Thinking of moving to Nashville (or other areas in the SE) - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

mfh · 09-12-2007, 10:07 PM

Okay y'all (hehe).

Not to sound like a downer, but I'm kind of miserable. I've grown up in California and as much as I like it, I'm looking for a change of pace for a couple of years. I've spent the last 10 years in SD, LA, and SF. Big city life has got me down.

The draw of inexpensive (relatvely) living, good bbq, friendly people, and driving my car down twisty woodland roads is very, very appealing.

A friend of mine and I are thinking of moving to the Nashville area. A couple of questions:

1) I'm asian (ethnically chinese) and my friend is jewish. We are not fobs or israeli and do not speak with accents, and are 100% california kids. I know this may be a stereotype, but as minorities it's an honest concern - What kind of racial resistance are we going to meet in the southeast? I'm not just talking about blatant racism, but really subtle stuff too. We'll both be 24 if/when we move.

2) Is Jack Daniels cheaper there? LOL

DaveOrion · 09-12-2007, 11:29 PM

The racial resistance in Nashville & the surrounding area is non-existant compared to California. I've never lived in CA, but I know several people that moved here from different parts of CA, and they said it was horrible out there. One was a single white mom with a mixed child who said she just couldnt take the racist comments & intolerance anymore. Another couple moved here because of similar problems you've spoken of, overpopulation, cost of living, racial intolerance and so on. They opened their own business here, and are loving the TN lifestyle.

Jack Daniels and cigs are cheaper here

....we also have a fine selection of homegrown herbs.....

I've also noticed alot of people moved here from northern states, Michigan and surrounding states. The collapse of the manufacturing jobs in Detroit may have something to do with this, many company's have moved to the sunbelt, not just auto co's, but tech co's too, cheaper labor may be a motivating factor as well.

Unfortunately the good ole boy network still thrives, I tend to stay clear of that, so I'm sure you can too.

Plan9 · 09-13-2007, 02:34 AM

Columbia, SC

Pretty much the most amazing place I've ever lived. Inexpensive to live there. Superb suburban playground for adults.

ShaniFaye · 09-13-2007, 03:19 AM

If you want to be somewhere, where there is always something going on as well as a huge mix of people, the suburbs of Atlanta (and I do mean the suburbs, not the city itself) is a great place to be. Depending on the metro area you pick, you are anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour away from the mtns and 3-4 hours away from some beaches.

If I have my choice I'd live in western NC, but then Im at an age where being close to lots of stuff to do isnt my thing anymore...I want to be holed up in the woods in a cabin and never have to drive again lol

pig · 09-13-2007, 03:43 AM

i think you'll find that people become less racially tolerant the further you go from cities and/or universities. it's very rarely as bad as the stereotypes go, and when it IS that bad...well, you could hit that almost anywhere.

tecoyah · 09-13-2007, 04:16 AM

I too, am a Cali bred eclectic. I know what you speak of, as the California City life lost its appeal for me years ago. I now live in Louisville , KY and absolutely love this place. As for racial distraction, I don't see it here but being a white boy I am somewhat unqualified to judge. The nightlife, and for that matter daylife is far more relaxed and welcoming without a doubt, and people here actually smile, say hello to strangers, and care about the community.
I cant even express how happy I am to be out of California, and its made clear to me every time I visit family in San Diego.

DaveOrion · 09-13-2007, 04:48 AM

You're right tec, people actually wave too!!

I met some people from NYC one time, who'd come down to visit relatives and they thought it was so strange that people waved at you!!

