Retiring Afro American Female Thinking of moving to Cherokee Village (Little Rock: house, rent)

[Victor912]

Thanks to everyone for your input. It was extremely helpful. Will keep you posted on my progress and the final outcome.

If anyone has any additional input I'm all ears.

I like the idea of rural, peaceful. I don't need power shopping. I'm looking forward to nice and easy and simple. Walmart will be fine.... maybe a super Walmart But I DO need rest and relaxation. CV sounds perfect.

Thanks again!

[MtnHomeResident]

I would be cautious on relocating to Arkansas.

We moved here from Minnesota and like the area but I never have encountered such strong racial feelings in my entire life as here. We are white so it does snot directly affect us but it certainly gives one pause.

Harrison, AR is the home to the KKK …
True Christian Church of Christ

Even though the Harrison folks would like ignore him, this guy is able to thrive because many of the locals generally support his notions.

Arkansas has a native population that is not well educated. That population, in my opinion, is a good environment for that type of thinking.

I live in Baxter county, and at last census there were two (2) black individuals in the entire county. Locals provide comments regarding race that I have not heard in 30 years.

Use of the ‘N” work although not common, is not unheard of.

You will not have burning crosses but you may encounter a sense of isolation because of these attitudes.

[Sam I Am]

Originally Posted by MtnHomeResident

I would be cautious on relocating to Arkansas.

We moved here from Minnesota and like the area but I never have encountered such strong racial feelings in my entire life as here. We are white so it does snot directly affect us but it certainly gives one pause.

Harrison, AR is the home to the KKK …
True Christian Church of Christ

Even though the Harrison folks would like ignore him, this guy is able to thrive because many of the locals generally support his notions.

Arkansas has a native population that is not well educated. That population, in my opinion, is a good environment for that type of thinking.

I live in Baxter county, and at last census there were two (2) black individuals in the entire county. Locals provide comments regarding race that I have not heard in 30 years.

Use of the ‘N” work although not common, is not unheard of.

You will not have burning crosses but you may encounter a sense of isolation because of these attitudes.

Well, I think Victor/Roz should just come to Russellville if that's how it is up there - I have never, ever heard of the things you speak of, but perhaps it is a community thing. I've spent a lot of time all over the state - maybe folks can just tell they don't need to start their foolishness with me.

I also think your generalization about the population not being educated may refer to the old guard...perhaps you've heard of the No Child Left Behind program?

No one is ignoring the fact that the Klan was active in the state at one time, and there are those who may hold their little secret meetings in the backwoods......they just call them skinheads and neo Nazis in other areas. However, I stick by my belief that on the whole, the people of Arkansas are NOT represented by this very small contingent of agitators and that there is no sundown law, no lynchings, no chasing folks out of town, no hangings, no anything.

What do you do about ignorance, stupidity, blatant racism and bigotry? It's everywhere - you rise above it and go on. Believe it or not, there are towns which are primarily black where I'm sure I'm not going to be welcomed with open arms...or primarily Indian, or Chinese, or Hispanic, or whatever you want to pick. I think enough has been said about this, though - Roz and nmnita and some others can come and see what they think - or maybe not since everyone seems to be hell bent to let the outsiders know how unwelcome they will be.

Good grief.

[nmnita]

To MtHome Resident,

Maybe you need to remember you moved from one of the most liberal states in the country and one that is not heavily minority in any way. This would account for some of your shock. If I were a minority there are some areas I would stay clear of as they do have a way to come before they can totally accept anything different. Heck, we feel this in New Mexico only it is reverse. As for all of AR how much of the state have you seen?

What happened with the Klan 100 years ago or even 50 or 25 happened just then and not now. There will always be those who have problems with certain life styles and situation; heck, many of us have some premudice against something: I am sure, if you are honest with yourself, you do as well. This doesn't mean a black person should not consider AR or OK or any other southern state for that matter.

I am not sure generalizing about who isn't and isn't "well educated" will get you much respect on boards like this. it appears you think anyone without an education is more inclined to be a biget. Sorry to come down so hard on you, but you asked for it.

[MtnHomeResident]

In response to the recent posters let me offer several comments.

I have lived in 9 states and three foreign countries. I believe I understand tolerance and can recognize regional and cultural idiosyncrasy characteristics.

I have lived in this area (north central Arkansas) for about three years. Based on nearby county demographic data regarding education levels and income I definitely stand by my statement regarding the native population educational level. Those facts are coupled with the antidotal comments of business professionals in this area regarding the inability to find and hire educationally qualified folks.

The plain fact is that Harrison, Arkansas is the WORLD headquarter for the KKK. It may be an embarrassment to some, but the community around the area supports that organization.

I have actually been to Cherokee Village area many times and we considered some real estate investments in the area. My personal conclusions about the area were that is was not a good retirement area for the reasons I have previously stated. We did not invest because of those conclusions.

Most importantly, the original thread question was from a minority woman who was going to retire and soliciting opinions. When somebody wants to select a new retirement community they are looking for some change in lifestyle and the hope they will be surrounded by like minded people who will integrate them into the local social network. A feeling of isolation is not a desirable outcome.

