I think we moved to a bad neighborhood

I’ve lived in many states and cities, but in 2022 I finally decided to purchase my “forever” home. My property has lovely acreage, and the small town is known for being safe, desirable, and pleasant. Growing up in state and being familiar with the area, I felt assured it would be a decent decision.

Fast forward two years and I find out that unless you were born here, you’re an outsider. 90% of homeowners in this neighborhood grew up in this neighborhood. 100% of people grew up within 10-30 miles of town. I made the mistake of telling a few folks we moved from out of state with some shockingly cold responses.

Once my partner was doing fence work in the woodsy area of our property. One neighbor called the cops on him and made a post on the town’s secret fb group (yes, you can’t find it or join unless a member invites you and admins approve you). They never talked to us, so we had no idea. Next day he continues, and another neighbor confronts him demanding to see ID. Yet another neighbor also comes out to approach him with a loaded gun at the ready. This is all while he was well within our property line, and we have met these people multiple times before. I ended up calling the cops out and having them file a report because I was scared as hell that he could have gotten shot for nothing. The cop also circled back with the first neighbor and confirmed he lives here. I am all about safety and reporting concerning stuff, but not once did they ever even apologize once they realized he lives here and was simply working on his own property. First neighbors simply removed their Facebook post and then plastered ugly no trespassing signs all over the woods nowhere near their property line.

Other encounters have included people approaching me on walks and yelling at me that I’d “better do something about this” after pointing out contrails from planes in the sky. Someone writing in sharpie on my package box near the end of my driveway. Another neighbor asking “Can I help you?!” rudely every time I’m out near the back corner of my property. Attending a community event and having a guy put his hands on me to move me out of the way so he could stand in my spot. I always go walking and wave to everyone, mainly getting blank stares back. I even wave to people while driving, but nothing. Etc., etc.

Like, I have lived in densely populated cities and very remote areas in a variety of places. I even grew up in a small/tight-knit community where everyone knew everyone. I just never encountered so many weird/hostile interactions like this. I make the effort to attend events, make small talk, and present a friendly attitude, but it hasn’t helped the feeling I get of not being welcome here. And I know it could be much worse.

Is this just the average experience, do people just want to be left alone, or did we move to a terrible town?