Did I move to the wrong town? (Boston, Newton: fit in, renting)

[SCHOOLSEEKERMA]

Hello! After reading many posts on "Moving to MA", "Please tell me the best School system", "Family neighborhood, good schools, easy commute etc..... Yes! We all want that! and notice I didn't add affordable, it would be asking too much! Sorry my sarcasm!
OK. We decided to give a try to Lexington because all the good things we heard (mostly about the schools). Luckily I am renting and can make a change of town if needed. Although, I would feel bad for the kids for moving them around.
Here are my first impressions of Lexington and some town that I "researched and considered". You might be able to hear my frustration on the post, I do not mean to offend anyone or any class (culturally or religion) let me know if I am wrong... reason why I am here:

Lexington: Heavy Asian Community (Indian, Chinese, Japanese), that's is great! Very smart folks and very involved at the school system, BUT they keep within their ethnic groups and it is very difficult to make friends in town... as white is a minority... you get the good school, but no friends.

Weston/Wellesley: Heavy Jewish, also keep their groups within themselves.... so even though they are not as diverse than Lexington, they group within their religion. Awesome schools.

Hingham/Cohasset: No diversity, easy commute to Boston by ferry. Snob town with OK school system. They are very concern with sports and the girls to be cheerleaders.

I don't know North Shore. Just afraid of long Boston Commute.

About us: Younger couple (late 20s) with kids, white, looking for good school system, big cooks and foodie, not religious, just want to feel included in the community, regarding race and religion beliefs...

[timberline742]

I'm not sure where you're coming from with this keep within their religion stuff.

Maybe times have changed, but I grew up in Belmont, my best friend growing up was Indian and Hindu (now a dr btw). First kiss/crush Chinese, first real girlfriend, Jewish (prom date and still friends)... lots of Mormons, Armenians, etc.

We all hung out, were in band together, basketball/soccer, class, etc.

No problem making friends, we never really gave it any thought. The only insular group really seemed to be the METCO students.

[SCHOOLSEEKERMA]

Originally Posted by timberline742

I'm not sure where you're coming from with this keep within their religion stuff.

Maybe times have changed, but I grew up in Belmont, my best friend growing up was Indian and Hindu (now a dr btw). First kiss/crush Chinese, first real girlfriend, Jewish (prom date and still friends)... lots of Mormons, Armenians, etc.

We all hung out, were in band together, basketball/soccer, class, etc.

No problem making friends, we never really gave it any thought. The only insular group really seemed to be the METCO students.

Thank you for your reply Timberline. I did not put any thought on it at all at first. We get along to any race and religion, as we don't think neither tell the type of people we are. We are finding difficult to make friends because they don't even approach us, they make a "bee line" to their ethnic group at school bus drop off etc... perhaps just give more time? We always thought diversity was a plus... it is encouraging to hear you had a great experience...

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by SCHOOLSEEKERMA

Weston/Wellesley: Heavy Jewish, also keep their groups within themselves.... so even though they are not as diverse than Lexington, they group within their religion. Awesome schools.

5 to 6% of the population is heavy?

[pikabike]

Did your research include visiting the neighborhoods and talking to residents? That would have given you an idea of how a given neighborhood regards newcomers. It's far from a complete picture but a lot better than all-electronic research.

Possibly you are expecting more of a Welcome Wagon embrace than exists in the Boston area, period. Did you move from another part of the country?

I had just finished HS at the time my brother entered the Newton school system. He fit in just fine, and his group had Jewish and Asian people as well as white non-Jewish.

It must be hard for a white person to be a minority, LOL.

[SCHOOLSEEKERMA]

I see where you come from Mike. Most people don't disclosed their religion or political party. My concern it is about been able to make friends, and not really their religion per say.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by SCHOOLSEEKERMA

I see where you come from Mike. Most people don't disclosed their religion or political party. My concern it is about been able to make friends, and not really their religion per say.

Why do you think they wouldn't be able to make friends? This is what I'm not getting.

[SCHOOLSEEKERMA]

Originally Posted by pikabike

Did your research include visiting the neighborhoods and talking to residents? That would have given you an idea of how a given neighborhood regards newcomers. It's far from a complete picture but a lot better than all-electronic research.

Possibly you are expecting more of a Welcome Wagon embrace than exists in the Boston area, period. Did you move from another part of the country?

I had just finished HS at the time my brother entered the Newton school system. He fit in just fine, and his group had Jewish and Asian people as well as white non-Jewish.

It must be hard for a white person to be a minority, LOL.

Thank you Pikabike. Yes, we moved from out of State. Where people would come to welcome you knowing you are new in town I suppose I am in trouble!

[SCHOOLSEEKERMA]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Why do you think they wouldn't be able to make friends? This is what I'm not getting.

A friend of mine who knew a friend in Wellesley area put me in contact with her to help me with area, schools, and to have an "instant friend" (my research was mostly internet based, including this Forum). Her friend and I have children the same age and I thought it would be great. I asked for a school recommendation for my 4 year old son and she recommended me a preschool. Than I asked if it was the same preschool that her child was in (so my son would have a "friend") and she said no... her children and her friends children go to a jewish school in town... hum... I get it... it is her religion... but I felt a fish out of the water...

[sal1181]

I used to nanny for an Indian family a couple years ago. I did find that they like to socialize withing their own culture. When she had social gatherings at her home it was only her indian friends that attended.