Richmond,CA

[Isunkel]

I lived in Richmond for 2 years, I was a first time home buyer and really thought I could deal with the it. I'm Asian and have been exposed to diversity before, so I had a better chance than most. The house I bought was near the City Hall and what a nightmare it was!! There was a Catholic church that would ring it's bells at 6:00am every Sunday and all day long. Mass was so lound that the whole neighborhood was forced to listen to the preaching and the bad singing. It took about a year to get the Mayor and the police department to do anything about it - My mail would get opened and stolen. My friend's car was stolen right out of my driveway. You couldn't walk around at night and gunshots were the norm every night. Being an adult, I did not have to worry about my kids nor the education level they would receive. I coudn't wait to move out - it wasn't soon enough. I found a house in Pinole that I love, nice yard, quiet, great neighbors. Yes Richmond is changing but it's going to take a long time, there are still areas of Richmond that you don't want to be a night!! Just go by and start driving around and look around, really look around - it's pretty obvious.

[Mr. Opinionated]

Originally Posted by aaronroy1

I am moving to Richmond from Chicago really soon and wanted to get someones take on it. I have read some of the other posts, but I was wondering if I could hear from some folks who actually value diversity and have a heart for the poor and don't view black people as "burdens." I am biracial (black&white) and my wife is Puerto Rican. We love being around different people and cultures (this even includes different economic levels) and actually are looking forward to living in Richmond. We have two little boys (2&3) and are about to have a little girl in June. We want to raise our boys around people from all walks of life and want them to see the beauty in all cultures. The area where we are thinking about moving is around 28th and Rheem Ave. Can anyone tell us about this part of Richmond? Recreation, Culture, Ethnicity, etc. Your info and perspective will be greatly appreciated.

God Bless,
Aaron

Well, I've only lived in the East Bay since February, and also work in the Point area. But that's usually during the daylight. However, I was treated to a non-fatal drive-by shooting one afternoon near the Atchison Complex. Being from South Los Angeles, I was more surprised than startled by it during those hours. I have lived all over California and the best way to deal with an area with a sketchy reputation is not to live in fear. I agree that there are supposedly 'safer' neighborhoods, but people are getting crazier by the week nowadays. We have way too much freedom (rights) and it is being abused in every circle. Like the public, immoral authorities also rage, steal and murder with impunity. A horrible example for everyone. Crime can happen anywhere. Not just paces like Richmond. So if you choose to explore Richmond, California or anywhere else, be sensible, practical and use caution especially at night. Even with the aforementioned incident, daylight appears to be the best time to move around the area for now.

Originally Posted by veganwriter

28th and Rheem Ave? You're not going to have to worry about blacks in that area as much as you'll have to contend with Mexican crime. (Gangs and LOTS of attitude.) But your wife is Puerto Rican and you probably look somewhat Hispanic ... so it may all be cool. Don't worry homes. What kind of car do you drive? (Just kidding!) I'm FROM Richmond ... Hollar.

...Not a fair assessment of any area, based on racism.

[PixelatedTherapy]

Originally Posted by aaronroy1

I am moving to Richmond from Chicago really soon and wanted to get someones take on it. I have read some of the other posts, but I was wondering if I could hear from some folks who actually value diversity and have a heart for the poor and don't view black people as "burdens." I am biracial (black&white) and my wife is Puerto Rican. We love being around different people and cultures (this even includes different economic levels) and actually are looking forward to living in Richmond. We have two little boys (2&3) and are about to have a little girl in June. We want to raise our boys around people from all walks of life and want them to see the beauty in all cultures. The area where we are thinking about moving is around 28th and Rheem Ave. Can anyone tell us about this part of Richmond? Recreation, Culture, Ethnicity, etc. Your info and perspective will be greatly appreciated.

God Bless,
Aaron

Richmond has some good parts but most of the city is very ghetto. Like worse than the bad parts of Oakland, some years Richmond has had nearly 50 homicides in a year which is a terrible number considering it only has 100,000 residents.

[PixelatedTherapy]

Expanding on that there's good areas surrounding Richmond like El Sobrante, Pinole, Albany, El Cerrito. Also, don't worry about diversity pretty much everywhere in the Bay is diverse.