Poorest Region of America - What It Really Looks Like 🇺🇸

Southern West Virginia to Eastern Kentucky is the largest region of economically distressed counties in the country. In many ways, it's a different America here. But what's it feel like to travel through this region in Appalachia and what do the locals have to say? Join me on this epic road trip to find out.

► 🎞️ Video Edited By: Natalia Santenello

MUSIC USED IN THE VIDEO:
► Headlund - Return to No Man’s Land
► River Foxcroft - Dark Outlands
► River Foxcroft - West of the Soul

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Thank You All!!!

All rights reserved © 2023 Peter Santenello

[neobaggins]

What's even more sad, is that closed walmart came in, killed off all the mom and pop grocers that had probably been around for a century, then realized they'd overestimated and closed it down, leaving a massive, brutalist brick store to decay in the beautiful woodlands. Walmart and large grocery chains are convenient, but they're also tragic.

[doewoe]

I’m 18 and I live in one of the counties shown in this video. I’ve never seen anyone cover us like this, and the fact it’s got 8 million views in just 5 days is blowing my mind. Thanks for bringing light to us, it really feels like the rest of the world has forgotten we exist. It’s a rough way but I don’t plan on moving off. These mountains are my home.

[mdte]

I was an international student from Ethiopia when I first came to the Appalachians as part of our senior retreat . I went to a very expensive high school in Chicago and at first our teachers were warning us how we may receive racist comments from the locals . First, I’d like to say how welcoming they were to me. Secondly I never thought poverty at this level existed in America . We stayed there and built them a house and everything they needed. That was an eye-opening experience and I would do it again ! I hope every American visit the Appalachians ! America is NOT only New York or California !! ❤️❤️❤️

[thicclegendfeep]

As the great grandson of an Appalachian, I'm thankful you gaver her people and homelands the honor they deserve ! I can personally attest to the kindness of Hillfolk, my gramma was perhaps the sweetest lady I ever knew, not once did I ever see her get angry, even when dementia got her at the end, she was still able to recall me and my sister. God rest her soul.

[ChillhopMusic]

Apart from the obvious problems this region is facing, the actual landscape looks like a great environment to live in. Small towns, a few houses surrounded by forest, no big crowds, generally kind people, nature taking old buildings back over. Such a fascinating atmosphere, I hope things get better for the people there.

[dannyYT]

Those youngsters at the end of the video were amazing kids. 18 year old diesel mechanic, 16 year old dairy queen manager, and the other youngster knew everything about history. That's what I like to see

[automatichiatus]

As a Kentuckian I can not express how happy I am that you are visiting these places and giving these folks a voice. You are humble and open minded and this kind of journalism (or whatever you want to call it) is desperately needed on the internet today. Thank you for your work- you can be assured that you def aren't part of the social media problem you talked about :)

[stephaniesattler]

This was a fascinating documentary. The girl who is in college, has a child and has worked at the store since she was 16 is incredible. I hope she graduates and has a great career. God bless her and her family. ❤️🙏

[caitlynm.]

In my opinion this is the type of stuff that should be on Netflix. So respectful, empathetic, considerate, sincere. If documentaries like this were widespread and mainstream, things would change. Seriously.

[MiaDiRienzo]

My favorite part was when you talked to the boys who were fishing under the bridge. They challenge our preconceived notions of what kind of kids we’ve been led to believe they might be. Four hard-working, straight edge boys, including a diesel mechanic, a manager, and an eloquent and intelligent kid with a full ride to college. Humbled me.

[jenjengoessling]

I lived very briefly in Ripley West Virginia, when i was 19. My boyfriend, his friend and myself went for a ride in the hills. The truck we were in broke down as it was getting dark, so we started walking. We we're stuck and walking in the dark in the deep country. We came across a house with an elderly husband and wife, who didn't even have a bathroom, they had an out house, but they were the nicest people in the world. They invited us into their home, offerd us coffe and they helped us. They had a bigger truck and they were able to tow us out of there the country way, and get us home. We gave them ehat money we had. Im 51 years old now, and ill never forget that nice couple.

[amymalina]

I think what makes your documentary style journalism so interesting, powerful, moving and impactful is the respect you show to everyone you meet. You are an open and warm hearted humanitarian. You can’t fake that. And it breaks down whatever hesitation someone might initially have and they talk to you: one honest respectful person to another. The world would be a much better place if people showed this kind of decency and graciousness to one another. You’re setting a great example

[robkilcollins]

Those three young men at the end burned down and destroyed stereotypes of the Appalachian people. When the two friends supported and urged on the other to demonstrate his singing abilities, it moved me. Incredible and rare to see people so supportive and kind to thier buddies. Good on you, guys. Hope you go far.

[brian]

Boys at the end were respectful. Raised well. Much respect to them. Much success to them

[TravellingTechie]

I'm an airline pilot and often fly over Appalachia on my route home to Europe from Dallas, TX. It really is a darker area at night, due to the rugged terrain and the lack of population (by comparison to surrounding regions) and often wondered what life is like down there. Thanks for giving us a taste and an insight, fascinating and a new found respect for the people there.

[TRUTH]

Seriously addicted to this channel. I ABSOLUTELY love the raw country footage, the amazing people and places of America. This is REAL life America! So many amazingly different, beautiful, awesome people! My new absolutely FAVORITE youtube channel. I will never get tired of these stories, people, places. So AWESOME! Thank you sooo much for doing these and showing America to America and the world! God bless you and God bless the USA!!!🙏❤️🇺🇲

[akrorae]

To that beautiful young woman who's making it through college - we are so proud of you. Generational trauma is real & you are doing incredible for yourself & your future generations. Keep it up sis!!

[clhuffman]

That young fella that has a full ride to college and knew so much about local and family history my gosh he had me almost in tears, he was so well spoken and polite and driven. Never met him and never will but I'm proud of him.

[BGSH]

Damn, this is much better than so many high budget TV documentaries. Just a kind guy talking respectfully to people, being curious. I feel like I was part of this trip. Great work.

[scheniquejackson]

Omg, it’s so refreshing to see such kind-hearted people. ❤ This really made my day. God bless them all. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