"Gulf Breeze" Gulf Breeze by NorthernGal

I've been living here a year, originally from NYC. I have found it to be a place of many contradictions.
I've yet to find that famous southern hospitality here; in fact people seem rude - not holding doors open and omitting many of the common courtesies I've taken for granted for many years in NY. There are many new businesses starting up, yet so many have already failed, the empty places seem to outnumber the actual open places. They spend money on new plantings for beatification, yet do nothing about the litter people throw on the sides of the roads. It is an alcohol-free place, with more churches than you can count, yet people don't seem very tolerant if you don't fit into a category that is familiar to them. There is a total lack of ethnic diversity once you cross that bridge from Pensacola. The place is divided between "The Proper" and what I call "The Improper". People actually ask if you are from "The Proper", and may dismiss you when you tell them you are not. People actually flinch if you say the word "hell." Many don't like "Northerners" around here - our very directness may threaten them, since this seems to be a place where people don't say what they mean, but instead will bless your heart. Gulf Breeze may be picturesque, provided you stay in "The Proper," but you don't want to stray too far or stay too long.

• Pros:Beautiful Beaches, Great movie theater, Beautiful weather
• Cons:Lack of ethnic diversity, class distinctions ie;"Do you live in the Proper?", Businesses shut down early
• In a nutshell:For all the churches, people don't seem too friendly and christian-like.