Valparaiso Native here to answer any questions (Portage, Hobart: transferring to, school)

[ecuresident]

Hey Guys I have been using city data a lot as I am planning a move down south and figured if anyone had Valpo questions I can answer them to the best of my knowledge. I was raised in Valpo, I am a minority (so I can answer questions about race relations) and went to IU bloomington, so I can also answer questions about bloomington.

[peckj]

I wanted some info on race relations in northwest indiana, including valpo,hobart and the chesterton areas. We are looking to relocate and we come from a diverse city. I want to send my son to a good school BUT I would like him to see a few classmates that look like him!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by peckj

I wanted some info on race relations in northwest indiana, including valpo,hobart and the chesterton areas. We are looking to relocate and we come from a diverse city. I want to send my son to a good school BUT I would like him to see a few classmates that look like him!

Porter County has seen a larger increase in the Hispanic population over the past few years. Portage seems to be getting more diverse. However, I think you will find that most of the people are accepting overall. Some of the older people are a little more set in their ways. I know some good friends who live in Valpo, and I think it is a very pleasant overall. I attended Valparaiso University in the past before transferring to another University, and I met many great people from around the area.

[LIS123]

Lake county IN has residents from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. That said, I wouldn't say that race relations are great, in the sense that many groups tend to 'stick to their own.' Plus, the non-Caucasian communities (while a large % of the total population) tend to be clustered in certain areas.

My experience has been that large increases in African-American and Hispanic populations are seen as bad things by many Caucasians in the area. I'd imagine it's similar (if not less accepting) in Porter County. Don't assume that diversity per se (i.e. having people of all races) means that they get along well. The key is not how many minorities a given area has. It's how well they are received by others.

When thinking of diverse communities where people of all races interact as friends, Hobart, Chesterton and Valparaiso, IN would not be very high on my list. There is very little overt racism here, so it might be hard for minorities to notice.

That said, I don't think a non-Caucasian family would have trouble leading a happy life in Lake or Porter county. People will have biases/stereotypes and that won't change but, as long as you and your family are friendly and courteous to others, you should be fine.