My caution stands – be careful because of the possibility of a sense of isolation.

[Victor912]

Hi Eveyone!

Wow what a vast difference of opinions! I should let you all know I have opened a contract on a modest property in CV. So far I have not encountered one second of negative treatment in any way. To the contrary eveyone I am working with or have had contact with have been extremely pleasant, kind and helpful. And I appreciate them for their kindness to me a total stranger and from California at that!

Could be my military brat upbringing coupled with my strong Christian beliefs has afforded me the blessing of knowing how to get along with people and be sensitive to everyone. I have no intention of "forcing" myself on anyone.

When you are brought up in the military you learn that everyone is basically the same and we all need each other and should be able to enjoy and appreciate our differences. PLUS I am basically a friendly outgoing person and I really do enjoy meeting people.

I'm so looking forward to enjoying a much slower lifestyle. I want my life to be simplE AND quiet in pleasant - natural surroundings.

So, if all goes well with the sale of my CA property and the closing of my CV property I should be settled in by late fall! Hallelujah!

I would love to keep in touch with any of you who live in CV and perhaps touch base with you when I get there if you're interested.

Thanks much for all of your input!

Roz

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Victor912

Hi Eveyone!

Wow what a vast difference of opinions! I should let you all know I have opened a contract on a modest property in CV. So far I have not encountered one second of negative treatment in any way. To the contrary eveyone I am working with or have had contact with have been extremely pleasant, kind and helpful. And I appreciate them for their kindness to me a total stranger and from California at that!

Could be my military brat upbringing coupled with my strong Christian beliefs has afforded me the blessing of knowing how to get along with people and be sensitive to everyone. I have no intention of "forcing" myself on anyone.

When you are brought up in the military you learn that everyone is basically the same and we all need each other and should be able to enjoy and appreciate our differences. PLUS I am basically a friendly outgoing person and I really do enjoy meeting people.

I'm so looking forward to enjoying a much slower lifestyle. I want my life to be simplE AND quiet in pleasant - natural surroundings.

So, if all goes well with the sale of my CA property and the closing of my CV property I should be settled in by late fall! Hallelujah!

I would love to keep in touch with any of you who live in CV and perhaps touch base with you when I get there if you're interested.

Thanks much for all of your input!

Roz

Roz, good for you. If what our friend from MtHome is saying is the truth I would like to know why so many people close to retirement age or even those with young families are moving to AR by the handfuls. Most of the retired people I know, who are moving are in the middle to uppere middle class catagory and are educated, and like you, want a quieter life, a little lower cost of living than in the major cities throughout the country and content on taking life easy. It does appear to me he may have been a little bit into himself and slightly a snob. I don't even think lack of education makes someone a racist or stupid. Now go and enjoy yourself. Catch some fish and share it with all of us.

[brucep]

I think mtnhomeresident is making a huge leap to say that the Harrison area community supports that group. How do you know this? How did you come to this grand deduction? And how is the group's leader thriving? I'm 51 and grew up in Boone County (Harrison is the county seat) and I can assure that in all my years there I didn't see support for them. Stupid people with weapons always frightened THIS native. I know that Harrison has a storied past concerning race relations but I do think that those opinions are in the past, for the most part. I can only remember two occasions growing up where that group even had public gatherings in the area. I'm sure they attracted some supporters but I believe they were in the minority. The Ozarks have always been appealing to various extreme groups, not because of local support (IMO) but because of the seclusion that the area offered. Of course there are idiots and ignorance everywhere (the Grand Poobah of that group is from Michigan). I also think that retirement villages, such as Cherokee Village, with their huge influx of highly educated out-of-staters will offer a vastly different mentality than all of us dumb locals.

[maggiemae]

I'm willing to cut MtnHomeResident some slack. Although his posts aren't particularly flattering to AR, I think he brings up some valid points. It's true that AR historically falls at or near the bottom on virtually all national education rankings. It is also true that a KKK organization is based in Harrison, although I think this organization is a mere shadow of its former self. As for racial bigotry, yes, it does exist in AR.....both among whites and among blacks. I think MtnHomeResident's concerns about social isolation are valid.....in my experience, outside of organized activities and general neighborly behavior, blacks and whites tend to be socially segregated in AR.

I'll give MtnHomeResident the benefit of the doubt that he was just being honest in offering his assessments. I'll also give Roz the benefit of the doubt that she's a woman who can handle it....with no trouble at all.

[prutowski]

My grandparents had a home in CV on Yosemite Ave. I have spent many summer days there and good memories. The community is very friendly. Although I do not recall seeing any African Americans. This is a church oriented (My grandparents used to attend St. Michaels before their passing) community and mostly a retirement community. Lots of bingo, bridge activities going on. Every time I visited my grandparents, I hardly see younger people of my age. Property values are very cheap. Probably one of the lowest priced properties that comes with great access to lakes and recreation in the country. Taxes are dirt cheap too! Unfortunately, when my grandparents passed, I was not able to keep the house in Cherokee Village and sold it because of the distance between Austin, TX and CV. Good luck with your decision!