Why So Few Americans Live In Appalachia

[@GeographyByGeoff]

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[@Ziggy_ig8gd]

There's a major city jackass, it's called Pittsburgh. You maps are all wrong

[@philhoward4466]

i would include parts of southeast Ohio.

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

yeah there's a single reason it's called the Democrats destroying Americans industrial base Bill Clinton shipping all the manufacturing jobs to China

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

and why has that industry declined because of the democratic party that's why

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

it's the same as the rust belt the damn Democrats globalism that's the problem the Democrats globalism

[@day2148]

"Appalachia is not one of the sexiest regions of the country." As someone living in Appalachia, I quite disagree. It's absolutely gorgeous here, especially in autumn.

[@Jimmietwotimes]

This whole video destroys any possible credibility the host may have achieved. I would suggest he do some reading and research before his next asinine video.

[@colorsntrees1531]

@elsie412ok Speaking for others that live in these majestic hills, I think the same about FL, AZ, TX, etc, undesirable to live in. Having been to all 50 states as well as other countries, I return to these amazing areas so all I can say is to each their own. As for the host of the video, youth desires city life w/obscene populations & all it brings w/it, pollution & crime are why I often left so enjoy city life & feel free to visit & enjoy what our tiny hidden gems offer to those of us that so eagerly & happily left city life behind. :)

[@festacoreentertainment1658]

no, its disgusting and ugly and they dont wanna move there (keep it pretty by not luring people there)

[@Jimjef]

I don't think he was referring to the topography when describing it as not the sexiest. I can't explain it without offending a lot of people but let's just say there are rumors certain things some people here did in the past that are mostly illegal now. 😅

[@day2148]

@@Jimjef region has a colorful history for certain. That being said, many of the rights that workers take for granted today like paid leave was secured by battles waged here.

[@vanessalewis1023]

I live deep in the appalachians, was born and raised in these mountains and i can tell you there is nothing more breathtaking then a appalachian spring morning, or a green summer day, or a golden autumn evening. Its not for everybody, some places are extremely isolated, like my little cottage, my nearest neighbor is 4 miles, nearest "town" with a population of 600 is 15 miles.

[@solcen7260]

@@vanessalewis1023 I've always wanted to live in place like this ❣️

[@littleteethkeith]

You're exactly right. I live on top of the Flat Top Mountain plateau of Raleigh County WV and one hour from home my family has small cottage in the Greenbrier River valley. I enjoy the four seasons so much in this area. I left for four years to go to college and once I completed college I came right back.

[@john-o1g9p]

retiring out of colo to wv. will settle back into 43023 where i was raised while i find just the right homestead. can, not. wait. will still pronounce it appa LAY cha...

[@Tom_Swift]

That's awesome, I've only seen photos and they look breathtaking, I can only imagine how amazing it looks in person. How do you feel living there, are you happy?

[@doors1708]

What state are you in Vanessa? It sounds amazing.

[@charlesdriggers199]

Leave the mountains alone. They don't need to be populated.

[@scotcorwin5950]

Especially by liberals

[@asimhusain8087]

Great point

[@jonmurraymurray5512]

@charlesdriggers199 They will heal on their own.

[@charlesdriggers199]

@@jonmurraymurray5512 Will they? Fifteen years ago I would go to the mountains in North Georgia. It was a great time with small towns and plenty of old charm. Now developers are doing their best to level everything and put as much sprawl as they are allowed do to the national forest being in their way.

[@alwayzAngry]

Too late I’m coming

[@Just-Nikki]

Not being overpopulated is why it’s still so beautiful. West Virginia will always have my heart. I live in Missouri because of my husband’s job but the mountains are my home.

[@AK-vr8el]

As an Appalachian, I don't want a big city. I want it sparsely populated.

[@filmbuffo5616]

A place to which misanthropes can retreat.

[@jasonwitt3423]

My family came up through the Ohio river valley. I’d love to know about my family’s history in Appalachia.

[@JeffGoldblum64]

@@filmbuffo5616 yeah pretty much

[@tommypuckett9441]

@@jasonwitt3423 let me tell you about our present. For the past 4 years anytime I left my area I had someone call me r*cist for my accent alone. Told I was r*cist when saying no I’m not then got told I was r*cist because my white cousin has 3 black kids and black husband that I adore and that’s some other new crime now.

[@drewgoodman4292]

I'd rather have the population concentrated into a few big cities and towns than have housing developments all over our once-beautiful mountains. It's disgraceful, especially around Blowing Rock and the Cashiers-Highlands area. There's hardly any mountains left without developments on them.

[@rickrudd]

I live smack dab in the middle of it. Right outside Roanoke VA. I'd prefer for it to stay just as lightly populated as it is today. It's perfect.

[@davidmaxey3401]

@@rickrudd I love Roanoke 😀

[@costilla1212]

@@rickrudd Stop promoting it & saying it's awesome before diversity shows up

[@fredholley6248]

@@costilla1212 Yes, bigger is NOT better.

[@JackieOdonnel]

I don't blame you. Don't let the Californians know that there's room there, haha.

[@feiryfella]

@@costilla1212 Racist much.

[@pattonmoore]

As a lifelong resident of Appalachia, I can tell you that there's actually too many people living here...

[@justinhudgins9682]

@@pattonmoore agree

[@mwblackbelt]

Thank you.

[@a_ya5555]

@pattonmoore Does Appalachia have any stunning green grass valley areas like germany does, that aren't too narrow of a valley(I'm mainly seeing narrow valleys in this video), say a little more gradual??

[@justinhudgins9682]

@@a_ya5555 Appalachia is considered a rainforest not grass lands. It's easier to grow fruit than grass here

[@greenkoopa]

Yeah super glad I left, the people there are horrible and barely speak English

[@davemccormickmusic]

it's hard to make a living in appalachia....i live in southern WV...a friend once told me "they say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere....he laughed and said if you can make it here. you can make it anywhere"

[@Falcon-ug5sk]

@@davemccormickmusic 💯

[@adonymous6238]

I’m aware every state is different but I’m from Seattle and even before Covid at 15 my first job paid me $17.50 by 22 I’m making about 200% more than that… yes rent and people are annoying but if you want to “escape” you have to find opportunity and then once you’ve capitalized on opportunity you can return home to truly “be free” obviously everyone lives different it’s just mind blowing when Americans say oh I’ll never make it but don’t go somewhere in their own country that can paid nearly double their pay on day 1

[@Railride701]

​@@davemccormickmusic pay here a JOKE!! Me....retired EARLY and said.....F it!! 👏

[@papaicebreakerii8180]

@@adonymous6238not everybody can afford to move cross country. Pretty shortsighted to think like that

[@potato-ee4qx]

@@adonymous6238 so you still ain't making shit then lmao

[@wtk6069]

Appalachia has exactly the right amount of people. Why are other places so unbearably overpopulated? It must be horrible.

