Emmett, rest assured that not ALL escapees (I mean NYers) wish to "change your way of life."
Take myself and my family, for instance: I was born and raised in NYC, got married, and moved to Eastern Long Island. I have always detested city life, even as a child. Long Island is pretty, but WAAAAAYYY too crowded and the taxes are killer. It's what Queens was 30 years ago, only more expensive.
When my husband and I are finally free to leave (he's got 16 years on the police force), we WILL leave NY for (literally) greener pastures.
We will not purchase a newly-built home because we like the way you built 'em 100 years ago, so we won't be contributing to the overdevelopment problem. We will not stick our noses into our neighbor's business -- in fact, I hope to one day have a home where when I look out the window, everything I see, I own. I'd like to have a place with a mid-sized house and a TON of land so we can have a couple of horses, and maybe a pond or a stream with some trout in it. Hunting (for hubby, sons, and dog) should be nearby.
The children will not tax the public school system because they will be attending Catholic or military schools (and they speak English!).
I want to live in a place where folks say, "Good morning!" just because they passed you on the way into the grocery store or coffee shop, even if they've never seen you before, and I'll be happy to say "Good morning!" right back at 'em.
I want to live somewhere where, even while "not sticking your nose into other people's business," neighbors come to your aid if you need it (this actually happens in NY, too, BTW...really). I'd just like to KNOW my neighbors better, and have them over for supper and stuff.
And finally, once, just ONCE in my life, I would like to be represented in Congress by someone for whom I've actually voted. Believe it or not, this has never happened for me, though I've lived in three different counties in my day.
Fear not, Emmett! Some of us want to JOIN in your way of life, not change it.
Best regards for a very Merry Christmas,
Funny, I grew up in Queens Village in the 50s and early 60s. My cousins from Brooklyn and Woodside thought we lived "in the country". I'm glad for those who come as genuine "asylum seekers". One of my childhood friend from Queens Village (retired NYFD) just recently moved to Chattanooga and, while he'll never lose the accent, he's thrilled with a new way of life.
Good for you. When you choose where it is that you would like to move please consider right here in Georgia.North of the Mall Of Georgia on interstate 85. Merry Christmas to you and yours.