Possible Job in Bridgewater-Looking for Area info/demographics etc... (Harrisonburg: for rent, house)

[Readytomove2011]

Hello all,
I have an opportunity to possibly relocate to the Bridgewater area. I know that it's a small place and some of the surrounding cities may be better for renting a house. My main question is about the diversity of the area in general. I am black and my wife is white and we have two children one of which is about to be school aged. I'm not worried too much about myself but I am worried about possible intolerance towards my family. I know that it's hit or miss anywhere, but I am also aware that attitudes vary by area. My wife and I are both small town people and would like to get back to that environment but tolerance is a concern. I've read alot about it being in the bible belt and conservative, but that doesn't bother me as I am politically conservative and a christian but a good non denominational type church would be a plus. I know that this is an area that causes some discomfort, but any information would be appreciated. Thanks for any help.

[emsman]

As you probably know, there's one in every crowd, but it is nowhere near a "hostile" environment. There's more intolerance towards Mexican immigrants in the area than anything but no direct racial attacks or violence, just more of a grumbling. The areas of Rockingham & Augusta counties and the cities of Harrisonburg and Staunton are diverse but you can still see a divide just driving around(i.e. one area is mostly black and one mostly white). Can't help w/ churches, but very few people will hold your beliefs against you, I haven't been to church since I got married and people still talk to me.

In this area it seems more important to be viewed as a good person, that seems to mean more than the color of your skin, where you moved from, or what you do for a living.

[emsman]

For your demographic question, you can rent a 3 bed/2 bath house about anywhere for $1,000 or less a month easy. Where you rent/buy matters, there is gas or electric, city/county water and sewer or well water and septic system.

For community; Harrisonburg/Rockingham county has a large Mexican, Russian, Mennonite, Amish, and college community(JMU university in town).

Staunton/Waynesboro/Augusta county have a smaller Mexican and Mennonite community base.

For churches; there's one of just about every faith in the area, no problems there. Yes, it is the "bible belt" and sometimes on Sunday they will knock on your door and preach but it's not as bad as many make it out to be.

[Readytomove2011]

Thank you both so much for the replies. I figured that it was a fine place to be but I just wanted to ensure that there was nothing known or wide spread in the area. This will definitely help with our decision.

[ShadowBat]

I wouldn't worry about the interracial marriage. I know several interracial couples and they have never had any problems. As far as this being the Bible belt is subjective. Yes there are many religious people in this area, but it's not like religion is on the tips of peoples tongues every time they engage you in conversation. Most would not care if you go to church or not. Many congregations are concerned about declining memberships too. There are also a good number of pagans/atheists/agnostics/and generally non religious people in the area too.

[Readytomove2011]

Thanks ShadowBat, it sounds like a good place for us. Now on to the housing piece of the puzzle. I appreciate the help.