Are there towns, outside of Boston, that are culturally diverse??? (Springfield: fit in, apartment)

[Tinawina]

I would look at Cambridge, Somerviile or West Medford. All are diverse. Cambridge has great schools. Some parts of cambridge are very pricey though. For Somerville, look around the Davis Square area. West Medford is great, it's a hidden gem. Good luck.

[MovingForward]

The problem with looking for "diverse" neighborhoods, in my opinion, is that it's a kind of racial profiling: What does "too white" mean? Does that mean that there's such a thing as "too black" neighborhood? Or a "too Latino" or "too Asian" neighborhood? And that you would feel uncomfortable, as well, in those neighborhoods? It's silly--and a bit racist, in my opinion--to decide on where to live based on the racial profile of the neighborhood/town.

[Tinawina]

Originally Posted by MovingForward

The problem with looking for "diverse" neighborhoods, in my opinion, is that it's a kind of racial profiling: What does "too white" mean? Does that mean that there's such a thing as "too black" neighborhood? Or a "too Latino" or "too Asian" neighborhood? And that you would feel uncomfortable, as well, in those neighborhoods? It's silly--and a bit racist, in my opinion--to decide on where to live based on the racial profile of the neighborhood/town.

Or maybe she just likes to be around all different kinds of people. She said she wants a mix of people from all around the world. It doesn't have to be sinister, you know. When everyone/everything is the same, it can seem a little boring to some people.

[Blkdollcollector]

Hello,
I live in Mansfield, Ma which is 30 miles outside of Ma and 12 miles outside of Providence. I have lived here since 1997 at that time there were approx 300 minority families. The community today has doubled in ethnic population and is very progressive. In May 2008 Mansfield will host the First Black Doll Collectors Convention. Most of the businesses in town are participating by having a display of Black dolls on the premises, are contributing to the program by offering diverse workshops etc. I think this is a place you may want to consider

[MovingForward]

Originally Posted by Tinawina

Or maybe she just likes to be around all different kinds of people. She said she wants a mix of people from all around the world. It doesn't have to be sinister, you know. When everyone/everything is the same, it can seem a little boring to some people.

But "different kinds of people" can be encountered on any block in any neighborhood. Furthermore, nobody is "the same."

[MovingForward]

P.S. Jmo.

[brightdoglover]

If you mean ethnic/racial diversity, the city-data city stats give you a start.

[freckles888]

would you be interested in western MA? if so, Northampton is a great place to live. lots of cultural activities, diverse ethnic populations, great shops, etc. another smaller town out that way is shelburn falls, it doesn't have as much to offer because it is tiny but is a fun little gem out that way.

BTW, i really don't think there is any malice meant in this post. why would anyone want to live anywhere where people are all the same? the good thing about MA is there are not too many places that are like that. there is a lot of ethnic diversity all over the state.

[Tinawina]

Originally Posted by MovingForward

But "different kinds of people" can be encountered on any block in any neighborhood. Furthermore, nobody is "the same."

I understood what you meant when you first posted it. I'm not offended or anything, I was just trying to contribute to the discussion.

That said, of course people are "different" even if they all share the same ethnic background! LOL! I don't think anyone disputes that.

But there is a difference between people who all come from the same general subset of US culture (same holidays, same basic foods, same basic customs, etc) and have some minor differences within that culture (texas barbeque vs memphis barbeque for instance), than people who come from all different perspectives (different foods, holidays, customs, religions, styles of dress, etc). That's all.

Someone who likes more of the latter isn't necessarily "silly", maybe they just enjoy that feeling of variety, just as some people are more comfortable with that feeling of familiarity.

jmo, of course.

[MovingForward]

I understand the preference for a UN-type of environment, but to say that a neighborhood or town is "boring" based simply on the racial make-up of the majority of the people is racist, imo. That's all.