I have officially lived in Bainbridge, Georgia, for 10 days, and I’ve noticed a lot of things: the charming and vibrant downtown community, the beautiful historic homes and buildings, the importance of Shotwell Street for basic travels.

I haven’t been here long, but I feel as though I’m quickly learning my way around and how to get along with everyone, so I thought I would develop a few tips for any other future newcomers to fair Bainbridge.

• Mediacom is slow, and there is nothing you can do about it. It will take two weeks for your services to get started. Hopefully you can find solace in other former newcomers and their extreme distaste for the cable/internet (sometimes) provider.
• It’s hot here, especially during the summer months. Invest in light clothing and some strong antiperspirant. Save as much of your money as you can to spend on that approaching power bill.
• Small-town politics are dramatic and get a lot of people riled up. You’ll get used to it and may even partake in a few debates.
• The Southern phrases go so much further than “bless your heart” around here. If you’re not from the South, and even if you are, you’ll likely here a Southernism you’ve never heard before.
• Be prepared to take it slowly. No one is really in a rush, because there’s no need to be, and again, it’s pretty hot.
• A good percentage of the people here are genuinely friendly, whether they actually like someone or not.  I’ve lost count of the number of people who have said, “Let me know if you need anything,” with genuine sincerity as I get acclimated to Bainbridge life.
• The number one thing you should know is to be prepared to laugh when you get to know some of the funniest people you’ve ever met.

I’m still getting used to a few things, like the lack of chain restaurants, but Bainbridge is undeniably growing on me.