Reviews & Comments
Portland, OR
re: culture shocked - 12/5/2007 -
7/30/2008I have to STRONGLY disagree with Leo re: South Florida being "excellent when it comes to race." I have family there and have visited for over 30 years. The reason I would NEVER live there is because of the extremely rude behavior and entitlement attitudes of two groups of people. The Latin people and older/retired people. I have never experienced this anywhere else in the United States or Mexico, but it is PRONOUNCED in Florida. I now live in Central Kansas and I suppose that it is probably the best place I have lived in regard to racial equality and/or tolerance. I can't say it is the best, but I too was an Air Force brat and I think we got spoiled because I never seemed to notice racial tensions in that culture. I am white, but have a couple of minorities in my family so we tend to talk about issues like this. My niece's father is black and her mother white, and my niece's husband is Mexican. They live in Lubbock. They have had their share of minor instances, but nothing like your experience. Christine, did you settle in Colorado Springs because there is a military base nearby? I would have thought/hoped you would not find those attitudes around the military. I am particularly disgusted that children that young have been taught that attitude and that language. Their parents are probably too ignorant to be ashamed. Best of luck to you in your search.
Halstead, KS
Small Town Community -
7/30/2008An article I read about moving to a small town for more affordable housing said to look at other things as well, such as developing friendships and feeling like you are part of the community. It can be difficult in very small towns and I believe Halstead is one of them. We have lived here (outside the city limits) for over 20 years and although people are friendly enough, it seems as if you cannot actually belong if you were not born and raised here. Although we never had children, I hear praise for the school system, it seems like crime is very low. This is a town where, if you enjoy eating out and taking in a movie or shopping, you should expect to drive about 30 minutes to Wichita or some other city nearby to enjoy those things. Housing seems to be rather high in town. All in all it has a small town atmosphere and is close enough to Wichita to attract new people to keep it going, if not growing.