black male from considering moving to Arizona for school & Career as OT

[goolsbyjazz]

I can't address the medical field, but will address Arizona's social climate. While it's true the African American community in the state is not large, it is growing. When I moved here African Americans made up maybe two percent of the population STATEWIDE! Now, that figure is around 4.6 percent which still isn't earth shattering, but is growing. As for race relations, I grew up in the East and can tell you there is much more racial tension over there than I ever encountered here. Not that it doesn't exist, but because of the "live and let live" culture out here it isn't an issue. From what I have seen Mexicans have had a tougher time here than any other group which astounds me being that this was once a part of Mexico! Now, culturally speaking, Arizona is different. However, you will do well in Arizona if you accept it for what it is and not try to make it or compare it to where you are coming from. Good luck with your move.

[pokuku]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

As for race relations, I grew up in the East and can tell you there is much more racial tension over there than I ever encountered here. Not that it doesn't exist, but because of the "live and let live" culture out here it isn't an issue. From what I have seen Mexicans have had a tougher time here than any other group which astounds me being that this was once a part of Mexico! Now, culturally speaking, Arizona is different. However, you will do well in Arizona if you accept it for what it is and not try to make it or compare it to where you are coming from.

This isn't entirely true, I think that the tension just manifests itself in a very different way. The absence of segregation amongst Arizona's African-American population is really amazing and freeing compared to many areas in the Eastern US (and LA). Still, this seems to be traded for some odd, subtle racism (that reminds me of stories about the 1950s) in some of the extremely white neighborhoods and suburbs in the Valley. And, as you've said...some of those racist attitudes are just shifted from one group to another (Hispanics).

Also, Arizona isn't defined by Phoenix (as much as it tries to be), and things can get more complicated in terms of racism in places other than PHX, Tucson, and Flagstaff.

[cagney123]

Hello. I went to Wayne State U. in downtown Detroit after growing up in St. Clair Shores.

I lived in Albuquerque New Mexico for 40 years and enjoyed living there. I now live part time in Dolan Springs, AZ

I would suggest either Tucson, or Phoenix as your best bets for finding work and also more racially diverse communities. New Mexico is great too, if you want a broader area to look into. Albuquerque and Sante Fe are great towns.

Kingman is close to where I live and seems to have a nice feel to it and a good hospital.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Jeff

[jeirobinson]

And sometimes not as a Black student. However it is not actually any different from what would be expected in areas with a high concentration of Whites. I have loved it since I have been here. So much that I plan to stay here for a good while. I am a Black woman living in Scottsdale and it is a bit pricey but I started out here in Mesa and Tempe which is a totally different feel. I moved here to attend ASU so I understand the experience of being here as a student and feeling my way out. Luckily I had plenty support from my program so it wasn't too bad figuring things out. I am from California (Los Angeles) which is plentiful in social resources and while Phx does not have the same amount of those social resources it does have them. I always tell people you just have to look for them. I am open to answer any specific questions you have if it would help in making your final decisions to be here.

[Frozenyo]

Originally Posted by cagney123

Hello. I went to Wayne State U. in downtown Detroit after growing up in St. Clair Shores.

I lived in Albuquerque New Mexico for 40 years and enjoyed living there. I now live part time in Dolan Springs, AZ

I would suggest either Tucson, or Phoenix as your best bets for finding work and also more racially diverse communities. New Mexico is great too, if you want a broader area to look into. Albuquerque and Sante Fe are great towns.

Kingman is close to where I live and seems to have a nice feel to it and a good hospital.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Jeff

Don't dare go to Kingman, that's KKK central in AZ. Anyway, I live in Yuma but I frequent The Phoenix area and have spent time in Tucson and I'm black. Socially, you'll do fine. To speak from experience, we, black males in particular are viewed as exotic here by many Hispanic women. I don't have a problem meeting them. Black women are harder to find just based on numbers so don't be picky if that's what you're looking for. I'm not really into white women so I can't speak to that personally. You're 26, spend time in Tempe (Mill Street Area) and you'll find whatever it is socially you're looking for.

[Detroit722]

Originally Posted by fengxg

Depends on what kind of community you are more comfortable with. Great Phoenix area is the only metro in Arizona, other places are small town setting. Arizona is very affordable as long as you have a job.

I've been looking into the Glendale area. More so West

[Detroit722]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

I can't address the medical field, but will address Arizona's social climate. While it's true the African American community in the state is not large, it is growing. When I moved here African Americans made up maybe two percent of the population STATEWIDE! Now, that figure is around 4.6 percent which still isn't earth shattering, but is growing. As for race relations, I grew up in the East and can tell you there is much more racial tension over there than I ever encountered here. Not that it doesn't exist, but because of the "live and let live" culture out here it isn't an issue. From what I have seen Mexicans have had a tougher time here than any other group which astounds me being that this was once a part of Mexico! Now, culturally speaking, Arizona is different. However, you will do well in Arizona if you accept it for what it is and not try to make it or compare it to where you are coming from. Good luck with your move.

Thanks, appreciate the insight

[Detroit722]

Originally Posted by Frozenyo

Don't dare go to Kingman, that's KKK central in AZ. Anyway, I live in Yuma but I frequent The Phoenix area and have spent time in Tucson and I'm black. Socially, you'll do fine. To speak from experience, we, black males in particular are viewed as exotic here by many Hispanic women. I don't have a problem meeting them. Black women are harder to find just based on numbers so don't be picky if that's what you're looking for. I'm not really into white women so I can't speak to that personally. You're 26, spend time in Tempe (Mill Street Area) and you'll find whatever it is socially you're looking for.

LOL I definitely do not need to be around any KKK areas. But thanks for the info. I'll look into Yuma as well. Tempe has also been on my list to check out. As far as dating, I'm pretty diverse, never would have thought to be exotic tho Lol. Sounds interesting

[Detroit722]

Originally Posted by jeirobinson

And sometimes not as a Black student. However it is not actually any different from what would be expected in areas with a high concentration of Whites. I have loved it since I have been here. So much that I plan to stay here for a good while. I am a Black woman living in Scottsdale and it is a bit pricey but I started out here in Mesa and Tempe which is a totally different feel. I moved here to attend ASU so I understand the experience of being here as a student and feeling my way out. Luckily I had plenty support from my program so it wasn't too bad figuring things out. I am from California (Los Angeles) which is plentiful in social resources and while Phx does not have the same amount of those social resources it does have them. I always tell people you just have to look for them. I am open to answer any specific questions you have if it would help in making your final decisions to be here.

Thanks for the feedback. You started that you attended ASU and also lived in Mesa. My question is have you heard of A.T. Still University? It's in Mesa and unlike ASU it offers the MOT program