[Ghengis]

Coal mining, oil/gas development and manufacturing went south in the Ohio River valley in the 1970's and all services that supported it. So the rust belt is a large factor in Ohio Appalachian poverty as well as agriculture. I never would have left SE Ohio if not for those factors coming together as I came to adulthood in the latter part of the 70's.

As for lacking in charm, I like the people in Portsmouth, Gallopolis, Belpre, Marietta and on and on just fine. Sure, the ratio of dregs to good folks is higher than in the past. But there's also still plenty of decent, honest people. I have great respect for those that uphold their Appalachian roots. There's still folks down there that do that down there.

[buccaneer81]

When I mentioned “charm,” I didn’t mean the people (I apologize for that.) I meant Southern Ohio doesn’t have the same feel as WVA or Kentucky. Yes, they all look alike to a point, but in Ohio it just seems so much more depressing.