Why So Few Americans Live In Appalachia

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Appalachia is one of the most culturally revered regions of the United States. In many ways, it's the region people think about when someone says "Rural America." Despite its cultural prominence, however, the area remains as one of the most underpopulated in the eastern half of the country with bustling cities literally surrounding it. So why don't more people live in Empty Appalachia?

In today's video, we'll cover the physical geography of the Appalachian region and the Appalachian mountain range. Then we'll cover the early American history of how the region was settled and transformed into one of the most important natural resource regions of the 1800s and 1900s. And finally, we'll talk about the region today and why it doesn't really have any major cities of its own.

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Video editing support provided by Kat Olsen

[GeographyByGeoff]

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[vanessalewis]

I live deep in the appalachians, was born and raised in these mountains and i can tell you there is nothing more breathtaking then a appalachian spring morning, or a green summer day, or a golden autumn evening. Its not for everybody, some places are extremely isolated, like my little cottage, my nearest neighbor is 4 miles, nearest "town" with a population of 600 is 15 miles.

[Just-Nikki]

Not being overpopulated is why it’s still so beautiful. West Virginia will always have my heart. I live in Missouri because of my husband’s job but the mountains are my home.

[CoyTheobalt]

Appalachian here. Been all over the world, ain’t nothing I’ve seen more beautiful. Always drawn back here. Blue Ridge and smokies will always have my heart.

[pattonmoore]

As a lifelong resident of Appalachia, I can tell you that there's actually too many people living here...

[day]

"Appalachia is not one of the sexiest regions of the country."
As someone living in Appalachia, I quite disagree. It's absolutely gorgeous here, especially in autumn.

[MorganMccormick-bwcb]

Born and raised in Charleston WV! My family has put over 1300 years of labor and 10 generations of family working on the C&O rail line. Very proud of that and where I'm from!! 😎

[charlesdriggers]

Leave the mountains alone. They don't need to be populated.

[AK-vrel]

As an Appalachian, I don't want a big city. I want it sparsely populated.

[xdreadx_]

Lived in the hills of Appalachia my entire life in tiny little Giles county it warms my heart to see people talk about our little mountains

[walkergamble]

I live in Chattanooga, its great to be able to take a short drive and be completely immersed in wilderness and away from everything for a little while to clear your mind. I’m sure most people who live here would agree

[wtk]

Appalachia has exactly the right amount of people. Why are other places so unbearably overpopulated? It must be horrible.

[eRVeLife]

My husband and I just moved to Southeast Ohio, September of this year (2024) to the foothills of the Appalachia, it’s been challenging to find a properly paying job but we are happy with our beautiful scenery and kind people!

[rickrudd]

I live smack dab in the middle of it. Right outside Roanoke VA.
I'd prefer for it to stay just as lightly populated as it is today.
It's perfect.

[colinayre]

I’m in NC, been here since 2014…we been to the mountains and fell in love with them, wife and I decided when we retire we are headed to the mountains, we like the quiet and small towns…we just want land and to be left alone…love visiting the mountains whenever I can.

[brandinesbitt]

I was born and raised in the heart of WV💙💛! I absolutely love it here! I come from a family of coal miners and farmers. I traveled to many places and visited absolutely breathtaking landscapes. The country roads always lead me right back HOME! Nothing compares! It’s called “Almost Heaven” for a reason!

[davemccormickmusic]

it's hard to make a living in appalachia....i live in southern WV...a friend once told me "they say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere....he laughed and said if you can make it here. you can make it anywhere"

[davidmatheny]

The area you highlighted as the "Great Smoky Mountains" covers what is called the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Smoky Mountains are more localized to the border between TN and NC.

[jannlittle]

I love my Appalachia. It’s rural and beautiful. And if it stays rural it is blessed..

[the_chandler]

Honestly I just clicked to make sure you pronounced Appalachia right. You did! Thank you, from a native Appalachian.