One more question then I won't bother anyone again (Seattle: low income, houses)

[operaphantom2003]

How is the gang problem in Washington?

My son's class had a long overdue discussion about gangs after more parents complained. A fellow classmate has taught the boys the sign and tag of his family's gang (brother and father are members) as well as how to draw and "use" their weapon of choice. His school got tagged again as well as the neighborhood. It looks like the MS 13 and South Side are fighting as well as a tagger named Klown!. This is getting ridiculous when 7 year olds are being recruited. I had the "talk" with my son last year about gangs but I definitely do not want to jump into the fire.

[Sobefobik]

Gangs really aren't much of an issue around here. Tacoma and Yakima seem to have some issues, but unless you're in really bad areas or you're seeking out gangs, I don't think you'll have any problems.

[NWbyNW]

You won't have problems with gangs. Very minor to none, unless you live in parts of the Yakima Valley, parts of south Seattle (White Center, Rainier Valley, Burien) or in some areas of Tacoma.

[Inkpoe]

Burien is not bad actually. Now, Kent on the other hand...

While there are gang issues here... the fact remains, its not part of the norm. You're more likely to bump into a teenaged punk with an attitude than a gang-banger.

[Hemlock140]

Plenty of homeless panhandlers, no sign of the gang members though there are some they keep a low profile even in those few bad areas.

[ChappyWhiteGuy]

I'll just go ahead an d say it. Washington has a serious gang problem, particularly in Eastern Washington. Any low income area in western Washington also has gang problems. Just do some digging on google to verify this.

[Inkpoe]

No one is saying there is NO gang problems in WA. In fact they listed the towns that are associated with gangs and considered low-income/"bad" areas. In Central/Eastern Wa, its the migrant workers kids that are joining gangs and that's causing for some concern because how do you even reach these kids? There was even a special on PBS about it: Gangs and Guns in Washington state - February 4, 2011 | KCTS 9 - Public Television Serving Seattle, Central Washington and British Columbia

But... if you're very involved in your child's upbringing like the OP seem to be... this really isn't one area that we would emphasize that she be concerned about. Heck, its possible for her to live in Kent, White Center, Tacoma, et. c and still be removed from that unfortunate reality of life.

[Sobefobik]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

No one is saying there is NO gang problems in WA. In fact they listed the towns that are associated with gangs and considered low-income/"bad" areas. In Central/Eastern Wa, its the migrant workers kids that are joining gangs and that's causing for some concern because how do you even reach these kids? There was even a special on PBS about it: Gangs and Guns in Washington state - February 4, 2011 | KCTS 9 - Public Television Serving Seattle, Central Washington and British Columbia

But... if you're very involved in your child's upbringing like the OP seem to be... this really isn't one area that we would emphasize that she be concerned about. Heck, its possible for her to live in Kent, White Center, Tacoma, et. c and still be removed from that unfortunate reality of life.

Nice post...couldn't have said it better.

[operaphantom2003]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

No one is saying there is NO gang problems in WA. In fact they listed the towns that are associated with gangs and considered low-income/"bad" areas. In Central/Eastern Wa, its the migrant workers kids that are joining gangs and that's causing for some concern because how do you even reach these kids? There was even a special on PBS about it: Gangs and Guns in Washington state - February 4, 2011 | KCTS 9 - Public Television Serving Seattle, Central Washington and British Columbia

But... if you're very involved in your child's upbringing like the OP seem to be... this really isn't one area that we would emphasize that she be concerned about. Heck, its possible for her to live in Kent, White Center, Tacoma, et. c and still be removed from that unfortunate reality of life.

Thanks for the link. I found it interesting. I am pulling my son out of his school this week and homeschooling him until we move. I know that gangs are a growing problem in most areas but it is nice to know what to look for. People don't believe me that its this way here until I mention the actual address of our area. I don't live in what I consider to be a "poor" area (according to the census and state data the median household income for our zip code is $48,000) but what is deemed "acceptable" is very questionable.

[ChappyWhiteGuy]

The OP asked how is the gang problem in WA. The reality is that WA has a serious gang problem. Not a problem if you live in a neighborhood of $500,000 houses in Redmond. But, there are parts of WA where you do not want to raise a family. This isn't to offend any of the cheerleaders and boosters on the board.