[@grimsonforce7504]

@@wtk6069 that's why I say there is no population shortage. There's way too many people. Pretty soon every place will be like India. Too many people not enough resources.

[@riggs20]

As long as there is at least a little growth, you’ll be fine. It’s when population starts shrinking that you run into problems. A town is like a living organism. Once people leave and businesses close it will start to die.

[@gmc8099]

It actually has way too many people now!!!

[@richardkaiser9509]

@@wtk6069 Love my 'overpopulated' NY ❤️💯 City is diverse,movies theaters, parks with foliage!! I lived in the Poconos, plenty of space and trees; couldn't wait to get back to the city where a train or bus ride can take one all over the city or the state!!rekwife

[@xdreadx_5025]

Lived in the hills of Appalachia my entire life in tiny little Giles county it warms my heart to see people talk about our little mountains

[@davidmatheny1993]

The area you highlighted as the "Great Smoky Mountains" covers what is called the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Smoky Mountains are more localized to the border between TN and NC.

[@Jimmietwotimes]

Thank you for this. The host sounds like he's reading off a 5th-grader's report on Appalachia.

[@sjs928]

PRECISELY… I’m in Knoxville , just an hour from Gatlinburg and the gateway to the Smokies … a stunning drive up and over 441 to Cherokee N.C.

[@tramable1]

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, encompassing some of the oldest mountains on earth, is located in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The state boundary line bisects the park, which is one of the largest in the eastern United States. They are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province.

[@walkergamble4504]

I live in Chattanooga, its great to be able to take a short drive and be completely immersed in wilderness and away from everything for a little while to clear your mind. I’m sure most people who live here would agree

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

In 3 years, I am retiring and moving just over the mountain from you. Somewhere between Kimball and Dunlap. I've been to the Tennessee Aquarium there in Chattanooga twice. That place is really cool!

[@evinrude1236]

@walkergamble4504.....been here all my life, and wouldn't have it any other way!! 👍💯

[@willp.8120]

The Noog is great.

[@sherisouth5963]

@@walkergamble4504 the whole Chattanooga, TN/NW Georgia region is really beautiful country. (I live in Colorado now, but was born and grew up in north Alabama.)

[@dylanmaxey2531]

@@walkergamble4504 Native Roanoker and my city is approximately 55% transplant. Need I say more? They come in and bulldoze everything so they can have a Trader Joe's or another boring mass produced restaurant or grocery store.

[@michaelholt8590]

I live in Carter County Tennessee, right on the North Carolina border and we really hope most people stay the hell out of this area.

[@michaelholt8590]

@@macpduff2119 amen to that

[@amandawolfe1054]

I really hope for your sake y'all can keep the transplants from other states away, because I'm also an East Tennessean, but because my town is considered a part of the Knoxville metro area (Im about 20 minutes south of Knoxville, I guess, in Maryville, TN, in Blount County. The Tail of The Dragon on HWY 129, is about 15 mins from my home) and only about 40 minutes south of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, my town has more transplants than you can shake a stick at. I only live, technically, about 20 mins away from Cades Cove, but during tourist season (which is now about 3 out of the 4 seasons of the year, here now) it can take around 45 minutes or so to get to, lots of times with stand-still traffic just trying to get up to the entrance to The Smoky Mountain National Park. The traffic inside the park is often horrendous as well. Most of the locals like myself don't even dare try to visit Cades Cove or go to Sevierville using the standard scenic routes that most tourists take during tourist season....its jammed packed. And thats just the tourism, not even the people moving here from absolutely everywhere. Smith & Wesson relocated to Blount County from Massachusetts last year, Amazon has built several warehouses in Blount county, Denso manufacturing has been here since the 90's, and we have other factories here, and new things moving in, so people are coming to Blount county for everything. The land, if you can find it to buy it, is going sky-high because of everything and everyone moving here....I'm honestly over it, and have been for yrs now. So whatever you do, try to prevent realtors and your local councils from advertising how great it is to live in your county; if anyone from outside asks about the cost of living there and what you feel about living there.....LIE and tell them its horrible. Trust me any positive thing about your county getting out could be what causes your beautiful area to be ruined. Don't believe me? Look up Maryville TN or Blount County TN on here on YT and you'll see realtors advertising Maryville, Lenoir City/Loudon, Monroe County, allllll the way down into Chattanooga. East TN is too full already, we don't need all of it ruined. Much love to y'all, and God Bless.

[@michaelholt8590]

@amandawolfe1054 Oh, I know. I avoid Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge at all costs. I couldn't imagine living down there.

[@mwblackbelt]

Absolutely

[@mwblackbelt]

​@amandawolfe1054 yes, PLEASE stop promoting the Appalachian region. It'll turn out like Myrtle Beach: a gazillion transplants who have totally effed up the area and made it so that the natives can't hardly afford to live there any more.

[@colinayre2109]

I’m in NC, been here since 2014…we been to the mountains and fell in love with them, wife and I decided when we retire we are headed to the mountains, we like the quiet and small towns…we just want land and to be left alone…love visiting the mountains whenever I can.

[@youngguns1319]

I could never live any where else. When it snows you can’t get out for up to a week at a time, power will be out for days. You can never complete a phone call. But this is the home of my family for as long back as we know. The only place on earth that feels like home and I can function in lol city’s stress me out and there’s to much going on all the time and to many people.

[@grimsonforce7504]

Sounds like good off grid living

[@Mithras444]

These comments are hilarious! I am born raised and still live in Appalachia Virginia. I have never heard some of these misconceptions. Its hilarious. Its inconvenient to live here. It takes two mountain tunnels to get to my town. Medical access is a big problem for most, and jobs. I come from a family that has been here forever and we own land, so I came back after 20yrs in the Army. My family gave land for the loocal Elementary school and its still here going strong, we also have invested in local businesses to help our community. Love it here!🌄🎆

[@tylerf4223]

@@Mithras444 what part of virginia?

[@jordanalexander615]

Exactly inconvenience is a major factor and if I had to guess everything costs more in mountain communities

[@darlsbarkley3493]

@@tylerf4223 Appalachia, VA is a town in southwest Virginia

[@CountryAndProud]

@@jordanalexander615 a mild inconvenience at worst. Not all at if you consider all the upsides vs living in a big city.

[@jordanalexander615]

@CountryAndProud if cost is an issue though it's pretty serious. Like fuel prices and groceries.

[@the_chandler]

Honestly I just clicked to make sure you pronounced Appalachia right. You did! Thank you, from a native Appalachian.

[@TheHomerowKeys]

@the_chandler different Appalachians pronounce it differently.

