I was recently talking with one of my regular customers at my store about the local area, and she was surprised to learn I've lived here all my life. Alternatively, I was surprised to learn that she has not lived here much longer than a few years. She looked at me somewhat sheepishly and asked what I thought of new folks moving into the area. I realized she was probably expecting some sort of sarcastic response, or an overall general disdain for folks who relocated here in recent years. I explained that I think change is good (and necessary).

I don't feel any type of negativity towards folks who move into the area. Most of the time, I feel really inspired by the people I meet who have moved here, because with new people come new minds and new ideas. They not only have a different perspective from living elsewhere, but they also recognize and understand the amazingness of this part of the world—so much so that they want to be part of it permanently.

"Moving to a new area can be intimidating, but finding ways to be involved in the community can make the transition a lot easier," says Badger Peabody & Smith Realty agent Bernadette Donohue. She continues, "Many of our agents have lived in the local area for quite some time and have become involved with local happenings themselves, and can make suggestions on ways to become acquainted with the area and the local community."

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty agent Don Lapointe adds, "Many folks recognize a need for a service within the North Country that doesn't yet exist and move here with intentions of starting a new business or relocating an already-existing one. If you are looking for commercial real estate in addition to residential real estate, our agents can help you with that, too."

I think it's worth noting that it's also perfectly acceptable to move to a new area without any plans or intentions to contribute beyond simply existing. There is nothing wrong with arriving, falling in love with the way things are, and wanting to be part of it. I think there is room for all kinds of new people to move to the area, and I look forward to when they do.

Paige O. Roberts has a degree in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in The Henniker Review, Sidereal Magazine, Rejection Letters, and Cypress. She has been nominated for a Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize. She lives in northern New Hampshire where she owns and operates a pet boutique called Tailswag.