Additional Coverage:
- We lived our entire lives in New York and moved to South Carolina for a change — 5 years later, it still isn’t quite what we hoped for (businessinsider.com)
Upstate New York natives Valerie Williams and her husband sought a change of pace, trading long winters for the bustling suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina in 2019. They landed just across the border in South Carolina, anticipating a positive transition. However, nearly six years later, a sense of displacement lingers.
Several factors contribute to this feeling. Relocating just as their children entered middle and high school presented challenges in forming social connections for both the kids and Valerie, who no longer had the built-in network of a playgroup. The pandemic exacerbated their isolation, hindering their ability to establish a social circle in their new community.
Religious differences also play a role. As lapsed Catholics in a predominantly Protestant area, the family has found it difficult to connect with others, despite recognizing that joining a church might offer a sense of community. Their children have also faced social hurdles, with some potential friendships fading due to differing religious practices.
Perhaps the most significant challenge is the distance from their extended families. Both Valerie and her husband are family-oriented, and the 800-mile gap has been particularly difficult, especially during milestones and times of grief. While they anticipated missing family, the reality has proven more challenging than expected.
Despite the difficulties, the family is committed to South Carolina for the foreseeable future. With their daughter about to begin college in the state, maintaining in-state tuition necessitates their continued residence.
They are considering a move to the low-country area after their son graduates high school, hoping to find a better fit and build stronger community ties closer to Valerie’s parents. While they miss their extended family in New York, they remain optimistic about creating a sense of belonging in South Carolina.