ALABAMA: Towns Where People Live On $300 Weekly - How Poor Are They?

I visited the rural Alabama towns Camp Hill, Dadeville, La Fayette, Roanoke.
Travel Vlog 187

[@tinajohnson7524]

I live in Shreveport Louisiana and I'm disabled. I get $1200 a month, and I can honestly say I lack nothing. It's a matter of living within my means, and having an attitude of gratitude. So many folks want to keep up with the Joneses. I have all I need because I don't care about keeping up with anyone. This is more prevalent in our wonderful country than most realize. You have the rich and you have the poor.

[@barbarawiedrich9699]

I make about the same as you and no way am I ok. Between rent $845. a month and utilities $120. a month i have to be very careful with food spending and necessities such as cleaning supplies and non food items. It's a struggle, I am always behind in one bill every month. But I am happy you are all good, I pray more people can also be like you.

[@tinajohnson7524]

@@barbarawiedrich9699 I pray for this too. Where I live, no one would rent to me that high priced an apartment with my income. Utilities are about the same. Sometimes I get behind and "rob Peter to pay Paul" but God always makes a way. I've been blessed to know my Father's bank account is "out of this world " ... pun intended. I will pray you have a breakthrough ... I'm sorry 🙏

[@heavenlydays2838]

Living within your means , that is the smartest way to live. To hell with " Credit Cards". No Debt.

[@kj636]

Exactly..well said..

[@VuQuang1973]

You can only survive with that much money if you don’t have to pay mortgage/rent, car loan, health insurance, property taxes, car insurance…

[@yobee5779]

You're not poor if you have everything you need. ❤

[@GenericYoutubeGuy]

people can get extremely poor from having too much. The rooms in our house are piled high with decorations, books, papers, antiques, jars, unusable things and crap. We live on social security. Our closets are filled with tons of 20-year old clothing that nobody wears. We have about 400 Christmas tree ornaments, and 800 decorations for different holidays, plus regular decorations. We never sell anything, we either store it or give it to good will… we’ve probably given away 6,000 dollars. There isn’t a single table or antique in our house free from being used as a storage space. We are poor as hell. We have a little office room filled with craft junk. There is currently only a yardstick’s size area in that room to walk in. Our freezer is full of leftover carcasses. Our fridge of old homemade crap. We have over 1000 books in our house. 2 tvs. 3 record players. 5 radios. Hundreds of records, dvds, and cds….

[@AshErin8304]

@@GenericKZbinGuy sounds like a hoarding problem 🤔

[@GenericYoutubeGuy]

@@AshErin8304 yea, it is, but often times we forget about it and never pay attention to it.

[@cindyfrost7057]

I’m about to turn 70. I owe nothing except my home. The mortgage is $550 per mo. I have 2 chickens, so I get eggs from them. I used to have a garden but, I’m in too much pain to have it again....courtesy of my abusive father who broke bones in my lower back and never healed right. I’m in good health otherwise. If I didn’t have the back pain to deal with, I could do pretty much anything. If I can’t pay cash for it, I don’t need it. I have a little in savings so, I get along just fine. I’m very blessed to have friends who help me with stuff around the house and a nephew who is a mechanic. My back pain is my only complaint. I’ve got a pretty good life.

[@johnashep109]

I'm proud of you.

[@ZigaZahh]

Cap

[@sda9995]

You’re a warrior!!

[@cloyking8170]

I'm from a small town in Alabama, and just as in my home town, the same thing happen in theirs. When NAFTA was pass, all these towns that did manufacturing and text tile, those jobs went to Mexico. The people in these small towns had to leave to find work. That's what killed small town America.

[@barbarasteed3966]

We can thank Clinton for NAFTA..

[@travelerforever8849]

It happening to towns that built on industries... sad to see such beautiful towns ..

[@shismith10]

Amen, you've nailed it. Multinational companies shipping jobs overseas is what assassinated small town America.

[@mcross320]

Go back a little bit further to Nixon who took THE WORLD off the gold backed dollar to FIAT system. Worthless paper. @@barbarasteed3966

[@mea2213]

100% greed. It's a damn shame. I remember when there was a push to buy "made in America" products about 30 years ago. I still look for that if it's an option. It costs a lot more to buy items here, but I think it's important so I do it.

[@shelleywilliams8201]

My income is $941 a month. My husband up until 2wks ago made $309-350 a week. We struggle but we make it. We live in a very rural area of NC. I coupon, can food in the summer, sale firewood or trade it for other household needs, etc. We just make it work. Plus I help feed the homeless in my area on what we have. God provides always! He never lets us go hungry.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

U don’t live with ur husband? If so, his income is counted in urs too. So ur income is/was 1200+950.

[@tlovemcgee]

​@@YeshuaKingMessiah🤣🤣🤣

[@user-yz8il3tx3q]

GOP S.S. cuts will make it harder, count on it.

[@thunderballz74]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah what do you mean? And why do you believe she is lying? Good God. Someone has a bad situation and most want to be mean and start crap with them. Nice!

[@plusersgvallero7771]

@@tlovemcgeea month??? I live in California I’m a CNC engineer and just got a raise up to $24 an hour.. my weekly checks come out 1200ish after taxes the gov takes a good $400 off my check weekly. My rent is about $1600 a month with about 600 in utilities bills and it’s still not enough for me …

[@danielmoore7332]

I'm retired on Social Security. I live in $1045 a month. If my home wasn't paid for, I'd be homeless. And they don't hire the handicapped any more

[@bthomson]

Too many if us are in this situation! Wages stagnated for forty (40!) years! This badly effected our SS amounts. Sad!

[@oldrustycars]

​@@bthomson And a certain political party wants to take that away. People depending on social security, who paid into it for 40 years, keep voting for that party.

[@ItsTheCostanza]

They hire useless employees these days

[@BmanNL1]

So the most powerful country in the world can't even treat their population with dignity and respect. So glad I live in a so-called "socialist" country in Europe.

[@misstee9453]

@@oldrustycars I don't understand those who continue supporting that party. I'm truly baffled.

[@deannademerritt3488]

I make about $1,200 a month on the west coast, in a small coastal town . I pay my rent, car payment, plus other big bills and I got cut from food stamps for “making too much”. I live every week going to work and going to the food bank for food because I can barely afford to shop, and gas is crazy expensive too!! By the end of the week I barely have anything left, and have to make it another week on nothing until payday. I’d get a better paying job but there’s not much in my region. I lived in Sacramento CA for a bit and that was even worse. But the food prices in my region are insane. Also having to drive 3-6 hours to see friends and family, or to shop for things I need. I love my home and the people I’ve met here but it’s so hard being alone all the time now and not making enough for ends meet. What matters at the end of the day is if you’re fed, clothed and sheltered, we have to be grateful for what we got ❤️

[@TheTriplelman]

why do you live like that? I made 4200 this week,get another job, MOVE to florida or Texas where the economy and cost of living is better, get there and get 2 jobs and movie up in a company and save for 5 years while STUDYING what company to buy! Ive been a millionaire and cancer took it away from me, along with my evil x-wife. I lived and slept in my car for 2 years while working, showering at Planet Fitness - but KNEW I would be a millionaire again. I help the poor and downtrodden, work 6 hours a day 5 days a week and on target to have a million again in 3 years and retire in Belize, I have 30 acres there - moving out of this corrupt political country that teaches you to buy a lotto ticket that statistics say you will be hit by lightning 5x before winning the lotto - CHANGE YOUR LIFE! you can do it! - “It is easier to move from failure to success than from excuses to success

[@pinkiesue849]

​@@TheTriplelmannot everyone can do what you are able...

[@TheTriplelman]

@@pinkiesue849 because they would rather be lazy, - then complain and say I was just lucky, never seeing my hard work. Tomorrow is the only day in the year that appeals to a lazy man. You can search real hard and find anything you've lost. Except wasted time.

