Living in the Middle of a Tourist Attraction: A Mixed Blessing

Living in the heart of a tourist attraction can be both a boon and a bane. While the influx of visitors can lead to increased economic opportunities, it also brings its fair share of challenges. Let's delve into the experiences and benefits of living in such environments, using various examples from around the globe.

The Economic Impact: Pros and Cons

One of the most significant advantages of living in a tourist attraction is the economic boost it brings. Summer tourism in places like beautiful Lake George, New York, demonstrates this clearly. During the off-season, the town is scarcely populated with only 5,000 residents. During the summer, this number swells to an impressive 50,000, making the town a bustling hub of activity. While this influx of visitors can be overwhelming, the economic benefits are undeniable. Locals and businesses alike rely on the revenue generated from tourism to sustain themselves.

Adjusting to Summer: The Good, the Bad, and the Inconvenient

The summer season in tourist towns can be exciting but also quite challenging. There's a summer rush that requires local residents to adjust their daily routines. Tourists often bring with them an increase in prices, and as someone living just outside Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park, I can attest to the price increase. Everything from groceries to real estate is more expensive due to the constant influx of visitors.

However, the economic benefits don't solely come from high prices. The local community has an opportunity to earn money through various jobs starting as early as 14-15 years old. Housekeeping, gift shops, and eventually becoming a server are just a few examples. For many, these summer jobs help cover college expenses, providing a unique financial cushion. By the fall, everyone is eager for the season to draw to a close, but for a few motels and shops, the off-season is a tough time to survive. Winter brings some activities like the winter carnival, but the real charm of smaller tourist towns is enjoyed during the off-season.

The Allure of Year-Round Population

Places with a full-fledged year-round population are a different story altogether. Such towns have a distinct charm and a steady flow of residents and visitors. For instance, a home in a town like New York's Long Island, with a population of 7,500 year-round, swells to 110,000 during the summer. This leads to a '2 months of insane traffic and crowds' and '10 months of beauty and peace' depending on the season. Summer residents and visitors support services like police, fire departments, and schools with their property tax contributions, which is evident in the town's infrastructure and services.

During the summer, the airport in Long Island sees a flurry of business jets and charter flights, demonstrating the town's significant economic importance and allure. The presence of such large jets and the amenities they require point to the influence that this tourism has on the local economy. The CAT 2 ILS Landing system is evidence of the significant impact of tourism on the town's airport and the residents who benefit from it.

Perceptions and Adjustments

Living in or near tourist attractions can be both a blessing and a challenge. While the influx of tourists is generally seen as a positive thing, there are challenges that come with it. In places like Honolulu, residents may feel like they are 'trapped on a rock in the middle of a vast ocean,' but this is offset by the knowledge that a significant portion of the world's mobile citizens will pass through their island paradise over time. Similarly, in San Francisco, residents are amused by tourists who didn’t dress for the cold and fog. These are not insurmountable issues but rather experiences that shape the local community's perspective.

Tourism demands good travel options, and cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago all have multiple airports to serve the tourist influx. Chicago's range of train travel options further enhances its attractiveness to tourists. Therefore, the net effect of tourism on residential life is generally positive, providing a variety of experiences and opportunities.

While living in the middle of a tourist attraction can be overwhelming at times, the economic benefits and unique lifestyle that comes with it are undeniable. The key is balancing the positive aspects with the necessary adjustments to make it a harmonious and enjoyable experience.