Rensselaer/Jasper County (Valparaiso, Porter: home, high school, university)

[JohnD_fla]

How receptive is this area to out-of-towners? I have a physician buddy who's planning to relocate his family there. Was trying to get some info about the place but there's hardly anything posted online. I've heard that many parts of Indiana are not diverse. His is a mixed race family and I was just curious about how they might be received there. Thanks for any info.

[GraniteStater]

Yes, that area has Saint Joseph's college that does bring some outsiders in. Otherwise, it is a typically provincial Midwest agrarian area IMO with lots of cornfields everywhere. That area is close to Porter County (Valparaiso) that does have more things going on, home of Valparaiso University and a lively Downtown area for its size with a good amount of shops and restaurants.

[JohnD_fla]

Thank you. What about the diversity there though. Is it a place where an interracial couple will have problems or where mixed race kids will get hassled in school?

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by JohnD_fla

Thank you. What about the diversity there though. Is it a place where an interracial couple will have problems or where mixed race kids will get hassled in school?

I'm not very familiar with the town, but demographics show about 92% white and 5.5% Hispanic. I couldn't tell you too much additionally on the schools there. The educational attainment for Rensselaer is below the state average with 84.5% of the population having a high school diploma and 17.3% having a four year degree. It is unfortunate that Valparaiso is so far from that area or I would suggest living there and commuting to Rensselaer.
Also, in small towns like these it often will take a long time to gain a circle of friends or become involved in the community. If positive efforts are made by newcomers they will generally be received positively by the locals with time.