[@penidulm]

Im so sad for most that suffers due to greed and selfishness by the way joe biden has no no control over gas or food prices if big business decide to raise prices they creates all types of reasons even utility s company's raises prices and most reason cost of during business really gas we had a oil refinery breakdown or prices to pump out ground food prices cant get that cheap migrant to pick the vegetables. Blocked at border ..so biden cant force prices down capitalists system allowed business to make profits check your stock market see who's getting rich ....education 101..

[@joylynne1343]

❤

[@bethprice9702]

Many of the towns you visited are close to Auburn and Columbus, GA. The people drive to these areas for employment. Kia built a huge plant. What you are witnessing is decline due to the local mills being shut down.

[@debbieschultz106]

No crime in being poor my father lived on the streets when his mother died at age 42 after giving birth to her 10th child most of the siblings went to a catholic orphanage but my dad was 14 and his brother who was 13 they were to old to go to the orphanage so they lived on the streets and this was during the depression in illinois. My father was the best dad in my opinion in the world and he owned his own company by the age of 34...poor doesn't equal dumb. Thank God for my poor father.

[@JulieIelasi-lt7yp]

It's on money, doesn't make a person who they really are im telling you ! 💯 your dad sounded like a lovely decent man ❤

[@llc1976]

❤❤👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏

[@Gator777]

When it comes down to basics, the people in the rural areas know how to hunt, how to farm, and know their neighbors. They don't go hungry and know how to work. They might not have every trinket that is for sale, but they are good people.

[@Crystalblue58]

WELL SAID!

[@robinroberts2803]

yes we are !!!! good people ! we know what is important in our life . Jesus , Family , working , and guns 😂

[@GunToting]

Yall also Envious* and Hate* anything New* or Different* Don't leave that part out👀

[@maryjemison1101]

Mobile Alabama Gulf Coast

[@tmac6586]

Yes in rural areas and small towns far away from major cities or towns of Alabama you can live on 300 per week or less. You need transportation and access to a gas station ( which can be tricky in remote areas) in order to get civilization though.

[@VickiGonzales-oc9hj]

Joe Louis was a professional boxer who joined the U.S. Army during World War II1234. He donated almost $100,000 worth of his earnings to Army and Navy relief societies1. During his service, he was part of over 96 boxing exhibitions. You have to be in the military to be buried at Arlington National Cemetary. You said, it was nice that they let him be buried there. Mr. Joe Louis earned it from his service.

[@terrifuller]

My father doesn’t live here, but lives in a small town in the state of VA. Has a paid off home, nice and reliable vehicle that was paid in full when he bought it, money in savings, ZERO debt (don’t think he even knows what debt is), food on the table and a clean yard that he takes pride in. You won’t find him shopping every weekend at TJ Maxx or Target (they’re nowhere around him anyway 🤣) and he’s retired. Now people think retired and they think pensions, etc. My dad worked at a gas station for 25 years until he retired. The most he made at his job was $8/hour. He did this because he had what he NEEDED (not wanted) and was able to retire before any of his siblings, whom are ALL still working in their 60’s and making 100x more than what he ever did. All this to say - none of these people in your video are trying to keep up with the Joneses. Not a single one. Instead, they’re living comfortably while people film their reality because, to so many in this world, their reality seems unrealistic. Maybe it’s everyone else who’s unrealistic. Just a thought. Thanks for the video!

[@dopedrums]

Hell yeah. Work to live, not live to work.

[@sharonalexander-scott7599]

It is always the amount of money you have coming in I bet most of these people are happy, healthy, fed and content and at peace more important than your monetary wealth.

[@SBankzee]

My friend in the seventies mom was a doctor she once told me don’t work for your money let your money work for you unfortunately I didn’t figure out what that meant until it was too late 😢

[@loriebrown1617]

💯

[@cammiebaby]

Don't let the beautiful homes fool you, on the inside may be a different story. Some are falling apart, some folks aren't eating, it's not an easy life. I know. I live in one of these small towns in Alabama. One thing is for sure...We all have hearts of gold and it's always sugar, hunny, baby, darlin. Southern hospitality is not dead. Everyone loves to help each other, even if we don't have much ourselves.

[@philliphall5198]

It’s sad our government is starving people in America

[@joelmoody1569]

I would like to move to Alabama. I am 75 and I used to libve in Alabama. The cost of living is much lower than where I livve in N Ill.

[@cinnamonstar808]

@@philliphall5198 14 stadiums filled-to-the-top .... worth of food is thrown out every year in America.. I not even going to touch the milk, cheese and meat stats. ========Tons of food in America; lack of planning is the issue. if FOOD BANKS: food pantries, soup kitchens did not exist.... maybe 30 football stadium filled worth of food would be wasted. we are in January 2023 so America already throw out a stadium worth of food already.

[@magesalmanac6424]

It’s not the government, it’s all the greedy CEOs who moved jobs to Asia for decades. Greedy business killed small town America.

[@derkscabinetdoor5370]

I live in a small town in north Alabama close to Georgia and Tennessee on Lake Guntersville. I wouldn't trade my home ( paid for ) than a house in Calabasas California. I my wife and I have great paying jobs and lack for nothing..but we both have gone hungry and without to make sure bills got paid. It's all about being happy and thankful for what you do have. Btw I'm using a troll account the picture and name is mind-blowing diffrent

[@doreen9838]

My grandparents were very poor. They would always say you can be poor but not dirty

[@suezworld]

And keep your pots and pans clean ,also something my grandma used to say to us you can be poor and not dirty and keep your pots and pans clean ❤

[@elsie5642]

❤

[@cinnamonstar808]

BUT THIS IS AMERICA? ! ! ! ! The USA is an extremely wealthy nation.

[@lynnsmith4]

Yes, this is what my Mom used to say. You can't help being poor but you can help being clean.

[@missam3404]

@@cinnamonstar808 America is like any place else. They only show the "good stuff" the reality is most Americans live pay check to pay check and are 1 missing check away from disaster 😩. There are tons of places like these small towns scattered throughout the country

[@guevarasway7875]

I live in Alabama. For a while I lived off of $300 a month. Had my own apartment, 2018 Ford Escape, 4 credit card and student loan. And I was in college and had a 2 year old son. Then my husband died. I just had faith and I pulled through. It can be done if you believe.

[@cjbarlow61]

From someone from a town just like that I can say that those nicer houses are not struggling to survive on $300 a week. The reason those towns look run down is because everyone there is literally struggling to survive and working 50 to 60hrs a week just to live

[@glennoconnor2980]

I live on $1420 per month in north central Missouri. In a rural town. Was paying $375 per month rent but during my stay here since retirement, I had worked part-time. Saved up a nice chunk and paid cash for my substandard house. Works for me and I am grateful for that opportunity!

[@davidhughes6]

Glenn living on less than $355 a week must be difficult. Good for you paying in full for your house. That was the best thing you could do

[@nothertoyou7301]

I live on $925 a month social security in south central Indiana. Yet, I don't consider myself poor or lacking in anything. Too many people are obsessed with "things" and the newest electronics. My biggest luxury is bottom speed internet. No tv, no drinking, no smoking. Anything I can find on tv, I can find in the library for free. My drink of choice is unsweetened iced tea. I can, dehydrate or freeze the vast majority of my food. Yes, my car is 21 years old, but has been maintained and I hope it will last another 10 years by which time, I fully intend to stop driving anyway. You don't have to blow money on unnecessary things to live a good life.

[@carlcrull5787]

Show me the town of Greensboro

[@lesliesmith719]

​@@nothertoyou7301Are u paying rent or mortgage? And do u live with somebody? Just trying to figure out how you do it. Thanks.

[@nothertoyou7301]

@@lesliesmith719 I pay rent and I live alone. My grandmother taught me how to live on basically nothing. I don't feel I'm missing anything at all. I don't need new iphones, new cars, new furniture every few years. I have a small garden and read a lot. I buy my clothes from thrift stores and they're good clothes, not rags. I make a little extra sometimes by recycling old clothing into rugs, crocheting baby afghans, and sometimes doing sewing for others. But nothing steady. My life is very simple, I like it that way and I'm happy living as my grandmother did during the depression. I don't need to spend money to be happy and content. A lot of money isn't needed, if you're willing to work with what you're blessed with. A lot of people would say I'm poor, but I don't think I am. I have faith that God will provide all that I need, and to me, that makes me rich.

