In my rural area, I was one of the rich people in our area (combined dual income from my spouse and I of around 80-90k/year). People used to give me shit for being Richie Rich (all in good fun). The income level around here hovers around 100-150% of the standard federal poverty level. Generally, most people are lower income, with some people making 100k plus. But, everyone sort of lives the same life; we hang out in the same places, our kids go to the same schools, that sort of thing.

Then real wealth started moving in to buy property as investments. Now we have people who have gates and armed guards. They have private police to scare the locals. They harass school board members for access to school vouchers for the private schools they are starting so their kids don't have to attend the public schools.

It's different around here now. It's a lot less 'community' and all it took was about a half dozen really wealthy folks to upset the apple cart.

Nobody jokes about money anymore in any context, and people seem to be a lot less happy than they used to be just in general.