Living in Virginia Beach (crime rate, neighborhood, YMCA)

[kahallsmalls]

Hello All,
My husband and I are looking for places to live after I exit the military and are considering VA beach or a nearby area. We have a 5 month old son so good schools and a child friendly atmosphere will eventually come into play. Another important aspect is diversity; i am african-american/white and my husband is white. We want to live somewhere where diversity is common so that our son does not face predjudice/racism. Also, how is the crime rate and the cost of living? are there things to do in the area for families? any other information you all care to provide would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Erma]

Originally Posted by kahallsmalls

Hello All,
My husband and I are looking for places to live after I exit the military and are considering VA beach or a nearby area. We have a 5 month old son so good schools and a child friendly atmosphere will eventually come into play. Another important aspect is diversity; i am african-american/white and my husband is white. We want to live somewhere where diversity is common so that our son does not face predjudice/racism. Also, how is the crime rate and the cost of living? are there things to do in the area for families? any other information you all care to provide would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I don't believe you will have to worry about diversity. We are a very oriented community as far as mixed races, many races due to military and retiree presence. Where are you coming from? There is much to do for families. Outdoor activities, YMCA activities for families, children and teens. Large church communities etc.

[Mrs. Lindo]

I live in the southern part of virginia beach near the NC border. Mixed relationships get the "side-eye" from some people in this area so, take it from a native who knows.

[Upsilon]

Yeah, stay away from Hickory and Grassfield and all of those places far back in the country and you should be fine. Let them have their racism and bad traffic/commute. Or, be even better and just keep on living anyway and laugh at anyone who would laugh at a mixed racial relationship in 2011. I highly doubt your son will experience racism just because his parents are mixed.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Lindo

I live in the southern part of virginia beach near the NC border. Mixed relationships get the "side-eye" from some people in this area so, take it from a native who knows.

I believe that's where the bible belt in it's self righteous hypocrisy lives and then some (we do have a few here, but Pat's been into Pot lately...I guess God told him it was okay). It's so backwards in today's world for anyone to think they are better than the rest because of God. Just a shame IMO.

[Mrs. Lindo]

Originally Posted by Erma

I believe that's where the bible belt in it's self righteous hypocrisy lives and then some (we do have a few here, but Pat's been into Pot lately...I guess God told him it was okay). It's so backwards in today's world for anyone to think they are better than the rest because of God. Just a shame IMO.

You are so right. I just wanted the op to be aware that not everyone in our beautiful city is open to IR relationships, and in certain areas, blacks are still not welcome.

[hill326]

I am new to the area, and have been wondering about this... I am also in a inter-racial marriage. Most recently, I lived in a rural town that was not very diverse, but was very accepting.

I love going to farms, and little country stores, but I have heard that Pungo and other areas are not very accepting. So my question is, what do you mean by "blacks are still not welcome"? Are people just going to give a funny look? Cause until we have kids, I can live with that! Are we not going to be seated/served at restaurants and shops? Are people going to approach us with their opinion? Are we in danger?

[Erma]

Originally Posted by hill326

I am new to the area, and have been wondering about this... I am also in a inter-racial marriage. Most recently, I lived in a rural town that was not very diverse, but was very accepting.

I love going to farms, and little country stores, but I have heard that Pungo and other areas are not very accepting. So my question is, what do you mean by "blacks are still not welcome"? Are people just going to give a funny look? Cause until we have kids, I can live with that! Are we not going to be seated/served at restaurants and shops? Are people going to approach us with their opinion? Are we in danger?

Actually, I know people in Pungo, good peeps and the little farms are awesome to visit. I wouldn't even worry about when you have kids. We no longer live in the 60's, though some of our fashions are coming back from them. LOL
I would most definetly blame it on ignorance or just stupidity if someone were to approach you in this day and age, especially around here, as we have a big community of mixed nationalities and lifestyles.

[kahallsmalls]

I am coming from El Paso TX. I am currently here on my last duty assignment with the army. I am originally from San Antonio Tx and my husband is from Indiana. I have never dealt with any type of prejudice or racism but am prepared for it. However, I do not want my son growing up in an "unaccepting" community.

[Upsilon]

Not sure if there is an unaccepting community around here unless you go far into some backwoods/isolated town or something. Definitely won't be a problem in the city; I'm a white dude and I room mate with two black friends (they're siblings and their parents are mixed white/black) and our neighborhood is quite mixed. I mean, you can only restrict yourself from living so much until you end up going nowhere. Maybe if you did move into an "unaccepting community" somewhere out there, your presence would actually bring light to the situation and they'll get out of their backwards minds? You never know.