[@avalonjustin]

I'm from Canada and I took one main point from this video: People in rural Alabama may not be wealthy but they take pride in their homes.

[@grannygoes7882]

Good point! A lot of deserted homes but the ones that are lived in are beautiful. It doesn't take much to keep things clean and tidy. Like pick up your trash and get rid of junk cars. Just that helps a lot!

[@Chris-Rife]

My grandmother always told me this... "it's okay if you're poor but remember it's also okay to take pride in whatever you own so take care of it and keep it clean." That stuck with me all my life.

[@blue32huthut85]

yes!

[@JohnnyUmphress]

Exactly, just because you don't make 6 figures doesn't mean you have to throw your trash all over the yard. It costs nothing to put trash in a trash can.

[@dougmoore5252]

That is a very astute observation. Having lived in the south this is quite true.

[@tiffanydasilva5874]

I grew up in Duncanville outside of tuscaloosa. Our house was an old train station that was abandoned. It only had 2 rooms. Not 2 bedrooms. 2 rooms total and me my 2 siblings my mother and father lived there. We barely had running water. It was rigged up. No air no heat. But for some odd reason i loved my childhood there and i miss it dearly.❤

[@mlthmp]

Im from Alabama.. sadly many of our towns look like this. Will say this though. The people that live in areas like that are usually some of the most down to Earth folks around.

[@chickytheawesome4960]

I'm in Smith's Station, Alabama. I couple of hours from Montgomery. My husband and I live in 500 a week. We don't have many luxuries but I get to work from home which allows me to help my disabled husband (who is in a wheelchair but doesn't qualify for disability and is physically unable to work.) Our bills are paid and we have food on the table. It's all we need. We don't have credit cards. We were both raised that if you can't pay cash for it then you don't need it. We have 3 acres of land and a fish pond paid for with lots of ducks and two good puppers. It's all we need.

[@marydunning1722]

God provides

[@chickytheawesome4960]

@@marydunning1722 amen ❤️

[@delnagasktruman7241]

Truely you are blessed. Will say a prayer for yall.

[@chickytheawesome4960]

@@delnagasktruman7241 thank you. I will say a prayer for yall too ❤️

[@allfacts19]

How doesn't your husband qualify for disability?

[@PhilMiCoochie]

I live in Huntsville but I frequent the small towns like these. They may look desolate and depressing but the people are very happy and full of life!

[@audreymcfarlin6947]

I just watched your video. I grew up in Auburn Alabama and my late husband was from Lafayette Alabama. I big homes you did feature were more than likely homes of business owners in that area but if you had traveled down further you would have seen a difference in housing. All the other towns nearby like Five Points and Roanoke I am familiar with as well. I have been living in Atlanta now for well over 30 years. I am also familiar with Camp Hill and those surrounding towns. My mom and Dad had friends who lived there. Any huge nice houses in those smaller towns are usually business owners

[@hoopty.]

I live in Memphis, and I've lived on 280 dollars per week. It's all about how you live, and if you are living within your means. I never missed a meal, and never ran out of gas when I was making 280 per week.

[@Cally-Lily]

So true. The problem today are people wanting to live above their means. It doesn't take that such to have a decent life.

[@jillspence7227]

You are so right. it all depends on how you live - if alcohol, drugs and partying/eating at restaurants are your thing you need a higher income. I live on a pension very well; simply but very well out in the country. wouldn't change it for anything.

[@elsie5642]

Some people WASTE Money and too Lazy To CLEAN.

[@teresaoquin1807]

That is so true. I live on 1200 a month approximately. I own my home and have no debt . I pay my bills and still have a little left to save.

[@leoross5777]

yeah? well I lived on 279 a week! i win!

[@Peeoffvag]

The poverty in America is staggering. I live in Australia, travel the world yet I have a fondness for the friendly rural America. In the same token, I’m flabbergasted how the wealthiest nation on this planet can leave so much of its citizens behind.

[@michaelthomas229]

Tax cut for the wealthy Donald trump billionaire pay less taxes than a McDonald's employee crazy right that's the story god bless you

[@juliabryuujant2916]

This current administration with Joe Biden is out to put every one of us on the street .

[@juliabryuujant2916]

@@michaelthomas229 Everyone got a tax cut he gave the businesses tax cuts as well as the people if you made a 1000 bucks a week you took home 760 dollars more a month I can pay my car payment and insurance and a tank of gas with Biden he's taking your tax break your giving more of your check and gasoline is out of reach so you can sit home and starve ill take Trump any day over dictator Biden.

[@davidhardin6649]

Much of these people don’t feel left behind. Lifelong Alabama resident here…

[@harley8680]

@@michaelthomas229 that comment is pure ignorance. What about Bezos? Gates? Kardashians? don't make this your own political agenda!

[@Teaman596]

Very typical of rural towns throughout Alabama, but still some of the nicest people on Earth. When the sewing factories shut down, so did much of the downtown areas. I grew up in such an Alabama town. Most people have to drive long distances to find decent work, if they do not farm, or not on Social Security, or not on some type of welfare.

[@Darci3333]

It always makes me sad when you see the empty abandoned run down homes. Your own home is such a big important thing to have and so unattainable for many now days😢 10:12

[@arrinagreek6369]

In 1970 I moved into a very nice clean one bedroom apartment in a nice part of town. I worked downtown taking the bus and my sack lunch. I made the bottom wage ($350.00 a month and brought home $300.00). My apartment with all bills paid was $130.00 a month. I had only my car insurance and phone bill. And I completely supported myself with no one else helping me. There is no way that could happen today unfortunately even with today's inflation comparison.

[@daviddaviedavidson]

But I mean people are saying that 1,200 a month is doable. I’m not sure but inflation quadrupled since the 1970s seems about right.

[@leoross5777]

that same place today rents for 3000 a month

[@marktwain622]

Dear that was 50 years ago.

[@leoross5777]

@@marktwain622 TWO years ago it probably rented for 500 a month, DEAR

[@greensorrel6860]

Not if you have to pay rent or a mortgage

[@Dave-ty2qp]

I left Alabama in 1965 and still have very fond memories if the wonderful people of that warm and loving place. The growth eating the properties that are abandoned is called Kudzu, (AKA) (the plant that are the south). It only takes about one summer of neglect, and your property is consumed by it.

[@fatimalobi6382]

I guess that is why they call it the south, The deserted sight and houses speak volumes.

[@heatherzabower6725]

Kudzu is edible. People from India eat it.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

@@heatherzabower6725 I remember a chef from New Orleans trying to get folks to try some of his Kudzu dishes about 20 years ago. Didn't have much success. LOL

[@Dave-ty2qp]

@@fatimalobi6382 Take a look at the rust belt too.

[@lynnsmith4]

Kudzu isn't native to the south. It was brought in from Japan and China to aid in soil erosion. Another great decision by those we let govern us.

[@melissa2068]

I grew up not far from Lafayette. It's one of the most beautiful places they still have brick streets. It's a good place with good people. I grew up in a town called valley now but it used to be known as langdale. Yes some of these towns are poor . But they happen to have some of the best people in the world

[@charlesmenifee7886]

This is interesting. I grew up in Auburn, AL. Not too far from a lot of the places, but it’s definitely different and never stopped growing. I live in Atlanta metro now. If you make less than $75K, you’re struggling. If a person had that same income in one of these places you’ll live like a king. Would be interesting to see if people who work from home would ever take advantage of some of these lower cost areas.

[@altha-rf1et]

Or retire in a town like this and not have to struggle on retirement.

[@meganmccampbepl1321]

It's called living life and being grateful for what you have and not being worried about having the newest and best of everything! Living simple!

[@mattmeadows5720]

Exactly. If you just keep chasing the newest, best thing you'll never be satisfied, because there will always be a newer, even better thing as soon as you buy something new. Key is to just be happy with what you have. American capitalism just wants us to keep unhappy and unsatisfied with our lives because someone will always have "more"

[@kieribama]

I moved to Alabama from New Jersey in 1993. When i left NJ in 93, I made $14.50 an hour. My first job in Alabama in 93 I started out at $4.10 an hour in the exact same type of job. Still to this day I do not make the same kind of money as I did all those years ago. It's insane how the cost of living is so different from each state.

