Chelle in MO Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Memphis, Tennessee. It's got Missouri beat to heck for racism and anti-intellectualism. Crime, poverty, and weather like a blast furnace in the summer. The pretty azaleas in the spring didn't make up for any of it. Winter was just ugly gray and brown, no snow to cover it up. The two and half years I lived there were torture from the mean kids in junior high. The teachers were almost as bad. Bless you, Sharon, for saying that there's a place that beats my wonderful state of Missouri in those categories! Although it's terrible for any place to be noteworthy for those reasons. I'm sorry for your junior high experiences. That's often a tough enough time in a kid's life, but to move on top of it... Based on our real life meeting last year, I'd say you turned out quite well in spite of 'em! Chelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire in NM Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 do not stay in Barstow, CA. Augh! My dh and I had to try three different hotels before we found something even acceptable. It was horrible: the rooms were dirty and in disrepair. One hotel even had the curtain rod half attached to the wall and the drapes torn. Because it was late in the day, we stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. If it weren't for Barstow, California, I would never have known what it is like to stay in a Holiday Inn Express. As for Gallup (not Gallop), NM...I actually lived there and I would have to say that it is probably a better place to live than to visit. For the visitor, Gallup is known as the Indian Capital of the World: plenty of jewelry stores and a casino. But for the resident, there are hiking trails, community events, and activities galore. And there is a great homeschool group there. Claire in NM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Really??? Wow. I am stunned. :001_huh: We lived in Newport for almost four years (mid-2000 to end-2003) and loved it. The only real downside was the school system. True, there are some days/times you just can't drive anywhere, but I think in general the tourist traffic is a small price to pay for the history and the beauty (both natural and man-made). The Cliff Walk. The Ocean Drive. Breton Point. The "cottages." A quaint and compact town center great for walking. I worked off the island, and the view coming over the bridge, with Trinity Church shining in the sunset is beautiful. I would love to be in a position to go back for two months. Yet another reminder that the rest of the world doesn't always think like I do. :lol: I love Newport too, lived there for a winter in 1984. I grew up in a resort town on a man-made barrier island and I rode my bike in the summer, much faster, but not practical with kids and groceries. I always wished there was a secret tunnel for residents only. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberly in IN Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Worst place - Evansville, IN. It is not the Heavensville so many told me about prior to move. (we moved for dh job, he has since taken another job in NY but we can't sell house here in Evansville - so kids and I stay here.) Seems racist, need to have lived here "forever" to fit in and if you didn't know, Episcopals aren't real Christians according to many in the hs community. Hey, but on the positivie side, my dd-9 has learned a lot of derogatory words describing Chinese people that dh and I would have never taught her. (both dd are Chinese.) And we live in a "nice" part of town. And, many of the those great hs moms have told my dd-9 that she will grow boy private parts (named) or become a lesbian if she didn't stop playing hockey with boys. So, dd at age 8 got a quick lesson on all of that. (no boy parts emerging yet and is still interested in boys, ugh. will the boys stop calling her?) But, I truly do believe in bloom where planted. And I try very hard to make it a great place for the dc. So, I present a positive face and vent only to dh and now you. Thank you for the vent. Back to regular scheduled programming ... Yes, I love living here in Evansville, it so family oriented. There are so many quality family programs. It has been a great move for my family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Ohio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Never been - but Camden, New Jersey looks quite scary. It is. Most of NJ is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 attitudes." I've lived some places that should have been awful according to the reaction I've received when I've shared the news of where we'll be moving to friends and family. Ironically, some of the most challenging places have been the most fun. Martha Washington once said, "I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." And so, that's me, with an appreciative nod to MW for explaining it so nicely! I really don't think I've lived any place I couldn't have liked under the right circumstances. I agree with this. But snarking is fun, esp when people think they know a place and they really do not. People mostly love their homes --and this is a bad thread. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Florida. I would rather live on the surface of the moon. Astrid (don't throw anything--- JMHO!) Ditto....:iagree: I would have to say Florida. It's even hotter than here, there are MORE varieties of disgusting bugs, there are ALLIGATORS, it never snows, and there are a lot of hurricanes! Having been born there and escaped at the age of 28, I completely agree. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon H in IL Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Bless you, Sharon, for saying that there's a place that beats my wonderful state of Missouri in those categories! Although it's terrible for any place to be noteworthy for those reasons. I'm sorry for your junior high experiences. That's often a tough enough time in a kid's life, but to move on top of it... Based on our real life meeting last year, I'd say you turned out quite well in spite of 'em! Chelle Hey thanks! And I've found anti-intellectualism *everywhere* -- and I daresay most people here would be able to chime in with some scary examples. :001_huh: Racism as well, eh? Both seem to pop up where you least expect them. Travel has taught me that nasty people live everywhere, and also those whose respect you would crave. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 It is. Most of NJ is. I'm glad you didn't say ALL of NJ is! :lol: I would say SOME of NJ is. Camden, Newark, JC etc. But there is quite a bit of NJ that is scenic, serene, and wonderful. I live in Sussex County. Full of lakes, streams, farms and mountains. This is near my home: There is also the Clinton area and Morris County, and these are not TINY parts of NJ, these are major parts of the state! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I really was teasing. But what do I know, I love Florida. Plus alligators and sunshine and oceans and manatees and long garden- growing seasons. I'm glad you didn't say ALL of NJ is! :lol: I would say SOME of NJ is. Camden, Newark, JC etc. But there is quite a bit of NJ that is scenic, serene, and wonderful. I live in Sussex County. Full of lakes, streams, farms and mountains. This is near my home: There is also the Clinton area and Morris County, and these are not TINY parts of NJ, these are major parts of the state! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I really was teasing. But what do I know, I love Florida. Plus alligators and sunshine and oceans and manatees and long garden- growing seasons. :lol: Well, you never know! Some people drive I-95 and think that's all there is to NJ. :glare: I am shocked at how many people don't like florida. I like it too, so what do I know! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 (edited) :lol: Well, you never know! Some people drive I-95 and think that's all there is to NJ. :glare: I am shocked at how many people don't like Florida. I like it too, so what do I know! :D Just as some folks think all there is to NJ is 1-95, some folks think all there is to Florida is a Supah Walmart on every corner, schools where 5 yr olds are handcuffed in patrol cars, and International Drive. We spent time canoeing on gentle waters and enjoyed the pure peace of it. Ah, the sunsets over the Atlantic...the sweet scent of citrus. My kids love going outside and picking their breakfasts off my SIL's trees. They made their own juice each day. We also visited a lovely little farmer's market where most of the growers were offering unsprayed veggies. I was just delirious with joy at being at *farmer's market* in Dec. I suppose I could have them go out and melt some snow for water today... ETA: Of course, I can totally understand the misery that can be FL in the summer. I've been there then many times in summer, and it does take a certain amount of gumption. I can't imgaine no AC and I can see that staying in AC for days on end could be as difficult as winter in the east. The buggies can also be pretty bad. Edited January 6, 2009 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Sorry Zelda - see, I KNEW I'd offend someone! :grouphug: There's no way that's not going to happen given the nature of this thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Wow! I grew up in Sussex County! Newton, to be exact. Yes, it was beautiful. Not all like south Jersey--more like Pennsylvania. I lived next door to someone who had a small windmill in his yard and gardened in wooden clogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I can't read through 17 pages of posts. Is anyone in here bashing Virginia? If they are...............poo poo to you:gnorsi: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Wow! I grew up in Sussex County! Newton, to be exact. Yes, it was beautiful. Not all like south Jersey--more like Pennsylvania. I lived next door to someone who had a small windmill in his yard and gardened in wooden clogs. That's funny! I live in Vernon, close to the border of Warwick, NY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I can't read through 17 pages of posts. Is anyone in here bashing Virginia? If they are...............poo poo to you:gnorsi: SLACKER!!!:smilielol5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I love Newport too, lived there for a winter in 1984. I grew up in a resort town on a man-made barrier island and I rode my bike in the summer, much faster, but not practical with kids and groceries. I always wished there was a secret tunnel for residents only. :D A secret tunnel for residents might have made it a bit more bearable. We were there from mid 2001-mid 2004 and I still wouldn't wish it on my enemies. I think part of it was living in military housing that was supposed to be remodeled, but was terribly constructed (I visited some of the older houses downtown that were less drafty than my supposedly "new" house) but we were also on a street right off the main road which goes from the newport bridge, loops a bit and then comes out on the other side of Aquidneck Island. I guess it's one of those places that many either love or hate. Although my idea of a dream house is a small farm in "Smallville Kansas" I guess I'm just a midwestern girl at heart even though I thought I hated it when I grew up in WI, now I'd give anything to be off of a coast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 A secret tunnel for residents