Does anyone have any advice or info about moving to Alabama? I have lived in California my entire life and am concerned about the "adjustment". I hear it is a whole other world there. Thanks!
By Tina Buchanan from CA
From California to Alabama? And you have never lived there before? Yeah, get ready for some culture shock.
I imagine you will find some of the conveniences you are used to missing but the people will be a new and good thing for you. I think the best description would be "more neighborly".
Of course it also depends on whether you are moving into a city or out in the boon docks. AND whether you are in the city or out in a rural area of California right now.
But I am certain you will be doing some adjusting. I don't know how soon you are moving but for starters you can start looking at the weather forecasts for where you are moving to and comparing them with what you have now.
Bigggest areas of difference I am thinking will be:
Weather, People, Schools, Retail/Businesses. In that order. Good Luck
Wow! I've never been but my Dad is from the South and my sister in law's hubby is from there. #1 Don't expect to find fresh veggies and fruit like you can here. #2 Don't be surprised if, well, hmmm, they are still a BIT behind in many equality issues. #3 It's gonna be hot and sticky! But embrace it!
Culture shock indeed! Lots of differences, do you have any questions in particular? I have lived in Alabama my whole life; you can message me if you want. Blessings.
As someone who moved from northern Illinois down to the southwest gulf coast of FL. The only advice I can give you is don't do it! I lived in TX for awhile and it was a whole lot easier to assimilate there than here. There's no in between, people either love it or they hate it. Speaking for myself, I would rather take nasty winters than no viable jobs, poor educational system, extremely hot, humid summers that go on forever and certain prejudices that no matter how much time has passed, will never be erased.
If at all possible, I would go and stay in Alabama for a month or so. Just check it out at your own pace. However, remember, it's always easy to fall in love with a place when you're relaxed and there isn't any pressure. It's actually living there and being there on a day to day basis.
I lived in Florida for a long time and then moved to Alabama. Now I live in Oklahoma. I'd go back to Florida or Alabama anyday. Yes the humidity is high but you get used to it just like anything else. I would have to say the people are the friendliest in Alabama. We lived in Mobile and it just always seemed slower paced, which I liked.
I'm from Georgia, moved away for awhile, made it back, and with God's grace, I will never leave the south again.First of all, you will do three things, st being here, which are unavoidable. You will: Slow down!
Eat! and Talk! Get used to it. Yes, the three people in line ahead of you have to be someplace too,but they knew to leave early 'cause they are bound to see somebody they know and talk a minute or thirty, just like the checkout girl up there and Mrs.Whoever, who just had new twin grand babies, and has the pictures to prove it.
So you might as well turn around and ask the person in back of you whatever is on your mind that you need an answer to.They'll answer in such detail you will think you should be paying tuition to stand in the checkout line!
And do not be uneasy when total strangers just start a conversation like they have known you all their life.They are not unbalanced in the least,they are a perfectly sane Southerner. Talk back or you will be considered snooty.
Even if it seems they are delving a little too much into your side of your business, they aren't. There's a reason, and if you will just be patient, you'll soon realize they are just getting to know you.
And as soon as they get to know you,and you form friendships, you will have to buy new pants, because no matter what time of day or night, somebody somewhere is cooking up something so good your tongue will slap your brains out trying to get a bite.
Yes, there are Sunday drivers in the South.
No, the stereotypical prejudice you hear and read about is not what it is made out to be.A good person of color is just as respected as a good white person. A disrespectful person, black or white, will be looked down on.
The outdoors is a big part of life here, because it is usually so warm, and there is not nearly as much emphasis placed on material things as there is on family and friends. And God is still # One. Much more conservatism, much less liberal, much more laid back and even behind the times a little, but in a good way.
Oh, and don't worry if you are a little wonky. You will fit right in. Colorful characters and big hearts are always welcome. Watch the movie Steel Magnolias.That is about as close to real Southern life that I know of.
It really depends a lot on where you live in CA and where you are moving to in Alabama. I was born in Alabama and lived there until I was a teen. Then I lived in southern CA for about 18 years. Almost all of my family lives in Alabama, though, and I go back there at least once a year.
It is a completely different lifestyle, and most of the advice above is right on target. I'd add that you should make sure you smile at people, and most definitely wave at anyone that waves at you. (Alabamians do this when they are driving, especially in their neighborhoods, and if you don't wave back, they'll think you are a snob.)