[@__NJ__]

Ayo me too! I moved from Jersey to Alabama 4 years ago 😭💀 and man absolutely facts first job I had was 7.25 n hour n that was only in 2019, most ppl here have to drive 1-2hrs just to find a decent paying job…I myself have to drive to Georgia jus to get a better wage..It sucks , going back up north soon.

[@mj-ls7qr8xp3n]

​@@__NJ__ I'm from Alabama and presently in Oregon. I'm considering moving back, but yikes ... All I know is Oregon has run it's course.

[@neilparedes-chavez1688]

@@mj-ls7qr8xp3n what's wrong with Oregon? I left Portland back in 2012, to move to Florida. Love living in FL, but the cost of living is getting too high.

[@Kiralmao]

@@mj-ls7qr8xp3n what's wrong with Oregon?

[@kieribama]

@@__NJ__ I've had several people ask me why I don't just move back to NJ. I've been here for so long, I've planted my roots here basically. I have friends that are more family to me than my own family, I have my kids here (they are grown now), and I love my job. There was a while there when I planned on moving back to NJ, but I talked myself out of it.

[@craighoward4446]

Thank you Joe for showing me all these small & poor towns. I’ve been tagging along with you & your Nic.

[@MachineToolEngineer]

I am from Central Alabama and traveled the state well, Roanoke and Dadeville has some really good people in it! I would suggest some more towns to visit: Pine Apple, Butler, Orrville, Rockford and Cuba. I do love to travel me state and the southeast.

[@bonnieh5790]

I have lived in Alabama all my life. The out of order light is a caution light not a traffic light. Most are only turned on at night or in fog. Most of these smaller towns started dying when the trains stopped. A lot go through the towns but no longer stop. There aren't many jobs in these areas. There used to be textile mills in these towns. About 35 years ago, the state started a program to try and save the old houses. It only lasted a short time. You weren't too far from Auburn or Columbus, GA. A large Army Base in one and a University in the other.

[@oleriis-vestergaard6844]

Empty streets - where has all the people gone too i wonder

[@jaya.0069]

Textile jobs were all shipped to china, along with most other industries now!

[@holmeselectric9]

Alot of the different mills went out of country when NAFTA happened. Same story all across the country, all happened right around the same time. Early 90s. In my neck of the woods in NY we were the glove making capitol of the world, leather galore. After NAFTA it basically vanished and the city went from 30k to 15k.

[@danielmoore7332]

I was gonna be transferred to Ft Ben instead. That was a LONG time ago. I find it strange that as clean & nice as Columbus GA is, Phenix City AL looks like a slum in parts. Right next to each other too

[@charliechristie2949]

@@oleriis-vestergaard6844 People usually move to the areas where the work is. It seems they found some nearby cities.

[@bradmiller159]

I live in Alabama and I know these places well. These are some of the most genuine and nicest people you’ll ever meet. They don’t have much but they’ll give you what they have if you need help.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

I believe most people want to help others...it just depends on the social/economic situation where they exist...In cities, people will give to such things as food banks, etc. In the countryside, people are more one-on-one, and have a closer bond between them..I do worry, that the advent of cell phones, social media, etc. is allowing people to no longer bond with their fellow humans in a real-time way. We shall see what happens down the road.

[@Scoopy38]

My sentiments exactly. We’re just down the road in J Gap. Love Alabama!!

[@nenitaarago7212]

Watching from the Phillipines.

[@tmc4609]

It’s nice to see people that know these places commenting. I’m right down the road in Valley Al 👋🏼

[@John-ob7dh]

Hang on man .I have seen the film deliverance .!!. ( only funnin) We had same here with the film Straw Dogs which vilified the Cornish folk.

[@marty7978]

Hi, i am from the Netherlands and much like the video’s you made Touring through ‘decaying’ vilages in America guided by pretty voiced touroperator. I am very much surprised to see the vast number of decayed towns Incredible actually, comparing to my country, small and overcrowded, There’s plenty of space out there

[@AndrewCarterAU]

A couple things…Camp Hill looks like that because they built a new highway in the 80s that redirected traffic away from Waverly, Camp Hill, etc. and those towns died. Dadeville had some really rough areas as well, but there is some wealth it town because of Lake Martin. Tons of millionaires have houses there. Lafayette is pronounced La-Fett. Right up the road is Abanda and then Wadley. All are great little towns. My father used to have some property up on the river when we would go camp, kayak, and fish. Good times!

[@letscleanhouse]

I am a resident of a very small Alabama town called Repton. Government assistance, the opioid crisis and the disintegration of the nuclear family is taking a hard hit on what was once vibrant and picturesque small towns. It’s such a shame to see these beautiful old homes just growing up but the old caretakers are gone.😢

[@Eibarwoman]

I'd blame government policies opening the door for American jobs being exported just so some billionaire can buy a 3rd yacht and a 7th mansion.

[@jaybird2791]

I was stationed at Ft. Mcclellan alabama in the 80s. I agree it was a BEAUTIFUL state!! The opioid problem has already devastated my family and now it's just me alone. Thank God it won't affect me, but now that I'm middle aged, I feel like the neglect from this government regarding the opioid problem, covid and death with crime- (ESPECIALLY BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS) Has created so much uncertainty and upset in my life, I will be lucky if I can make it out of Massachusetts alive by the end of 2023. The stress is literally killing me.

[@jaybird2791]

Vintage- you look young. My best advice to you is to start learning about the housing market. Learn values and finance. Get your ducks in a row and purchase something as soon as you can. Remember- mortgage companies will tell you you can get huge mortgages- it DOESN'T MEAN ITS GOOD FOR YOU. Purchase something that if you will still be paying on it in 20 years, ask yourself if you will be making enough to continue to pay for it. Basically- purchase what you need, not what you WANT. My first purchase was with my first husband and our marriage didn't work out. He gave me the house but I couldn't afford it on my own. So he really gave me a bill for a house. Learn as much as you can before you purchase, because honestly- rents in 20 years are going to be unliveable. If you mortgage a house at a FIXED RATE, Your mortgage will remain the same. I put down 5000 on my first home and my home cost $180000. I had excellent credit and my mortgage was $900.00 a month in massachusetts. It will be different every where you go, but I just wanted to give you an idea about what my payment was. This was based on 2 incomes. The purchase was in 2000. I have since purchased other stuff but it was complicated because I had to do some creative financing. Best of luck! 💗

[@jpitt5355]

Time to leave Alabama, the state is stuck in time.

[@jaybird2791]

@@jpitt5355 do you think it really is? Unless you have big city dreams, trust me. Stay put. As you get older you start to realize that there is no place like home! 💗

[@ansonjaking5509]

When I was a lil kid I never knew anything abt being poor. I didn't even know what can goods were as a kid til I became an adult bc everyone had gardens back then. I was taught how to garden, how to can, cook, sew an make clothes on a sewing machine...AS A KID I HATED BEING MADE TO DO ALL THAT...BUT NOW AS AN ADULT...I appreciate & cherish every moment. Learned recipes from my great grandmother, my granfather an grandmother..so much wisdom poured n2 me as a kid. I was taught at a young age how to survive. So NOW I'm older I get it now. Now teaching my kids an grankids...now they understand!!!

[@SaraPurvey]

Wow. I've been traveling through Camp Hill, AL for over 70 years and I never knew there was a 'downtown area'! Gotta go explore next time I pass through.

[@bxaddict3093]

Many towns in Alabama look very similar to these. They do have some beautiful architectural and some very good people. We don’t need a lot of money to be happy.😊

[@jude.v25]

Welcome to Alabama! The residents in our small towns are most often older and live on retirement income. Their homes are paid for and they tend to have little or no debt. Overall, Americans borrow a lot of money to appear successful. The stately homes near the center of the towns are often owned by professional people such as business owners, attorneys, etc., while blue collar people live on the outskirts. Younger families, in higher income brackets, live away from the town and are not included in the town's population numbers. Hollywood has painted a very different picture of Alabama than reality. But that's OK. We should probably keep it a secret. :)

[@dennyj8650]

I'm sure I'd love it, but the south is just too hot for me. God bless.

