When speaking about an optimal “quality of life,” different people can have very dissimilar definitions. It usually depends on each person’s individual preferences.

These days, we often hear people rave about how perfect they think life is in Middle America. They tend to romanticize the lifestyle they envision there. Most are generally referring to a less complicated, stable, happy life lived in a safe, small town. They imagine a place where they can live quietly in a spacious, clean, and healthy setting alongside kind, helpful, and cooperative neighbors who all share their values. They want to live in the type of location that features friendly people and a strong sense of community, much like the settings they have seen on television in Mr. Rodgers’ neighborhood and in Mayberry, USA.

Some call that imagined utopia Middle America. Geographically, Middle America actually refers to the interior of the United States. Often called the Midwest, it is seen as the traditional, middle-class American heartland, much of which is characterized by its conventional values and moderate politics. Because many of the same features seen in Middle America can be found in Chautauqua County, and it is located pretty far from more fast-paced progressive coastal communities, many are surprised to learn that Chautauqua County is more accurately described as being part of Northern Appalachia.

For many, Appalachia brings to mind less appealing settings than Middle America does. That’s because Appalachia is an expansive cultural region characterized in many sites by poverty, lack of education, and difficulty accessing health care. Located in the eastern United States, it stretches from southern New York State, including Chautauqua County, to northern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. While Chautauqua County is situated at the far top of this region, we are not immune to some of the negative traits more often associated with locales at the opposite end of the region. However, by working together, we can embrace and enhance the qualities we love and overcome the challenges our county faces.

One great way to start to do that is to think about what drew us to live here in the first place or, if we were born here, think about why we choose to stay.

Most people make decisions about where to live based on a balance between their basic needs and wants.

Affordability is number one for most. First, we consider whether we can live comfortably on our income in the locale. That’s why most people seek out locations with a realistic cost of living. They want to live near great businesses with lots of interesting and well-paying employment opportunities. Many seek places where they can enjoy a short, safe commute to work and easy parking. Almost all want low taxes and reasonable, if not low, housing, food, and health care costs.

Then we consider what else is important to our well-being. Great schools and specific amenities, like world-class restaurants, are essential to some. Lots of wide open spaces, exciting recreation facilities, or other easily accessible and affordable entertainment options are top of list for others.

While many say they’re seeking life in the Heartland, once they think hard about it, and deeply examine their personal values, they may realize they’re actually looking for a community full of people who share their social values. They will likely realize many communities fit that bill right here in Chautauqua County.

Quality of life is subjective. It depends on your economic needs, social wants, and personal interests.

Wherever you choose to live, the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Local Economic Development committee hopes you will always remember how important it is to treat others as you wish to be treated and that you will make an effort to work together with your neighbors to continuously make your chosen community a better place. Those are the sort of small town Middle American values and behaviors that make places like Chautauqua County so great.

Patty Hammond is Economic Development Coordinator at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The Local Economic Development (LED) Initiative is a standing committee of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF). Send comments or suggestions to Patty Hammond at phammond@nccfoundation.org