[@christophereichten9005]

The stereotypes are true

[@darlsbarkley3493]

​@@TheHomerowKeysthe people of Appalachia pronounce it the way he pronounces it. Nobody cares how northerners pronounce it. This pronunciation is the most correct based on the etymology of the name.

[@sirraf23]

​@@darlsbarkley3493 it's pronounced either way just like the Caribbean is pronounced either way. Anyone complaining about it just has a stick up their ass because they think they have to have complete control of everything.

[@billjordan3639]

When did Appalachia stop at the Mason Dixon line?

[@ScottJPowers]

my favorite book I read as a kid was "My Side of the Mountain" where a teenager/kid survives and lives in the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains, similar to the story of The Hatchet.

[@JohnnyMegabyteCanada]

we had to read it in school, early 70's. It took place in The Catskills section of the Appalachians

[@MbisonBalrog]

@@JohnnyMegabyteCanada That is NY

[@mac.8184]

I have not even heard of that book. I will look it up. Thank you!

[@Sinnicide]

the fuck bro. The older I get the more I realize that was an Appalachian classic we all read it seems like LMFAO. I went and lived in the woods for 6 months partially because of that book.

[@valkyrie1066]

👀👀 I LOVED that book! It spoke to me as a child. I live there now; in retirement! Thank you for reminding me of the connection!!!! YES! I have accomplished trees, and mountains, and deer! ❤❤

[@TheRealCharnley]

Appalachia is beautiful. Gorgeous. Nothing compares to it. Rocky Mountains can't even compare.

[@centenntrucker8496]

I've traveled through 44 of the lower 48 states through all four seasons. The Appalachians are some of most beautiful places in North America in my opinion, while having some of the nicest people and rich culture.

[@johnmcnulty4425]

I am a native Pittsburgher and I can tell you that we are definitely in Appalachia. But so is Charleston, W.Va., Lexington, Kentucky, Knoxville, Tenn., Chattanooga, Tennessee and others.

[@SherryHill-k5y]

@@johnmcnulty4425 Thank you!

[@sabneraznik]

Lexington, KY. is NOT Appalachia. It is in the Bluegrass Region where the racehorses are. Completely different world over there! (I’m in Appalachian KY)

[@Nightbird1914]

@@sabneraznikTruth. I’m in Eastern Kentucky. Two hours from Lexington. World of difference.

[@CooterELee]

I wouldn’t consider Lexington, Kentucky and Appalachia either. he talked about Mammoth Cave in this video and that most definitely is not an Appalachia. I’m very familiar with the entire region From working as a truck driver in dedicated routes in that area for several years

[@kathandevaraj]

As someone that grew up in Charleston and went to UK, Lexington is 100% NOT Appalachia. Eastern Kentucky certainly is but Appalachia ends before Lexington. Lexington is a unique case though as it is situated at the cross roads of Appalachia, the south, and the midwest so there's definitely some sort of influence of Appalachia that can be seen.

[@marpsr]

Appalachia stretches into Ohio and Pennsylvania. Not sure why they were excluded.

[@thedapperdolphin1590]

I guess because he’d have to talk about the actually heavily populated parts like Pittsburgh

[@oooshafiqooo]

@@thedapperdolphin1590 likely because Appalachia is Mountanious, Pittsburgh is right outside of it in the flat lands of the midwest

[@Nagy18]

@@oooshafiqooo Pittsburgh is very much not flat lol

[@maxsmith8196]

I think it's because the definition of Appalachia is very unclear. It usually refers to cultural Appalachia, not just the mountain range, which is why Pennsylvania is excluded. He could have made the definition he used in the video more clear, though.

[@charlesphelps2730]

Appalachia also stretches into New York State.

[@rohanlady4]

We moved to Cumberland Maryland in May. Once the biggest Maryland city outside of Baltimore and for a time even rivaled Baltimore in importance. Railroads are big here, but most of the other industry, including coal, is gone. Still, I have an inexpensive beautiful house built in 1920, good internet and I work remotely from home. Plus I see the mountains I love every single day.

[@billjordan3639]

My grandparents moved to LaVale from just above the Mason Dixon line in order to be closer to Pap’s workplace, the Cumberland bus company.

[@calaniz9963]

I moved to Romney West Virginia from Florida a year and a half ago. I would never go back to the city.

[@Hiddensecret9]

Living near Roanoke, surrounded by mountains and scenic beauty, really is something special. The peaceful vibe and light population make it the perfect retreat from the chaos of city life.

[@JohnnyKickHolesInTheSky]

I lived in Roanoke off an on for 20 years, ask about me, they all know me in the city

[@businessbuilder92]

Alot of comments mentioning roanoke haha 😅

[@JohnnyKickHolesInTheSky]

@businessbuilder92 I lived in Roanoke off and on for 20 years

[@rachimbaskin6559]

Thanks!

[@craftergin]

The English, Scots, Irish and German settlers in the area didn't just get off the boat and walk to Tennessee. Most started in the colonies and worked their way west. Mine went from Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina to get to Middle Tennessee. Daniel Boone "discovered" the Cumberland Gap in 1775.

[@mac.8184]

Exactly. Daniel Boone, my 1st cousin 6 times removed. His father and my great grandmother x 7 were siblings. ☺️

[@BMWE90HQ]

What do you mean “discovered”? Sounds like you’re trying to discredit?

[@Sinnicide]

@@BMWE90HQ Lmao cause the natives knew ab that shits for years prolly.

[@BMWE90HQ]

@@Sinnicide well they’re a conquered people who hadn’t even invented the wheel yet. So IDGAF what they knew or didn’t know. Also it’s about time we stopped calling them “natives”. I was born here I am a native.

[@markthompson180]

I'm pretty sure the Native Americans discovered the Cumberland Gap thousands of years before Daniel Boone did.

[@phillip.martin-cyber]

Ohio appears left out of this. Southeast Ohio is very much part of the Appalachia system. It is dominated by plateaus, where the elevation of the hills can be as high as 800 feet. The Hocking Hills is a scenic park in this region. Plus, Appalachian Ohio is considered an economic and cultural region made up of several counties.

[@michael7054]

Yeah I live in Lawrence county Ohio. It is very hilly here. I've lived in Ironton Ohio and south point Ohio. They are only some flat land in a very hilly county.

[@phillip.martin-cyber]

@@michael7054 Dude, I love joyriding that way down past Ironton and South Point, towards Huntington. 😎 The Piketon bypass, OH-823, is a nice hilly route to see down that way, too.

[@michael7054]

@@phillip.martin-cyber yeah. It's called the Portsmouth bypass. I like living in Ironton or south point. Ived lived in both.

[@mac.8184]

Many People from deep in the mountains settled/moved to southern Ohio for jobs after WWII as well as Detroit for jobs in the auto plants after the war. When I was growing up, every weekend I-75 S was packed with cars headed south to go "home" to the mountains for the weekend and holidays.