[@mattr.1887]

Denny, heat & humidity rule the southeast. I don't know how people survived prior to air conditioning. I'd rather spend a winter in Minnesota with no central heat.

[@dennyj8650]

@@mattr.1887 Same here ! Usually only July up here is horrid. Humidity is the worst. For winter, you always can put on more clothes.

[@tinajohnson7524]

Beautifully said!

[@wheelz7601]

Jude, glad you came in and stated what you did. Those big fancy homes he was showing are not owned by people on low income. Every small town in Alabama has homes like those. They are owned by like you stated professional people who often times work in larger cities like Montgomery, Birmingham, or Huntsville. To see lower income, you have to get out of the city and more in the countryside of things. Many of the smaller towns lost people because once kids grow up they tend to move away and older people die off. Some of these towns will no longer even be around 20 to 30 years from now.

[@HaroldDThomasII]

I'm not sure why it is surprising that there are people living on $1200 a month. If you earn minimum wage working an 8 hour week you only make $1240 a month. Sadly enough there are probably millions of people across this country earning what these people are earning if not less. Also keep in mind the cost of living in the South, especially in small towns, is extremely cheap. you could not rent a hovel in New York City for $1,200 a month but you could probably rent a trailer house or a lean to Shack in one of these towns for around $250 to 300 a month.

[@MrRusty-fm4gb]

There’s people earning and making as little as .50¢ a day if they are lucky in some parts of the world. We Americans are all rich. No one in America is poor. If they think they are poor, then they are just morons.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Yeah rent is $800 in these dying towns lol

[@Amotleymind]

Great point!

[@lynnsmith4]

Rent 'was' cheap in the south but no more. Def not 2-300 per month. More like 6-700 for an older home or trailer. A nicer place would be 8-900 per month.

[@joestephan1111]

Joe Lewis enlisted during World War Two and became a morale booster traveling around, giving positive messages to the troops, and doing demonstrations at different camps. It was so very appropriate he was buried at Arlington.

[@pinkiesue849]

Was Joe Lewis the man who flattened a Nazi boxer? Thanks

[@joestephan1111]

@@pinkiesue849 I think so

[@rodneywoods855]

This guy is easy on the ears he also is informative,and extremely honest in his discription of the facts ,I’m from England and find his videos fascinating,it’s nice to see and hear the other side of the coin ,many thanks

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@rosanelson1373]

I hope you go through my hometown, Marion, Alabama

[@chrisendsley5724]

i kive off of 2k a month while raising 2 teenagers. I live in Irondale that's surrounded by Birmingham. It's hard, I hate being on disability was making mid 50k a year until my work accident. Now we live off of 2k a month that's 3 folks. Once my kids are grown (11th and 9th grades) oh we do get enough food stamps for 1 week of food and drinks. It would be nice as a single parent if I got a few dollars child support a month but I've never received a dime from their mom and I've had custody for 14 years. If it were the other way around i'd be in jail for not paying child support. I love my state was born here and will die here. I'm Alabama through and through.

[@natashaalexander4651]

I'm an American trucker. I drive through these small towns on backroads all the time. It weird how you will see a decaying block then BOOM a historic mansion in storybook condition. Some families just don't want to leave. These people are happy with their reality.

[@dixielatino]

Don't let the cost of living fool you . Many people in that county Tallapoosa county and neighboring counties are millionaires living in those woods in Rural Alabama you won't see the huge Mansions from the road ,especially in the Lake Martin areas which is not far . In rural Alabama one acre cost 1 thousand dollars per.

[@brandih9802]

But I always wonder what those people are doing and where they are working

[@ankhpom9296]

I am here in CA state. Would I be better off in AL? How about healthcare? And the race issue?

[@flashblast]

Its not how poor they are, it's how blessed they are.

[@TheCostumeJeweler]

Looks like a small, relaxing place. I bet the locals are happy with where and how they live.

[@dopey4u917]

i live in southern bama . an have to say taking a trip to camp hill seems like a great vacation. its small not many residents an i know there will be a river near by to camp on for a few days.. thank you for giving it a nice little tour. next road trip try coming out to geneva al an seeing the old oak tree and where the 2 rivers meet

[@altha-rf1et]

Love Geneve my mother use to go there to Tates food Store once a month, she would stock up on their meat, and buy her cigs there was real cheap worth the trip for her

[@derekbrown2215]

​@@altha-rf1et I buy meat there as well.

[@shortshorts920]

I live on 300 a week in east Kentucky and I tell you what, it is rough as hell but I really feel for the many on social security and disability who only get $7-900 a month. It’s awful an unbelievable.

[@jamoacha3047]

Me too! I'm in Kentucky, and you are right, it ain't easy!

[@joygeegemini9241]

Same here. I live on Soc. Sec. & live in Louisville & wonder how anybody receiving less income than me can make it anymore w/ cost of groceries & everything going up.

[@lovesallanimals9948]

I live in Connecticut on disability 800.00 month

[@John-ob7dh]

@@lovesallanimals9948 jeez thats low .I am in Southern UK on pension of $1460 per month and thats without my wife's pension .I don't know how you manage.

[@carynvanwyk]

I get 914 a month SSI.

[@wallstreetwarrior7840]

This is what its all about in my opinion. Living the simple life! We been fooled into believing we need to be rich but what all we really need is "enough". Enough to not lack anything we need. I would love to move to a place like this and just be around good people.

[@OC1621.]

Yes Mam.💯❤️

[@francesluther9518]

Amen

[@saradasilva8162]

Right all I see is huge yards and spaces here in Philly we have to go to the surrounding counties to have space

[@angusyoung824]

That's the problem. All of us were brainwashed.

[@odessadelphine6061]

The poorest are having a hard time with the high rents and high food prices. They are not living a simple life. They are struggling to survive. These southern states are are at the bottom when it comes to healthcare and education and more. Ultra poverty is not the same as making do. Poverty destroys.

[@amyfarley2305]

One of the considerations that needs to be taken into account is that a lot of homes that you see dilapidated and overgrown, may be where an elder person passed and the home was either in litigation or no relatives to pass it on to. A lot of the older generation who owned homes and land in these rural places are dying and the relatives aren't taking up residence in them therefore, the population takes a hit. I personally wouldn't want to live anywhere else but a rural town. Getting to a larger town for work or purchases takes only a little longer to get to than if I lived closer to the bigger cities and I don't have to contend with big city problems. Having lived here in Alabama my whole life, to me it is the most beautiful state. We have mountains, beaches, pasture land, forests...all within a few hours drive. Personally all I have to do is look at the view from my porch...mountains and pastures with horses grazing (mine 😁). I thank God for my home and the ability to work hard for what we want and especially need.

[@Pinkbird333]

I currently live on $4000 a month after taxes and things are still tough. I couldn’t imagine living off $300 a week. God bless ❤❤❤❤

[@da_mask]

I had relatives that lived in Camp Hill. In particular a great aunt who lived in one of those now dilapidated vine covered houses. Her house was right by railroad tracks and the train that came through at 2 AM scared me to death. Had a great uncle who ,among other things, had a nice catfish pond. Great fun catching fish. My grandmother and grandfather were born in that area in 1895. They moved to Birmingham sometime right after WWI .

[@joshcrumpton8890]

When my kids move out I will be moving from my little town it's actually 3 hours from camp hill but when I watched this something told me i need to live there by then the pop could be 500

[@cubistone]

Seeing abandoned houses always depresses me. The houses surely remember the people and the love and the laughter that were once there.

[@kevmorrow9659]

I think about that too!!...when I see an old house I sit and think this was someone's home at some point families actually called this place home now it's nothing

[@magesalmanac6424]

Well said. I think of birthdays or wakes or all kinds of human events that happened in those old houses. They’re so melancholy.

