From where in the US are most of the newcomers from? (Boca Raton: credit, apartments)

[Nancy Lynne]

Most of the people that are moving to NJ are from NY.

In your town, where does it seem most people are from or coming from?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!...and special thanks to everyone who has responded to my posts. The information provided has been so helpful.

[bale002]

In southern Palm Beach County (Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach) it seems they mostly come from Haiti and certain other Caribbean countries and central and south American countries (Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, Guatemala, Colombia, Argentina, less so from Mexico), including those coming up from Dade and Broward counties.

In places like Walgreens and Walmart I hear Spanish spoken more and more as the months pass: I'm virtually bilingual - by study of Spanish as a foreign language, recognizing the absolute necessity of it a few years ago in the globalized economy - so no problem for me.

As for intra-US immigration, I'd say the northeast in general, New York, Massachussets, Connecticut, New Jersey, roughly in that order, plus Quebec and Ontario (judging by the license plates I see, in the off-season too).

[Jammie]

Hi Nancy and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. Since I don't live in Fla., I won't comment on your question.

[firemed]

Originally Posted by bale002

In southern Palm Beach County (Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach) it seems they mostly come from Haiti and certain other Caribbean countries and central and south American countries (Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, Guatemala, Colombia, Argentina, less so from Mexico), including those coming up from Dade and Broward counties.

In places like Walgreens and Walmart I hear Spanish spoken more and more as the months pass: I'm virtually bilingual - by study of Spanish as a foreign language, recognizing the absolute necessity of it a few years ago in the globalized economy - so no problem for me.

As for intra-US immigration, I'd say the northeast in general, New York, Massachussets, Connecticut, New Jersey, roughly in that order, plus Quebec and Ontario (judging by the license plates I see, in the off-season too).

I would say the same thing.

[tallrick]

I could never figure out how penniless refugees could afford to live in overpriced areas in south Florida. The refugees keep pouring in, the prices go up, but they keep comming. What gives?

[firemed]

Originally Posted by tallrick

I could never figure out how penniless refugees could afford to live in overpriced areas in south Florida. The refugees keep pouring in, the prices go up, but they keep comming. What gives?

Drugs? gangs? I don't know but I would like to know also.

[bale002]

For the most part it seems they work in service jobs and many live together in rented condos and apartments, whether older or newer.

If one looks hard, reasonable rental rates are possible to find, or, as mentioned, many live together in expensive ones.
Furthermore, as you know, virtually anyone who can fog a mirror can obtain 10-15 credit cards in this country, but seriously, anyone who works and can make minimum monthly payments.

Now, as has been the case throughout US history, many immigrants go into small businesses, and they must have some money from their original countries because start-up costs are indeed high. Some come "penniless", but some don't, so don't cloud your thinking with exaggerated generalizations.

Believe it or not, some of them are educated too, especially it seems in the medical field (medical personnel and doctors abroad are just as intellectually capable, if not more, than a US or European doctor, but they mostly lack advanced facilities and equipment in their home countries), and of course southern Palm Beach is a good market for medical services.

Yes, some are into illicit activities, but probably not in a greater percentage than any other group, then, now or in future.