[@zchris87v80]

Ohio belongs on this list before atlanta

[@Marc-King777]

Why few people live in Appalachia? One word: Mountains.

[@tomhenry897]

Nope Wrong

[@blaqdiemenz]

That's why he stated with the rocky mountains cause it's opposite u got Denver/ LV vs u know Knoxville b ham

[@Marc-King777]

@@blaqdiemenz The misconception though is that Denver is in the mountains when it is in fact NOT. Denver sits on a relatively FLAT high plain, and while some of its far western suburbs are in the Rockies, Denver proper is actually part of the Great Plains. And Las Vegas, while surrounded by mountains, is also not built on rugged terrain at all. LV is situated on a very large and FLAT valley bed... There simply isn't any large and flat valley beds like this to build big cities on in the Appalachians. Also not to be an azz but the mountains that surrounded Las Vegas are not part of the Rockies.

[@Marc-King777]

​@@tomhenry897 How am I wrong? The predominating reason Appalachia is so sparsely populated is due to its rugged terrain. While other factors do play a role into Appalachia's low population, they are all minor to and usually end up leading back to Appalachia's topography. For instance, the boundary between the Piedmont and the Appalachian region also mark the divide between navigable waters and the rougher rapids of Appalachia that contribute greatly to the slow economic growth and urbanization in this region. This, again, leads right back to the region's topography. So, please tell me again how I'm wrong.

[@balton6978]

@@Marc-King777 You could have just left it at one word: Mountains. 👍

[@MorganMccormick-bw9cb]

Born and raised in Charleston WV! My family has put over 1300 years of labor and 10 generations of family working on the C&O rail line. Very proud of that and where I'm from!! 😎

[@billy-ef6fy]

Insightful, knowledgeable, respectful, dignified. This is one of the most honest, accurate narratives that exists . I left the region when I went off to college and wished to work a professional style job. East KY is in my heart and always will be.

[@davefranklyn7730]

Whenever the expulsion of the Indians on the Trail of Tears is discussed, everyone mentions the Cherokee but not the other tribes. Thousands of Creek, Choctaw and Chickasaw natives were equally and forcibly displaced. My home is only a few miles away from Tuckabatchee, one of the largest Southeast Creek Indian cities.

[@dydactic1112]

Do they ever want to return to their homeland?

[@montbrink4700]

@davefranklyn7730 They don't get mentioned because they were the" black tribes". ... The ones that get mentioned and are the so-called" red indians" Who tried to be diplomatic and were stabbed in the back.... The ones that don't get mentioned Are the tribes who actually fought for their land and way of life.... Especially Seminoles who were black.... When the black indians were conquered , they were pushed into slavery And became A part of the Africa slaves as punishment for standing up for their homelands.. That's the long and short of it to answer your question of why they don't get Mentioned....

[@davefranklyn7730]

@@montbrink4700 What revisionist crap!

[@zachenglish3952]

The law of conquest ….oh well

[@montbrink4700]

@davefranklyn7730 it's the truth.... Whether you like it or not.... Then if it's not the truth than enlightened me

[@Wren-xoxo]

This video kinda feels like it was written by someone under-informed about the topic to be writing about it, Johnson City TN is a major point in Tennessee, home of East Tennessee State University and the location to a few important intersections of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Southern Railway systems, it might not be a metropolis or anything but it is still extremely important Knoxville exists as home to the biggest TN college (University of Tennessee), another major intersecting point for the Canadian Pacific Railway, 2.1 Million residents living there, and sits in the Greater Appalachian Valley. All of that is just TN alone

[@jessyhammond8271]

Huntsville, AL exists as well. One of the largest hubs of the Defense and Aerospace industries in the country lmao. This is definitely made by someone who is trying to be appreciative of Appalachia but is under educated about the area.

[@sunsoza8320]

Aye im from Kingsport Tn

[@JustLikeHeaven77]

Don't forget The Lab in Oak Ridge.

[@Spoke76]

I'm here in Knoxville.

[@kylebaarson5403]

@@jessyhammond8271 Chatanooga has another half a million in the area as does Ashevile, NC.

[@andrewtaylor3167]

I was about to say Birmingham, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Asheville (and Pittsburgh) aren't exactly small towns, and then the end happened. Though I would say Birmingham is probably one of the biggest "vassal cities" in the US historically, back when it was basically owned by US Steel in Pittsburgh until about the 1970s.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

A’ville, Chatt & B’ham are big? LOL U need to get out more

[@grunt9131]

I love being in a thick green luscious woods or forests. Ive been in mammoth cave a few times and loved it. I remember being on top of a mountain top looking over 3 states full of thick green trees...beautiful.

[@jannlittle4745]

I love my Appalachia. It’s rural and beautiful. And if it stays rural it is blessed..

[@xlxl9440]

Knoxville native here!!! I can tell you that Greater Knoxville now has 1.2 million people and is rapidly growing. And Chattanooga isn't far behind. I live in the Atlanta area now and I can tell you for sure that metro Atlanta is solidly in Appalachia, but Atlanta does straddle the line between Appalachia and the Piedmont. I also have family in NE Ohio and Western PA. Pittsburgh is DEFINITELY an Appalachian city. Also Hickory-Lenior, NC has around 500K people. And Greenville, SC is considered to be in Appalachia (Uc Country or Upstate SC). The Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson CSA is the largest statistical area in South Carolina, with an estimated population of 1,590,636 in 2023. This CSA includes all ten counties in the Upstate region of northwestern South Carolina. It several metros combined into one and is basically the northern part of the state of South Carolina. But a significant population center nonetheless.

[@JoMamaRoach]

You forgot Birmingham

[@JackieOdonnel]

They are probably not counting Greater Knoxville. For example, the actual City of Seattle (where I live) supposedly only has 750K residents, but the Greater Metropolis is 4M. I really don't understand these things. But there is a Greater and a city limits population that always seems to get counted.

[@electrofan1796]

What is the cost of loving and the job market like? Thinking of moving there to be closer to family.

[@summeronio9751]

1.2 M people for a metro area is not a lot of people at all...

[@BMWE90HQ]

@@summeronio9751what world are you living in?

[@mrwhirly0358]

2:00 that’s not accurate, the Appalachian range formed well prior to this (300- 500 million years ago at least) and have a geology that is at least 1.2 million years old. It was at around 200 million years ago when Pangea started to come apart.

[@Nick-ov9gi]

My ancestors were Scottish, but my family is now Appalachian. Though the generations have grown up in the foothills in Alabama.

[@silveritea]

Well, the Appalachians and the Highlands are actually parts of the same ancient mountain range.

[@Nick-ov9gi]

@silveritea the Scottish Highlands? My name comes from the island of Colonsay. As old as that stretch is I'd believe it .

