What's the deal with Gloucester City? (Camden, Brooklawn: homes, neighborhood, living in)

[Badfish740]

My fiancee and I recently heard about the Gloucester City Shamrock Festival and were hoping to go so I figured I'd do a little research because I've seen it on the map but have never been there. This is a small portion of what I came up with:

Originally Posted by girl-973-908-732

I know. Gloucester City in South Jersey, Gloucester City,Brooklawn to name a few are very, very "white" towns and are the scariest places I've seen.

Originally Posted by Calcbunny

Gloucester City..if I was gay, I'd be afraid I would get beat up.

Originally Posted by girl-973-908-732

I was also looking at Gloucester before because the rents were so cheap but it is over 96% white, non-hispanic which seems a little strange.

Originally Posted by steamboat

If you're gay or a minority I definitely don't suggest downtown Gloucester but don't rule out the city in general.

What's the deal? Ok, so Gloucester City is obviously an "urban" area. It's not a big city, but it's a city nonetheless. Is there supposed to be some kind of connection between Caucasians living in an urban area and racism? Is it some kind of perceived notion that Irish-Americans are racist? Would anyone consider South Boston to be a "racist" neighborhood?

It's not an incredibly big deal to me as I'm not planning on moving there anytime soon, just a curiosity. We're going to go regardless and I guess maybe we'll find out for ourselves. I can't wait to see Black 47.

[JerzBoy]

Gloucester is a fine place to visit. It's a blue-collar Irish town and yes it is like 99% white.

It is kind of a racist place (esp against blacks) as it is so close to Camden. I heard during the racial tensions of the 60s and 70s Gloucester barracaded all the roads that connect them with Camden.

[girl-973-908-732]

Yeah. It's hard to believe that Gloucester is a racist as it is, but I don't think it's just towards black - it's towards minorities in general. Let them keep their town. No interest in visiting, driving through, nada.

[StuckPA]

It's basically an extension of Philly.

[imperieux]

One reason to venture into Gloucester City:

Max's mussels.

[Geoff MRT]

At one time, Gloucester City had the most bars per capita in the US. I got drunk there quite a few times...

I was up there last year (for the first time in 20 years) and it looked and felt better. There's a push to fix up the waterfront and many of the seedy areas were fixed up.

[StuckPA]

Originally Posted by Geoff MRT

At one time, Gloucester City had the most bars per capita in the US.

That must go along with the blue collar population because I have been in a couple towns that have claimed the same,not to mention of course there's also a bar on every corner here in Philly

[JohnK161]

I moved to Gloucester City in June, 08. I found a very nice home one block from the river, near the former Coast Guard base.
My neighbors are friendly, but not nosey. They take pride in their homes and want to keep the neighborhood nice. There is a real sense of community and I have felt very welcome.
There are several bars in the area that are clean, have good food and are within walking distance.
Months later, I'm still happy with my decision.

JohnK161

[Lucario]

Originally Posted by Badfish740

What's the deal? Ok, so Gloucester City is obviously an "urban" area. It's not a big city, but it's a city nonetheless. Is there supposed to be some kind of connection between Caucasians living in an urban area and racism? Is it some kind of perceived notion that Irish-Americans are racist? Would anyone consider South Boston to be a "racist" neighborhood?

When I lived in Boston, I was told that if I went to Southie, I would be killed immediately. So yeah, I think I probably would............GC has the same reputation.

[sligogirl]

Originally Posted by JerzBoy

Gloucester is a fine place to visit. It's a blue-collar Irish town and yes it is like 99% white.

It is kind of a racist place (esp against blacks) as it is so close to Camden. I heard during the racial tensions of the 60s and 70s Gloucester barracaded all the roads that connect them with Camden.

There is no WORD for Black,( people of color) in the Irish/Gaelic language?
Not aware this town's particulars, but, that is not what my No.NJ Irish are about.