Midnight · 09-13-2007, 05:03 AM

I dunno... if you want some very very nice people and some lovely scenery and arent afraid of a little snow - Pittsburgh is always a treat. Enough diversity so that no one bothers anyone, everyone's always got a smile and a hello for you, and you'll make a lot of friends simply by NOT sounding like a pittsburgher - they seem to have an intense curiosity for people that dont sound like them and will stop you in line in a deli or bakery as you finish ordering to ask you where you're from, and give you suggestions as to what you should see and where you should go while you are visiting, or if you are new to the area they will ask you what all you've seen yet and suggest other places depending on what you like. It's not the SOUTHeast, but its a damn fine place to live. (city or burbs)

Grancey · 09-13-2007, 10:59 AM

Nashville is a great place to visit, and probably a great place to live as well. You'll be far enough away from the big-city life to be able to breathe, but not so deep into the "southern" life that you think you've been transported back in time. Having been born and raised in the south, my favorite areas to visit are eastern TN and western NC. In Nashville you'll be close enough to the mountains for many road trips. Also, visit Memphis and see Graceland. Visit the coast and an amazing seashore, NC, GA and FL. There is so much to do, and it's very easy to get around. As for racial resistance? Neh. Most of that is myth anyway. I experienced more resistance as a southerner living in Iowa for a while than I see in the south. It makes the south look evil and backwards to say we hate, and people get a kick out of saying that about people here. When you do get into the areas away from Nashville and walk into a roadside BBQ joint just be prepared. People will stop talking and stare. This does not happen because of how you are perceived. This happens because everyone in the BBQ joint knows everyone else, they don't know you and you will be the next topic of conversation after you leave. It happens to us all the time when we travel. No biggie. Just remember to say thank you to your waiters, waitresses and anyone you are dealing with. That means more that you will ever know.

DaveOrion · 09-13-2007, 11:47 AM

After living in FL, NC, LA, TX, WV, and TN, I can safely say that those pesky deliverance type events are rare.

09-12-2007, 10:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
mfh Upright Location: San Francisco	Thinking of moving to Nashville (or other areas in the SE) Okay y'all (hehe). Not to sound like a downer, but I'm kind of miserable. I've grown up in California and as much as I like it, I'm looking for a change of pace for a couple of years. I've spent the last 10 years in SD, LA, and SF. Big city life has got me down. The draw of inexpensive (relatvely) living, good bbq, friendly people, and driving my car down twisty woodland roads is very, very appealing. A friend of mine and I are thinking of moving to the Nashville area. A couple of questions: 1) I'm asian (ethnically chinese) and my friend is jewish. We are not fobs or israeli and do not speak with accents, and are 100% california kids. I know this may be a stereotype, but as minorities it's an honest concern - What kind of racial resistance are we going to meet in the southeast? I'm not just talking about blatant racism, but really subtle stuff too. We'll both be 24 if/when we move. 2) Is Jack Daniels cheaper there? LOL __________________ mike

09-12-2007, 11:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
DaveOrion Playing With Fire Location: Disaster Area	The racial resistance in Nashville & the surrounding area is non-existant compared to California. I've never lived in CA, but I know several people that moved here from different parts of CA, and they said it was horrible out there. One was a single white mom with a mixed child who said she just couldnt take the racist comments & intolerance anymore. Another couple moved here because of similar problems you've spoken of, overpopulation, cost of living, racial intolerance and so on. They opened their own business here, and are loving the TN lifestyle. Jack Daniels and cigs are cheaper here ....we also have a fine selection of homegrown herbs..... I've also noticed alot of people moved here from northern states, Michigan and surrounding states. The collapse of the manufacturing jobs in Detroit may have something to do with this, many company's have moved to the sunbelt, not just auto co's, but tech co's too, cheaper labor may be a motivating factor as well. Unfortunately the good ole boy network still thrives, I tend to stay clear of that, so I'm sure you can too. __________________ *Syriana*...have you ever tried liquid MDMA?....Liquid MDMA? No....Arash, when you wanna do this?.....After prayer...

