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Old 06-11-2021, 09:13 AM
 
2 posts, read 6,688 times
Reputation: 20

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Hello everyone,

I am new to city-data.com. So please forgive me if I do not have the proper online etiquette established within this forum as of now.

I found this site by chance and saw that it was fruitful in obtaining local information.
My husband and I, both Hispanic, with two toddlers, are looking to move from Chicago to the suburbs or Valparaiso or Chesterton, IN. But after looking at some older threads, it appears racism exists in these IN locations. Is this true today? How would either city feel having a Hispanic family move in? How would the schools treat them? I would like to know in order to move forward with our consideration or axe it.

Thank you
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Old 06-11-2021, 07:10 PM
 
Location: City of North Las Vegas, NV
12,600 posts, read 9,384,855 times
Reputation: 3487
Racism card is over played. Every place can be racist or not racist. If you're not, you're bound to mirror that and others won't be racist towards you either. Don't listen to MSM. The far majority of Americans are not racist.
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Old 06-12-2021, 12:23 AM
 
Location: 78745
4,502 posts, read 4,609,298 times
Reputation: 8006
Valaraiso is probably close to 10% Hispanic. If the Hispanics felt unwelcome, I doubt the Hispanic population would be growing like it is. If you're polite and respectful, most likely you'll be treated the same way.
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Old 06-12-2021, 02:12 PM
 
255 posts, read 414,323 times
Reputation: 248
Hispanic families live down the street and around the corner from me in Valparaiso. As far as I know, they have had zero issues. Hispanic populations are growing a decent amount in both Valparaiso and Chesterton. The Hispanic population continues to grow significantly in Portage.
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Old 06-12-2021, 05:21 PM
 
Location: Edmonds, WA
8,975 posts, read 10,203,209 times
Reputation: 14247
My best friend from high school is Hispanic (Mexican American) and we went to Valparaiso High School together. This was 17-18 years ago. She ended up moving to Phoenix for a few years and said she felt that people were more racist there than in Valpo. That struck me as odd given the face that Arizona has a much higher Hispanic population, but she really hated it there and felt it was an extremely racist place. She actually ended up moving back to Valpo and bought a house there with her husband (white). She’s never complained to me about racism in Valpo specifically or anyone having problems with interracial couples like they apparently did in Phoenix. Just my personal anecdote.
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Old 06-13-2021, 09:16 AM
 
2,156 posts, read 5,489,099 times
Reputation: 1572
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommy.marshmallow2021 View Post
Hello everyone,

I am new to city-data.com. So please forgive me if I do not have the proper online etiquette established within this forum as of now.

I found this site by chance and saw that it was fruitful in obtaining local information.
My husband and I, both Hispanic, with two toddlers, are looking to move from Chicago to the suburbs or Valparaiso or Chesterton, IN. But after looking at some older threads, it appears racism exists in these IN locations. Is this true today? How would either city feel having a Hispanic family move in? How would the schools treat them? I would like to know in order to move forward with our consideration or axe it.

Thank you
Racism is going to be in every area, even areas with a higher minority population than others. With that being said, Valpo and Chesterton historically were not seen as the most friendly/accepting places of minorities; however, most of it was directed towards Blacks/African-Americans generally and less so towards non-White Hispanics. This is not just coming from me, but coming from Black people who I know lived there (some from childhood). I’ve also heard this from White people I know from Valpo as well.

I would like to say you would be fine. Being “polite” or “impolite” should not factor much in experiencing racism. If someone is racist, they may still be racist no matter how polite you are. Just be aware of your surroundings, try and meet your neighbors. If you feel uneasy, install exterior cameras wherever you move to or at least get a ring doorbell. That way, if something happens on your property like a racially-motivated incident, there is at least a chance it could get recorded.

I will not dismiss your feelings because unfortunately, certain areas have certain reputations for a reason; however, you should still move where you want to move! If someone who is racist does not like your presence, then they are the ones who should move out or they can deal with it.

On the plus side and in my opinion, Valpo has gotten more desirable overall as time goes on, more diverse and integrated (not just racially/ethnically), and attracts people from all walks of life (although it has gotten more expensive). I like Chesterton better for its location but it seems like they are a little behind Valpo when it comes to some offerings and amenities. The school districts in both areas are great too.

Good luck!
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Old 07-23-2021, 09:03 PM
 
2 posts, read 6,688 times
Reputation: 20
Thank you so much for your reply, it didn't dismiss any of my concerns. I have decided to stay in Illinois for now, but definitely will consider Valparaiso down the road given how beautiful and peaceful it seems.
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Old 07-26-2021, 02:11 AM
 
2,156 posts, read 5,489,099 times
Reputation: 1572
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommy.marshmallow2021 View Post
Thank you so much for your reply, it didn't dismiss any of my concerns. I have decided to stay in Illinois for now, but definitely will consider Valparaiso down the road given how beautiful and peaceful it seems.
You’re welcome! And if/when you do move to NWI, WELCOME (with no conditions attached like many like to do regarding your voting, driving, etc.)!!! Just a simple “welcome”! ☺️
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Old 07-26-2021, 09:52 AM
 
Location: Sweet Home Chicago!
6,721 posts, read 6,475,985 times
Reputation: 9910
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ivory Lee Spurlock View Post
Valaraiso is probably close to 10% Hispanic. If the Hispanics felt unwelcome, I doubt the Hispanic population would be growing like it is. If you're polite and respectful, most likely you'll be treated the same way.
Agree, what concerns most is property value and safety. If you keep your home/lawn looking good and are polite/respectful, you will be welcome regardless of color, etc.
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Old 07-26-2021, 04:09 PM
 
2,156 posts, read 5,489,099 times
Reputation: 1572
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommy.marshmallow2021 View Post
Thank you so much for your reply, it didn't dismiss any of my concerns. I have decided to stay in Illinois for now, but definitely will consider Valparaiso down the road given how beautiful and peaceful it seems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Northwest Indiana View Post
You’re welcome! And if/when you do move to NWI, WELCOME (with no conditions attached like many like to do regarding your voting, driving, etc.)!!! Just a simple “welcome”! ☺️
And again, just to reiterate to you. The hope is that everyone would welcome you especially as Valpo has come a long way from its past; however, the fact is that this is not guaranteed. As is the case in many exurbs/suburbs, there are folks who moved to certain places specifically to get away from others (aka “White Flight”) and they will be people that will be upset by your mere presence as a resident in the community no matter how polite of a person you are or how well your property is kept. A lack of well-maintained property is never a reason to be the subject of racism, period. Overall, you should have a positive experience but again, it is reasonable and valid to have the concerns you have and you certainly are not alone in your concerns.
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