Quoted By:
SE US for another perspective.
>Hey /out/, is there anyone here who lives in a small town closer to nature?
I grew up in one, but parents are transplants.
>I live in a city California and have been wondering what its like to move and live somewhere else (maybe sierra mountains areas)
Many people complain there is nothing to do here. No mall, cinema, bars, bowling alley, etc.
Canoeing is kinda big.
Mixture of fast-food/mom & pop restaurants, no fine dining. Handful of grocery/general stores. Many people travel 1hr one way to neighboring county to shop at Walmart.
>If you do live in these kinds of areas what kind of work do you do?
Dad traveled for work but then quit and started contracting work. Very hard to self-employ. Takes 10+ years to get established. Many people prefer to do business with relatives/family-friends. Dad got reputation as hard-working and reliable (townfolk are slow and lazy). Advertised via word of mouth. Still barely making it. Recession created much competition.
Not much work above min wage. Many commute elsewhere.
Sawmills/Cashiers/Bank Tellers etc.
Sometimes people open consignment/thrift shops/ new restaurants, most only last a few years.
>Are you able to support yourself?
Maybe. Cost of living is low. ~25k is sufficient. Just finished college, will likely move or travel for work.
>Would it be difficult to move and settle in with no contacts?
People are mildly clannish.
Talk often about who's related to who.
Family names are important.
Being an outsider, it takes a while for people to warm up and figure out who you are. Joining a large church helps. Or working with local gossips who know everyone/thing.
See above for small business relations.
>Anything else to add?
Very few black people.
Small school, graduating class of 85 students.
Unemployment is high.
Welfare/Disability leeches are common.
Pill sellers and meth labs are front-page news.
Town desperate for tourism bucks.
Organic farming or ecotourism maybe viable.
