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Just about any town, city, or county in the Triad is going to be authentically southern for the most part. The largest cities, are of course Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point. The "best" is really subjective depending on what you're looking for. But that region is probably the most authentic in terms of retaining its southern (upper southern, but still southern) feel, while not being so economically depressed like some regions in the more rural corners of NC which are very authentically southern.
The transplants who assimilate well in that area are those that aren't looking for a frantic, "have to be stimulated every moment" pace of life. They may have come from a more rural, smaller town/city background from their home area (i.e. it would probably be easier for someone from upstate NY than Manhattan, NYC to assimilate and not find as much culture shock if that's a concern).
There are some exceptions within the Triad, for example that don't have as strong of a southern identity, like the NC 68 and West Wendover Avenue corridors between High Point and Greensboro (the one section of High Point that seems to be growing) for example.
Some people on the forum aren't crazy about Hickory, but I think that it's a decent sized small city and the region also still retains a strong Southern identity and it's not so off the beaten path that transplants would stick out. The same would apply to Gastonia in the Charlotte area.
What's the best, largest, and most authentically southern town.
It's not about having few transplants but a strong identity and in touch with heritage, a place where transplants assimilate well.
I say Wilmington
Could you name some examples of southern heritage. Are you talking about building styles or the mentality of the people? I don't think there is a true non-New South growing city in NC. NC doesn't have a Charleston, NOLA, or Nashville.
I do agree that the Triad is probably NC's best example of such a place.
Funny, when I read the part about "best, largest, and most authentically southern town," I immediately thought of Charleston and Savannah. Then I read "a strong identity and in touch with heritage, a place where transplants assimilate well" and I thought, oops, transplants may live in those two cities for decades and have lots of friends, enjoy the city, etc., yet true assimilation, well, honey, you're not from around here, now are you.
'Tis a puzzlement, how to remain down home, when "they" seem to keep moving in. For instance, I'm sure you know the saying that Cary [NC], "stands for Corral Around Relocated Yankees." The Confederate Flag may be disappearing, but some sentiments remain.
Yeah I thought of the Triad as well. Greensboro and Winston-Salem are cities that still feel very "southern" to me, more so than the Triangle (especially) and Charlotte.
The version I have heard most often is "Containment Area for Relocated Yankees".
You are correct. Never heard the "Corral" version.
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