In the NC mountains there are a lot of want ad listings for Highlands NC - which is a gorgeous little town in a gorgeous location. I don't know much about the quality of the hospital but I would guess it is high because a lot of semi-retired Atlanta doctors move their practice to the mountains.
http://www.mission-health.org/about-...s-hospital.php
Good luck and good for you!
Nov 18th, 2015, 04:36 PM
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"Are you Catholic? Don't advertise it. Are you Jewish? Don't advertise that either? Yes, I've been to the deep south (Georgia, and not collegy Athens). My ex boyfriend was Catholic and born and raised in North Carolina. He said he was looked at as badly as if he had been Jewish."
Dumb dumb dumb
Dumb dumb dumb
Nov 19th, 2015, 05:53 AM
#51
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Gretchen - Dumb dumb dumb? Are you talking about the Deep South, oh no, it must be me who's dumb.
Well, that's my experience, perhaps not yours, and that of people I know who are from the area. Perhaps not Chapel Hill, a college town; or Asheville, a haven for retirees and artsy types. Went to visit my hubby's aunt in Asheville. The first billboard we saw as we got on the road from the airport was advertising guns.
Well, that's my experience, perhaps not yours, and that of people I know who are from the area. Perhaps not Chapel Hill, a college town; or Asheville, a haven for retirees and artsy types. Went to visit my hubby's aunt in Asheville. The first billboard we saw as we got on the road from the airport was advertising guns.
Nov 19th, 2015, 10:26 AM
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I'll admit the deep South doesn't attract me at all for many reasons, but I did read an article recently about some man who relocated to Mississippi and liked it. I think it was this, worth reading http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/exp...est-state.html
I have been to Arkansas on business and maybe could live there, but that isn't the deep south, I suppose. Mary Steenburgen likes it, she's from there http://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/mar...nt?oid=3850231
I work in health insurance and general health policy, and I would think you'd want a big city for the kind of healthcare job you seek, of course. But I personally wouldn't move to a state with certain politics that refuse to enact ACA or expand Medicaid due to that. Something to think about (perhaps, unless you like that). Also, LA, AR and MS are three of the highest poverty-level states in the US (followed by SC, AL and GA). The only one of those states implementing Medicaid expansion under ACA is Arkansas.
I have been to Arkansas on business and maybe could live there, but that isn't the deep south, I suppose. Mary Steenburgen likes it, she's from there http://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/mar...nt?oid=3850231
I work in health insurance and general health policy, and I would think you'd want a big city for the kind of healthcare job you seek, of course. But I personally wouldn't move to a state with certain politics that refuse to enact ACA or expand Medicaid due to that. Something to think about (perhaps, unless you like that). Also, LA, AR and MS are three of the highest poverty-level states in the US (followed by SC, AL and GA). The only one of those states implementing Medicaid expansion under ACA is Arkansas.
Nov 19th, 2015, 10:32 AM
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The first billboard we saw as we got on the road from the airport was advertising guns.
Talk about red herrings!!
And my experience is 50 years of living in Charlotte where our very liberal Baptist church gave space for Temple Beth Shalom to begin their congregation in a room we still call Shalom Hall--that was 25 years ago. They are now a well established reform congregation in the very active Jewish Community Center park--also open to all to be involved in an incredible array of family activities, plus another temple, Temple Israel.
Your post is absolutely a slap in the face and DOES say a lot about you as a bigot and hatemonger, with little or no information. That would be IMO.
There really is room for all in our world, south or north.
Talk about red herrings!!
And my experience is 50 years of living in Charlotte where our very liberal Baptist church gave space for Temple Beth Shalom to begin their congregation in a room we still call Shalom Hall--that was 25 years ago. They are now a well established reform congregation in the very active Jewish Community Center park--also open to all to be involved in an incredible array of family activities, plus another temple, Temple Israel.
Your post is absolutely a slap in the face and DOES say a lot about you as a bigot and hatemonger, with little or no information. That would be IMO.