[@davidjohn64]

What does the future hold , for these Towns , if anything ... What is there for young people ?.

[@jacquesminor1081]

❗ about 20 years ago or so I went to a nice Church in Camp Hill the pastor and his members built the church from the ground, you talking about a good time, WE HAD ONE! But I think lightning hit it and it burnt down, them were the good old days, I'm not going to name the pastor because those that have knowledge of this place know who he is, a fine man of God if you ask me, I love him to this day❗

[@user-nv8nt6gm2d]

Weird, how god would let a lightning bolt strike his own house.

[@tuulivihko5750]

Thank you for showing this part of the US. I like it that you’re always respectful although the sights may be sad at times.

[@vicheferq4137]

It's boring coz nothing to do

[@gordonspears6320]

Both my mother and father were from small towns in Alabama close to this one, and I spent many a summer in rural Alabama in my childhood. A few years ago I visited and was appalled at the decay. I blame Walmart, which has sucked all local commerce out of small towns. The old town centers are full of brick masonry buildings of notably high quality, but these old buildings are unused and are being allowed to fall into ruin. There is simply no commerce in the old downtowns. Everyone living there shops in the Walmart out on the beltway, and all of the money spent is sucked out and sent to the billionaire Wal family, among the wealthiest families in America. I saw only one small town in rural Alabama that had a downtown that appeared prosperous. It was a town that didn't have a Walmart anywhere close to it. Shop local, folks.

[@michaelcrossman6951]

Its the same with small towns in Virginia

[@jenniferjennifer9973]

It's unfortunate because with Walmart most people tend to go there because as well local shops have to be higher prices, so therefore they go to Walmart.

[@greensorrel6860]

Excellent point

[@johncj5551]

So why do you shop at Walmart?

[@gordonspears6320]

@@johncj5551 I don't shop at Walmart. Ever.

[@barbaraallen8439]

I love Alabama ❤ if your not from here you don’t understand how people can make it off of nothing and a prayer and still be grateful and happy. From low-income to successful business owners…

[@sean4907]

Alabama is the 7th state in terms of percentage of citizens on food stamps; the fact is that they live off nothing because the rest of us have to subsidize these dregs.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

27:36 - Plenty of these beautiful houses in Newburyport Massachusetts if ever you're in the area. Some real lovely homes our way. Thank you for another amazing tour.

[@JR12991]

I’m so proud of anyone that could live so isolated from others…I enjoy my peace but that looks so lonely. God bless whoever is living there!🙏🏽

[@ericg6886]

Compared to the Northeast, money goes a lot further down South. The cost of living is significantly lower. This is also a good example of, "Just because you're poor doesn't mean you can't take care of anything." The funny thing is, Alabama is one of the states I've worked in where I had a preconceived idea of it being nothing but run down trailer parks. It's the stereotype that still gets perpetuated to this day. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Some of the kindest, most generous people I've ever met.

[@emmabenedek646]

ALABAMA. AND ELSEWHERE. PUBLIC APATHY. The situation in US is horrific. Theres folks going around pointing cameras at semi derelict cities and towns all over the place. Theres people living there in total poverty. One of them inhabited by females on their own. Whole streets with empty shops, gas stations and diners and wharehouses all starting to collapse. How come that nation paid people to walk about on a moon. Why are they staring into space trying to find 'life' when they cant even manage what they have. Do you think any distant civilisation would tolerate the people here// Why are you assuming they would be like you. Foir instabncxer whats all this about Police killing a 1000 people a yr. They dont seem to do that to the corrupt. In UK we are experiencing Police attacks too who are sent on behalf of religion. They told us that the evidence we gathered during 12 yrs traipse round vCent London accompanied by victims cannot be revealed to public. They also told us that theres no such thing as 'Natural Talent'. theres only what your teacher teaches. That attitude killed millions US Nativ Americans and Germany did same to tribes in Africa. This is the 3rd attaxck we have experienced after doing state of the art work on so called incurable clients sent to us by Health system. They had recd anything up to 22 yrs 'treatment' They needed six hours. One of them would have died that nite had we not broken in to get to her. We wewre then told to stop the work which was threatening establ jobs so around 12-15 000 died and the issues covered up by Local Govt. Police. HM Coroners. HM Courts. HM Psychiatry Charities. Press. 17 universities who are in league with Int drug firms. f-book and Twitter destroyed all our mails and all websites also disappeared. We have no access to Parliament or Law or Health or Welfare. We are woriied anbout dying cos this place coulds be ransacked by Police and the public would do nothing. We are a Jewish Family who came to UK to escape the very activities going on in UK. We came here with two suitcases and 80 yrs old granma. we were washing up dishes in hotel and taking scraps food home. no one offered any help. We left behind jobs in the Law System. Now lets think about this site. People are goin around filming other pewoples misery so what the persons criteria. Why dont they go raise hell at the aeras Political representative for those areas. Why dont they stop and knock at all the doors to see if the folks need food por help with property maintenance. Why are peopole sitting watching all this and doing nothing. Is it becauase the victims aree not 'relatives' If so you need waking up. No change in 10.000 yrs. Stop the deception. 5000 comments have not changed anything.The UK and Europe are also horrific. The EEC has told us that nothing can be done about corruption or the attacks on us. Maybe wre should try to get out of here urgent before we end up dead. The natives that the US killed knew how to survive. You dont. You killed most them wheres the guilt we dont see any.

[@takitako679]

North have always been the wealthiest part

[@uofa82]

Thank you!

[@r-e_mii]

​@@takitako679we aren't wealthy up north though, everything just costs more. Where living costs are lower, so are wages.

[@mse7501]

Its not lower anymore since the Yankees went South. I don't know how people make it.

[@abhaybakshi5918]

I am from India and I love your channel. Have subscribed to it. Your journey through rural America is amazing. There are some strangely peaceful vibes that I get by watching your videos. Its lovely to see those small towns, each having character of its own. In the world today where there is stress of city life and rush for everything, a trip to such small towns shows that life can be lived at slow pace and in sync with mother nature. Material things matter to certain extent but above some limit its all greed and artificial happiness. Please continue your journeys and I am sure you love to do so. If possible please see if you can communicate with some residents as you travel. It would be interesting to know what they do for livelihood ....how the day is spent..like that.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for that, Abhay!

[@shukracharya_]

Me too bro

[@OC1621.]

🇯🇲💯💯

[@winsomebarnett7067]

So true 👍

[@SybilLanham]

I live in rural Alabama and it is truly a blessing! Its so quiet and peaceful. My neighbors are kind and we all look out for each other.

[@catherinefinch467]

Your videos have been sadly informative- I’ve really enjoyed seeing some of rural America and the stunning contrasts in the conditions of the homes/businesses. I don’t know that “enjoyed” is the right word to use, witnessing such poverty but we need to see and learn how people live in this country. It would be even more fascinating if you were to search out a resident of each town to interview…

[@gardy4390]

I believe that people who actually live in thise places love to live that way .No demands ,no push or pull in any direction, don't have to or don't want to get up at 5 am every day, no pressure because if they didn't like it at way they would do anything to make it better. Everyone is the master of their faith.

[@pattimeckleyfree9484]

I'm retired Bakery manager from Walmart my social security check is about close to the income of these Towns I got married in Alabama in 87 . Y'all be careful in little back road towns I been everywhere my ex used to roof on military base housing.. appreciate y'all are doing I get to alot more. 💯💯❤️❤️👍

[@tishreni5183]

Why are the police hard on outsiders?

[@danmoritz3319]

I know a disabled guy in another southern state who has a fairly nice apartment, not bad, at all, in a quiet, remote, small town whose rent is subsidized, making exceptionally cheap rent, and lives on just over $800 a month. Out of that that $800, he pays neighbors comparatively very well, each time, to help him do minutes worth of minimal household cleaning and carry in his groceries. He does have and drive his own car, too, which he barely can get to via wheelchair. Outside, short drives around town, watching TV and phone, its a boring life, but living conditions arent bad, town folk are nice, and all basic needs are met.

