Is Metro Philadelphia - N.J. Racist? (California, North East: amusement parks, high crime)

[jaeidiaz]

I just think its ridiculous that this is still an issue in this day and time. I too live in CA. I actually live in L.A. and I really want to move back to Philly, but I gotta say - its way too stuck in the past when it comes to diversity and coming together amongst races.

It really does make me concerned about my children being raised in a town where other black people feel less than. I am not rich, but I consider myself pretty decently established and when I considered moving back to philly, I decided I wanted to live in an upscale area like one I am accustom to in L.A.

NOW I AM WORRIED. Californians just don't care about you, and I guess that is an upside and downside. People are so concerned about themselves and their issues, that they don't care if you drive an Audi. They aren't suspicious; they just don't care.

I haven't lived in philly for at least 15 years now, so I am not sure, but I have read that there are not as many "well to do" black people. IS THAT TRUE? If it is true, I am saddened.

[john_starks]

i don't know. its seems no different than any other big city to me. but then again, i live in center city.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by jaeidiaz

I just think its ridiculous that this is still an issue in this day and time. I too live in CA. I actually live in L.A. and I really want to move back to Philly, but I gotta say - its way too stuck in the past when it comes to diversity and coming together amongst races.

It really does make me concerned about my children being raised in a town where other black people feel less than. I am not rich, but I consider myself pretty decently established and when I considered moving back to philly, I decided I wanted to live in an upscale area like one I am accustom to in L.A.

NOW I AM WORRIED. Californians just don't care about you, and I guess that is an upside and downside. People are so concerned about themselves and their issues, that they don't care if you drive an Audi. They aren't suspicious; they just don't care.

I haven't lived in philly for at least 15 years now, so I am not sure, but I have read that there are not as many "well to do" black people. IS THAT TRUE? If it is true, I am saddened.

Well, if you're looking for a concentrated area of black middle- or upper-class, they are few and far between in the Philly metro. The closest thing in the city proper might be Yorktown, a community just below Temple University. East Mount Airy isn't bad, either. In the PA burbs, Yeadon is considered a black middle-class area. And there are communities in Camden County, NJ (although I can't remember the names offhand) where there are prosperous black neighborhoods.

On the other hand, if it's diversity that you're seeking, then you may be comfortable in West Mount Airy and neighboring Chestnut Hill. The former is the most diverse middle-to-upper class neighborhood in the city. I interpret the latter as a place where class division may potentially surface before race. Some closer-in suburbs are more diverse than others further out.

I say come for a visit, talk to any friends and family that you may still know here, and get a feel for if you would truly feel comfortable here.

[I'mSoPhilly]

i agree with above... there aren't too many upper middle class/middle class areas where blacks live... i think it's because most black people flee the city like the plague was here once they obtain a certain status (for lack of better word)... i am black and all of my family, friends, associates who want a higher standard of living have moved to Jersey and Delaware... some ppl stay but most leave

[Duderino]

I will be the first to admit that the Philly area, especially in the PA 'burbs, is pretty racially segregated based on class, with lower-class communities containing disproportionate numbers of minorities -- nothing that is conscious, obviously, but that's just how things have been institutionalized. Many Northern cities and eventually their inner-suburbs developed in this way demographically -- dating back to the end of slavery resulting in an exodus of Blacks moving north. Unfortunately, many were not allowed to live outside of certain areas. That's hardly unique to the Philadelphia metro, but I digress. Nevertheless, I am more optimistic about more racial integration, as I personally have seen more minority families in more middle/upper-middle class areas over the past decade. It's far from a racial utopia, but it's a start.

[pennquaker09]

As a biracial person, I can't say that I've experienced any overt racism. Granted, I will fully admit to looking more white than black, but I still have never felt unwelcome. I grew up in Alabama and I'd rather live here than there any day of the week.

One thing I would agree on is that the upper middle to upper class blacks are not easily spotted. I live in Lafayette Hill and in our particular development, it's pretty much white people.

[jaeidiaz]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Well, if you're looking for a concentrated area of black middle- or upper-class, they are few and far between in the Philly metro. The closest thing in the city proper might be Yorktown, a community just below Temple University. East Mount Airy isn't bad, either. In the PA burbs, Yeadon is considered a black middle-class area. And there are communities in Camden County, NJ (although I can't remember the names offhand) where there are prosperous black neighborhoods.

On the other hand, if it's diversity that you're seeking, then you may be comfortable in West Mount Airy and neighboring Chestnut Hill. The former is the most diverse middle-to-upper class neighborhood in the city. I interpret the latter as a place where class division may potentially surface before race. Some closer-in suburbs are more diverse than others further out.

I say come for a visit, talk to any friends and family that you may still know here, and get a feel for if you would truly feel comfortable here.

Well, I visit every year. I used to live in Philly - I was born there. I just happen to live in LA now, but I come very very often. I just don't stay long enough to really review the neighborhoods.

I - again - love the diversity in L.A. I went to school with black people, Mexicans, Armenians, Caucasians, Asians, etc. They were celebrities, poor, middle class, no class and it was great b/c I made some awesome friends and I think I am a better person because of it.

I just want to live in a place where my children can be happy and have those same experiences. I want them to meet and make friends with those with different backgrounds and social status'.

[jaeidiaz]

Originally Posted by Tone509

I say come for a visit, talk to any friends and family that you may still know here, and get a feel for if you would truly feel comfortable here.

Oh - to address this... The problem with talking to my family is because most of them have this certain mindset about other cultures. In my family - some of them think you can't be friends with white people - I mean TRULY friends with white people b/c they always have some other motive.

OF COURSE THIS IS B.S. One of my very best friends is white! I don't know if being in philly has something to do with that or not, but it helps to talk to other people who have their own opinions about the city.

[jaeidiaz]

Originally Posted by I'mSoPhilly

i agree with above... there aren't too many upper middle class/middle class areas where blacks live... i think it's because most black people flee the city like the plague was here once they obtain a certain status (for lack of better word)... i am black and all of my family, friends, associates who want a higher standard of living have moved to Jersey and Delaware... some ppl stay but most leave

THAT'S SAD. The best way to spark a change in the city is to stick around to help see those changes through.

If other black people in the city see that YOU CAN make it and not be a thug - they would strive for more. They wouldn't put up with the crime rate b/c it wouldn't be acceptable.

One thing about L.A. is that - you can't get away with a lot of ISH b/c the people in the areas just won't tolerate it.

I LOVE philly. I will always be a philly girl til I die. I just wish our people would see that there is more out there for them and they don't have to move to see it.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by jaeidiaz

Well, I visit every year. I used to live in Philly - I was born there. I just happen to live in LA now, but I come very very often. I just don't stay long enough to really review the neighborhoods.

I - again - love the diversity in L.A. I went to school with black people, Mexicans, Armenians, Caucasians, Asians, etc. They were celebrities, poor, middle class, no class and it was great b/c I made some awesome friends and I think I am a better person because of it.

I just want to live in a place where my children can be happy and have those same experiences. I want them to meet and make friends with those with different backgrounds and social status'.

In terms of the workforce and after-hours socializing, Center City is about as diverse as it gets. If you're looking to start a family and want to remain in the city, I'd strongly recommend West Mount Airy for its diversity, as I mentioned earlier. It's unfortunate that this area isn't more integrated - the vast majority of city residents, save the Northeast, are united with their Democratic votes - but sadly it's not a unique phenomenon with cities big and small.