There really is room for all in our world, south or north.
Nov 19th, 2015, 10:46 AM
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I certainly hope the OP is careful about how he discusses his many moves around the world with potential employers. Why would they hire someone who will likely pick up an move when "the wind calls?"
Nov 19th, 2015, 11:03 AM
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Lilah--there lots of smaller towns within an hour's commute from Atlanta and Atlanta is full of hospitals and medical practices.
But Atlanta is NOT the Deep South, even though it is located in the Deep South. It's a major city with a real arts and music community, great restaurants, large (and vocal) gay community, and churches, synagogues and mosques for every religious denomination. Even Scientology Centers and a Mormon community. While religion is important to most of us, most of us are pretty tolerant of others.
The only problem with Atlanta is that once you get here, you won't want to leave, so that might spoil your vision of living in a number or different cities.
But Atlanta is NOT the Deep South, even though it is located in the Deep South. It's a major city with a real arts and music community, great restaurants, large (and vocal) gay community, and churches, synagogues and mosques for every religious denomination. Even Scientology Centers and a Mormon community. While religion is important to most of us, most of us are pretty tolerant of others.
The only problem with Atlanta is that once you get here, you won't want to leave, so that might spoil your vision of living in a number or different cities.
Nov 19th, 2015, 11:15 AM
#60
"But Atlanta is NOT the Deep South, even though it is located in the Deep South."
That makes zero sense.
As I said earlier, folks are tossing out comments based on different definitions of the same term.
For the OP, it's a positive definition.
Some from Wiki -
"The Deep South is a descriptive category of the cultural and geographic subregions in the Southern United States. Historically, it is differentiated from the "Upper South" as being the states most dependent on plantation-type agriculture and slavery during the pre–Civil War period. The Deep South was also commonly referred to as the Lower South or the Cotton States.[1][2]
...Today, the Deep South is usually delineated as being those states and areas where cultural elements most often thought of as "Southern" exist in their most concentrated form.[3]
...Though often used in history books to refer to the seven states that originally formed the Confederacy, the term "Deep South" did not come into general usage until long after the Civil War ended. Up until that time, "Lower South" was the primary designation for those states. When "Deep South" first began to gain mainstream currency in print in the middle of the 20th century, it applied to the states and areas of East Texas, Mississippi, north Louisiana, southern Alabama and Georgia, and Florida. This was the part of the South many considered the "most Southern".[8]
Later, the general definition expanded to include all of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, often taking in bordering areas of East Texas and North Florida. In its broadest application today, the Deep South is considered to be "an area roughly coextensive with the old cotton belt from eastern North Carolina through South Carolina west into East Texas, with extensions north and south along the Mississippi".[3]
That makes zero sense.
As I said earlier, folks are tossing out comments based on different definitions of the same term.
For the OP, it's a positive definition.
Some from Wiki -
"The Deep South is a descriptive category of the cultural and geographic subregions in the Southern United States. Historically, it is differentiated from the "Upper South" as being the states most dependent on plantation-type agriculture and slavery during the pre–Civil War period. The Deep South was also commonly referred to as the Lower South or the Cotton States.[1][2]
...Today, the Deep South is usually delineated as being those states and areas where cultural elements most often thought of as "Southern" exist in their most concentrated form.[3]
...Though often used in history books to refer to the seven states that originally formed the Confederacy, the term "Deep South" did not come into general usage until long after the Civil War ended. Up until that time, "Lower South" was the primary designation for those states. When "Deep South" first began to gain mainstream currency in print in the middle of the 20th century, it applied to the states and areas of East Texas, Mississippi, north Louisiana, southern Alabama and Georgia, and Florida. This was the part of the South many considered the "most Southern".[8]
Later, the general definition expanded to include all of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, often taking in bordering areas of East Texas and North Florida. In its broadest application today, the Deep South is considered to be "an area roughly coextensive with the old cotton belt from eastern North Carolina through South Carolina west into East Texas, with extensions north and south along the Mississippi".[3]