Don't take for granted what "cool" is. Things that are in fashion in California may be laughed at in Alabama, and vice versa.
Don't start the conversation with "I just moved here from California". Whether they admit it or not, most Alabamians think Californians are "strange". Once they've gotten a good first impression, then you can tell them you moved from California, and they'll ask all kinds of questions. They don't like people to stereotype them, but they may do it to you. We're all only human after all. ;o)
Housing prices are a lot different too; what you would pay for a sub-standard house in California, you would get a gorgeous house, with a much bigger yard, in Alabama.
South Alabama is the greatest place to live. Born and raised here, moved to MS for 14 years and have been back for 6 years.
It is true there are still some prejudices, but you will find that every where you go (especially in the north). I have been from CA to PA to Japan and it is always the same, just over different things.
The majority of folks here are friendly and all you have to do is be friendly in return.
I ran into a situation today that you will face; I don't know if it is custom in Cali or not, but if you are driving anywhere other than an interstate and a police car approaches you escorting a funeral procession, you are expected to pull off the side of the road, park, and remove your hat, if wearing one (men only). This is a sign of respect for the grieving family and the life which has passed. Not to do so is absolutely unheard of.
And yes, all the people pulled over to show their respects, and yes there were white people in the line of parked cars, and yes it was a black funeral. It doesn't matter if you are black or white; you show respect, always.
I my name is Brenda, I live in Huntsville Al. I am 57 and have lived in Alabama most of my life. My parents born and raised in Tuscaloosa or as most people call it 'T Town". As a child I moved around a lo , since my dad was in the Army. Have lots of kinfolk in Indiana and Illinois. So I do know a little about adjustments lol , but there is one thing I am sure of, You will be welcome here!
I have lived from Mobile, in between to Huntsville, and it is the same any where you go here Bama, The people are good folks ,and they love family and friends and Alabama Football! Rather it is Roll Tide or War Eagle we just love our Alabama Football LOL. But seriously, Like the other folks said we are just good ole laid back folks, Life here is slower, but wonderful and so much easier, Sure we have problems here in our state, but what state doesn't. And yes we have our share of rednecks, and we have our share of people here that are just ignorant, that still look at the color of someones skin, not the person, those people you learn to pray for.
Things are different here, but look around there in California, things are not perfect there either. But that 's alright , as I heard folks here say, come on down, take your shoes off and sat a spell, we'll make you feel like family!!! It will be okay. Just remember to smile and wave! You'll fit right in, in no time!
I was going to build the Gazebo on the edge of my dock down by the lake but I thought I might just as well build the deck with floats under it and I can then take it out fishing too. It has 15,000# capacity.
The deck is 18ft x 18ft with 12 plastic foam filled dock floats that are 4ft x 4ft by 18 inches high and the Gazebo is a 10 ft. hexagon with a table and chairs.
Inside, under the table is my trolling motor so I can take it out to my favorite fishing hole. The trolling motor is remote controlled wireless so I can be fishing outside and operate the motor.
On the top of the table I have a low range Fish-Finder with depth sounding sonar's and temp gauge. I have 2 electric winches with 40# anchors. I have also built in a water pump so I can clean the fish right on the spot.
Now I can fish while my wife can sit, sun, watch TV, and relax.Some of you think us folks in the south are dumb but, we aren't stupid! In Alabama, there are people to fish.
Don't do it lol ... I was born and raised in California ...I have been in Alabama for two years now I am saving up to move home .... It is very very different very behind in times the schools are very different u must send your child to the school within your district wether you find it suitable or not the healthcare is behind I believe there is a lot of racism and it's just a whole different world ... Good luck !!! Oh and simply different ways of thinking .
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I am looking to move closer to my mother in Alabama, Theodore to be exact, and I would like to know what changes, if any, I could expect by moving down there. Thanks!
A friend of mine moved to Alabama not long ago. She finds the heat and humidity hard to take but - like most people who live in the area - takes a nap during the hottest part of the day, gets up very early in the morning to do her gardening, goes out on the boat to cool off when she can and spends time with friends / socializes after dark. She doesn't cook during the daytime, either.
Good luck to you!
I moved from Dallas, TX to Anniston. All about 25 years ago. It was like walking back in time. They have not caught up with the times as of yet.
