African Americans and beach cities. (Los Angeles, San Diego: crime, neighborhoods, middle school)

[Dean Trails]

Originally Posted by CeeCee82

Hubby and I are both African American and currently live in the IE. We hate it. Crime everywhere, definitely running out of decent neighborhoods. We would love to move to a beach city here in So Cal, but I'm worried about it being culturally diverse. Well maybe not so much diverse, but just accepting of other cultures should I say.

I was visiting a relative in a city here in So Cal (she's caucasian). And she took me to several stores to do some shopping. I maybe saw one other black person for hours, and for the most part the residents were very standoffish. I'd hate to have to be a part of a community like that day in and day out.

We're looking for a friendly beach city that doesn't necessarily have to have a huge minority population, but rather one that is accepting of other races and cultures. Somewhere safe to raise our kiddos. Somewhere with a wide variety of adult-only as well as family activities.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

Unless you are a recent immigrant to the US, isn't your culture similar to other long term citizens?

I would think a more recent immigrant would have less of a connection with your beliefs and mores. That said California is the most accepting of anyone. And, as for people being "standoffish", folks are folks. Sometimes to takes awhile to cozy up to anyone. I myself came from Texas to California by the way of Illinois, Missouri and Indiana. I enjoy most people as long as they are cordial and have some manners.

Personally, i believe you will do fine. Start some conversations, be friendly and have some humor about it all. That said, any beach communities from Santa Monica to San Clemente are very nice. The big thing is if you can afford them. Some can be pricey. My personal fav is Laguna Beach. You may enjoy Venice and some of the San Diego beach town communities are wonderful.

Welcome! And this forum can clue you into the various cities for demographics, weather , etc.

[ketch89]

Originally Posted by CeeCee82

just accepting of other cultures should I say.

...

but rather one that is accepting of other races and cultures

Hi CeeCee,

I can see your problem by the way you've worded your post - you don't see yourself as truly American for some odd reason. Blacks have been in this country for far longer than most other nationalities, even a lot of Europeans. You are not from a 'different culture', you're American for goodness sake!

The harsh truth is this: if you feel out of place in upscale Southern California locales, nine times out of ten people are treating you the way they are either because of your weight, the way you dress, or the way you speak - it's not because of your skin color. There's no need to choose your location with so much emphasis placed on race (in the LA and SF areas at least).

Good luck with your search!

[matzoman]

I would suggest Laguna Beach. It is still laid back for OC, I have known a number of black familys over the years that live there with kids in the high school. The only problem is traffic in the summer months on laguna canyon road. On the bright side if you look at Club Laguna apartments on El Toro you can get around that by living right next to the toll road.

[Dean Trails]

Originally Posted by alexxiz

A lot of standoffishness you feel in those places might be not race-specific but rather a general attitude in the wealthy enclaves by the sea...you have to look, dress and act certain way...drive certain cars, etc, to feel like you fit in there, whatever race you belong to...there's a lot of arrogance in these, generally expensive places...Out of places on the ocean, Oceanside in San Diego county is the kind where different kinds of people may breathe more freely.

Oceanside has some very good prices in homes.. Is it a pretty decent place to settle? I mean do you have personal experience there?

[DontH8Me]

Originally Posted by Dean Trails

Oceanside has some very good prices in homes.. Is it a pretty decent place to settle? I mean do you have personal experience there?

I have personal experience there (O'side) and it's a dump. Would not live there. If you don't believe me, just drive down there and take a look yourself.

[Think4Yourself]

The beach cities tend to be very white just like most wealthy areas. The good news is they're very liberal and open minded so I doubt you'd find much in the way of racism or discrimination (speaking as someone who lives in a beach city) though there won't be very many other African-Americans around; those which are here tend to be highly educated professionals. The exception are areas with large numbers of service people as that career choice tends to be a larger cross section of society. In fact, there won't be very many poor people of any sort around as they tend to be very segregated based upon income/social status. The beach cities tend to be highly desirable areas so the prices get bid up and the population tends to be wealthier and better off economically.

[CeeCee82]

Ketch, your post is way off base, not to mention offensive. I'm just going to leave it at that.

To address some of the others, I'm So Cal born and raised. Up until junior high I lived in a predominately White neighborhood, went to predominately White schools where I was 1 of literally a handful of Black students. By and large it was ok, but many times it was awkward and uncomfortable (first day of school was always the worst), and I've been called some choice words on a couple occasions. Don't get me wrong, there were great people. However it's kind of difficult not to feel like the odd man out when you actually ARE the odd man out.

Anywho, I'm going to look into Oceanside and Laguna Beach first. Maybe make it into a mini-vacation in the next few weeks here to scope out the scenery. Thanks all for the suggestions!

[CeeCee82]

Alexxiz, if you don't mind me asking what nationality are you?

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by CeeCee82

Hubby and I are both African American and currently live in the IE. We hate it. Crime everywhere, definitely running out of decent neighborhoods. We would love to move to a beach city here in So Cal, but I'm worried about it being culturally diverse. Well maybe not so much diverse, but just accepting of other cultures should I say.

I was visiting a relative in a city here in So Cal (she's caucasian). And she took me to several stores to do some shopping. I maybe saw one other black person for hours, and for the most part the residents were very standoffish. I'd hate to have to be a part of a community like that day in and day out.

We're looking for a friendly beach city that doesn't necessarily have to have a huge minority population, but rather one that is accepting of other races and cultures. Somewhere safe to raise our kiddos. Somewhere with a wide variety of adult-only as well as family activities.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

I'm a AA which lived in Long Beach 1977-78 , but otherwise lived in NorCal Govt Island/Alameda , S.F , YBI ,
Oakland , Vallejo CA.

Why don't you find another renter and split the cost , and just live in any SoCal Beach TOWN...

Try the condo's of Downtown LB near ocean ( or )" Naples on the canals" or other suburban area's
near LBC......

[Noleto84]

South Bay LA is very racist. Dont go there!