"Everybody knows Washington State is Green, but How Black?" | Vancouver WA Race & Culture Interview
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- IN this episode, we have a very real & candid talk about race, culture & being Black in the Pacific Northwest (specifically Portland, Oregon, Southwest Washington & the Greater Vancouver area)...
A subscriber recently shared that she specifically watched my channel because I am a Black woman/ person of color living in the PNW - it got my husband & I thinking about sharing our Black experience here, as well as the concerns & questions we had when considering our move 3 years ago.
Everybody knows the United States has some deep-rooted and serious issues in regards to race relations, and in an area like The Pacific Northwest, the issue is even more misunderstood (my Mother-in-law literally asked us if there were any Black people here 😂!)...
Come along as we take a deep dive into race, culture and being Black in The PNW! - Hal
If you've decided on Vancouver, join Jarret & I in our local community FB Group "Vancouver Talk" for water-cooler type conversation about what's going on in Vancouver: / 597042007363219
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Hal Byrd, REALTOR®
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I absolutely love helping people find home! If you are moving within or relocating to SW Washington, I'm happy to guide and support you through the journey.
Reach out day/nights/weekends (24 hrs), I am here for you!
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I have white friends who don't understand this dilemma bc yes as a minority we can navigate most day to day activities in life without a 'racist' encounter, what is experienced is a bias based on skin color, like a glass ceiling at work, or preferential treatment of others, while being held to a different standard. As an old black guy, it just gets old having to deal with someone else's hang ups and that's why I left the East Coast.
As a Norwegian swede man from WA I can confidently say "whites" are the minority... Also, as a Norwegian swede man who grew up in WA, I've actually experienced a lot racism from "minority" groups. Some people straight up treat me like I'm a racist who had slave owners in my ancestry, which is far from the truth. I don't judge anyone by skin color or how they look, but I've been judged by both those things. Also, when people say things like "white/black" it's just ignorant. I have many African friends who hate the term "Black people" because it doesn't represent them at all... Same goes for people saying "white people" because I have many Hispanic friends who appear "white" but they just have light skin. If people want to identify themselves as anything other than people, they should look into their real ancestry or go buy a kit for like $100. If someone can't spend $100 to find out what they are, then they clearly don't care enough about their history and only listen to what they hear from the media and their peers. There's no way in hell someone at some point in their life can't afford a $100 DNA kit so they can say things like "I'm half Eastern European and half West African" Instead of "Half white, half bkack" because that really doesn't say anything about you to someone you may be meeting for the first time. No hate, just trying to help humanity as a whole.
@@bigdawgbignuts313you literally typed a whole bunch of nothing.
Was looking for a video like this... much needed answers to topics rarely talked about. I'm also from Philly been here for 28 years and contemplating a move to PNW for a job opportunity. Worried about the Seattle Freeze, social scene, feeling isolated as a Black American. Thank you again for this video!
In Seattle area, you would have to find a friend group through common interests or activities. People socialize in groups & clicks. If you are stuck on your own most of the time & don't make an effort, you would feel the freeze and isolated.
@@TheDailyGold gotcha i usually hike, camp, overland and offroad a lot and Seattle and the rest of Washington seems like a perfect place for activities like this
@@DJKero17 It would be a good fit and a really good fit if you are an introvert and don't mind overcast weather for half the year. The entire PNW and MW region is great for all those activities. Some of those are drivable from Seattle area.
@@TheDailyGold I'm an introvert and really into the outdoors (hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling). Hoping to meet some like-minded folks...I don't need a huge group of friends, but a few welcoming people would be ideal. I have several friends in the PNW but they're all spread out.
If your'e moving to Seattle, move closer to Tacoma. Tacoma is where a large amount of black folks live. Gentrification has moved a lot of black folks towards that area. But yeah the Seattle Freeze is real if you're introverted.
Happy someone made this video. Bring black 29 year old woman. I’ve experienced racism & I was taught growing up to make sure where you move isn’t filled with ppl who don’t like blacks. This is kinda the reason I’ve been scared to move so much.
I live in Mesa AZ & it’s okay but I have ran into a few ppl who are racist but I don’t live near them thank god.
Hoping for the same I. Washington
I love this video and I appreciate both of your sharing your experiences.
