Comfortable/friendly cities for an African-American family? (New York, Rochester: middle-class, fit in)

[scatman]

Originally Posted by Mystery Buff

really? That's too bad. I was looking forward to visiting Niagra Falls. There is a place there that I belive I am more than qualified to work at up there.

So, are there no "African American friendly" towns in New york state?

1/4 of Peekskill is black.

[garmin239]

All of the places are black friendly. I don't know what the other person is talking about with racism. You won't run into any problems being black, its just that you won't be around too many other black folk if you decide to live in the suburban areas of these cities.

[jfkIII]

Garmin is right...being of any descent would be no problem living upstate, except if you're looking for a full community or culture of any particular race. We are very diversified and tolerant up here (except to downstaters..LOL). You sound more like a young, educated, hard-working family type. Given that, no matter what race, you'd do fine and be accepted in any upstate neighborhood that I can think of.

[Mystery Buff]

This is very good to know. Anyone know anything about the Niagra Falls area?

[just_sayin']

yes...i hope I wasn't giving the wrong impression...with the exception of those ignorant old-timers that exist everywhere, Upstate is not a racist region, it's just fairly homogenious. You'd probably be more comfortable in one of the large metros...Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, or Albany...My point was that although you don't see blatant racism...most of the minority populatins are in clusters in neighborhoods in the cities, and not very many live in the suburbs.

[ringtail]

There is racism in Upstate New York. However, there are also probably an equal number of people who are disgusted by racism and aren't afraid to be vocal about it when examples are brought to their attention.

Racism exists here, but it does not go unchallenged.

[Mystery Buff]

Originally Posted by ringtail

There is racism in Upstate New York. However, there are also probably an equal number of people who are disgusted by racism and aren't afraid to be vocal about it when examples are brought to their attention.

Racism exists here, but it does not go unchallenged.

Thanks for a very honest and candid answer.

[Mystery Buff]

Originally Posted by i'minformed

yes...i hope I wasn't giving the wrong impression...with the exception of those ignorant old-timers that exist everywhere, Upstate is not a racist region, it's just fairly homogenious. You'd probably be more comfortable in one of the large metros...Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, or Albany...My point was that although you don't see blatant racism...most of the minority populatins are in clusters in neighborhoods in the cities, and not very many live in the suburbs.

I've heard some pretty nasty things about Buffalo. My cousin went to college there and said she was called the "N" word on numerous occasions. How are Clay and Niagra falls? anyone know?

[laughter4141]

Originally Posted by ringtail

There is racism in Upstate New York. However, there are also probably an equal number of people who are disgusted by racism and aren't afraid to be vocal about it when examples are brought to their attention.

Racism exists here, but it does not go unchallenged.

Racism exists everywhere. Not just in regards to one ethnic group, either. I have been judged by various minorities just based on the color of my skin. My 2 cents, I find that NY state is actually one of the least prejudice state there is.

[laughter4141]

Originally Posted by Mystery Buff

I've heard some pretty nasty things about Buffalo. My cousin went to college there and said she was called the "N" word on numerous occasions. How are Clay and Niagra falls? anyone know?

plus, I don't think you'd want to live in Niagara Falls. It is very dilapitated. You will see for yourself when you visit. Surrounding areas are much nicer however.