What positive and negative characteristics do you associate with the Southern United States?

Answer 1

Positive- Southern Hospitality, Temperate climate, Affordable Housing and energy costs. Lots of beautiful coastline.

Negative- Hurricanes and earthquakes near the coasts, expensive housing near the coasts

Answer 2

I would say some of the stereotypes are true: Southerners are VERY friendly and hospitable and I've always felt comfortable with them. They tend to be quite religious and follow the Baptist faith - that could be a plus or negative depending on where you stand. A lot of trucks on the road - I think the stats would bear me out here. They like hunting and outdoor stuff. The guys are 'macho men'.

The negative stereotypes are that they are backward and illiterate bigoted rednecks. Again I would say this is partially true - Georgia and Alabama have a terrible school system. But I have also noticed less racism and bigotism since, say , 1980 when I was first there.

Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives and I would really rather live somewhere like Georgia than somewhere like New Jersey.