[...] Strollerderby – Family Circle names 10 best towns for upper-middle-class white families [...]

This is not surprising at all. We had this discussion several months ago when Forbes named Hamilton County, IN, as the best place to live. I’m black, and live in Indianapolis. While I know several non-white families who live in Noblesville and other suburbs, they are each the only minority family (or one of two or three) in their subdivision. We moved recently, but didn’t even think about moving to one of those locations. I just don’t see that being around white people exclusively – or any one group of people – is something to which we should aspire. We bought a home in an older neighborhood that is mixed in terms of age, race and income. I love it, and never know what type of conversation I’ll have when we take a walk and run into neighbors. That’s part of the excitement!

To be honest, the ‘burbs of Indy are not rife with overtly racist incidents. I’m frequently there hanging out with friends or shopping (they have the best stores around!), and have never experienced any obvious hostility. I think that’s reserved for the people who can’t afford to shop there, and I have personally witnessed that type of discrimination. Overall, there’s just an oppressive sameness about everything – the people, the cars, the houses, etc. Not to show my inner middle-schooler, but booooring!

Great post, Shannon! I like our neighborhood for its diversity–in a city that’s like 80 percent black, our neighborhhod is very mixed ethnically. We’re struggling with schools right now because the closest good one is all-black, but going to the suburbs would result in an all-white school, and we want somewhere in the middle (which we think we’ve found). She’ll still be in the minority (which I think is instructive for white European descendents to experience) but not the only white kid.

We used to live in a great, diverse neighborhood. Now we live in a beautiful suburban area, closer to where my husband works. It IS a nice place to live, and there are so many family-friendly events, great schools, plenty of beautiful parks, and a nice down town area with shops and restaurants. It is not, however, very diverse at all. Sometimes it seems like the four of us are the only brown people in the whole town. Friendly people from a variety of backgrounds is what I miss most about our old neighborhood.

You gotta wonder about the folks that put these lists together… are they unaware about diversity as a positive or are they deliberately choosing these neighborhoods because they are not diverse.

I live in Sherwood and have for 13 years. I moved here when it was just transitioning from a farming community to a bedroom suburb of Portland. Since then it has quadrupled in population. We have an over 12% Mormon population; the families who aren’t Mormon are mostly very conservative religious types. It’s actually shocking to see a person of color walking around our town and there are very few non-white children in any of my children’s school classes. We have one of the highest socio-economic income levels in our state as well as one of the highest property taxes. Basically you are correct in your assumption–Sherwood is made up almost entirely of white, conservative, upper and upper-middle class religious families.

My family is none of those things. My husband and I divorced several years ago and I now live with my female partner and share custody of my three children with my ex, who lives a mile away. Our schools are good and my children are getting a good education but at what cost? I feel as though I am doing them a grave disservice raising them in a place where our family is one of the only one who has diversity. When we go into Portland and they see a person of color they actually get afraid. They are shocked when they homeless people and have no concept of living outside of this bubble. What once seemed like a utopia (for many it is) now seems like a prison that I’m forced to deal with people who judge me and my family and are predominately close minded, bigoted social elitist.

I worry every day that I’m hurting my children rather than protecting them by living here. I absolutely do not agree this is an ideal place to raise a family–it is far from it.

Recovering Straight Girl – “When we go into Portland and they see a person of color they actually get afraid.”

Portland is actually the whitest big city I’ve ever seen… Whiter than Berlin, whiter than Dallas. My husband (who is Chinese-American) feels more out of place and conspicuous in Portland than in any other big city. We actually notice other Asian people on the street in Portland, because they are so few and far between…

If your children are thrown off by the diversity of Portland, then yeah… you might really really be doing them a disservice. Get thee to the city!

“The Seattle Area” aside, Kenmore breaks down thusly:

86.70% White, 1.39% African American, 0.37% Native American, 7.16% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 1.24% from other races, and 2.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.51% of the population.

I certainly won’t be moving my Black children to that school district any time soon.

Shannon – In response to your comment about the demographics in Kenmore, yes, indeed, it’s very white “by the book.” What you fail to consider (unless you live in this area you wouldn’t know) is that Kenmore is in the Northshore School District which is considered to be an excellent district. The Seattle School District, on the other hand, is far more diverse (in terms of race) but many local parents wouldn’t dream of sending their children there because, simply put, it’s a school district plagued with financial/educational and other problems. The “recognition” that publications heap on communities shouldn’t be taken too seriously. In fact, the reason I referenced your article in my blog post was to illustrate the point that “family friendly” is a relative term. With respect, I might appreciate your apprehension at sending your children to school here had you done a little more research into “our fair city.”

Hi Shannon – I understand your commitment. Thanks for that.

I grew up in Sun Prairie, WI. I have not lived there in over 4 years, but I still appreciate all that I gained from growing up there. Having moved to Florida a year after graduating, I learned to truly appreciate the education I received at Sun Prairie High School.