might have made it a bit more bearable. We were there from mid 2001-mid 2004 and I still wouldn't wish it on my enemies. I think part of it was living in military housing that was supposed to be remodeled, but was terribly constructed (I visited some of the older houses downtown that were less drafty than my supposedly "new" house) but we were also on a street right off the main road which goes from the newport bridge, loops a bit and then comes out on the other side of Aquidneck Island. I guess it's one of those places that many either love or hate. Although my idea of a dream house is a small farm in "Smallville Kansas" I guess I'm just a midwestern girl at heart even though I thought I hated it when I grew up in WI, now I'd give anything to be off of a coast Yes, my experience might have been very different if I'd been in military housing. (We aren't military, although DH's job at the time was tied to the military.) We were lucky enough to live right at the bottom end of Thames Street, within walking distance of a lot of stuff (although not the grocery store), so that off-set some of the traffic annoyances. (There were several times a year--during the St. Patrick's Day parade and when the music festivals at the fort let out--when all streets leading from our house were in gridlock.) (Incidentally, my brother was on a sub for years. He was stationed at Groton part of the time we were in Newport. He's currently in a very deserty place, not on a sub.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Fallon, Nevada! But at least they have a Birkenstock store there! we stayed the night in Fallon when we drove cross country and it was so cool to find a good store there. Why did you choose Fallon? I'm in southern Nevada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Too funny! One of my nominations would have to be Fernley, NV. :) A levy broke there last year and devastated the place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Las Vegas. Dry, dusty, flat, phoney, loud, sirens, sad people, did I say dry! Interesting. We moved to Henderson(suburb of Vegas) 4.5 years ago. I thought I would absolutely hate everything about it, but it is growing on me. course we rarely go near the Strip....but henderson is a nice family town, with great parks and rec centers....The dust is probably the worst thing...and I do miss green... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 My husband and I drove through Garlic World in northern California (in a convertible), and believe me when I say, it does NOT smell anything like garlic smells when you're cooking with it! It was horrible; we had to stop and put the top up! :eek: We've been to many places in this wonderful country, but Garlic World was not one of them! And by the way, I live about 40 minutes northwest of Detroit, and although Detroit gets a bad rap all the way around (some of it is deserved, of course), this city also has a lot to offer. I wouldn't want to live in the CITY of Detroit, but its surrounding suburbs are great places to live. Michigan is just about the easiest place to homeschool in (regarding laws and regulations...there are none) as well as offering so many things to do, as a homeschool family. And you definitely can't beat all the parks, lakes, dunes, and lighthouses to visit! Just my two cents... PAM You were driving through Gilroy, CA, garlic capital of the world. I would love to live there, because it is very rural still, but also near all the bay area has to offer. Beautiful, and fresh fruit and veggies to boot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Hen Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Ohio. Funny! When we lived in Ohio we always joked that it was a wonderful place to live but an awful place to visit. When we lived in Massachusetts we joked about how it was a wonderful place to visit but a truly awful place to live. Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 It's cold and gray, mud season is very long, fall is cold and bare, it's economically depressed and awful since all the farmers sold out to corporate farms, there's nothind there culturally. Can you tell that I was glad to leave? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Funny! When we lived in Ohio we always joked that it was a wonderful place to live but an awful place to visit. When we lived in Massachusetts we joked about how it was a wonderful place to visit but a truly awful place to live. Carole I would have to agree. I was totally kidding about Ohio...I think Bowling Green is cool, so again...what do I know? But I am done with MA. It's so dang $$ and cold. Plenty o' culture, but like, am I going to go to the night lecture at a uni when it's 10 degrees out? Like, no, I am *not*. Until I was 35, I was all over whatever was out there...now I am "Meh. Get me a blanket. We'll go to the July production of a Mid Summer Night's Dream". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 You were driving through Gilroy, CA, garlic capital of the world. I would love to live there, because it is very rural still, but also near all the bay area has to offer. Beautiful, and fresh fruit and veggies to boot! We lived in Atwater, CA which is a ways NE of Gilroy, but we could sure smell it from our apartment! Blech. Chelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renee in NC Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 You were driving through Gilroy, CA, garlic capital of the world. I would love to live there, because it is very rural still, but also near all the bay area has to offer. Beautiful, and fresh fruit and veggies to boot! My aunt lives there and she LOVES it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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