For one family, making the move from their home in a swampy, crime-infested area of Florida to a super inexpensive, quiet, small town in North Dakota seemed like the ultimate dream come true…until it turned out to be yet another nightmare…

According to a recent article published by the Associated Press (AP), Jeanette and Michael Tristani and their 12-year-old twins were wooed by the tiny town of Hazelton, ND because of extremely low taxes, low cost of living and low crime rate. However, what they weren’t bargaining for was a low tolerance of newcomers to this small town with a dwindling population of 240 people. According to the Tristanis, despite the fact that their children were enjoying school, the family found that the town was extremely cliquey and never really accepted the Tristanis, treating them like outsiders.

The article went on to explain the circumstances:

The Hazelton Development Corp., formed by a determined group of citizens, began running ads in 2005 offering families up to two free lots and up to $20,000 toward home purchases. Businesses were offered free lots and up to $50,000 for setting up shop in the town.

Besides cash and free land, Hazelton had little else to offer except elbow room. Surrounded by flat farm land and livestock, the century-old town boasts three churches, a bank, a grain elevator and a bar. [source]

Add to this the fact that the town experiences harsh, bitingly cold winters, and the fact that the Tristanis were threatened by a couple of the locals- who perceived them as being drug dealers based on their appearance and dress, and it was too much to take. Now, the Tristanis are looking to make the journey back to Miami, FL so that they can care for Jeanette’s elderly parents and hopefully enjoy a little more peace of mind among people who aren’t necessarily so unwelcoming.

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