As a mixed Black/Puerto Rican man myself, I find strength whenever we tell our stories.
I lived in Vancouver for six months and loved it. I am trying to move back
and get my living /employment situation taken care of. Vancouver feels like home to me. Yes, I have gotten "the nod" boarding the Vine on Fourth Plain and at the library downtown. I miss riding my bike up and down Burnt Creek trail. Vancouver has been better for my mental health and I am itching to get back :)
Hi I am so happy I found your channel. I typed in.the UA-cam browser, “Being black in Vancouver Washington for ideas for my channel that I recently started. To my surprised, your video popped up. My husband and I moved to Vancouver Wa 3 years ago from the Bay Area California. We became first time homeowners after years of renting. It was too expensive to buy a home in California. Although there are challenges here especially being people of color, I am Black and & Filipino, & my husband is Black & Hispanic, we are glad we moved here. I am hoping there are more people of color that migrates in the area. & become homeowners.
Is it that obvious that I watch all your videos? Hahaha, thanks for the shoutout! I saw your vid on my feed and clicked so fast. This is such an important discussion, so thank you for being brave and open about your experience.
I’m a brown Central American woman born and raised in LA in a diverse community (my high school and college was majority black & brown). When I travel for work, I’m always reminded of how different my experience is. Yes, racism exists everywhere, including LA, but I would like to know that I am relatively safe in the community I call home. Unfortunately, this is the kind of thing one must think of as a person of color.
Also, fellow introvert here. I thought you guys were extroverts for sure, so quite surprised. I think the chill vibes are what is drawing us to the pacific northwest too.
Love your content! Cheers!
No, not obvious haha I just guessed because you do comment :) It truly means so much to me that you enjoyed this video in particular. There's lots more to say on this topic, of course.
We're definitely introverts, peopleing gets me tired. Love people, but need my alone time to recharge for sure!
The PNW is ultimate chill vibes, it's a "do you boo" attitude.
Hi Hal, 🎉 Congrats on over 100 subs! I came across your channel & mark my words, this is your year to make it even bigger on UA-cam. I'm continuing to watch your journey & I simply cannot wait to see your other videos suggested by the platform. All the best, Brad J Success 🙌
Thanks so much!
Thank you for covering those delicate topics, well done.
Thank you! It's tough, but needed. So happy you got something out of it! :)
Thank you so much for making this video. These are absolutely conversations we need to be having. ❤️ Your videos and information are fantastic and really helping me in my decision making. Can't wait to call PNW my home.
Thank you so much. Looking forward to calling you a PNW neighbor 😊
I think something important to point out as well is that black culture in the PNW is generally different than other parts of the country. The Seattle freeze that transplants experience also trickles into the black community here. As you were explaining at the 30 min mark about the "head nod" and sense of community amongst black folk. I have noticed as a born and bred southerner that this just doesn't exist here lol. At least in my experience. Like you said, some (who most likely are from other states as well) will acknowledge you while majority of others will look at you as if you've grown a 3rd eye if you try and extend that hospitality. As it is with most of the PNW though. So that is something for other black folk to be prepared for when considering this state. You will have a challenge finding and feeling that sense of community even if it's just in the small form of the beloved "head nod". It's a challenge. It's tough. It leaves much to be missed of you are from more friendly states. But WA still has so much to offer in other ways. So best thing to do is just come and experience it yourself. You will grow in many ways if you stay open to new experiences 😊. God bless.
Ah! This is so well said and articulates so much of a common experience! Thank you 🙏🏼 ❤️
I'm white, but completely agree about the freeze... regardless of ethnicity, that shit is real. People do not socially interact like they do in the south and Midwest. It is not like Chicago or Houston. It's introvert heaven here and I'm an extrovert
But it is really pretty here and the weather is amazing
I am fearful everytime my husband goes on a run. We live in the Tennessee and we have had our fair share of racism over our 20 years together. We were born and raised here and my family has been in the same area of Tennessee forever. It is a lot better today but we recently had two children and so now I worry about things even more. We are relocating to Washington next year for a job opportunity I have accepted and this was the first subject I wanted to investigate. Thank you for this video.
It’s worse up here because it’s covert z!!!
