[CESpeed]

I've gotten strong advice from this forum that NWA might be the best area for me, I've been trying very hard to consider adding communites from that area in my search but I keep coming across the same problem: lack of diversity. Even though I'm a Black female I don't want to live in an all-Black area or all-White area. Unfortunately, the communities in NWA are very skewed one way or another. On the other hand, I'm told that the areas of the Delta and South I've chosen as my top picks will not be friendly or accepting. Thus I'm left with a huge dilemma. I'm loathe to go against advice of natives (what's the point of asking if you aren't going to listen?) but I'm not finding what I'm looking for in the area I'm being steered to. Does anyone know if NWA is trying to become more diverse and that's the big steer or is it a "she's from Cali, and that's where the other Cali's are going, so send her there" thing?

[luvarkansas]

I'm sorry we're making this harder for you. No one can answer the question of where you should be but yourself, and I hope you find your way. I think you should spend plenty of time looking around, if possible.

I believe the others are steering you to NWA because of the larger cities (Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville) that have a more diverse and non-native population because of the university and because of fast economic growth. I personally steered you that way, first of all, because of the natural beauty of the place, and second, because of your desire to date white men. The delta (Pine Bluff, El Dorado) is just not the best place for that. Besides that, both of those cities are sort of tired, sad, and not very pretty. (to me!) I guess there might not be very many blacks in NWA, I never thought about it. Lots of Hispanics, though.

Keep us posted on what you find out!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by luvarkansas

I'm sorry we're making this harder for you. No one can answer the question of where you should be but yourself, and I hope you find your way. I think you should spend plenty of time looking around, if possible.

I believe the others are steering you to NWA because of the larger cities (Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville) that have a more diverse and non-native population because of the university and because of fast economic growth. I personally steered you that way, first of all, because of the natural beauty of the place, and second, because of your desire to date white men. The delta (Pine Bluff, El Dorado) is just not the best place for that. Besides that, both of those cities are sort of tired, sad, and not very pretty. (to me!) I guess there might not be very many blacks in NWA, I never thought about it. Lots of Hispanics, though.

Keep us posted on what you find out!

I agree, I think (and we don't live there yet) that NWA is as diversified as one will get moving to Arkansas. Partly because the growth and so many from places other than AR and partly due to the college.

I am not sure if those who are giving opinions to the OP are making it hard for her or is she is looking too much for utopia.

Anyway, the only way to get a real feel at all is to visit and spend as much time as possible in the areas that are appealing. Do some house hunting, check out the job situation and just pay close attention to the surroundings.

Nita

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by nmnita

I agree, I think (and we don't live there yet) that NWA is as diversified as one will get moving to Arkansas. Partly because the growth and so many from places other than AR and partly due to the college.

I am not sure if those who are giving opinions to the OP are making it hard for her or is she is looking too much for utopia.

Anyway, the only way to get a real feel at all is to visit and spend as much time as possible in the areas that are appealing. Do some house hunting, check out the job situation and just pay close attention to the surroundings.

Nita

I disagree. Little Rock is just as diverse if not more diverse than NWA. Here, there is a large black population, but there is also a sizable hispanic, asian, and middle eastern population as well. NWA does have more out of state white suburban transplants however. You'll find a ton of the yuppie soccer-mom types driving their Hummers on the streets of Rogers. Being as you are African-American, she might want to give the Little Rock area another look. If you do choose NWA, Fayetteville would be your best bet.

[undertheironsea]

Just spend a week or two of vacation in both spots and figure out which one you want instead of letting message board posters sway your opinion one way or another. You're a big girl, figure it out for yourself.

[Sam I Am]

NWA and Little Rock ARE more diverse...no steering there, just fact. If you want to be accepted overall, you may just have to adjust to one of those basic areas.

CES, you and I have had some good conversations...but let me just say that if you are coming to teach, then some of the areas you originally thought about need you desperately. If you are coming to date those areas probably don't need you as badly. That's not being cold or mean, that's just fact. There is some racism alive and well in every state, every area, and it runs both ways. To be totally honest, I am not sure "she's from Cali" will work for or against you in any area. You'll just have to have your trial by fire if you're in a small delta town and you may be known for the next 30 years as "that new lady from out west".

I'm looking at the Final 12 again: West Memphis, Blytheville, El Dorado, North Little Rock, Texarkana, Jacksonville, Hotsprings, Pine Bluff, Conway, Jonesboro, Sherwood, and Fort Smith.

I think you can pretty much lump Jacksonville and Sherwood together...only the strong can tell you the difference! Conway is predominantly white, college town, educated. Hot Springs is new age-y to some degree. Pine Bluff? Probably needs you and you're close enough to Little Rock for entertainment, but most everyone has said their piece on PB. I know little to nothing about El Dorado or Texarkana. Ft. Smith is struggling. Blytheville is struggling - and I think your social problems could be many in PB, ED, Tex, Blytheville, or Ft. Smith. And probably Jonesboro to some degree.

I think if you come with the anticipation of throwing yourself into your job and winning respect in whatever area that way, then the rest may fall into place...but it may take a while in the areas outside the largely populated regions.

I don't want to discourage you, but I'm trying to match up everything you want and I can't make the pieces fit in anyplace other than NWA or Little Rock...but that's just my view from my window on the world.

[CESpeed]

You are right, Sam. The reason I keep posting these questions is becasue I firmly believe that most of the posters are genuinely trying to help and as I keep going over posts and other resources, I keep coming up with more questions. It's really annoying.

I'm not quite naive enough to think anything will be perfect, though it would be nice to have a custom fit to order place. I just want to have as few problems as possible.

Luv, you are guys are not making it harder, you've actually helped me tremendously. It's hard trying to figure out where to relocate when you are 1500 miles away and not have a large amount of disposable income to allow a leisurely sightseeing/fact finding mission. I can't wait until May and can get to wander around for a few days. Hopefully, that'll lower some of my anxiety.

Thank you all for being patient with me.

[CESpeed]

Btw, I've decided to stick to my current profession (social work). And I've taken Conway, Jonesboro, Sherwood, and Fort Smith off of the list and replaced them with Forrest City, Camden and Magnolia. That's the other thing I'm doing that's driving me nuts, I keep changing my mind. I think I have too many choices I think will make me happy.

[TN-rox]

If you are'nt from the Delta area, you usually don't want to move into it- probably more racist it seems than the rest of the state. Just me though. Little Rock is very diverse also. Jonesboro sounds like a great place for you too for the college and if you like the country feel. Jonesboros growing really fast too. If I were in your shoes I would definately look at those. If you want urban, then Little Rock, rural- Jonesboro.

[TN-rox]

Magnolia out of those three...