I live in the state of South Carolina in the U.S. One of the original thirteen colonies, lots of history, etc. It also happens to be the first state to separate from the Union during the Civil War (not something really to be proud of, but there you go).
My location is in the urban sprawl stemming from the state's capital, Columbia. My town is called Lexington, and I live five mintues from West Columbia, towards the state's major University, USC. So, the environment surrounding is actually very beautiful. One thing I love about the South as opposed to other places I've lived or visited (Kansas, Boston, etc.) is the presence of nature surrounding the otherwise modern city-scape. There's miles of woodlands in one direction, rivers, creeks, lakes, several bodies of water, forests, animals, etc. And then as you move towards the capital, the towns themselves are almost growing out of it, trees surround neighbourhoods, grocery stores have woods behind and beside them, the local shopping mall is pretty much in a valley. And then the capital is probably the only cultural haven for miles around, so I'm very lucky to be where I am.
Usually you hear about the south in reference to rednecks, bigots, and morons. However where I live has a rather multicultural feel to it. There's actually a rather large Korean community near the capital, there's a big gay pride parade (hosted by Ru Paul no less)occuring soon and a generally accepted and out there homosexual community around, a huge indie rock and music scene rooted in the city (a local venue New Brookland Tavern is like our version of CB/GB's except its still open and twice as grungy). Its not hard to get to know people around here, and while there's a relative "big city" feel to it, its more like low buildings spread for a long way with lots of scenery in between and plenty of southern charm and hospitality in between.
And while you may have the occasional backwoods person from time to time, the large majority of people here are accepting, cultured, and friendly. It's a great place to live, and I wouldn't mind spending a large portion of my life or settling down here despite being a traverl most of my life.
Come to Glasgow! Not exactly the most beautiful city in the world, but it's now one of only three cities in Europe that have been granted the status of 'City Of Music' and holds, on average over 1500 gigs per week. In addition, it's also been voted best city in Scotland for young people and it has Irn Bru (much like the rest of Scotland, but I'm pretty sure we drink more of it here than anywhere else on the planet.)
