Mixed race couple seeking info on Industry, PA (Pittsburgh, York: power lines, homes)

[Drover]

OK then... best of luck to you.

[Long Islander]

Drover, I do thank you again for your insight and opinions. That's what I've been here this entire time for, just to get a feel for the people in the area.

To you I say don't rush to judgement, just as you advised me, b/c often times things aren't what they seem to be. Experience is definately the best way to learn new things. You have to however see things from my perspective as well.

First you tell me that I will be gawked at and I will stand out, which may very well be true but then you say that I sound like an elitist when I comment that I thought people would be more open minded in this day and age. Man, I can't win, lol.. It has not been my intention to insult anyone, just to gather information. Thanks again for your help.

[Drover]

Look, it's not like traffic is going to screech to a halt and kids are going to abandon their baseball game and run to the fence just to watch you walk by, jaws gaping in disbelief. Maybe Hopes was right in that I overdramatized a bit to prepare you for culture shock. But you are not going to blend in nearly as much as you apparently do in your current location where I guess it's never a second thought. You will get more noticed, it will draw more attention, and it's going to be a topic of either verbalized or silent curiosity among more than a few. Like I said, this isn't 60's Alabama. But it's not Long Island either. The Pittsburgh region is not a particularly progressive metropolitan area, but nobody's dragging their knuckles either. It's still something of an old-school Blue Dog value system. Work with it and you'll be fine.

I hope that adds some clarity. If not, I really don't know what else to say. In either case, I'll let Hopes take it from here.

[guylocke]

There were several mixed couples that went to my church. This was about 10 years ago, but even then no one gave it any mind. I went to school with their daughters, no problems in the least.

[subdivisions]

I think the reaction to a mixed-race couple in Pittsburgh would depend on the area. In the more urban, upper-class neighborhoods, probably nobody would even notice or care if they did notice. Just an example: I was at the Waterfront the other day, which is a shopping center that serves a lot of the East Side neighborhoods. A lesbian couple was walking down the sidewalk holding hands. I was watching the people around them, because I was curious to see what kind of reaction they would get. I was surprised to see that nobody even batted an eye. I think half the people standing around didn't even notice that they walked by (or at least pretended not to notice). I doubt a mixed-race couple would get any greater reaction than a gay couple, so you'd probably be fine. I also see mixed-race couples on a regular basis in my neighborhood (Sq. Hill) and have never noticed anyone reacting to them inappropriately.

That being said, I don't think that would be the case for suburban or rural neighborhoods farther out. My own experience with the "natives" suggests that people in the city core are well-educated and liberal, but that the farther out you get, the more provincial and sheltered people are. This phenomenon is not different from other major cities I've lived in, but I would say that it is a bit more pronounced here (probably the Appalachian thing, as someone said upthread).

I don't know anything about Industry, but I suspect it is one of the more rural suburbs. If you really want to move to Pittsburgh and the mixed-race thing is really a big deal for you, you might consider moving to an inner-city neighborhood, esp. one of the higher socio-economic ones (Shadyside, Sq. Hill, Pt. Breeze, Park Place, Regent Square, etc.)

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by subdivisions

I think the reaction to a mixed-race couple in Pittsburgh would depend on the area. In the more urban, upper-class neighborhoods, probably nobody would even notice or care if they did notice.

That's what I've been trying to tell her.

Originally Posted by subdivisions

If you really want to move to Pittsburgh and the mixed-race thing is really a big deal for you, you might consider moving to an inner-city neighborhood, esp. one of the higher socio-economic ones (Shadyside, Sq. Hill, Pt. Breeze, Park Place, Regent Square, etc.)

I agree that those inner city neighborhoods (Shadyside, Sq. Hill, Pt. Breeze, Park Place, Regent Square, etc.) would be best for her family.

The commute to Moon won't be very convenient, but it will be doable. Her children will attend good public schools in those neighborhoods too.