09-13-2007, 02:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	Columbia, SC Pretty much the most amazing place I've ever lived. Inexpensive to live there. Superb suburban playground for adults. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

09-13-2007, 03:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	If you want to be somewhere, where there is always something going on as well as a huge mix of people, the suburbs of Atlanta (and I do mean the suburbs, not the city itself) is a great place to be. Depending on the metro area you pick, you are anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour away from the mtns and 3-4 hours away from some beaches. If I have my choice I'd live in western NC, but then Im at an age where being close to lots of stuff to do isnt my thing anymore...I want to be holed up in the woods in a cabin and never have to drive again lol __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

09-13-2007, 03:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
pig pigglet pigglet Location: Locash	i think you'll find that people become less racially tolerant the further you go from cities and/or universities. it's very rarely as bad as the stereotypes go, and when it IS that bad...well, you could hit that almost anywhere. __________________ You don't love me, you just love my piggy style

09-13-2007, 04:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
tecoyah Illusionary	I too, am a Cali bred eclectic. I know what you speak of, as the California City life lost its appeal for me years ago. I now live in Louisville , KY and absolutely love this place. As for racial distraction, I don't see it here but being a white boy I am somewhat unqualified to judge. The nightlife, and for that matter daylife is far more relaxed and welcoming without a doubt, and people here actually smile, say hello to strangers, and care about the community. I cant even express how happy I am to be out of California, and its made clear to me every time I visit family in San Diego. __________________ Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

09-13-2007, 04:48 AM	#7 (permalink)
DaveOrion Playing With Fire Location: Disaster Area	You're right tec, people actually wave too!! I met some people from NYC one time, who'd come down to visit relatives and they thought it was so strange that people waved at you!! __________________ *Syriana*...have you ever tried liquid MDMA?....Liquid MDMA? No....Arash, when you wanna do this?.....After prayer...

09-13-2007, 05:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
Midnight Banned Location: Chicago's western burbs	I dunno... if you want some very very nice people and some lovely scenery and arent afraid of a little snow - Pittsburgh is always a treat. Enough diversity so that no one bothers anyone, everyone's always got a smile and a hello for you, and you'll make a lot of friends simply by NOT sounding like a pittsburgher - they seem to have an intense curiosity for people that dont sound like them and will stop you in line in a deli or bakery as you finish ordering to ask you where you're from, and give you suggestions as to what you should see and where you should go while you are visiting, or if you are new to the area they will ask you what all you've seen yet and suggest other places depending on what you like. It's not the SOUTHeast, but its a damn fine place to live. (city or burbs)

09-13-2007, 10:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
Grancey Life's short, gotta hurry... Location: land of pit vipers	Nashville is a great place to visit, and probably a great place to live as well. You'll be far enough away from the big-city life to be able to breathe, but not so deep into the "southern" life that you think you've been transported back in time. Having been born and raised in the south, my favorite areas to visit are eastern TN and western NC. In Nashville you'll be close enough to the mountains for many road trips. Also, visit Memphis and see Graceland. Visit the coast and an amazing seashore, NC, GA and FL. There is so much to do, and it's very easy to get around. As for racial resistance? Neh. Most of that is myth anyway. I experienced more resistance as a southerner living in Iowa for a while than I see in the south. It makes the south look evil and backwards to say we hate, and people get a kick out of saying that about people here. When you do get into the areas away from Nashville and walk into a roadside BBQ joint just be prepared. People will stop talking and stare. This does not happen because of how you are perceived. This happens because everyone in the BBQ joint knows everyone else, they don't know you and you will be the next topic of conversation after you leave. It happens to us all the time when we travel. No biggie. Just remember to say thank you to your waiters, waitresses and anyone you are dealing with. That means more that you will ever know. __________________ Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.

09-13-2007, 11:47 AM	#10 (permalink)
DaveOrion Playing With Fire Location: Disaster Area	After living in FL, NC, LA, TX, WV, and TN, I can safely say that those pesky deliverance type events are rare. __________________ *Syriana*...have you ever tried liquid MDMA?....Liquid MDMA? No....Arash, when you wanna do this?.....After prayer...