Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
We bought a house in the "city" of Weirton WV. the population is less than the town I live in in MA. It is an old steel town now the factories are mostly derilict. We have owned the house since 2010 but have not yet moved there, two more years till then.
On the occastions we have been down there to work on the place, we have found most people friendly, though it is a not great neighborhood with many drug dealers etc., But those who are not are friendly.
There is cultural diversity as many of the former steel workers came from all over the world to work there.
I am wondering how such towns or cities compare with more agricultural small towns for any who have lived in both?
I think perhaps the strong areas of culture are in smaller towns and haven't change much. Large cities tend to blend and often the culture in reality disappears. For instance even speaking a native language in time is loss.I think anyone can tell you different areas of a state to experience some of the settlers cultures they brought with them and the people still identify with.Their town names alone gives some indication.
In reading up on Weirton and cultural diversity I fiind that there are at least 50 ethnic groups in Weirton alone, most of which have some sort of organization, there are many festivals and such as well.
In my original question however I was wondering what other sorts of differences, or in fact things that are the same as other small towns, not in a rust belt area, but more what most people think of when they think "small towns".
Rust belt towns, just like rust belt cities, may have pooled their economic expectations on the same economic avenues that rust belt cities did, such as steel, auto, etc. industries. There are still farms in rust belt states and towns, it's probably just not as recognized as the aforementioned industries, or the farm areas which are popular for that purpose, such as Nebraska, Iowa, the Dakotas, etc.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,707 posts, read 58,042,598 times
Reputation: 46177
Farms towns will usually have a more diverse economy, than relying on PAYCHECKS (energy / mining towns)
Often farm towns will have investment in schools as a community social venue and chance for their kids to get a leg up and out. Previously 'company' towns offered well paying employment without much emphasis on need for education.
There is much to learn about how you can assist your small town.
Start with USDA Rural Economic Development programs and training.
"Main Street" is another organization for helping small towns.
But School / EDU youth opportunities and JOBS will help the most.
Like someone already mentioned, the cultural aspect jumps out right away. I'd also say that industry differences is another thing that comes to mind. It will depend on the "Rust Belt" small city, as some have more than one industry or may have a college/university too.
Location: On the "Left Coast", somewhere in "the Land of Fruits & Nuts"
8,852 posts, read 10,455,696 times
Reputation: 6670
Quote:
Originally Posted by ckhthankgod
Like someone already mentioned, the cultural aspect jumps out right away. I'd also say that industry differences is another thing that comes to mind. It will depend on the "Rust Belt" small city, as some have more than one industry or may have a college/university too.
Agreed, having a major educational center nearby is probably even more important than "agricultural vs rust belt". Though my experience is that at least the "rust belt" towns are generally more comfortable and familiar with technology, which is currently essential to any area ever "rebounding" again. Whereas agricultural areas are pretty much into, "we've always done it this way", while chronically avoiding anything that's "not from around here".
Agreed, having a major educational center nearby is probably even more important than "agricultural vs rust belt". Though my experience is that at least the "rust belt" towns are generally more comfortable and familiar with technology, which is currently essential to any area ever "rebounding" again. Whereas agricultural areas are pretty much into, "we've always done it this way", while chronically avoiding anything that's "not from around here".
not true.
The farmers who are still in business have had to adapt to more ...change....than many of their urban counterparts.
If they still are trying to farm in the 1950 mindset, they would have been long gone.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