[@Nick-ov9gi]

@silveritea I looked at the map.. I mean.. that's incredible right??

[@silveritea]

The Atlas mountains are also part of the same range - I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever heard when I read the article about it!

[@James-lk3wr]

I live in North, GA born and raised between Ellijay and Blue Ridge. We definitely prefer to keep it low traffic. I love the peace and quiet here.

[@tripeeblonde8309]

I actually held my breath in anticipation of how you were going to pronounce Appalachian, and if you hadn’t said it right I was gonna keep scrolling. Im glad you did!! Great work

[@hughjaass3787]

My family is Creek, and WE TOO WERE FORCED ON THE TRAIL OF TEARS. As were Choctaw, Seminole, Chickasaw.

[@lisescheiman5092]

Hi Hughie. Don't describe your features do I?😂❤

[@macpduff2119]

Join the club. My Highland Scots ancestors were driven off their ancestral lands by the cruel Highland clearances. There may be viewers of this video of French `Canadian decent who were driven from Canada all the way to Louisiana. Their are many nationalities who were displaced

[@tofargone16]

Andrew Jackson was a great man.

[@CandiceMMartinez]

​@@macpduff2119The Scots were terrorized by the British centuries before coming to North America.

[@misfittv313]

@@macpduff2119 the french Canadians aren't indigenous to Canada tho

[@dylanmaxey2531]

Reasons people do not build large cities is A: We do not want to be like the big cities and when people transfer they want to destroy it to make it like where they left. B: Topography as witnessed by Hurricane Helene, the land is not meant to be built up by people who do not understand the dangers of building up the mountain sides and in the hollars.

[@CandiceMMartinez]

As a Jersey girl, I can tell you from experience - YOU DO NOT WANT MORE DEVELOPMENT. Stay low key and quiet. NJ is overdeveloped, and the overdevelopment causes a high-stress environment due to all of the traffic, trash and taxes. You need massive taxes to maintain dense development. It's not worth it. Plus, overdevelopment pushes out your wildlife. In NJ, we are so overdeveloped, that the wildlife had nowhere else to go so the bears, racoons, dear, fox and coyotes adapted to suburbs and cities. There are DEAR in the middle of Philly. The dear literally cross the highways. The bears and racoons are fat from eating the processed food in our trash. Obese wildlife is now a thing. They called it "urbanizing." Our dear, bears and racoons are urbanized.

[@orangeyewglad]

I mean you could pretty much say Pittsburgh and Atlanta are basically Appalachian cities but I digress.

[@Idontknow-cm5py]

Guess we can count Charlotte NC as well! even closer Winston Salem NC

[@Forg2]

@@Idontknow-cm5pyI would not go that far and Atlanta is a stretch

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@Forg2, Atlanta is 1000 feet above sea level. Very hilly outside of downtown.

[@timothykeith1367]

​@@kmichaelp4508The early railroad technology couldn't ascend the hills so in 1837 they stopped at what was called Terminus, then renamed Marthasville, finally Atlanta

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@timothykeith1367 , I’m well aware.

[@sidboyplays7614]

I'm from Texas and I think West Virginia is one of the most beautiful places in the USA. I cannot understand why more people don't live there. The small towns have a lot of charm and the houses literally built into mountains make it unique. Harper's Ferry's is equivelant to a small town in Europe with people still set in the old ways. While driving through the state, it pained me to see most of the towns turing into abandoned slums. I would love to retire there or just to get away from the Texas heat.

[@ruthwallace6741]

I have lived in both Texas and West Virginia. I preferred Texas.

[@LearnPorcelainPainting]

As a resident of Harpers Ferry (no apostrophe) I just wanted to say thanks for noticing our town. I'm very happy living here. Can you believe we are actually considered a DC suburb? Many of the residents commute to the DC metro area for work. Full of history, the arts, and outdoor activities there really is just about something for everyone. It's also the only part of West VA that the Shenandoah River runs through. I hope you visit us again soon.

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I grew up in southern WV...went to school in Huntington. I've lived all over the country and traveled abroad a bit. Now I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I LOVE Appalachia!!! I feel totally at home, safe and protected by the mountains. I love the people, who are SO good! And, it's where most of my family remains. It's wonderful and delightful to me!! 😁❤️

[@VIC-jk2qd]

I’m guessing the mountains making farming and city planning hard and the mining industry collapsed.

[@richardwalters2715]

Wrong

[@richardwalters2715]

Lol jkjk

[@taotaoliu2229]

Newsflash: You can’t build cities on mountains just because you want to! 😒

[@RoyatAvalonFarms]

Uhhh, we do have cities here, they are just not insane mega-cities which shouldn't exist anyway. And farming here is not so traditional, or rather "industrial", but we have the capacity to produce a lot of food here. And the number 1 problem with mining is the piss poor national policies and regulation by a leftist regime which is specifically trying to suppress cheap and dependable energy while favoring very expensive and undependable "green" stuff. If it were left to the free market demand, WV and other Appalachian areas could still thrive in their own ways. Just get government out of the way, like everywhere.

[@AnnaBrown-h4e]

That is right! When the left started shutting down coal mines a lot of states lost jobs and money! What really amazed me was when the coal mines where shit down because of sulfur coal that the E.P.A. would not allow to be burned in Ohio, but it could be shipped across the river to W.Va. and they could burn it!😮😮😮

[@ZestonN]

Good information and good pronunciations. It's refreshing to see a well informed video about the Appalachians. I was born in Kingsport, TN; raised in Bristol, TN; went to High School in Blountville, TN and College in Johnson City, TN. Spent some time in Bessemer inside Birmingham, AL. Currently, I live in Southwest Virginia. I'm rarely far from the Appalachians. :)

[@Timotimo101]

I grew up in Nashville, and although it's not the Appalachians, the hills and plateaus start not far to the east. There are so many beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails!

[@yessumify]

Best areas to raise a family imho

[@sammcalilly107]

what was your favorite spot to live?

[@Jimmietwotimes]

Well-informed? He sounds like an idiot. As do you, now.

[@Mr.Vandalia]

Short Answer: we ain’t got enough flat land to develop into a metropolitan area.

[@muddywater6856]

We have one leg longer than the other 😅

[@Josh-ew1le]

Excellent presentation! The graphics are outstanding! Thanks for sharing

[@helzarzek4088]

We have more than enough people. Keeps the city folk visiting, but it takes a special breed too want move here. We love the quiet of nature!

[@ItsMeHammie]

Chattanooga is a beautiful little city in a prime location. Only 2hours from Atlanta and about the same to Nashville. I wouldn't be surprised to see a boom in the future.

[@seaxofbeleg8082]

There are plans to build an Amtrak line from Atlanta to Nashville with a stop in Chattanooga.

