Race factor in Columbus (Cleveland, Cincinnati: movers, neighborhoods, best school)

[Renay2001]

I am currently living in Illinois and will be moving to Columbus. I am a single black women with an 11 year old daughter. I want her in a good school system and thought about Westerville. My concern is the ratio of minorities. Maybe that is irrelevant. My major concern is the tolerance for minorities in the suburban areas of Columbus. I haven't had many race issues in Illinois but each state is different. Does anyone have any clear, honest suggestions?

[relocatingtoNorthC]

There is definitely a race factor here in Westerville. Westerville, however is a very nice city....I am a black female living in the Westerville area and I like the area. The ratio of minorities is low in Westerville. Depending on where you live, you will see a great deal of Mexicans and Indians moving into the area. I moved here three years ago and will be moving soon (not for reasons of the race factor). Most of the black folks live on the East side of town. Westerville is the North side of town. Just be positive and place your daughter in the best school....don't worry about the race factor. Things could happen her and then again it could not. When you arrive....Embrace change.....You will be helping to diversifying the area.

[dcart1129]

Originally Posted by Renay2001

I am currently living in Illinois and will be moving to Columbus. I am a single black women with an 11 year old daughter. I want her in a good school system and thought about Westerville. My concern is the ratio of minorities. Maybe that is irrelevant. My major concern is the tolerance for minorities in the suburban areas of Columbus. I haven't had many race issues in Illinois but each state is different. Does anyone have any clear, honest suggestions?

Hi I am a single black woman from Columbus and went to Worthington schools from 6th-12th grades. I am now an adult with a child of my own who is about to start school. Personally I would not send my daughter to Worthington or Olentangy schools based on my experience's with racism and she has cousins that attend both districts now who have told me that racism is still very prevelant. Westerville schools are slightly better but it also depends on if your daughter will be going to Westerville North or South. Depending on where you live in Westerville she may end up in Worthington school disctrict like I did. Hope this helps

[LancasterNative]

Howdy Renay2001,

Come on over! Welcome to Ohio...

From my experience, Columbus and its general metro area is the least racist, most integrated, most accepting of racial differences, of all Ohio's major cities!

The black population here includes a strong, educated middle class...and more than a few influential, professional "movers and shakers" in town.

When I think of suburban areas w/good schools and a healthy racial mix, I first think of Gahanna. Westerville is right up there too, but I don't know that much about its demographic makeup.

But as I said above, not many people in Cbus are all that concerned about race...seriously! Compared to Cleveland or Cincinnati, it's just not that big of a deal here. People are people.

For full disclosure, I'm a caucasian male (or as I prefer to think of myself, Japhethite! It's a Bible thing. We're all related, you know...)

Best of luck to you!
Lanc

[Traveler87]

I wish I could find a link, but the city of Columbus was voted the best large city in the country for blacks to live in.

[Londa419]

Columbus was voted best place for black ppl on bet.com and had another high rating on CNN in the most livable places. I plan on moving there in August on the East side, Reynoldsburg/Blacklick area but Granville/Dublin is an option too.

I visisted recently with a friend who lived in that area and the neighborhoods were so clean and I was amazed at how many blk ppl I seen there giving the stereotype that "we don't take care of things." I'm from Toledo and everyday I ride through my city I'm just saddened at how bleek its becoming thats why I have decided to leave.

[Chrissyliz]

All of this is so good to hear. My family is mixed racially. My husband and I are white and our kids (adopted) are AA. We now live in AZ which is only like 3% black. We are looking forward to our move to Columbus. We plan to move to Gahanna as there schools rank high. I was born and raised in Columbus but have lived here in Tucson for 10yrs. I do like it here but my hubby has a great job opportunity back home. It will be nice for my kids to see more people who look like them there. Good luck to you!!

[happymee]

Originally Posted by LancasterNative

Howdy Renay2001,

Come on over! Welcome to Ohio...

From my experience, Columbus and its general metro area is the least racist, most integrated, most accepting of racial differences, of all Ohio's major cities!

The black population here includes a strong, educated middle class...and more than a few influential, professional "movers and shakers" in town.

When I think of suburban areas w/good schools and a healthy racial mix, I first think of Gahanna. Westerville is right up there too, but I don't know that much about its demographic makeup.

But as I said above, not many people in Cbus are all that concerned about race...seriously! Compared to Cleveland or Cincinnati, it's just not that big of a deal here. People are people.

For full disclosure, I'm a caucasian male (or as I prefer to think of myself, Japhethite! It's a Bible thing. We're all related, you know...)

Best of luck to you!
Lanc

this is soooo very true...God made the rainbow full of beautifull colors just like he did man kind! Westerville, gahanna, worthington, new albany, pickerington and so on are all great places and race will not be a problem here....

[green_mariner]

Columbus,OH, Ohio's best hidden(and very large) jewel.

[streetcreed]

From my experience, Columbus and its general metro area is the least racist, most integrated, most accepting of racial differences, of all Ohio's major cities!

AGREED! AGREED! AGREED!