The American South is an incredible area of the country that has gone through countless lifetimes. From the history of slavery to the incredible rise of civil rights leaders and the amazing push for equality for all people: there’s a lot in the south for someone who wants to be part of an actively evolving area.
Unfortunately, a lot of this portion of the country isn’t as welcoming as it should be. If you want to live in a diverse environment and avoid sundown towns like the plague, here’s everything you need to know!
The Metros Are Where Diversity Thrives
Cities and metro areas have far more diversity than any other part of the south. From the larger population density to the huge number of jobs available, cities are far more welcoming to diverse people, with more laws and legislation to protect people who are racially diverse.
Unfortunately, these are often more expensive areas, and the price of finding New Orleans houses for sale often leaves people as renters for life. There are some cities that are working to change that, but not every city offers this kind of reprieve.
What Are Sundown Towns and How to Avoid Them
A large reason why cities are such hubs for people is that the south still has an issue with sundown towns. These are towns that are racially charged and backward in politics, and as a general rule- nobody should want to be in these towns after dark. It’s not safe.
If you’re road tripping through the south, or considering a move with the home sight unseen, consider checking out projects like this sundown town warning map, which also lists out which cities and towns are more biracial, and even which counties may not be safe to live in. This will help you avoid possible dangers and let you know what types of towns may be near your home.
Why Diversity Benefits Everyone
Diversity is one of the most important parts of life. Not only does living around people who are a mixture of people alike and different from you give you the chance to interact with other cultures and make friends: it helps communities be stronger as well. A diverse community is more likely to have positive economic growth, more support networks, and far fewer hate crimes.
Most Affordable Diverse City In the South
Currently, the city ranked most ethnically diverse in the south is Orlando, Florida. With a large range of people from different backgrounds, Orlando allows everyone to mingle and become a solid team. This is a fantastic place to live if you want to live in a community that’s still growing and changing.
It’s Important to Be Part of Diverse Communities
Whether you’re trying to connect with people like you in an area where you know there aren’t many, or you’re trying to diversify the people you surround yourself with: it’s vital to be a part of communities that aren’t homogenous. Get to know new people and make connections that can make your community stronger.