Have you ever lived in a bad neighborhood then moved to a good neighborhood? (school, suburb)

[BlackTie29]

I stayed in the hood up until I was 15, then I moved to middle class neighborhood in a nearby suburb.

Do any of you guys have similar experiences?
Were you able to adjust to the new environment?

[fallingwater]

Sort of. We moved from a working class town that was going down hill fast. The crime started to get out of control and we got out. We now live in a upper middle class to wealthy area. We moved out of state and the area we are from is known for high crime, corruption and over all bad reputation. My son on occasion has received some guff from kids at his new school because of what they have heard or seen in the media about our home town. We live modestly but do enjoy some of the latest gadgets. My son who is in middle school sometimes feels like the odd ball because he does not have an iphone which seems to be the norm at his school. Sometimes I think he feels like he does not belong here. Well he does, everyone has the right to live where they want. Coming from an area that has crime, misfortune or other unpleasantness gives a person a better perspective on life. You have seen the worst and know things can get better. You will be more understanding of why things go array in life and that makes you more well rounded. Sometimes when people are completely sheltered from real life do not see the bigger picture. Enjoy your new safer area and never forget your roots.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by fallingwater

Enjoy your new safer area and never forget your roots.

Great advice and nice story! I grew up in a small lumber mill town (not much crime but economically depressed) and moved to a major city. However, even in the city, we lived in a not-so-desirable neighborhood. Then we bought a house in a middle class -wealthy suburb. It's different not having to worry about things in a 'bad' neighborhood on a daily basis. But I do agree with Fallingwater in that having that kind of background makes you a unique individual, esp one that does not expect things or feel entitled to things. It has helped me tremendously even in my career when I work with those with "less advantage" (hey, because I was one of them once upon a time) and to not stereotype or make assumptions about those who have not had the same opportunities as I have.

Yes, never forget about your roots. It is something special about your individuality and it can be tricky finding a balance about things.