[fintstone]

Because of my work, I have had to move many times. Most places welcome new residents who bring skills and diversity into their community. They respect the accomplishments and hard work of those that bring wealth or jobs. The real problem is where the community is largely a tourist spot without industry or small town so than an influx quickly changes the political balance (and the low-level service jobs they bring are really not helpful). The compete with poorer locals for scarce housing and drive the prices up dramatically (where local salaries will not support them). The nicest upper middle class area in the city near where I grew up is almost exclusively retirees from NYC that moved there over the last 10 years..as the prices are now beyond what most locals can afford (but still reasonable to someone from a major metro area). Sadly, that neighborhood owns a beautiful lake and small park that many enjoyed when I was young...but now they rigidly control access and charge fees to walk there. They closed any parking...and even the area that was once our "lover's lane" where I spent many a starry night with my girl or took a picnic on a summer's day. While, as owners, it is their right to do so, it has not helped the community.

Many also demand the same type and level of services that they enjoyed where they left and constantly complain and mount political movements when their "needs" are not met in areas that simply cannot support those services and the taxes they consume. Often, they don't have kids in school or that need employment so their situation is different than most. As they have money (and free time), soon they elect candidates of their persuasion who give them what they want which includes higher taxes, removing statues of local heroes and ancestors and renaming streets, schools and parks (named after local events and people). It only takes a few dozen to change the dynamic in a small town/county..as many children of locals are leaving for opportunity (which often lessens with each newcomer). I try to remind folks that they likely left wherever they came from and moved to the new location because they found the new place superior in many ways (including cost). Maybe massive changes will not serve them or the community well. Sorta like...Steve Jobs, Madonna and Snoop Dog move to Mayberry.

Even worse, during this pandemic, they wail about wanting the most draconian measures to protect them (because even with no deaths...all follow NY news and believe we are "only two weeks from Italy or NYC")...while they expect everyone else (locals) to feed them (carryout), fix their homes and mow their lawns and provide them groceries. The same people constantly announce that their children have moved there from NYC or DC to escape the pandemic or post looking for rentals for their children/friend that are "on the way"...further burdening an area already short on housing and resources and possibly increasing the pandemic risks to a remote area with none.