Where to live with a sweet sensitive girl that speaks no English, from Mexico? SF,SD,LA? Opinions please! (San Diego: home)

[HarveytheRabbit]

I was told to check out San Diego, because a bunch of people told me "there's a bunch of them Mexicans down there". Disgusting I know, but I went. So I drove around for 3 days and all I found was a bunch of people with that mentality, whether they be white, or hispanics, who were born here, and for some reason look down on people from the old country.

{For a little background, I am white and born and breed USA, she is from Mexico City, knows no English, is proud of her country, (people from central Mexico have different attitudes then those in the border regions, on both sides.) She is also sensitive, shy and fairly self conscious about using her extremely limited English around anyone, for fear of being made fun of.}

So taking all of this into consideration I thought SF because we can speak in Spanish to each other all day long, in stores, restaurants where ever without being looked down upon. Because of the lack of racism? Or am I being naive? And it is a huge city with public transportation so it wont be too foreign from her home town of Mexico City. I also went to SF for 3 days, and it seemed to me people might even think we were exotic, she is white as well, instead of looking at us as strangers speaking Spanish all the time, which is the feeling I got in San Diego.

My other concern is finding people besides me she can speak to, friends and such who speak Spanish. I went to Mission District and felt more unsafe then I do deep down in Mexico City. Maybe a differant suburb in San Fran?

I wouldn't want for us to spend time in TJ if we went to SD because it is also dangerous. And are there movie theatres with Spanish subtitles, Theatres and plays in Spanish in SF? All these things I think about.

We are family type people, trying for kids, getting married soon, doing all the paper work for legal entry to US, she is studying English everyday, very hard, but finds it difficult with the accent and the shyness, although around people who speak Spanish see is lively and funny. I am absolutely torn on what to do, how would we be accepted in some of the communities anyone is familiar with here. I also drove around hollywood and North hollywood which looked interesting but don't know how we would be accepted.

Phewww... hope someone has some guidance. I'm looking long term, a community to join, to start a family, not just a place to stay. Thanks.

[ArthursChoice]

Anywhere is Southern California should do.

Originally Posted by HarveytheRabbit

I was told to check out San Diego, because a bunch of people told me "there's a bunch of them Mexicans down there". Disgusting I know, but I went. So I drove around for 3 days and all I found was a bunch of people with that mentality, whether they be white, or hispanics, who were born here, and for some reason look down on people from the old country.

{For a little background, I am white and born and breed USA, she is from Mexico City, knows no English, is proud of her country, (people from central Mexico have different attitudes then those in the border regions, on both sides.) She is also sensitive, shy and fairly self conscious about using her extremely limited English around anyone, for fear of being made fun of.}

So taking all of this into consideration I thought SF because we can speak in Spanish to each other all day long, in stores, restaurants where ever without being looked down upon. Because of the lack of racism? Or am I being naive? And it is a huge city with public transportation so it wont be too foreign from her home town of Mexico City. I also went to SF for 3 days, and it seemed to me people might even think we were exotic, she is white as well, instead of looking at us as strangers speaking Spanish all the time, which is the feeling I got in San Diego.

My other concern is finding people besides me she can speak to, friends and such who speak Spanish. I went to Mission District and felt more unsafe then I do deep down in Mexico City. Maybe a differant suburb in San Fran?

I wouldn't want for us to spend time in TJ if we went to SD because it is also dangerous. And are there movie theatres with Spanish subtitles, Theatres and plays in Spanish in SF? All these things I think about.

We are family type people, trying for kids, getting married soon, doing all the paper work for legal entry to US, she is studying English everyday, very hard, but finds it difficult with the accent and the shyness, although around people who speak Spanish see is lively and funny. I am absolutely torn on what to do, how would we be accepted in some of the communities anyone is familiar with here. I also drove around hollywood and North hollywood which looked interesting but don't know how we would be accepted.

Phewww... hope someone has some guidance. I'm looking long term, a community to join, to start a family, not just a place to stay. Thanks.

[Snort]

I think this is more a question of attitude than place. I'm reminded of having met people from abroad here in the States, who, with little skills for English, seem to move about and make friendships. I've seen the same while living abroad- Americans with almost zero language skills managing to make friends and use the local language effectively enough to communicate and have a good time.
Perfectionistic expectations are going to get in the way of effective communication and making friends.

[cicerone]

Any major city in California is OK for Spanish speakers. SF, LA, OC and SD all have large neighborhoods where the majority of residents are Spanish speaking. Now, if you want a city where everyone speaks Spanish, try Mexico. Not trying to be mean, but immersion is always the best way to learn...

Sounds like your bigger problem is finding a Spanish-speaking area that's safe and family friendly. San Diego would be a good choice, although of course there are good and bad areas. Instead of San Francisco Mission District, try San Jose or Redwood City.

It all depends on your budget and whether you prefer an older, more walkable area or a newer subdivision-style living..