Thank you for posting this. This really helps me decide on my next chapter of where I want to move to, hopefully by the end of 2022. My mother has been bugging me that she was wants to move to Vancouver and I was unsure it would be a spot for her and for my family. I too come from Rancho Cucamonga (14 years ), currently living in Riverside, CA and I cannot wait to get the heck out of this state. I hope we can link up one day so that we can feel comfortable knowing there are people of color close by. Thank you again!
We were in the Great Freeze in Texas. That’s not something we ever want to revisit. Thank you for the video and your transparency. While hubs and I are white, we have numerous family members that are mixed Caribbean Black and white. We pay attention to the issues around racism where we are and our relatives’ safety. It hurts my heart to hear how embedded this racism is.😢
I have to say, as a black man who’s currently in the process of setting myself up to relocate to SW Washington, your videos have been a huuuuge resource for me! I just wanted to thank you, seriously! One of my biggest concerns for my move was definitely assimilation & comfortability, being a minority. You guys really helped ease a bit of the concerns I had, and set proper expectations. Keep making awesome content, it helps POC like myself who are interested in the SW Washington region!
Thank you for making this video. While I'm white, these things are important to me when deciding where to live. I'm tired of California (mainly the weather) and want to move north, where it still rains. Clark County is very appealing to me.
Did you move? this is where I am with California also.
@@lucinda507 not yet. We are moving at the end of November this year.
thank you for sharing your experiences and for all the good information about the area!
Thank you so much for this video, I’m a 22 year old college graduate looking to move to the PNW from ALABAMA and this video was really something I needed. One of my biggest fears was not being able to find safe spaces within the Black community and just being unaware of how the community is racially However, you guys gave me some closure on that and really made me feel secure and acknowledgeable about my move to the PNW. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!
Fellow Alabamian living in Houston . Hope things turned out well for you.
This was informative. I plan to move to the Seattle area when my son finish high school (2 years from now). Good to know your experiences.
Thank you so much for making this video. My husband is Indian and I'm black Caribbean. We were looking at Oregan but stumbled on videos on Vancouver. We are tired of the political noise in Indiana, and we are ready to go. We are seriously contemplating Vancouver.
This is the first vid I’ve watched of yours. Thanks for the info. I hit subscribe. My husband sent it to me bc he’s trying to convince me to move our family to PNW also from Southern California. I’ve only lived here Northern California and Louisiana for college so I am clawing to stay here. I’m a Cali girl, I love the sun. I love being outside. He’s working hard and this vid is helping.. lol damnit.
I thought I was a Southern California girl for life, but I honestly love living here. And aside from Mexican food, I don't miss it & can't imagine moving back. Good news though is if you don't like you can always move back. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat or ask any questions I haven't covered bit.ly/chatwithhal
@@halbyrd_ I’m sure I’ll be reaching out soon! Thank you for replying 😊
As someone who's lived in the PNW for over 45 years (and So Cal for 7 back in the 90s), here's what I'd suggest. Stay up here for several days between October and April, not the summer, and visit different parts of the states. Eastern WA and OR are a lot different from Seattle/Portland, as is Southern Oregon. Try it out and check your mood and energy levels after being in cloudy and rainy weather. It's a HUGE difference from California's climate(s).
Thank you for this video! Helped me in my decision a lot!
Glad I could help! Just curious, what state are you coming from?
Thank you so much for this content! My family and I are relocating to Vancouver in 2022.😊
I'm from a small city called Woodland WA. I Love the Pacific Northwest. Been here all my life 53 years.
Just seeing this video and so glad you posted this! We have lived here 2 years having moved here from the San Fernando valley of Los Angeles. And although I'm white, my family is mixed race so it's important to us to thrive in a community that embraces both diversity and openness. As a white individual, I have believed and believe in institutional racism and white privilege, but was totally blind in seeing this in plain sight until I met my wife's family and spent significant time with them over the past 6 years. In my experience, we've witnessed some oddities (ex: Proud Boys stuff initially) but has reduced a lot in our 2 years here. I will keep your services in mind and refer you to friends or family should they desire to look in relocating to SW Washington.
Guys, thank you so much for this video, I'm so ready to move to the Couve 😊
I'm glad I found you guys 🥰. My husband and were born and raised in Philadelphia. Moved to the suburbs to raise a family. Fast forward girls are done school and we are considering heading west! This was helpful. I will reach out to you soon!
