Seeking a hispanic-friendly neighborhood with good schools

[Anonymous]

We are a Hispanic family who have been living in MoCo for about five years, and who increasingly feel that our neighbors -- who are mostly white non-Hispanic -- look down on us. Outwardly they are perfectly friendly. But we are only selectively included in neighborhood socializing, and we have also had a few interactions recently that have made us feel watched and judged. It's become increasingly uncomfortable, and we are ready to start thinking about moving to a new neighborhood.

Moving to the Alexandria area (as long as it is within 10 miles of the Wilson Bridge) would give us both a better commute. We would like to buy something (house, condo) in the 500K range, but could afford up to 750K. Good schools are a big plus, but mostly we are just seeking advice on neighborhoods where we don't have to feel self-conscious about being Hispanic.

TIA for your advice!

[Anonymous]

where are you from?

[Anonymous]

We don't need to be in a neighborhood that caters to specific nationalities, just one that is inclusive.

[Anonymous]

I think PP was trying to get a take on where in MoCo you were from...

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (I boosted the neighborhood a few weeks ago) I think that the Garrett Park/Kensington Parkwood area is welcoming.

[Anonymous]

thanks, PP, will look into this neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

I am guessing from your post you are non-white Hispanic? If so, the problem with Alexandria City is that most Hispanics are lower income and no matter which neighborhood you live, you will end up with very likely the same reaction you are having in your current neighborhood.
You can move farther out in Alexandria - Fort Hunt, Waynewood, etc but there is very little diversity and you will likely be one of very few non white families. On the other hand, because everyone will try much harder to be very PC, they will probably be far more inclusive.
I would consider moving to Fairfax if I were you. Much better overall diversity everywhere including socio-economic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are a Hispanic family who have been living in MoCo for about five years, and who increasingly feel that our neighbors -- who are mostly white non-Hispanic -- look down on us. Outwardly they are perfectly friendly. But we are only selectively included in neighborhood socializing, and we have also had a few interactions recently that have made us feel watched and judged. It's become increasingly uncomfortable, and we are ready to start thinking about moving to a new neighborhood.

Moving to the Alexandria area (as long as it is within 10 miles of the Wilson Bridge) would give us both a better commute. We would like to buy something (house, condo) in the 500K range, but could afford up to 750K. Good schools are a big plus, but mostly we are just seeking advice on neighborhoods where we don't have to feel self-conscious about being Hispanic.

TIA for your advice!

Our family is not hispanic, but your description of your interactions with neighbors sounds familiar to me. Is it possible that people are just not that friendly, or that they are busy, or that they are just very "into" their own thing and not so open to newcomers. I ask this honestly b/c we are a non-minority, upper income family and when we moved to a new neighborhood about a year ago and we were never welcomed in any way, shape or form by our neighbors. After the kids started school, we learned that there were classmates of my kids' who lived just around the corner. Never did they introduce themselves or welcome us. Once I realized we had kids the same age, I introduced myself and suggested we get the kids together. The mom said something non-committal about how busy their schedule was. Since that time, we still haven't been included in any neighborhood gatherings; the kids aren't invited to play, etc. It seems like a real struggle to gain any type of footing in this neighborhood.

I have seen other threads where posters have inquired about neighborhoods or schools that are friendly toward certain ethnic/racial groups, etc. I've often wondered that, if our family were minority or low income, if we would assume this cold, unwelcoming response by neighbors was the result of prejudice. I am not suggesting that prejudices don't exist...but I do wonder if we are living in a culture where newcomers are really just ignored. Is this possible?

[Anonymous]

Our neighbors have plenty of time to socialize...not an issue for them. The issue that we have is how they choose to selectively socialize with us, and that is what has made us feel the way we do. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Our family is not hispanic, but your description of your interactions with neighbors sounds familiar to me. Is it possible that people are just not that friendly, or that they are busy, or that they are just very "into" their own thing and not so open to newcomers. I ask this honestly b/c we are a non-minority, upper income family and when we moved to a new neighborhood about a year ago and we were never welcomed in any way, shape or form by our neighbors. After the kids started school, we learned that there were classmates of my kids' who lived just around the corner. Never did they introduce themselves or welcome us. Once I realized we had kids the same age, I introduced myself and suggested we get the kids together. The mom said something non-committal about how busy their schedule was. Since that time, we still haven't been included in any neighborhood gatherings; the kids aren't invited to play, etc. It seems like a real struggle to gain any type of footing in this neighborhood.

I have seen other threads where posters have inquired about neighborhoods or schools that are friendly toward certain ethnic/racial groups, etc. I've often wondered that, if our family were minority or low income, if we would assume this cold, unwelcoming response by neighbors was the result of prejudice. I am not suggesting that prejudices don't exist...but I do wonder if we are living in a culture where newcomers are really just ignored. Is this possible?

I was thinking the same thing myself and I am a non-white Hispanic. Some MoCo neighborhoods just arent friendly or the parents are very cliquey -- neither having anything to do with race or ethnicity, of course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am guessing from your post you are non-white Hispanic? If so, the problem with Alexandria City is that most Hispanics are lower income and no matter which neighborhood you live, you will end up with very likely the same reaction you are having in your current neighborhood.
You can move farther out in Alexandria - Fort Hunt, Waynewood, etc but there is very little diversity and you will likely be one of very few non white families. On the other hand, because everyone will try much harder to be very PC, they will probably be far more inclusive.
I would consider moving to Fairfax if I were you. Much better overall diversity everywhere including socio-economic.

Could you please elaborate about Fairfax? What about the part of Alexandria in Fairfax Country schools?

[Anonymous]

no, I meant what ethnicity, not where in MontCo. I think this is a fake post. But on the odd chance it is real, then I really doubt the neighbors give two shits where you are from, and the problem is likely you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:no, I meant what ethnicity, not where in MontCo. I think this is a fake post. But on the odd chance it is real, then I really doubt the neighbors give two shits where you are from, and the problem is likely you.

Ok, so how do we get it across to you that this is a real post? We described the situation as we see it....what else do you need?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:no, I meant what ethnicity, not where in MontCo. I think this is a fake post. But on the odd chance it is real, then I really doubt the neighbors give two shits where you are from, and the problem is likely you.

Why so bitchy?

[Anonymous]

Don't worry OP, your situation sounds perfectly plausible to me. Sorry I don't have any recommendations on neighborhoods for you but I get where you are coming from.

[Anonymous]

I can think of several neighborhoods in Fairfax County where the socio-economic factors weigh more than ethnicity. There are many areas where diplomats, employees of IMF, World Bank, etc., live so the ethnicity is quite diverse but the socio-economic factors are not. Given your commute factor (< 10 miles from Wilson Bridge) I would look in the Stratford Landing ES area. Stratford Landing ES has the least amount of socio-economic diversity in Cluster 4 in that area (including much of the Alexandria portion of Fairfax County, as requested in the OP).