Questions about Glendale AZ (Phoenix: apartment complex, neighborhood, high school)

[LinaVox]

Hello everyone,

Well I'm planning on moving to Glendale in order to teach visual communications, but I have a few questions that I need to ask residents in order to get the facts.

I've lived my entire life on Long Island, NY in an upper middle class black neighborhood. Being an African American, the idea of relocating to a south western state (or any other state for that matter) can be a bit nerve racking. After reading a few threads by other folks looking to move to Arizona I've come to realize a few things; Arizona isn't divided by race, but by social class and that there is no "Black community" instead African Americans have fused into the fabric of society. To be honest that is the way it's supposed to be, but my concern is of getting a job and living there for a few years, so here are my questions;

What is the demographic of Glendale? Are there many black teachers? and how would you describe the environment?

[Finger Laker]

glendale is huge - where in the city are you teaching?

you'll find a different demographic near downtown glendale than you will in the northern portions

are you in the HS district or in the ESD, charter, etc?

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[LinaVox]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

glendale is huge - where in the city are you teaching?

you'll find a different demographic near downtown glendale than you will in the northern portions

are you in the HS district or in the ESD, charter, etc?

I would like to move to northern Glendale. I'm planning on living at the Archstone Arrowhead Apartment complex. I'm looking to teach High School.

[Finger Laker]

I lived in Archstone when I first moved down and really liked it - the diversity seemed about par for the course with the rest of AZ

the staff was good for repairs and things like that - our parking spot was always good, etc

only problem we had was a bunch of teenagers from the mall who would jump into the complex, smoke weed and destroy the gazebo in the common area that our apartment overlooked ..... they were pretty much useless in this area

however, i lived there about 18 months and all up really enjoyed it ...... this was a solid 5 years ago

the HS in the area will vary greatly - my wife taught in the ESD and the population was largely hispanic, the teachers were a mix, but only like 1 black lady who didn't really seem to have any problems - she was long standing in the district

I don't know so much about the HS districts - however, things are tough all over for teachers right now with the budget issues, but that seems to be a national issue

it seems that you already know that there aren't huge black communities, however there is enough population where you can find services and some community feeling

it's a pretty mellow place as far as racial issues

as far as jobs, it's tough, but manageable ..... you're race probably wont be an issue, although pending what school you end up in some kids may try and use it on you, although being a male can help in that regard ........ i know there is a black substitute in my wifes current district that the kids love and he's widely requested by all the teachers

however, i think it probably has more to do with him being a good sub than a black sub

the area by the mall is nice, a lot of places to go out, a pretty diverse crowd, tons of restaurants, easy highway access, etc

you should have a good run with it

[LinaVox]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

I lived in Archstone when I first moved down and really liked it - the diversity seemed about par for the course with the rest of AZ

the staff was good for repairs and things like that - our parking spot was always good, etc

only problem we had was a bunch of teenagers from the mall who would jump into the complex, smoke weed and destroy the gazebo in the common area that our apartment overlooked ..... they were pretty much useless in this area

however, i lived there about 18 months and all up really enjoyed it ...... this was a solid 5 years ago

the HS in the area will vary greatly - my wife taught in the ESD and the population was largely hispanic, the teachers were a mix, but only like 1 black lady who didn't really seem to have any problems - she was long standing in the district

I don't know so much about the HS districts - however, things are tough all over for teachers right now with the budget issues, but that seems to be a national issue

it seems that you already know that there aren't huge black communities, however there is enough population where you can find services and some community feeling

it's a pretty mellow place as far as racial issues

as far as jobs, it's tough, but manageable ..... you're race probably wont be an issue, although pending what school you end up in some kids may try and use it on you, although being a male can help in that regard ........ i know there is a black substitute in my wifes current district that the kids love and he's widely requested by all the teachers

however, i think it probably has more to do with him being a good sub than a black sub

the area by the mall is nice, a lot of places to go out, a pretty diverse crowd, tons of restaurants, easy highway access, etc

you should have a good run with it

Thank you so much, you answered all my questions and then some. It seems like a wonderful place to live. thanks again ^_^

[NEMstrodamus]

Originally Posted by LinaVox

Hello everyone,

Well I'm planning on moving to Glendale in order to teach visual communications, but I have a few questions that I need to ask residents in order to get the facts.

I've lived my entire life on Long Island, NY in an upper middle class black neighborhood. Being an African American, the idea of relocating to a south western state (or any other state for that matter) can be a bit nerve racking. After reading a few threads by other folks looking to move to Arizona I've come to realize a few things; Arizona isn't divided by race, but by social class and that there is no "Black community" instead African Americans have fused into the fabric of society. To be honest that is the way it's supposed to be, but my concern is of getting a job and living there for a few years, so here are my questions;

What is the demographic of Glendale? Are there many black teachers? and how would you describe the environment?

OK, I'm gonna give it to you as I see it.

I am 70 years old. Originaly from Massachusetts, but spent 17 years of my childhood in NYC. SO, I am a northeasterner.

I have lived the last 21 years here, in Phoenix, almost on the edge of the Glendale city line.

Truth be told, this is still a hick, bubba type town with bubba type mentality.

It is extremely conservative in it's political structure and very much anti-liberal.

It has the largest Mormon population in the nation (primarily East Valley) outside of Salt Lake City itself. Mormons appear to be nice people, for the most part, but, IMO, they are still very biased and extremely bigoted.
Sorry, if that sounds crude, but that's how I see it.

Again, IMO, this is not the place for minorities. They are excluded in many ways by the general population.

Glendale is a little less biased but that generally applies to the southern areas of Glendale. The northern areas (those are the newest) are more up scale and have far fewer minorities.

And, as far as you believeing that African Americans have "fused into the fabric of society" here in Arizona, that is not entirely correct.

I see a lot of bias and racial bigotry, towards African Americans and Hispanics, and Jews.

Sorry, but that's what I have seen. I hope this does not offend you.