Shout out to PA! Let us know if you're in town for a visit :) and of course, if you need any help or have questions we'd be happy to have a laid back chat
I’m so glad you’re talking about this especially for the POC and Black ppl moving to the area. I appreciate you and feel safest around other BIPOC
I appreciate this video, especially being born and raised in the heart of Seattle, WA. I currently reside in Texas I moved after I graduated college, but there's no place like home. I'm set on moving back to the PNW it's where I truly feel accepted and valued. I miss the greenery, the water, and the mountains.
Thank you for the video and your honesty! For anyone questioning whether these experiences are racially motivated, I'll just say (as a white person living in the PNW) I never went through any of them until my multiracial child got big enough to ride in the car's passenger seat. Now we've gone through each of these things in the PNW. My car is the same type of basic sedan and I still drive the speed limit, etc. The only difference is a non-white passenger, so you can draw your own conclusions.
Hmmmm!! Yes, it's real!
I'm considering moving there in the early Spring next year but have a lot of concerns surrounding this. Thanks for this video
Thank you, my husband and I are considering relocating from Austin, Texas and we appreciate you sharing your perspective. ☺️
So glad I found this video! I've been debating between Settle, Portland, and Colorado springs and I wanted the black POV
You're both Awesome! Thanks so much for covering this topic. God bless!
I really appreciate you guys! Likely moving there in the next 7 months. I am a POC stuck in what was probably recently a sundown town in rural Oregon. Looking forward to getting the hell outta here, and am happy you covered this topic!
Thank you for this video...I am a Native New Yorker from Caribbean family lived in the Caribbean for too many yrs lived in New England as well and now reside (not for long) in thr SW desert...I have lived in horrific hot weather for 35+ yr amd I am finally planning my move to where I want....PNW has been my dream for decades...Rascism is everywhere and as a Latina all my life I have had my share everywhere I have lived even in my mothers home land (islanders not keen on mainlanders) but my reason for moving is my love of nature...I grew up with the four seasons all around me and have been deprived of it for too long!!! So now this chapter of my life is for me and I cant wait!!!
Just as an FYI, only Eastern Washington and Oregon (and Southern OR) get what I'd call 4 seasons. Western WA and Western OR (along the I-5 except for the Ashland area) get rainy weather, sometimes a bit of snow for a few days, and increasingly drier, hotter summers. It rains a lot, which keeps temps moderate.
Thank You 2 for a well insight, information, indepth in the SW Washington state
I’ve been here since 2016 I have yet to find the “black community”
I moved to the PNW from South Carolina for healthcare work. I’ve lived in both Washington and Oregon traveling between both over a 5 year span. I can say that it’s not the most inviting place to live especially if you are a single Black Man (unless you play College sports or play for the Seahawks or Blazers😂)
But from my experience there is an underlying sneaky racism that exists. First of all there are so few Black women to choose from and the ones who are from here seem to prefer mostly white men. Most of the women here are generally bisexual (by most I mean about 99percent that I meet)which I doesn’t bother me, it’s just interesting....There’s a cultural barrier and somewhat of a language barrier too. I get misunderstood a lot with my Southern accent and some of the slang I might use. I’m not an aggressive or particularly loud guy but sometimes I feel like I’m feared by white people it’s hard to explain because I feel patronized too. They definitely go out of their way to let you know they’re not racist and that’s annoying. Yes the BLM merch is everywhere but I can still feel the tension and I also feel resentment from white people (especially in Portland from the aftermath of the riots, it’s like they feel like that ruined a once beautiful city) so yes dating is a bit weird. I’ve met some great people here though. And I gotta say my interactions with the police have been as pleasant as police interactions can go. It’s just a strange place for me but the weather and the money keep me here🤷🏾♂️
The End
You are experiencing the "passive aggressive" culture of the PNW, especially WA!
Yes, it's annoying when people go out of their way to tell you that they are not racist! Lol! If you come from the South, its like moving to a different planet all together!!! There are wonderful people, friendly and helpful, but that changes from city to city!!! Each town has its own culture and its hard to figure out what that culture is if you don't spend time there. Before you buy a house, first rent in that community to make sure it is right for you!!!