“As this country increasingly diversifies both at the macro level and at the level of individual families (mine has two white people, one African American person and one biracial Black/white person)”

Isn’t this like saying “But I’m not racist…I have a black friend!”

“I don’t think a school system that is 95% white and mostly upper-middle class should be eligible for an “A+” rating.”

Wow. Racist much? Isn’t that like saying “I don’t think a school system that is 95% black and lower class should be eligible for hot lunches. After all, don’t them darkies like cold chicken and watermelon.” Idiot.

“One way to start is to make sure our children grow up around others who don’t precisely mirror themselves.”

Riiiiiight. And forced desegregation has such a history of success.

I hesitate to bother responding, but for the record, Alexander, this country has a far more extensive, troubled history of forced segregation than it does of forced desegregation. The book I cite in the piece above will give you a nice glimpse into that history, as will about a thousand other books, but you can check with your local librarian for those.

Chi laura, when you’ve spent five years researching the experiences of transracially adopted kids, we can talk. Meanwhile, I’ll just say that my kids are at a far higher risk of seeing race as essentialist if they don’t actually ever see any other Black people. As it is, they know a variety of Black people, white people, Asian American people, Latina/os and others and are thus quite naturally capable of understanding that people are all “individuals.”

I relocated to Indian Trail from Long Island 2 years ago. It is awful. Since having a baby 7 months ago, I can honestly say that this is NOT a wonderful place to raise a child. There is NOWHERE I can go to comfortably take the baby for a walk–almost none of the subdivisions have any trees, and when it’s 100 degrees outside, who wants to walk where there’s no shade? If we had a park with a nice walking trail, it would be much better…but we’re lacking that, and MANY other amenities that would make this an awesome place to raise a family.

Ah! There’s a great example of “good neighbors.”

Actually, one of the things we love best about living in Hendersonville, Tennessee is the diversity. We came here from the Missouri Ozarks…you want to talk about no diversity. Our neighbors here in H-ville are fantastic. My kids can grow up with friends of different religions, colors and ethnicity (like our family). I think they even have a few white, Christian friends:)

My question for you is simple, why can white people not be good neighbors and if the can, then why can they not be recognized as outstanding? I’ve lived in white neighborhoods that were bad neighborhoods too, so the fact that you have a problem with people living and helping each other peaceably in a community says a few things about you. For one you are a racist, and two you are looking so hard to blame white people for something that you are even willing to turn a positive into negative. I suppose you are just angry because you don’t live in a top 10 neighborhood. What’s your demographic breakdown I’d like to see you post it.

Name one predominately Black, Spanish, Asian neighborhood where it is cited that it is not diversified enough. It’s amazing, this is only stated when a neighborhood is white. I don’t need to know about your diversity, culture, etc. Just be an American, not a hyphenated American. You keeps calling yourselves African-Americans, Latinos, etc & then claim white people don’t like diversity? Your self labeled names are extremely racist on their own, but you’ll never seem to get it.

gfunny how people want ethnic diversity but today at the pediatrians office my child was playing with the blocks and an african american little child came over to play when all of a sudden the mother stormed over grabed the child and said what did I tell you about playing with whites and smacked the little girls hand I just thought how very sad.Listen in NY and in alot of places certain people don’t want to live in the same places as others just decide where you want and can afford to live and move in let others do the same you cannot force people to conform to your will that is communism.Live & let live just do it in peace. people should just live where they are comfortable and if when children grow up and need to make adjustments to their enviorment so what life is about adjusting after all nothing stays the same forever.in Ny Hispanics have surpast all others and they live and do whatever they want they could care less what the rest of the population says,wants ect.they all self segragate and no one dares say a word also the black communities here stay together so do the Asians iranian,indian ect so what as long as everyone lives in peace and respect who cares it’s the media that pushes the ethnic divide people should live where they want.

You go girl, you are right on

In addition to my earlier comment, the only racism I see is that shown on this blog. I am not sure if you have noticed or not but bigotry is not exclusively white. As for Sherwood, it is not a racist or bigtrous city. It is also not white by design or by some concipiracy. In fact, most of the people I know and have met in Sherwood would welcome anyone to the town regardless of race, color, creed, etc.

Oh…please…I’m tired of hearing that white people are racist and god forbid we have an article title like the above. Really…african americans have their own black “stuff” that they label so why not us. Its BS if you ask me. I think its proper and for most reason true. I had to pick up sell my house and leave because my neighborhood turned to crap with trash running around. I have first hand experience so an article like the above is welcomed. Anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themsleves. Get real because if you asked me where I would want to live Newark Camden or Philadelphia vs Maine Vermont or Protland or something you would have to be moron not to choose the safer of the states.

