After our trip to the new house this weekend, I was curious to learn more about my future hometown.

We’re moving from middle class suburbia - where one town runs into another and vacant land is a rarity. The population of my current town is approx. 17,000 people. (I think they’re only counting within actual city limits on that also). Elevation - 14 feet. (Pretty good for being so close to the gulf!) 90% white.

The town we’re going to is much more rural. In the 6 miles between our house and the actual town center, there’s nothing but a gas station. Less than 8,000 people. Elevation - 209 feet. (It’s horse country - think gentle rolling hills and lots of green pastures). I thought it would be mostly white, since it’s not uncommon to see the Confederate flag flying in someone’s yard, but I was surprised to find it’s 73% white, and 21% black, and 3% hispanic.

Downtown is very much small town USA, with old Victoria and cracker style homes, but the outlying community is very rural. They celebrate Founder’s Day and have parades down the main street for holidays. The heritage musuem puts on a Civil War reenactment, a Mother’s Day tea, and a Haunted House.

And the lack of traffic and gentle hills make it perfect for riding a motorcycle - we may just get Jim that bike he’s been wanting!