[@jaydobson1604]

I live in Chattanooga, moved here 6 years ago. It already is booming. The houses and apartments going up is crazy. I am glad I bought when I did in 2019 because housing prices have jumped at least 50% or more.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

The traffic SITS on the interstate at rush hr and it’s very congested the rest of the time. There’s no where to build out becuz it’s built into side of mtns I hate Chatt

[@raymondmartin6737]

Living in SE NY state, 40 miles north of NYC near the Appalachian Trail, it's very scenic, such as the Hudson Valley and Hudson River, with Bear Mtn in the Harriman State Park, with a view of Manhattan, and the Catskills to the NW. 😅

[@MbisonBalrog]

Appalachia has lots of people. Asheville, Knoxville, Pittsburgh all in the mountains. ATL just to the south. The Blue Ridge in VA is dotted with college towns. The Mountains out west have less people. Upstate NY has plenty of people.

[@maskeddev]

He mentions Asheville and Knoxville

[@user-Bass_and_bucks42]

I didn’t think about the college towns in Va. (my home state) there’s uva-wise in wise Va, Emory and Henry in Abington, ferrum college in Rocky mount, radford university in radford, Virginia tech in Blacksburg, Roanoke college in Roanoke, VMI and Washington and Lee in Lexington, bridgewater college in bridgewater and JMU in Harrisonburg, and UVA in Charlottesville

[@bernadetten.8751]

There is limited healthcare in the mountain regions. Keep them wild and beautiful. People overdevelop and make things worse.

[@JustLikeHeaven77]

​@@user-Bass_and_bucks42 No one going to those colleges will ever get a job outside Appalachia, except Virginia Tech

[@user-Bass_and_bucks42]

@@JustLikeHeaven77 lots of prominent politicians along with lots of important people in the legal and medical fields have went to UVA, Washington and Lee, and Roanoke college not to mention the generals and other people high up in the military that went to VMI

[@jameswilkerson4412]

Geographically and culturally, Appalachia should extend at least through central PA, covering most of the area east of I-79 and west of I-81. Signed, A resident of the heart of the Susquehanna Valley

[@leehuff2330]

In addition to the coal industry, the more northern areas were devastated by the collapse of the steel industry centered around Pittsburgh.

[@thefatbeanie]

I think you hit the nail on the head around 13:00. The small town Appalachia I’m from was all too often governed by ignorant and sometimes even racist people. Major institutional growth seemed perpetually stymied in good ole boy foolishness. Schools and hospitals have been left behind. We left mostly to get a better education for our kids and more resources for my healthcare. The mountains are beautiful but deserve so much better for its fine people.

[@NorthEastTennUSA]

I live near Kingsport in Northeast Tennessee. This area is growing rapidly due to the influx of people from California and up north which drives up property prices outside of the reach of many locals. The economy here is diversified beyond coal. Tennessee now ranks as one of the top auto-manufacturing states in the country. Chemical production is also a large employer in the region. However, you are correct that there are still regions that have suffered greatly from the loss of coal such as Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky.

[@boogitybear2283]

That’s why I hate Tennessee so much. Too many Goddamn Outsiders.

[@hotrodray6802]

Yes Some Texans just bought the newly built house next door for $765,000. I know what it actually cost to build.... twice what it should be. Locals cannot purchase houses any more because prices have literally doubled in 6 years because rude city people pay what they think is cheaper than "back home". Ruining our culture.

[@JustLikeHeaven77]

Tennessee does not produce large amounts of chemicals.

[@NorthEastTennUSA]

Eastman Chemical is located in Kingsport, TN. One of the largest chemical plant site in the country.

[@JustLikeHeaven77]

@NorthEastTennUSA I'm familiar with Eastman, and no, it isn't one of the largest in the USA. It is one small refinery that is known to leak chemicals into the nearby river. I have family in Bristol, and I can tell you there is nothing in that area.

[@shawnsolan3033]

Western Maryland and Pennsylvania should have been highlighted more. Doesn’t really change the story but it’s missing a very significant portion historically.

[@darlsbarkley3493]

Probably because they're not part of Appalachia. Maybe you could make a case for western Maryland but Pennsylvania is definitely not Appalachia.

[@shawnsolan3033]

@@darlsbarkley3493 you’re very wrong. If anything I’d give PA more credit than MD. If you’ve spent any time in Appalachian states you’d know that

[@darlsbarkley3493]

@@shawnsolan3033 I'm from the foothills of VA. Nobody in VA, TN, NC, WV considers PA Appalachia

[@j.e3336]

@@darlsbarkley3493 The Appalachian mountains go into southern NY. THis is a pointless argument.

[@darlsbarkley3493]

@j.e3336 again, Appalachia is not the entire Appalachian mountain range

[@brandinesbitt4344]

I was born and raised in the heart of WV💙💛! I absolutely love it here! I come from a family of coal miners and farmers. I traveled to many places and visited absolutely breathtaking landscapes. The country roads always lead me right back HOME! Nothing compares! It’s called “Almost Heaven” for a reason!

[@LeeanneCampbell-f3k]

There's a lot of folks living in that part of the Appalachian mountains. Myself proud to say born and raised in NE TN and SW VA.

[@jonathansmith4712]

Seems odd for you to have excluded PA and NY as if the mountains and culture stop at the Mason-Dixon Line. They don’t.

[@Damarco4u]

I’ve never once in my life heard a New Yorker or Pennsylvanian use the term “Appalachian.” They say Catskills and Poconos. They are only Appalachia when it comes time to getting ARC money.

[@mrwhirly0358]

@@Damarco4u I think they’re referring to the western Allegheny plateau region of NY, which is reflected often in maps of Appalachia. Not what I typically associate with it, though.

[@JC-ls4if]

They absolutely do. no part of either of those states is remotely Appalachian in culture

[@poopybutt111]

@@Damarco4u Maybe because you don't live here? (PA)

[@UserName-ts3sp]

​@@Damarco4uPennsylvania they do, but they also use the Alleghenies

[@davidsousaRJ]

Why central PA was not included in Appalachia?

[@Rican-American]

The Appalachia technically runs all the way to New York.

[@steveschlackman4503]

​Central Pennsylvania is not different from Appalachia. Coal and iron mines are found north of Harrisburg. Of course the Pennsylvania mines were smaller then the Appalachian mines. When the coal and iron mines were written off in the 1960s Appalachia as well as central PA died. If you want to go further manufacturing in upstate New York also died at the same time.

[@bobgardin2347]

Google "maps Appalachia," and you'll find that although the mountainous region runs much further north, the cultural region is pretty much as he defines in this video.

[@seed_drill7135]

I used to live in the NY part of Appalachia, Horseheads. Currently live in the Helene ravaged NC part of Appalachia.

