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This study examines the challenges posed by cohabitation in rural areas. In addition to addressing the issue of land use conflicts, it focuses on relations between old-timers (e.g., locals) and newcomers by means of surveys of their daily interactions as well as an analysis of the non-expert discourse of these populations concerning their mutual appreciation. This original approach sheds light on sources of tension between locals and newcomers as well as on new affinities. The interviews were conducted in Havelock, a rural area of Quebec, with households consisting of both newcomers and locals. Three factors fuel tensions between these two segments of population, including the sense of loss held by locals, the prioritization of the environment and amenities by the newcomers, and divergent attitudes among each group regarding a sense of community. Yet despite this clash of values, land use conflicts, and stereotyped images, friendly relations as well as shared interests and common values are shown to exist. However, overshadowed by the former, these affinities often remain underestimated or go unrecognized. In Havelock, attachment to the land and the presence of views that are distinct from the dominant voices emerge as two connecting factors between locals and newcomers and as phenomena that could potentially lead to new alliances.