[@recycled3654]

Yeah, it's typical. If it wasn't for VA medical and SS income, I'd be under a bridge.

[@michellemyles7050]

Thanks for sharing . Nice small town , very clean & I love the old houses !

[@dirkwyse1609]

Amazing shots of all the ruined homes, one of your best videos. Thanks!

[@jenniferokelley9779]

My mother's family was from Camp Hill. Best people ever. I spent summers and loved it. Respectful people that lived off the land. Best memories of my life. Live in Macon Georgia now. Killings every single day. The wooddy and Rearden families. Best memories ever. Great Aunt Zana, Uncle Preston, etc. Thanks for the video.

[@Bojan_V]

Hi. I'm from Slovenia and i don't understand very well when you say 'killings every day." People are killed every day? Can you please explain? Thanks

[@user-nt7uq7eg3e]

Where's everyone people left where and abandoned their house 🤔

[@tracidunham3076]

I grew up in this town. I live in another small town about 10 miles north of Camp Hill. When I was little this town was thriving. On Saturdays, the streets were crowded and the stores were booming!! I don't know what happened but it breaks my heart. Most of the people have passed away or moved away to find jobs.

[@oooloo99]

My families home town area Morrilton Arkansas. Use to be a vibrant active place with a JCPENNEY And many many other stores and home town restaurants. That was in the 1880's- 1960's. But it's not doing well for a long time now. They are trying. They have picked up a few family owned stores and a coffee shop last I heard. But it's so far from what it was. It was so much fun on Saturday mornings. Lunches were great home cooking and people smiled and said howdy often.

[@truncinesaulsberry9664]

How do I find available housing in the area

[@odessadelphine6061]

They didn’t want new ideas, new or different people but they let in big box stores that ruined small businesses.

[@christinfranklin1333]

Do you remember the Girls Ranch?? I was there for a few years

[@daviddougherty7289]

Your videos and observations of the decaying towns are interesting!

[@daviddougherty7289]

I mean that prosperity is going down the drain in our Country.

[@Issoirre]

This was fascinating to watch. Thank you

[@evilchaperone]

I grew up in a burnt out factory town. It's just heartbreaking to know this is going on all across the country.

[@topsham69]

The textile industry was a dominate force for employment until 1980s, and then was moved overseas. Athletic wear, socks, blouses, etc were of good quality and used natural cotton. Towns like Monroeville, Ft. Payne, Alexander City, and many others, were decimated. Left a two-tier society of those w/long-term property and position, and service industry workers (ChinaMart).

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

True There’s inherited wealth n then there’s service industry left N there’s nothing inbtwn as all the industry is gone So it’s very much a caste system rly

[@jaybrock1861]

Yes the textile industry was so king. We called them Mills in the south. My Dad is from Lafayette which is about 10 miles from West Point, GA. The Kia factory has replaced all the mill jobs now.

[@jennifersherrer]

I live in Alabama and most these homes that are overgrown were places a grandparent or great grandparent lived and family just let it go and still own yhe property or let it go for taxes and possibly didn't have family left to give it to. These old towns are everywhere in Alabama. Some are still ran well and some have become ghost towns. Enterprise downtown is adorable and still operating great businesses. I live near in one that is running ok but slowly going out of businesses. Mostly due to people moving to the closer larger cities. These old houses are often bought and fixed up because thet sell so cheap. 100k or less most of the time

[@user-kp7gq6ou7u]

I love seeing different places and i really enjoyed watching your video! From Mike McCall in Britain 🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@shellyhudson1631]

I'm posting this at the beginning of this video because I live in rural mountain NC and let me tell you. My granny died 2 and a half yrs ago and she was retired but only drawing $600 per mth. She and my aunt who is now considered disabled lived on that for many yrs until my aunt was accepted by disability. They made a garden as much as they could and lived off those veggies and bread all yr long. They bought coffee milk sugar butter the basics. $300 per week would have had them in luxury or luxury according to them. My wife and I lived off my paycheck of about $150 because I couldn't find a job except part time unless I drove 2 hrs away. Finally now my wife works security and makes $300 per week but it's a 2hr trip one way. We spend more on gas and repairs plus insurance on our truck than the money will cover. It's freaking tough. She drives 2 hrs works 8 then drives 2 back. She's gon at least 12 hrs per day 5 days a week just to make $300 per week. Disability as far as I know is around $900-$1000 per month. If you don't own your home there is almost no way to eat and pay bills alone. Prices have doubled on Everything since covid hit but we make the same amount of money. This has caused the middle class to become poor and the poor to become f*cling desperate. I would love to see a congressman live on $300 per week and pay all his or her bills. And worst of all if there are any changes or cuts in any assistance we receive it's the bottom poor that they take it from so it goes from bad to worst. I grew up middle class but that middle class is the poor class today

[@joedennehy386]

Move

[@143Chelley_Chelle]

Hey friend. Could your wife or you possibly get on indeed and see if you can find a work from home job? There is some companies that even provide the equipment needed and have paid training. I am praying for you guys. Keep your heads up. God bless you.

[@rneedham667]

There isn't a politician worth $300 a month!

[@143Chelley_Chelle]

@karlwithak1835 It is not nonsense. In our rural areas there is a lot of work from home jobs, such as insurance, billing, collections, scheduling etc etc. That major national companies have available. Not every rural area is populated with jobs close by or even restaurants for that matter. In my area we did not even have any home internet providers available to us until 2012 and our cell phones would not work at home.

[@SuperKeithers]

hahaha

[@WaskiSquirrel]

It's interesting how different a house being "reclaimed by nature" can look in different parts of the country. Where I live, in North Dakota, they don't easily hide behind trees and growth as they die. They become much more skeletal as they wait for the prairie wind to finally knock them over. Decay looks quite different in out two parts of the country, but shares a lot. I can hardly imagine living on $300 per week, even when my house is paid off. I started my career in fall 1999 at just over $17,000 per year, but that was 1999, and my rent was only $150/month. You just can't find that now.

[@DFlick-ro6py]

Omgosh..I only live on $1200 a month..it is all over United States not just Alabama where we live poor

[@WaskiSquirrel]

@@DFlick-ro6py That is true. And I don't know how people do it. But I also know that when one has to, one can find a way.

[@letscleanhouse]

The humidity also plays a big part in the decay of old buildings here.

[@deborahcurtis1385]

People double up and share houses. There are ways of making it work.

[@wolfgang3076]

I like your comments when you drive into areas that are new to you. I can relate because that's pretty much what I would say or think if it were me. Always informative and respectful of smaller towns that are trying to turn things around. ThanX for sharing your adventures.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@cathline]

I used to own a lovely old Victorian house in Camp Hill, with the wrap around porch and a huge lot! It was the house where the late Senator Claude Pepper grew up. It was extremely cheap, but it was over 30 minutes to the nearest grocery store or bank. We moved out of there to Colorado. The house we left behind would have been 10x the price in Colorado -- 30 years ago. It would have been an amazing house in a different town. But the town was dying/dead even then. We and our next door neighbors were non-traditional students at Auburn University. We couldn't afford to live in Auburn, but we could afford to buy a house in Camp Hill.

[@LisaStreit-xf6vq]

Should of moved the house

[@nelitasciretta7101]

What I find really sad about not only the smaller towns but a lot of cities as well, is the fact that they let the older building with character just fall apart, or they tear them down and replace them with just functional looking building. I love history and I love all the older building, the ones that were not only built to function, but to add character and even beauty to the town/city. What a shame that a lot of people are just too busy or uninterested in keeping the beauty and history of their town alive.

[@lynnsmith4]

Many of the smaller towns in Alabama do work hard to keep our downtowns as they were and try to keep some local business. Some seem to be making a comeback.

[@YOUR-LOCAL13]

I agree. Denver is notorious for tearing down beautiful old mansions and replacing them them with retail or something we don’t need. It’s horrible.

[@nelitasciretta7101]

@@YOUR-LOCAL13 I agree wholeheartedly, it is horrible and an insult to all those before us who took the time to create something beautiful, not only for themselves but the future.

[@nelitasciretta7101]

@@lynnsmith4 I truly hope they continue to do so. That is so nice to hear!

