Single mom with Mixed children relocating to the Albany/Corvallis area (Portland: fit in, schools)

[colorfulgirl]

I am a single mom relocating to the Albany/Corvallis area. I am moving from Atlanta. I have 6 children from 2 marriages, 3 are white and 3 are mixed as my last husband was African American. I am moving to be near my Father who lives in Albany. Yes, I have a job and I support myself. I am not coming to be a "drain" on the community. I say this up front because I see so many people on this forum commenting that you shouldn't move to Oregon if you don't have a job.

I have asked my father several times if race will be an issue, as I have read that Oregon is predominately white. He has told me that he has never noticed an issue with regards to race in Oregon. However, he lives a rather sheltered life, he is retired and doesn't get out much.

I have scoured this forum and have seen a few people mention that race might be an issue. I am prepared for the fact that my children will probably be in a predominately white school. However, I would hope that they wouldn't be judged by there slightly darker color.

I'm also wondering about the community in general. I am looking for a good safe place to raise my children. Will people there be looking down upon me if say, I am in the local grocery store as a single mom with 6 children, 3 of them being mixed? I'm used to the "My you have a lot of children" comments. It does bother me, but I've gotten used to it. I will get that comment wherever I live I'm sure. So, as you can see, I already face enough discrimination due to the sheer amount of children that I have. I don't need any more added on because of race.

[Smiled]

I don't think so, particularly in Portland but also in the college towns such as Corvallis. There are more people of many colors and cultures in those places, so the natives are more used to it.
Racism on the West Coast is generally more subtle. I think you will be just fine. I think your biggest concern will be can you handle the wintertime gray.

[Silverfall]

Honestly I think you will get more comments about being a single mother of 6 kids rather than racial comments. Albany is a smaller town and it tends to be a bit more conservative than Corvallis. I don't think you'd have issues in Corvallis. I have some mixed race friends there and they didn't have any issues there.

[GoBeavs!]

Try and live in Corvallis. It's not only nicer than Albany, but is also much more accepting.

[Nell Plotts]

Corvallis would be much better than Albany for a single parent family.

[GHF]

I would recommend Corvallis for you. It is a much more diverse and inclusive town than any others around here. You will fit in and do fine there. It costs more, but you probably won't regret it. Their schools are good, for the most part.

If you do wind up in Albany, West Albany High is the best one and you'd want to be near it, especially North Albany in Benton County. But Corvallis might be your best bet.