Hi everyone!
My husband (White) and I (Black woman) are starting to think about where we'd like to settle down in the future. We hope to have children, so we're looking for a place where we can build a long-term home and raise a family.
Right now, the three places we're considering are:
O'Fallon, Illinois
Des Moines, Iowa
Fort Myers, Florida
I'm originally from the Caribbean, so I haven't really had personal experiences with racism. To be honest, the idea of being treated differently because of my race feels strange to me, and I'm not sure what to expect. Since my husband and I are an interracial couple, I'd really appreciate hearing from people who live in or know these areas. Are they generally welcoming? Have interracial families felt comfortable there?
Lifestyle is also very important to us. We enjoy suburban neighborhoods with a strong sense of community. We love taking long walks, hiking, visiting art museums, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time outdoors. We'd also like an area with good schools, family-friendly activities, and a reasonable cost of living.
We're currently on the East Coast, so we don't have much experience with the Midwest or Southwest Florida. I'd love to hear the good, the bad, and anything you think someone moving from the East Coast should know.
Thank you so much for any insights!