Moving to Greenwood or Bloomington (Indianapolis: homes, high school, university)

[jane10]

I am planning a move to Indiana (either Greenwood or Bloomington) in the very near future. My husband has accepted a job in a very small town that is approximately the same distance from Greenwood and Bloomington. I have visited both towns and can see advantages to each, although they are both very small compared to where have lived in the past. Also- living in a northern suburb of Indy is pretty much out- the commute would be a nightmare.
My main concern is my seven year old, biracial son. I have heard some alarming stories about race relations, especially in Greenwood. The area we currently live in is honestly not the most diverse place on earth, however, our family is surrounded by educated, compassionate, accepting, all around good people and that is what we are hoping to find in Indiana. I visited the schools in Center Grove, and was pleasantly surprised with what I saw. I have asked around while visiting and have received a wide array of responses/ opinions. I am really confused as to what the real story is when it comes to race and acceptance in Greenwood.
It seems like Bloomington is more diverse and I found it had more character, but is it just a college town? Would anyone reccommend it for a family?
Sorry for all the questions, but I am really concerned/confused and my time is running out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[AzraelDarkangel]

I don't know about Greenwood but I grew up in Bloomington and with the University there is alot of diversity and I've never see any issues with racism.

[rrah]

Please feel free to search some of my posts regarding Bloomington and families. It is a very accepting place and is wonderful for families. I really believe the decision to move here was one of the best things we did for our children. The opportunities they have had are great. Both of my children (teens) have groups of friends/acquaintances that include children of many different backgrounds. It definitely gives one hope for the future, and is probably a more realistic vision of the world they will live in as adults.

[judy3]

I think both Bloomington and Greenwood have intelligent, caring people. Bloomington, being a college town, will have more diversity, I think. Greenwood is a somewhat sleepy town, I know of what you are speaking about with your concern about racial issues. I can say that the Greenwood area, which is basically an Indianapolis suburb, has less of an african american population than you might find in Indianapolis or in other towns around Indianapolis. An acquaintance of mine has two biracial children, they live in this area, and I have never heard of any problems they have encountered. It hurts me so very deeply that discrimination of any sort has to be dealt with by any person. I have lived in Greenwood, on and off, for years, and I have also lived in Indianapolis, and other towns surrounding the Indianapolis area. I have never actually heard of or have known anyone personally who has had any problems concerning racial discrimination in the Greenwood area. It seems to me that most of the stories begin with, " A while back . . .," and if intollerance of any race was indeed an issue in the area, a while back, I do hope that this is not the case now.

[rogetsthesaurus]

I am a high school teacher in Bloomington...tolerance and diversity is the defining characteristic of North High School here in Bloomington....we have had students from over 40 nationalities...many support and pride groups for students of all backgrounds...and our students from all races socialize very well...I've heard that is not always true at South (the "other" high school in town)...and I have friends who either attended Greenwood HS or have taught there...they claim racism is rampant...I associate Greenwood with country music...that's neither here nor there...but that's the impression...not so in downtown Bloomington, although many students here do come from rural homes, some have prejudices whereas others do not...

[gimme it]

Originally Posted by rogetsthesaurus

I am a high school teacher in Bloomington...tolerance and diversity is the defining characteristic of North High School here in Bloomington....we have had students from over 40 nationalities...many support and pride groups for students of all backgrounds...and our students from all races socialize very well...I've heard that is not always true at South (the "other" high school in town)...and I have friends who either attended Greenwood HS or have taught there...they claim racism is rampant...I associate Greenwood with country music...that's neither here nor there...but that's the impression...not so in downtown Bloomington, although many students here do come from rural homes, some have prejudices whereas others do not...

Can you say more about the culture of Bloomington South?

[Godsdove]

I was born and raised in Bloomington. It is definitely diverse...and it is family friendly. Yes, there is a lot of stuff that surrounds the fact that it is a college town...but it isn't just students....I'd say you'd have no issues there with your son as far as his race.

I went to Bloomington North HS....and of course that was back in the day....but race relations then there were just fine as far as I remember.