Richmond is not diverse (Norfolk, Hampton: amusement parks, house, theater)

[540_804]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

I have lived in Roanoke for almost 2 years now.. grew up in Richmond. I cannot tell you how diverse Richmond is especially compared to here. I attended Varina High School.. Back when I went there (2000-2004) it was more diverse than it is now. I went to school with lots of different races and frankly enjoyed being around the different types of people. I think diversity is a good thing to have and I definatly feel Richmond has plenty of it, especially for being in the "south". I guess once you move to a town like Roanoke (which I happen to love except its lack of diversity) you appreciate the diversity Richmond has you just might not notice while living there.

Yeah..im the exact opposite of you.
Grew up in Roanoke but have been in Richmond for the last 2 years.

Roanoke definitely has diversity, but its kinda segregated diversity.
For instance, my HS had blacks, whites, hispanics (Mexico, Honduras, Columbia), Haitians, Africans (a larger portion of Sudanese as well as others), Vietnamese, Koreans, etc......

But overall the city of Roanoke is segregated...if you want diversity you have to look for it.

(sorry I got a bit off topic and spoke on Roanoke..but I think there are similarities between the 2 cities)

[Richmonder27]

Originally Posted by cityhopper

Richmond suffers from similar mid-city problems. I would not wholly blame a "lack of diversity" as one of them, per se. I work in personal finance and held such a position while I lived in Richmond. Based on my personal observations and viewing personal portfolios of people who lived/worked in the area here are some conclusions I have come too... Racism and prejudices are something you are going to experience anywhere, that said...

1. Richmond is divided socially by class first, financially, race and/or ethnicity last.
2. Most unskilled, undereducated, poor residents seem to be native to the Greater Richmond metro area.
3. Richmond City services are awful - mainly schools, police department, adult training programs, rehabilitation and/or jumpt start programs.

While aesthically and historically I loved Richmond, more resources are allocated to preserve history rather than the use solve today's issues and be innovative to address tomorrow's problems. Again, it goes back to one being only as strong as its weakest link.

I think its a bit too far to say an AA should not move to Richmond. I think the better suggestion is that an unskilled, undereducated person (applicable to any ethnicity) should not expect a good start in Richmond. It's not a startover, make a new opportunity type of city. I have never felt a level of "Old South" in Richmond; yet, at the same time I have never carried myself in such a manner where someone would feel comfortable to present themselves in such an ignorant manner. I suggest OP come to SC, AL, or GA and you will really experience that type of mentality--with no apologies.

Richmond has room to improve, I'd focus on the social issues first. Diversity isn't holding Richmond back...let's try imblalanced school districts, corrupt politicians and politics, homelessness, under utilitized human capital, low wages, low spectrum of career options, massive layoffs, et al.

I beg to differ. Richmond is much more "Old South" than Nashville, Atlanta, or Charlotte. Its more akin to Charleston and Savannah. I have lived all over the South- and I tell you, Richmond being barely in the South, has a lot more Southern feel to it than most places I have been to- even in the Deep South.

That being said, its still not like small town Alabama or Mississippi.
But close...

[PrinceTheo]

Originally Posted by Richmonder27

I beg to differ. Richmond is much more "Old South" than Nashville, Atlanta, or Charlotte. Its more akin to Charleston and Savannah. I have lived all over the South- and I tell you, Richmond being barely in the South, has a lot more Southern feel to it than most places I have been to- even in the Deep South.

That being said, its still not like small town Alabama or Mississippi.
But close...

I've been to the deep south. Comparing Richmond to small town Alabama or Mississippi is like comparing apples to oranges.

[Teebyrd86]

Originally Posted by 540_804

Yeah..im the exact opposite of you.
Grew up in Roanoke but have been in Richmond for the last 2 years.

Roanoke definitely has diversity, but its kinda segregated diversity.
For instance, my HS had blacks, whites, hispanics (Mexico, Honduras, Columbia), Haitians, Africans (a larger portion of Sudanese as well as others), Vietnamese, Koreans, etc......

But overall the city of Roanoke is segregated...if you want diversity you have to look for it.

(sorry I got a bit off topic and spoke on Roanoke..but I think there are similarities between the 2 cities)

I agree Roanoke has diversity but it isnt as noticable as Richmond. I enjoy living here actually I absolutely love it.. but I do miss the open diversity Richmond has. Going to Valley View Walmart here is the closest diverse place I can find right now. What High School did u attend? Patrick Henry?

[oleo]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

Going to Valley View Walmart here is the closest diverse place I can find right now.

WHAT????????

[Anders15]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

I agree Roanoke has diversity but it isnt as noticable as Richmond. I enjoy living here actually I absolutely love it.. but I do miss the open diversity Richmond has. Going to Valley View Walmart here is the closest diverse place I can find right now. What High School did u attend? Patrick Henry?

It's the same thing here. You'll get more diversity by going to Short Pump or Stony Point than you will by going to a random location else where in the city. At least from what I've seen. I just don't believe in going out and "looking for" diversity. It should be everywhere.. either your city has it or it doesn't.

[Richmonder27]

Originally Posted by PrinceTheo

I've been to the deep south. Comparing Richmond to small town Alabama or Mississippi is like comparing apples to oranges.

Um, and I have been to the Deep South too. Lived there for 5 years. Richmond to me feels a lot like Charleston and Savannah. The people, the architecture,- even sometimes the weather!


I was making a slight joke in the small town Alabama/Mississippi statement.

[540_804]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

Going to Valley View Walmart here is the closest diverse place I can find right now. What High School did u attend? Patrick Henry?

HAHA...actually I agree with the Valley View Walmart comment.
But nope, I went to William Fleming High School

[steph49444]

Thanks everyone for the help! I am visiting soon.

Can anyone tell me about Norfolk.

[cowpunkrva]

>if your not white straight and christan they don't want anyone there.

Are you kidding me? Have you been downtown, ever? Have you heard the music that comes from Richmond?