Maryland
5
I was born and raised in Maryland, on the Eastern Shore, in the great little college town of Chestertown. This is a great little town that in appearence is very clean, and quaint. The Eastern Shore is rural, with small towns beyond farmland. It is country drives to get from one town to another, with rolling hills, farms of cattle, corn, hay, and trees of many varieties. In the Fall, the countryside is very colorful.
Chestertown is in my opinion the perfect retirement town. But it's not the place to live to work. Most people use it as a bedroom community and drive out to bigger areas such as Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Dover, Wimington, Annapolis, or Easton. But it is a perfect town to love to live in. The Washington College sits right in the middle, with young people riding bikes, and giving it continuing youth. The downtown is very small, but it has a nice park and also a waterfront to relax.
Kent County has a nice laidback feel to it. People meet people while shopping regularly, or in cafes, and smile when passing. Chestertown is as close to a "Mayberry" as one could ever find. The old historical buildings and brick sidewalks give the town much flare. People walk this town daily, or jog, ride bikes, and often see friends passing by in cars.
If I had any negatives, it would have to be that there is not too much to do there. As a boy we had Betterton Beach, with rides, and amusements. But it was torn down and made into just a relaxing beach with nothing to do. Jobs are hard to find,. Most of the people who work locally are service, such as in the hospital & medical field, in local retail, farmers, or lawyers. The school system seemed to be controlled by young blacks who always caused trouble in hallways.
The things people do to past time are becoming part of a sports team, a league of some sort, or visit friends at the bars. People don't seem to want too much to be happy there. Just raise a family, work to support them, and make friends. All in all, it is a great place to live. I just might go back home. I miss it.