Comments
I live in one of the neighborhoods on the list. In a culde-sac of 10 families, two are black,2 hispanic, 1 European and the others white. In another words, we have diversity and we do live in a Middle Class neighborhood; in one of these so called “white areas”. When we moved here everyone came out to greet us and have always been wonderful with the exception of one neighbor. These are the type of neighbors that you can call to get a cup of sugar so you can save youself a trip to the supermarket. The school Principal is white and the Asst. Principal is black. They’re both wonderful. As a Hispanic I have experienced racism from both black and white people. I grew up in a mostly black neighborhood. Our family is mixed, hispanic and European. My mother is a “white” hispanic and my father had olive skin. My sisters look white and they were beaten in school and picked on all the time. I was spared in the summer when I looked dark, in the winter when I was pale and more”white” looking I would be teased and pushed around just the same. Only because we looked white and were a religious family. My parents moved into a neighborhood that was mostly European and hispanic and we were finally at ease. I don’t have any hate but I do have to say that my family and I weren’t responsible for slavery, crime or the poberty of these people yet we were treated with such hate. When I hear black people talk about racism I do feel for some but I know from personal experience that a lot of them are just as racist and abusive as the people they’re pointing to. Racism goes both ways, it happens everywhere. I now choose were I live based on safety, school system, neighborhood ammenities and cost of living. This is how we chose to live in our area. All the neighborhoods here have planned communities. All these communities have anywhere from Townhomes to Estate homes within the same neighborhoods. This allows people from different income levels to live in these neighborhoods. These reports are not accurate. You have to live in a place to know what it’s really like. The “majority” is white but there are people here from different cultures also. People complain about being “labeled” but they bring it upon themselves. You choose what you do with your life. I chose to be a good citizen and work hard. I didn’t use the excuse of growing up in bad neighborhood to become a criminal, drug addict, or to get on welfare. I chose to make the best of my life and give the best to my kids. The only thing your neighbors here want is that you keep the neighborhood nice and respect their privacy. After working 40-60 hours a week ourselves we want some peace and quiet too. My husband and I worked very hard to get to were we are today and I’m not going to apologize for wanting to raise my children in the best and safest school system and best neighborhood I can afford. I do get asked a lot were I’m from. I respond “The United States”. I know they want to know… my Nationality. I’m an American and that’s that. We are a “melting pot” of cultures and peoples. The Unites States was built with immigrants from all different nations. Some have been here longer that others that’s all. It doesn’t make them more or less American.

What an interesting article!

Having come to this great country for college and stayed all the way through grad school and a great career. I have alot to be grateful for!

My wife and i have learned to thrive in “upper middle-class white world”. Being people of color though, we worry about our children being the only “colored” kids in their classrooms and the effects that may have on their lives later in life. We are looking for a diverse community with superb schools, low crime rate, parks,trails, green spaces and businesses(farmers’ markets for example). We can compromise on almost everything else but not diversity, great schools and safety. I own and run an online business and my wife is a healthcare professional. So, we can live almost anywhere in the US. Any ideas are welcome!

Comments ive lived in Hendersonville my whole life. my grandmas lived here since there were still nothing but farms. it is a great place to live. there is virtually no gang related activity. very little serious crime, great school system, there are a lot of parks as well. 3 within waliking distance from my house. and it IS diverse. i dont know where you get off saying its not. there are plenty of people of EVERY ethnicity here. and ive never meet anyone here whose racist. we all work together to help each other when in need. after the flood tons of people volunteered to pick up trash and donated goods to those who lost their homes. don’t pretend to know what our community is like when you’ve never even been there.

Meridian ID has to be the niggest joke of the ten, teachers, & police sexually molest school kids.

There have been at least a dozen cases of teachers in ID who have molested kids & recently a police officer retired, turned himself in for sexually moloesting kids, & was given a plea bargain dropping four cases, going to be out of prison in a year & a half?

The Gov of Idaho has a crime syndicate that makes Capone look like a saint. Recently three more retired tax commission employees stepped forward & backed up what whislte blower Stan Howland, another tax commission employee claimed, corproations were let off for millions.

Gov Otter appointee suggested when first reported that coprorations hire accountants heavy into tax knowledge & can’t be bullied?

We moved to Boise in 2001, within a couple years were contacted by the tax cammission & told we owed $2400 from a 401 we cashed out of when in Nebraska, every penny earned in NE, all taxes, & penalties paid. I guess individuals who don’t have a million to give to the republican party can be bullied? We never paid a dime of it but how many people do?

Gov Otter & legislature had Idaho Transportation director Pam Lowe fired, replaced her wityh a man at $20K more a year. Lowe has a law suit against Idaho for sexual discrimination because on legisltor tol dher no little girl was going to run this dept, & she didn’t give contracts to Gov Otter’s contributors.

Otter then came out with a prmotion suggesting he supports women in the work place & equal wages? That guy is queer. Otter was getting $4500 a month to love in his own house, tried to raise vehcile registration 150%, raise fuel taxes, & kept legislature in session costing millions. Legislature didn’t allow the increses but otter is trying to raise fuel taxes again?

Those are just a few of otter scams, he controls the liquor dispenary, stores are state run, private industry can’t run stores & it costs the state millions of dollars.

Otter has law suits against the federal governmnet even though ID received million in stimulus otter said was no good yet he is using stimulus to pay fo rhis re-election?

The FBI needs to come in & investigate the crook.