Racial problems for biracial child? (Huber Heights, Beavercreek: for sale, 2010, houses)

[Mellimel]

Hello, my husband, daughter and myself will be moving to WPAFB area in July. Of course we are already browsing homes for sale etc in that area and we have come across Tipp City. We like Tippecanoe HS from what we can see and we are not city people and like the more rural areas. I did see that most of the towns are over 97% white and there are not many other races.
I am german and my daughter is from my previous marriage to a black man. My husband of 9 years is also white and we are concerned with our daughters safety. She is 14, she grew up in germany and is already weary about the hole move. The last thing I want her to experience is open racism.

Which areas are pretty safe as far as diversity acceptance? Is Tipp City a good place for my family constellation?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Mel

[MaryBeth2]

Hopefully there won't be any problems at all and your daughter will make life long friends there. Good luck to you all.

[JefferyT]

The most accepting community in the region is Yellow Springs, which might be a good move anyway since it is closer to the base than Tipp City, and it's school system has a good reputation.

So you will have a diverse and accepting community that won't tolerate racism, and your husband won't have far to drive to work either. I'd look at moving there.

Since you are German, for German things take look at the Liederkranz/Turner, which is a social club and signing society. They have a youth choir as well as adult choirs and are always looking for new members. Their Weihnachtskonzert is always a real treat.

[Mellimel]

Good morning, (well, over here it is morning :-) )
Thanks for the replies. I changed my search to include yellow springs and there are nice houses available also. The size of the town is about the same size of town we live in now here in Germany.
And also thank you for the tip with the german social club! I looked up their website and it looks very interesting. It would definitely make being away from home easier.
Mel

[mzleah]

Years ago Tipp City would not tolerate people of color living there. It may be more acceptable now. It is a cute, quaint little town with antique shops and eateries. Worth a drive through the town.

[wrightflyer]

If you can't find anything in Yellow Springs, there is Beavercreek, which is just south of WPAFB. It's a large bedroom suburb so it doesn't have a small downtown like Tipp or Yellow Springs, but because of its size, it is a diverse place. Personally, I think that an even greater amount of diversity will be reflected in the new census in 2010. Many of the students in the excellent Beavercreek school system come from areas other than Ohio because of the base, some even coming from Germany. No matter what, I'm sure you'll find a community that fits your needs.

[Mellimel]

@mzleah,
How many years ago are we talking? 2? 5? 20? :-)
We are bringing 3 big dogs so we want something a little out in the country. Beavercreek is kind of crowded. We have been looking for places there also.
Thanks for all your input. It is appreciated. :-)

[cjmeck]

My husband and I also have a biracial daughter (she's adopted and only 1 year old) and we're stationned at Wright-Patt too. We grew up in this area as well. I have to say, that yes, your child will be safe. That should not be a concern for you AT ALL. But, there are some areas will you would be better to just avoid. This tends to be a rather conservative area and I've been shocked at the looks I get from people since we adopted our daughter. But open racism?? No, I've never had that experience. We live in Bellbrook and it was a huge mistake for us--its like Mayberry! Very white and conservative and drives us nuts; but we bought our house before we adopted. We're pcsing soon, thank goodness. If we had to choose all over again, I'd stay near the base, or definitely more north of town. Beavercreek is a good idea--fairly diverse and excellent schools. Yellow springs is a fun, hippy town and VERY liberal and just a wonderful place to hang out. But its far from shopping, housing is expensive and really not filled with young kids. I don't know much about the Tipp City area, as I grew up in Centerville. That could be another option for you. Great schools and its growing in diversity. There are also parts of Huber Heights that have tons of military. Its a pretty diverse area, but the schools are somewhat questionable. Have you checkout out the website greatschools.net? That could help you narrow down the better, more diverse schools. My husband and I have said if we ever come back here, we'll definitely buy in Beavercreek. Tons of military, the lots are good sized, its diverse, and its close enough to the base and tons of great shopping, entertainment, restaurants and the highway. Goodluck!

[formercalifornian]

Here's another vote for Beavercreek! It's a beautiful community, lots of military folks, good schools, and short commute. No worries, your daughter will fit right in.

[Mellimel]

Hi to all, wow, you make me feel so much more at ease! Thanks so much! That is funny, as we have looked at houses in Bellbrook! I love that the schools rating, just like centerville is a 10! The last few weeks i have checked greatschools.net and did my searches around the good schools. Yes, we don't want to be near a very conservative area...haha...I am German! If you know what that means.... not very conservative...

thanks again, keep it coming.

Mel