[@rennyray11]

I agree! I absolutely love the character of older architecture!

[@Cookie-sf6fs]

Hey found you researching places to move to- we are still looking but I want you to know it’s 3 am in San Diego and your making my early morning sitting in the quiet living room the best time of my darn day ! Thanks for the research too ❤🙏🏽

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@JulieWilliams-ps1np]

I know this may sound crazy but to me there is something so poignant and beautiful about the decay of these homes and businesses.....once upon a time there was a way of life and just like us time takes it's toll....

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I agree.

[@BobbyTucker]

I am proud to say I had the honor to meet Joe Louis when I lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr Louis was the Ambassador for Caesar's Palace, he was a very soft spoken man, respectful and polite. I just wanted to share that with everyone.

[@nancysloan3731]

I met him as a child. He was indeed the greeter at Caesar's Palace. He seemed humble about his boxing accomplishments. My Dad complimented him on his boxing career.

[@alanwindsor3118]

In the town of Roanoke. Right before where you saw the couch by the train tracks, there used to be a train depot there that I would play in as a kid and watch the trains go by. It was abandoned at that time too(the year 2000). As you kept going up that road past the two shack buildings to the stop sign my grandparent's house sat on the right. You brought back a lot of memories when I saw that train go by.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, that is cool.

[@leoross5777]

ill bet the local lice feeders burned it down

[@patrowland3107]

Oke town!

[@JulieWilliams-ps1np]

I love these videos....cheap way to see America from my couch.....I have been to Alabama and Ohio in very rural areas and just love knowing the history of our country and the many families that lived during those times when the world was much younger..new generations come along and want to explore and go other places to live due to economics/weather conditions, etc....nice to see not everyone wants to leave....thanks for these videos....

[@rubydawn1]

it seems like a nice little town. I am from Canada I think the U.S.A has so many beautiful little places would love to travel around and see them all

[@thunter82]

I am from Camp Hill. My parents still live there. I was born in 1982 and I am witness to it being poor. My first 6/7 years of life we had no bathroom and was raised in a 3 room home which is still standing to this day. There were a lot of us living like that in the part of Camp Hill we lived in. In spite the rocky first few years it is still a wonderful place. There are a lot of geniuses in and from those backwoods. Alot of strength, love, and God!

[@tamkendrick4032]

You better say that

[@gabron8845]

Is the town welcoming of all races?

[@johntomik4632]

Got pulled over in Camp Hill on my way to the beach 20yrs ago. It did not go good lol

[@LynnS-gd8wq]

@@gabron8845 I don't know about Camp Hill but in northern rural Alabama...of course we are welcoming of all races. That is such a myth. We have been desegregated since the 60's. We go to school, work, and play sports all together. People marry different races and have friends of different races. We are more inclusive here than in many northern areas that are still segregated.

[@bonafidesagG88]

My family is from Camp Hill Alabama, and most of which was a pretty large family moved to Michigan back in the late 50's and early 60's when General Motors was at its peak. My Grandmother, Uncles, Aunties, my mother often would tell us great stories about Camp Hill.Some of the family still remains there, but I've never met any of them, but I will one day pay this town a visit.

[@travisholloway6620]

LaFayette is my hometown. Boxer Joe Louis was born there. Also the original plans for the Ford Model T were drawn just North of town. The famous movie Mississippi Burning was filmed here. A lot of people I grew up knowing, was in the film.

[@annpruitt951]

I live in Roanoke grandbabies in Opelika. We go through Lafayette a lot. The boys always had to stop to see the fighting man

[@kwill7911]

I grew up in Lafayette.

[@richardsmith4187]

I really enjoyed looking at the different little towns. Like you said some of those homes were beautiful. Saw very little in the way of any businesses with the exception of a Circle K store and dollar general ?? Must be a Walmart somewhere LOL It's sad to see small towns in decline and hope some will be better in the future. Will look forward to your further videos, and come to Florida as we have many small little towns to explore.

[@jeanniewatson6820]

I love your videos ! You give us the information that I’m so curious to no!

[@loveray7353]

Alot of people moved to either Montgomery, Birmingham, Atlanta, or out of state due to lack of jobs and entertainment. I was raised in that part of Alabama and was surrounded by nothing but love. I plan to move back home from California real soon. Thanks for motivating me even more.

[@teamckinnon8789]

Alabama is one of those places that stay in your heart,no matter how far away you are from it.

[@aarondigby5054]

@@teamckinnon8789 damned right boy, now git. Down home Southern hospitality, gosh darn it. You can't understand shysh they say.

[@rodricktunstall9500]

True

[@geneviveross4234]

I just stumbled on your videos today and I’m hooked. I immediately subbed. I grew up in AFRICA, and I love seeing these small towns in America….they are absolutely fascinating to me.. I’m hooked. And I love your interaction on your videos, you have a good calm voice that almost makes me feel like I’m in the driver seat with you.. You are such a blessing. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@Rashle]

My Brother, we are in the same boat ❤️❤️❤️ love everything about this channel

[@emmabenedek646]

HOOKED ON POVERTY.ALABAMA. AND ELSEWHERE. PUBLIC APATHY. The situation in US is horrific. Theres folks going around pointing cameras at semi derelict cities and towns all over the place. Theres people living there in total poverty. One of them inhabited by females on their own. Whole streets with empty shops, gas stations and diners and wharehouses all starting to collapse. How come that nation paid people to walk about on a moon. Why are they staring into space trying to find 'life' when they cant even manage what they have. Do you think any distant civilisation would tolerate the people here// Why are you assuming they would be like you. Foir instabncxer whats all this about Police killing a 1000 people a yr. They dont seem to do that to the corrupt. In UK we are experiencing Police attacks too who are sent on behalf of religion. They told us that the evidence we gathered during 12 yrs traipse round vCent London accompanied by victims cannot be revealed to public. They also told us that theres no such thing as 'Natural Talent'. theres only what your teacher teaches. That attitude killed millions US Nativ Americans and Germany did same to tribes in Africa. This is the 3rd attaxck we have experienced after doing state of the art work on so called incurable clients sent to us by Health system. They had recd anything up to 22 yrs 'treatment' They needed six hours. One of them would have died that nite had we not broken in to get to her. We wewre then told to stop the work which was threatening establ jobs so around 12-15 000 died and the issues covered up by Local Govt. Police. HM Coroners. HM Courts. HM Psychiatry Charities. Press. 17 universities who are in league with Int drug firms. f-book and Twitter destroyed all our mails and all websites also disappeared. We have no access to Parliament or Law or Health or Welfare. We are woriied anbout dying cos this place coulds be ransacked by Police and the public would do nothing. We are a Jewish Family who came to UK to escape the very activities going on in UK. We came here with two suitcases and 80 yrs old granma. we were washing up dishes in hotel and taking scraps food home. no one offered any help. We left behind jobs in the Law System. Now lets think about this site. People are goin around filming other pewoples misery so what the persons criteria. Why dont they go raise hell at the aeras Political representative for those areas. Why dont they stop and knock at all the doors to see if the folks need food por help with property maintenance. Why are peopole sitting watching all this and doing nothing. Is it becauase the victims aree not 'relatives' If so you need waking up. No change in 10.000 yrs. Stop the deception. 5000 comments have not changed anything.The UK and Europe are also horrific. The EEC has told us that nothing can be done about corruption or the attacks on us. Maybe wre should try to get out of here urgent before we end up dead. The natives that the US killed knew how to survive. You dont. You killed most them wheres the guilt we dont see any.

[@stephaniemcphetridge61]

I lived in Birmingham for 21 years loved it, now in Missouri and hate it. Alabama is full of wonderful people. Makes me wanna return, maybe someday. I came home to care for mamma, she's gone 3 years now and can't get ahead enough to go back to Birmingham.😢

[@dontran449]

Nice show always, thanks.

[@darwinfussle5031]

That blue building is where my father saw his first television set in that window. He watched it all day in amazement until his mother came to get him because he didn't show up for supper.....he still had the floor in his hands he came into town to get.....