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Is long hair welcomed in nice neighborhoods such as the newer suburbs?
In a collage town about 80 mile north of Sacramento California, I may have chose to buy a house in the wrong neighborhood:
One type of neighborhood has very few long hairs. Most of the houses are newer suburban houses. The yards are landscaped and well cared for. The crime rate is low. The streets are quiet. Most people own their home. Many people are middle age or older.
The other type of neighborhood has many long hairs. The houses are at least 30 years old, many more than 100 years old. Many houses are neglected. Some don't have landscaping, and many lawns are fields of weeds. The crime rate is high. Many calls are made to police about drunks in public or someone trying to sleep in someone's front yard. There are many parties, drug problems and large populations of students near the college. Many people are renting. Many people are young.
I have very long hair, but I chose a neighborhood that has newer houses and fewer problems, and unfortunately has fewer long hairs. After a neighbor in a friendly conversation said he and his brother chased hippies when he used to live in Idaho, I wonder if that was a hint to tell me I'd be more welcomed in the other type neighborhoods?
Do you see a similar pattern in areas you lived in?
Well, maybe I shouldn't be responding here, I don't live in suburbia, but rather in a small town in NW IL. When I started to grow my hair I expected some negativity. Actually have had very little and absolutely NONE from strangers. A couple from Mom and Grandma (they quickly laid off) and a couple from old folks at work (who also quickly gave it up).
If rural IL is accepting, I would think the enlightened folks living in suburbia in CA could deal with long hair, but then that's generalizing.
You made the right decision about a house, that's a big investment. As for the neighbor's comment, you said it was a friendly conversation. I'd take it for that, nothing else intended. He was just getting to know you and making conversation, perhaps he thought you'd find it funny? I wouldn't worry about it, but that's just me.
Be friendly, invite some of them over for a cook-out, let them get to know you and get to know them. Today I think most people really see beyond the length of someone's hair.
From what you said about the town, some may expect you to be like those in the "other" neighborhood. Just prove them wrong, be yourself and time will be your friend.
Best wishes,
T
Even if the place you live has a lot to do with the profile of the ppl around you, suburban Sacramento doesn't sound like a haven for long hair haters. You just described two places and I think one is all pros and the other is all cons. Your investment is fine, the place in nice and I think cali is one of the most tolerant states. If you would be in the midwest, I agree to your concern, but no matter if people is a sledge wealthier there, I'm sure some will actually have or want long hair, specially young people. Just keep an eye on the way people percieve you, and correct and guide misjudgements.
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
Don't let them FOOL you!
I live in one of those "nice neighborhoods" and there is just as much crime
going on except who gets arrested when they live behind nice walls...
in nice houses with perfect lawns and...
the cops are afraid to arrest them because...
there are so many professionals with so many lawyers...
So, send the police to the 'less fortunate' neighbors...
where the 'pickings' are easier to...
pick up and...
Good Luck!
don't let those "perfect" neighborhoods fool you!
I live in a neighborhood with 50-75 year old homes. Yes, some of the homes are rather neglected, but with intrest rates low, many people are fixing them up. I exchange work with several of my neighbors on my house and theirs
People outside the neighborhood complain about the crime rate around here, but the worst I've seen is a few teenagers in ghetto-blaster cards cruising around the block. (we have a 25 foot rule here). Yea, there's been a few domestic fights, but they are usually taken care of without involvement of other neighbors (these can happen anywhere!)
I've found the neighbors here very friendly, and yes, many have longhair! I got to know the ones both sides of me closely within a few months of moving in. Everybody looks out for one another around here!
There's more of a mix of people here. some single, some young, some elderly, some with school-age children...Many people from different trades and backgrounds...and even ones of different income amounts.
so, why did I choose this neighborhood?
No nazi-like neighborhood councils to complain about EVERYTHING (yes, I've even heard of them fining someone for mowing the grass in the wrong direction!) Remember, YOU own the land, not a neighborhood council, so do whatever you wish with your property!
The houses around here are VERY well built. I looked at new homes under construction, and worried the wind would blow them over if it got above 25mph!
Very centrally located within the city, near public transportation, and within walking distance to commercial areas for shopping & errands
Don't let the older neighborhoods fool you. First, talk to someone who actually lives there, instead of just listening. I mean is it really such a "nice" neighborhood, if they want to run you outta there because you are "different!" Chances are, the streets are quiet because nobody is ever home...always gone working to pay for the places!!! In my neighborhood, the streets are alive with people all times of day from kids playing, to joggers, to just simply people hanging out talking to one another. There's much more tolerance around here, and I've seen an elderly woman chatting it up with a redneck longhair more than once without any problems...not to mention many other combinations getting along in harmony.
One of the BIGGEST problems as you stated to look out for however is renters. Look for an older neighborhood that is more owned than rented, and I guarantee you will find a right pleasant place to live!
I moved from a slightly wealthier part of northern Virginia's suburbs to a more average area, and found that I fit in a lot better in the better neighborhoods. Living here I am often stared at or called "ma'am" in restaurants and such, and have seen quite a few confused children who don't realize men can have long hair. But I don't care. There's no crime, it's a decent area, and they'll get over it.