Is there diversity in Carbondale? (Time: university, moving to, communities)

[max123]

Hi,

My family and I are considering moving to the Carbondale area. We were wondering what are the best areas and school systems for supporting diversity. Most of my family currently lives where there has been a lot of hatred for anyone who is different. I was wondering what the communities around Carbondale were like. Are they supportive and accepting of different ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and cultures? Our daughter is getting ready to start school soon and I would like her to go to school in a more tolerant atmosphere. Any advice or insights would be appreciated. Thanks

[emmylynn1980]

I went to college in Carbondale, and it is probably THE most tolerant of any southern Illinois community, because of Southern Illinois University. There is a very strong racial mix - many Koreans, Japanese, and Indians as well as a large black and Hispanic community. There are many, many gays and the town has organizations that celebrate such alternative lifestyles. Seriously - anything goes in C'dale. Now for the downside: it's a party town. Like, BIG-TIME party town. Lots of drugs, and not just marijuana. Designer drugs like ecstasy and LSD are easily accessible. Meth is not a problem there like it is in other rural IL communities though. As long as you stay away from the student neighborhoods, you should be fine. Carbondale is a great town rich with culture, and their school system is unsurprassed, especially if you are in the Unity Point or Giant City districts. Good luck!