[@steveschlackman4503]

Just follow the Appalachian Trail.

[@kylethompson6648]

I'm from very southeast Ohio. We're included in Appalachia, and so is SW Pennsylvania.

[@michellechouinard4958]

I come from Michigan's Upper Peninsula... which is also gorgeous, also isolated because it's surrounded by lakes on three sides. But we LOVE that. We don't want more people to live there. Visit? Sure. Settle, nope. We don't want its beauty destroyed, and we don't want to share it with everyone in the world.

[@janecooke1647]

Born and raised in Bristol, VA. My roots run deep in Southwest Virginia on both sides of my family. I love it and proud of it!

[@charlestonian9724]

I love living along the Kanawha river! So close on the pronunciation, “Kuh-Nah”. Great video!

[@charlestonian9724]

Commented before the video ended. Just wanted to mention that Charleston only has about 48k people. The metro between Charleston and Huntington MIGHT reach 200k. :)

[@SherryHill-k5y]

I live near the Kanawha River too and pronounce it two ways: Kuh Naw or Kuh Naw Uh. I think the latter is used off and on but mainly at the end of a sentence. Depends on how you heard it as a kid.

[@HawkEye-cm5wb]

Heard someone pronounce it "CAN-ah-wah" in another video, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, I hate it

[@JohnnyMegabyteCanada]

The Appalachians continue further into Atlantic Canada, and runs along the south side of the St Lawrence River eastward from approximately Montreal

[@alexanderstockel6497]

Yeah they become The Chic Choc Mountains

[@miloszkraszewski3533]

Geoff, I have been watching your video for a while. I just wanted to thank you for coming up with great ideas on how to teach geography. I like how thorough you are incorporate history, statistics and many different aspects that all need to be able to show a clear picture. You make videos on geographical topics that I don't know I wanted to see until after I've already seen it and enjoyed it. Great content, thank you for always having original ideas.

[@JohnnyRedpilled]

My family has lived in Appalachian Virginia since the 1700’s. We still have the land. No one lives there because the land has stayed in families for generations. And the land is very mountainous. It’s a lot of work to survive there. However, now the land has become very expensive. Retired New Yorkers have been buying up the land for very expensive vacation homes. So, you either have family there or you are wealthy if you want to live in the Appalachians today.

[@ThomasStreiff]

The Waltons! lol. Cheers my friend.

[@JohnnyRedpilled]

@ very much like the Walton’s. The same big multi story houses. Big families. I remember my old relatives making their own clothes. I was always shocked to see my relatives that wore the long dresses they made themselves even into the 1980’s and 90’s. They looked like they were real characters from Little House on the Prairie. Overalls and long beards with those almost shapeless felt cowboy hats like Festus wore on Gunsmoke. I remember stills and lots of moonshine. There were outhouses and all the water still comes out of the ground there from a spring. We have a family reunion there every year. It’s like stepping into a history book.

[@kenstevens7855]

There's two Appalaichas. Rural and Urban. The lifestyle and culture of people living in Knoxville, Asheville, Chattanooga, Roanoke, and Charleston is much different than the people actually "living in the mountains". I'd also add college towns like Blacksburg, Charlottesville, and Morgantown to the more "urban" feeling areas as well. When people speak of Appalaicha for the most part they are speaking on the rural aspect of it. A person that grew up in an upper middle class family in Asheville typically doesn't say "I'm from Appalaicha" because it's implying a whole different set of circumstances.

[@MassCann]

Mountains are great for defensive fortifications, but make for lousy places to live compared to flat lands, and commerce grows from ports, not elevation.

[@gregorysouthworth783]

I could foresee a large part of the region given over to outdoor recreational activities, especially for those who live in the Eastern part of the US. Given that and other remote work possibilities, you could see a "Denver" or "Salt Lake City" emerge locally. I also anticipate that environmental reclamation will be needed in those areas devastated by the fossil fuel industry.

[@LpdRaider4ND]

Please come to see the pretty fall colors and keep it moving! Aint no room for ya here!

[@theflamingeagle572]

@@LpdRaider4ND actually, some areas are having such crippling population declines that entire regions are collapsing very slowly. So some area's would be better off with more people and a steady population.

[@LpdRaider4ND]

@@theflamingeagle572 They can stay in your county then. Keep em the hell out of my neck of the woods.

[@douglasphillips24]

I live in Appalachian mountains and few jobs, small towns, few people until recently seems everyone and grandmother coming here to perv out on our beautiful scenery 😢

[@Stephnbeans]

My grandparents grew up in appalachia. it was so scarcely populated that the wild animals found in urban areas were released where they lived. bears, mountain lions, bobcats- the community was super close and would always call each other if there was a sighting.

[@theflamingeagle572]

You forgot about the Tri cities in Tennessee

[@Timotimo101]

Yes that would be about 500,000 people I think and he also didn't mention Roanoke, VA.

[@maskeddev]

He didn't though if you watch the video

[@willp.8120]

​@@Timotimo101Roanoke is about the size of Chattanooga, a significant -sized region.

[@Timotimo101]

@@willp.8120 both geographically pleasing areas too!

[@Jimmietwotimes]

Kingsport is a shithole and Johnson City is their leader. Bristol is the only town worth mentioning.

[@SamBroadway]

My dream has always been to retire in Appalachia... It has been a favorite place of mine for 50 of my 60 years

[@Idontknow-cm5py]

was lucky enough to live an hour away from these beautiful places here in NC spent a lot of time there along the blue ridge

[@tofargone16]

please dont.

[@jillmartin3825]

@Idontknow-cm5py I was raised about an hour outside of our Blue Ridge Mountains in NC as well....in Statesville, but always loved our mountains and have been drawn to them. This year I found an affordable home in Old Fort and bought it. 🥰

[@coldwar45]

I hate to be the guy that says "but actually" but Pittsburgh and Atlanta are both major Appalachian cities, plus the Appalachians extend all the way into PA and NY

[@omarrolle3842]

If you go to the top of Stone Mountain on a clear day it’s surprising how close the Appalachian mountains are in the distance

[@MbisonBalrog]

The Vid should be why is WV so empty. The rest of Appalachia is quite filled out.

[@tomhenry897]

And your dumb

[@willp.8120]

​@@omarrolle3842There are Appalachian mountains in metro Atlanta in Pickens, Dawson, and Lumpkin counties, as well as isolated ranges in parts of Cherokee and Bartow counties, as well as isolated mountains in other places like Cobb County and Forsyth County.

[@willp.8120]

​@@omarrolle384220-30 miles to the southern extent of the mountains in Pickens County from Canton in Cherokee County.