[Madonna Inn]

Long Islander,
Someone here knows me and thought I could be of assistance. Here's why:
1) I come from a mixed race family (father-step is Jamaican/black-Chinese, mother is Irish/German/Native American
2) We've lived all over, military family. California is where my husband and I are originally from but have lived on Long Island.
3) I know PA enough for an outsider (as we have family we visit- albeit eastern PA)

Here's what I know: in upper middle class areas, people ARE more educated and tolerant. They might not be accepting, but they are tolerant. Even then, nothing is guaranteed. My parents were extremely influencial people where we lived once, in an affluent part of town, around congresspeople and actors. My parents were pursued relentlessly by underhanded people who ultimately forced them out- after all he had done to the community (paved roads, created private community out of our neighborhood, built bridges, had gas and water brought in b/c wells dried up, etc...) Bottom line, even in liberal Cali, like NY, you're going to find tolerance which is not the same as acceptance.
2) Long Island is not all that when it comes to racial acceptance. Where the Hamptons are, it is much like where I grew up in CA. I am not sure where you live now with your family, but outside some of the southshore or western Suffolk areas (or all of Nassau- except for heavily Jewish areas there), what you find IS tolerance. Sure, to a degree there is acceptance everywhere. Let me just tell you this... (we were always outsiders there but acclimated with all classes of people) it isn't as tolerant as you believe it to be. Among teachers and police officers, I had never heard more racism anywhere in my life more than I did on Long Island, and I mean brutal.
3) The difference between where you're at now and where you want to be is a)price. Look for a place your children will be best educated, NOT based on race b/c your situation might very well be an oddity there. There are different kinds of "rednecks" in different places. Personally, while people appear to be more educated, wealthier, and tolerant in L.I., their behavior still makes them rednecks when you really get to know them. What's different is, they're not missing teeth wearing Nascar t-shirts with a greasy mullet haircut. I'm not saying that Pittsburgh is that persay, but move to a rural area and you might find that to be true. Rural PA is not anywhere near rural Hamptons, not a chance... (besides the fact that your rural is wine country and coastal beaches, and generally upper class all around).

If I were you, I would find a community where I could afford a house as much as I had faith in the school system...I would not base it on racial attitudes b/c I've personally found that it's all a charade anyway and in some ways, you're better off with those at times who don't have the social decorum to keep it to themselves, at least you know where you stand. I would base it on what you wanted and to hell with everyone else. Someone said, you're not going to have crosses burned on your property or anything... well, about 10 yrs ago or less, where I lived on L.I., there WAS a cross burning incident. People are idiots and idiots come in all sizes shapes and colors, even financial status. You can't change the world, but you can make your world what you want it to be and I say, don't be afraid or focus too much on finding an area that suits you on the outside.

[Madonna Inn]

I couldn't find a place to edit, so I'm adding to what I said.

Bottom line, with even the negativity you might be getting feedback on about Pittsburgh is that it's no different than where you're at now. It's just that you're comfortable where you're at now, and possibly overlooking the same things you're worried about going into in PA b/c you've acclimated to L.I. I'm telling you, while L.I. has more mix of people, I do not find it this happy melting pot, whatsoever. All the more reason to find happiness based on other factors other than demographics, but in an area you approve of with schools in what you can afford.

[South Range Family]

Industry is a small sliver of a town wedged between the Ohio River and route 68, that sits in the shadow of the Shippingport nuclear powerplant. Route 68 is the only way in or out of Industry. The other side of the road is Railroad tracks, and a sheer mountain wall. I wouldn't call it rural, because the tiny houses are all smashed together. Since it does sit in the valley next to the river, it's one of those towns where it always seems like it is a dark and dreary day because of the fog coming from the river. It's a safe place, and nobody will even notice you or your family. I believe it's the Western Beaver school district that is shared with the Ohioville kids. Not a bad school at all. It wouldn't be my first choice if I was driving to Pittsburgh though. The next town down river is a run down hole in the wall called Midland. Up river is Vanport and the town of Beaver. That's where you would catch route 60 to Moon and downtown. I would still suggest living on top of the hills. Brighton Township or Hopewell would be better choices.

[andyd33]

I will cut right to the Chase. I grew up in Beaver County, Rochester to be excact. ( i currently live in Preston County, WV) And you guys seem to know nothing about it. There will be mixed races everywhere you go, even in Rural Areas like Industry,Monaca,New Brighton, ETC. I would suggest you move to Industry. It's a very nice Rural Area, Nice folks, stores, schools- Western Beaver County School District, ETC. And to get to your work in Moon you can ump right on the Interstate and your off! Just one Caution! STAY AWAY FROM THE FOLLWING AREAS:


Ambridge

Aliquippa

South Side Beaver

Rochester

All have nice people with low crimes but the town is a D-U-M-P



Thank you.