I moved from Connecticut to the South chasing a cheaper, simpler life. It wasn't at all what I expected, so I moved back.
A Connecticut native shares her experience of moving to South Carolina in search of a lower cost of living and a simpler lifestyle. After finding that the reality did not match her expectations, she ultimately decided to return to her home state.
Why it matters
The story highlights the common trend of domestic migration driven by economic factors and the often overlooked social and cultural challenges of relocating.
Sandra Bonola moved to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2021. Courtesy of Sandra Bonola/Getty Images Sandra Bonola left Connecticut for the South in search of a cheaper home and more excitement. After living in South Carolina, she realized the South wasn't as affordable or fun as she'd hoped. Now back in Connecticut, Bonola said costs are higher, but she's happier. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sandra Bonola, 56, who moved from Connecticut to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2021, then to Beaufort, South Carolina, in 2023, before deciding the South wasn't right for her. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. I am a native New Englander, born and raised in Connecticut . In late 2021, I started thinking seriously about moving. I'm an empty nester, and thanks to my remote job, I can work from anywhere in the country.
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