[@shizachico1063]

Oh this area is not empty. There’s people in these hills you don’t wanna mess with at all

[@Cole-n4y]

I know a few

[@thnkr0917]

LOL, even being born there, you never drive up the wrong holler, especially at night and especially if you don't have a clue what family lives up there and especially if you don't LOOK like you might be related to them.

[@thnkr0917]

Oh and it might not even be people you need to worry about in those hollers. What's the superstition about never looking around if you hear your name whispered in the woods.

[@rhondaharrigan2838]

I live in Southeast Kentucky and my family goes back here generations. I enjoyed your video

[@cmdr1911]

There is a great disservice not having Ohio included. SE Ohio is virtually identical to WV.

[@richardhanes7370]

I live close to the river and can see West Virginia from my porch. It's identical to the hills I live on

[@cmdr1911]

@@richardhanes7370 I spent a lot of time in the oil field in Ohio and WV. They look the same, the culture is very similar, the economics, demographics are the same. Monroe county Ohio might be some of the most challenging terrain in the Appalachian Mountains

[@richardhanes7370]

@@cmdr1911 I live on the Belmont Monroe county line. I would've thought deep West Virginia was worse landscape to deal with

[@richrick223]

@cmdr1911 Cleveland rocks Cleveland rocks..Ohio!!!!! (Drew Carey show intro)

[@JXY2019]

Isn’t Pittsburgh in Appalachia?

[@tomhenry897]

No

[@tamaraspencer4024]

You forgot the part about how the corporate interests didn't want other companies in the region because that meant they would have to compete for workers and maybe even offer them competitive pay so they took measures to ensure they wouldn't have to compete for employees. That's why we have laws against monopolies and anti trust regulations in the first place. That area was practically a warning about what happens when there's little to no competition in a given area. Not only does it keep wages low and forces people to work in dangerous conditions just to survive but when that industry takes a big hit, the area will collapse with it economically.

[@NorthEastTennUSA]

It still happens

[@rebeccalindley153]

Don't forget the war on coal. We're being forced to go to green energy to save the planet.

[@EspionageTV]

I live in Webster County, West Virginia and elevation of about 2000 feet. Webster County is called the Mountain Park. It’s an hour and any direction to make it to a town so life hasn’t changed around here and 100 years we usually go out like once a month. I try to do everything we need to do on that day. Don’t make a wrong turn and end up here.

[@abbydabby5042]

appreciate you pronouncing it correctly. and it is also one of the most beautiful places in the world, notably the blue ridge mountains.

[@illinest]

NOT SEXY? Excuse me but this is one of the sexiest parts of the country. West Virginia is extremely slept on. The Smokies are awesome. Pittsburgh is the best city that you haven't visited and I tell you from my Pittsburgh bones that we don't belong with the Northeast at all.

[@antonleimbach648]

I agree. We took one vacation to the Cumberland plateau in Tennessee from Florida and put the house up for sale a month after we got back. Best decision we ever made.

[@zchris87v80]

It was an odd take. I inherited a lot that backs up to the smokies in the plott balsam range, on the peak of a mountain. Although a beach house would be a nice vacation home, I'd rather build a cabin there first.

[@ThomasStreiff]

agreed 100%

[@mikehale9411]

0:43 yea we still live in this area, greatest place in America

[@ShanikanHiwalker]

@@mikehale9411 🤫 don't tell them. Let's keep it our secret.

[@Thebettermartyr]

Great work as usual. Thanks for the interesting information.

[@eRVeLife]

My husband and I just moved to Southeast Ohio, September of this year (2024) to the foothills of the Appalachia, it’s been challenging to find a properly paying job but we are happy with our beautiful scenery and kind people!

[@matthewmiller5569]

Those mountains have more people living there than most would ever know. No matter where you seek adventure hiking through what seems to be a desolate region truly someone has already been there or may even live in that area.

[@prophetessmimi]

As someone who used to live there, I was so bored. It’s beautiful, but there are not enough opportunities.

[@papaw5405]

Opportunities for what?

[@thnkr0917]

@@papaw5405 Activities. There aren't any.

[@junekemp5646]

I can answer this…..very little land isn’t owned by the coal companies and the infrastructure and jobs were never there after the mechanization of coal and busting of the Union. Then poverty and drugs took over. So sad.

[@kamehousekz87]

As someone who was born and raised in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in western Virginia / West Virginia, this was a pretty fair and objective rundown, insofar as someone can cover the economic history of a complicated region in 15 minutes. Bonus points for the correct pronunciation of Appalachia. ;) Thanks for raising better awareness and understanding of this part of the country.

[@jamescdean9010]

App-A-Latch-A

[@kenheisler759]

Born and raised in the Anthracite coal region of NE Pennsylvania, don't leave us out. Appalachia proud.

[@MrMagnum7220]

I live on the edge of Appalachia. The further you go in to WV the more mountains you get into. Internet, health care, schools aren’t a problem. I farm here in the Shenandoah valley.

[@robinholbrook8296]

I live there. Love the montains

[@JustLikeHeaven77]

BillHilly

[@gallifreygirl8263]

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for pronouncing it correctly

[@mac.8184]

Yes! I Agree.☺️

[@SpringSkyDancer]

I've heard of people in Appalachia say it differently. I suppose where they are from in the hills makes a differance. My family was in Appalachia from the 1600s until the 1950s when poverty was so bad that my grandparents and my dad, as an adult and his adult siblings, moved up to northern Indiana for better jobs. Once they found that job, they saved up money and bought their own homes and cars that had indoor plumbing and electricity, unlike what they had down in the hills. I am the 1st generation to be born out of the hills, but every summer we would go down to the hills to visit family and clean off my grandpa's and other people's grave stones. We still have family in the hills and some of our family moved back down there.nn The beauty is amazing. The stillness of the woods when suddenly the birds go quiet. The Indengious-Americans carvings on big rocks hidden in the woods covered by grape vines. The old stories of creepers and creptids. The surroundings' ability to pull out one's spiritual gifting.kkk Those hills/mountains have something very special to them. Sadly the younger generations are losing their Appalachian accents. Perhaps that is due to movies, music and TV. But I find it to be sad. I speak a mix of my Mom's Lower Great Lakes Region mixed with my Dad's part of the hills. People sometimes ask "where are you from?" Because how I talk confuses them. I tell them that I am half flat-lander and half hillbilly and proud of both which is why I talk like both. 💜🪶🌟🥰💜

[@blaknoizee]

Portsmouth, OH is definitely a major city. Also, growing up there, I view it as a nice opportunity for me. Things are slower, being a kid is ok. Sleeping in a small town/city where its quiet and dark at night. Being tightly knit with your community is a great feeling. And knowing your neighbors. Unlike living in a big busy city that is "connected". You are actually more disconnected from other people.

[@ebogar42]

There might not be major cities, but there are lots of very big cities in the Appalachians. Roanoke, VA is one. Lots of people do live there.