10 Great Things About Living in the Deep South

If you’re considering moving and the deep south is on your list, you’re likely wondering what makes the area so special. Known throughout the world for its food, music, and friendly people, the deep south – which includes the states of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana – is a place you have to experience at least once. Whether you’re considering moving there or you grew up there, here are the 10 best things about living in the deep south:

1. The food is delicious

Jambalaya, gumbo, etouffee, oh my! The deep south is known for its unique food traditions. Anyone who finds themselves here will find something to love – from spicy rice dishes to deep-fried everything.

2. There is plenty of land to explore

The deep south is filled with unique areas to explore. Ranging from back roads to caves and mountains. People who live in this area love to get out and recreate in the rural places around their towns. There’s no shortage of things to see and do.

3. Hospitality is key to the culture

In the south, hospitality rules all. People in these communities take pride in reaching out to their neighbors, and it’s not at all uncommon to be invited into a family’s home to eat, drink, and be merry, even though you’ve just met.

4. Sweet tea is a popular (and tasty) drink

If you’ve never had sweet tea, the south is the place to experience it for the first time. Sugary, rich, and unique to this geographical area, sweet tea is truly one of the things that sets the south apart from the rest.

5. The communities throughout the deep south are tight-knit

If you’ve ever experienced a deep south community, you know that they band together in times of trouble, abundance, and toil to lift one another up. Few places in the world are community ties so strong, and people who live and work here love it.

6. Crawfish boils

Crawfish boils are a type of party that’s unique to the deep south. During a crawfish boil, pounds of tiny crawfish are boiled live (often with corn and potatoes), cracked, and eaten around a communal table.

7. Pickles

People who hail from the south will tell you that the pickles (which are available at virtually every concession stand and sporting event) are some of the best in the world. Large, salty, crisp, and delicious, a southern pickle is a true must-try.

8. Beautiful landscapes

While the south isn’t as known for its stunning landscapes as the east coast or the Rocky Mountains, it’s a gorgeous area with plenty of unique and stunning places to explore. From the Smokey Mountains to the rivers, there’s plenty to fall in love with here.

9. Music

In addition to being known for its food and hospitality, the south is also known for its music. Cities like Memphis and New Orleans are credited with giving rise to much of the jazz and blues movement. It’s still possible to catch world-class shows virtually wherever you go in the south.

10. Plenty of time for family

If you find yourself living in the deep south, you’ll quickly realize that family is key. People from the deep south prioritize it before virtually anything else, and it’s not uncommon to find people taking time out of their days or afternoons to enjoy a cool glass of sweet tea on the front porch with the people they love the most.

The Deep South: A Must-See Location for Everyone

Whether you choose to visit or commit to living in the deep south, these ten unique traits make it a must-see place that virtually everyone will find some way to love.