Want to move to upstate NY...maybe? (New York, Buffalo: fit in, rent)

[polsciwom]

Hi Guys--

I need some help! My husband, four year old daughter and myself are looking to move to upstate NY once I complete my Master's degree in Political Science from a university here in Texas in Dec. of this year. I am attracted to Syracuse, Rochester and Ithaca, NY because of the relative low cost of living compared to the rest of NY and the areas get lots of snow...weird, but I love snow! However, I am concerned about cultural attitudes in general noting were are an interracial couple (I'm black and my husband is white), so we would like to know if you all have any suggestions about possible cities where we (especially our daughter) would feel relatively comfortable? Along with good school districts, crime rates, etc., etc...what about places in VT, CT, RI or NH? Thanks

[Sgoldie]

Any of the three upstate cities you mentioned should be good. What you might want to consider when thinking about them is where you can get a job. Not necessarily an easy thing in upstate NY.

[Tioga]

That job issue is your big concern. As far as the "racial thing"...well..I live in a rural area with non-white and mixed couples within a 3-4 mile radius. Nobody seems to care about what they look like or their ethnicity.

[I'minformed2]

You'd probably be more comfortable in one of the larger Upstate metros like Buffalo or Rochester, maybe Syracuse. Ithaca would also be a good choice because it is very liberal and has a more stable economy (although it is a much smaller city). Wouldn't move to upstate ny (or anywhere else for that matter) without a job though.

[GIrlnextdoors]

Hey there. I was reading through these posts, and while I am sure many people in upstate New York are liberal and/or not racist pigs....there probably are some parts you wouldn't want to live. I am visiting Rhinebeck right now, which is pretty damned white, and it's not even that remote, or that far upstate. I'd say if you and your husband. moved up here you probably wouldn't face any overt discrimination, but you may not feel incredibly comfortable..Just a guess, people look at me strange because I dont have a car and walk down the highway, but that is an economic thing. Point is everyone who is not the norm here, would probably not be terribly comfortable.
Most people say Ithaca is liberal, but the sister of a friend of mine who is black went to school there and said people told her it wasnt exactly cool in some of the areas outside the campus and she might want to be careful. That said, it is third hand information and I have never been to Ithaca myself, but my hippie chic friend has and she said it is pretty progressive. For what its worth. I'd say if you are serious about upstate the finger lakes region is supposed to be beautiful..(though abysmally depressed job wise)..maybe you should drive or rent a car and tool around out there and do a preliminary investigation...Check out anywhere first, always a good policy...

[GIrlnextdoors]

Burlington Vermont is nice and diverse, has an economy as well, and good schools. Providence Rhode island is cool, though it is a city and I am not sure you are looking for that. Smaller places in Rhode Island like Warren are okay too, though again, you may face the job problem....

[polsciwom]

Thanks so much for the comments and suggestions! I do believe that my major concern would be procuring employment first before even considering moving. I hope to work for an NGO or non-profit concerning women's rights and issues; however, with graduation approaching quickly I may consider private industry, for-profit corporations as well. I also have teaching experience at the college/university level, I will not be able to teach at a major university without a PhD, but I qualify at the community college level. What are some viable the employment industries in upstate NY?

[Sgoldie]

The biggest employers are healthcare, taxpayer funded jobs, and in urban areas engineering. There are plenty of colleges for non-teaching jobs.

The other biggie is social services which seems to fit in with your target wish. You may not have as much difficulty as you thought finding a position in that field.

[rosette8]

You should move to the Capital District (Albany, Troy, Schenectady-- Saratoga too!+). It has 11 higher education schools and with it being the capital, plenty of non-profit and lobbist (women's issues) opportunities.

Also it is very much of a melting pot. We are upper middle class white, but there is black, white, middle eastern, asian, etc..

Side story: We are moving to Virginia and when we were at my kids new school we were looking through the yearbook. My 7 year old son said, "It's all peach....where are all the other colors?!" refering to the kids skin color.

I think you are safe in upstate!

[I'minformed2]

as a current resident of upstate NY...I'd suggest not basing your decision off the above post. Not just because it's ridiculous...but because I believe the "upstate ny" that poster is referring to is really Orange/Putnam counties. Overrun by people from NYC/NJ and CT...not the real upstate. That's downstate to most people.