@Finessnu2 unfortunately even a peaceful gathering of Black people making a stand is seen as “a riot”
Interesting that you say the Black men only date white Women. Because I have experienced the opposite. Most of the Black women I have met or been around date white women. They view Black men as aggressive and abusive. I’ve actually heard a group of women of color Brag about dating White men. I’ve also had a former associate who is darker than me tell me and my friend “I don’t wanna be seen walking in Portland with 2 Black Men” when we offered to walk her to her car one night. She was dead serious… so yeah Portland is a mess.
I just came from your video about relocating to PNW. I live in Massachusetts, born and raised. My partner, originally from Haiti but lived in MA since he was 12, lived in Seattle area for a couple years like 12 years ago and in the 8 years we've been together has always planned to move back to WA. I have done a little research into it and been saving up bc even tho we rent here, we want to buy when we move out there. Gotta be prepared yk? Anyway, I've had some reservations (even tho he says he never had an issue) about moving there as a black couple, myself b/w biracial, him Haitian. I really appreciate you guys making this video... It means so so so much to me. We're not looking to move until the end of 2023 so I'm hoping to be as prepared as possible, and hopefully for the housing market to be in a better shape for buyers by then. Thank you again 💛💛💛💛
Thank you for doing this video! I live in an area that isn't very inclusive (N. AZ) I'm from San Diego, and used to living and going to school with everyone regardless of race was pretty awesome. It's sad reality that videos like this have to be made but important people feel safe/ respected where they live. Take care 💗
My wife and I early on had considered moving to Texas (Houston Metro and Austin) we ended up staying in Colorado. Currently in the process of trying to convince my wife to move to greater Seattle, Vancouver or Portland. You videos have been really helpful and this one in particular cause this was one of my concerns.
I heard Houston is nicer. I'm originally from Seattle, WA but moved to Dallas, TX in 2014. My experience here hasn't been the best, systematic racism is still huge here. It's like if you're not from the south originally some Texans make you feel like a foreigner in your own country. They also group you in with California and they really don't like Californians on top of being Black or looking like a Black person or people of color. I say looking Black because I am Cherokee and Choctaw Indian and Puerto Rican but raised in Black culture. My mother and I both do not like it here and we're trying to move back to the PNW.
Houston is cool San Antonio is ok as well.
@Keys Universe 206 I am sorry you have been though that I have experience it myself as well.
I so love the dialogue you’ve initiated! My husband and I are older, white and just moved to Vancouver from Long Beach, CA. I have a very diverse family, which includes black (and other races) family members. I have previously lived in So. OR and Seattle area, and racism has always been in the PNW. The attitude of places in So. OR with sundowner laws still exists in some part of the population. I agree that systemic and individual racism exists everywhere in our country. Our new neighborhood seems to be mostly white, and we miss the neighborhood diversity we had in CA. I agree with you that everybody needs to be talking about these issues. I like the nod; what would your reaction be if you got a friendly nod from a white person/couple? I am glad you shared that Vancouver law enforcement doesn’t have body cams. That is outrageous and definitely an issue I want to help change. Thank you so much flor the info - looking forward to your next video.
I never experienced racism in Bremerton, Washington. I enjoyed the state and the people. Our family is an interracial dynamic. Our son enjoyed his school and group of friends. We're a Navy family, so we only got to live in Washington State for 3 years. We damn near cried when we had to leave. We truly enjoyed it there.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and resources!
Of course!
great info. seem like good people. considering the area near the joint base. excellent information, excellent video. will share and ponder.
Great video and info. My wife and I are strongly considering moving to the PNW area to be around more diversity and overall open minded communities.
Thinking of making the move from Rialto,CA just a few miles from rancho, out to Vancouver. My fiancée is originally from Renton and I’ve never been anywhere and would love the change of pace. Thank you for making this video, I was worried about moving to an area where I might not see people like us but I feel much better now.
Thank you for this video, you answered a lot of questions I've had about the area. I'm mixed b&w, my husband is Black, he sent this to me. My brother, who is white, moved to the Vancouver area and has been trying to convince us to move up there, but we have had very different life experiences, so I am hesitant. My husband and I both had parents that moved a lot for their jobs, but we spent most of our youth on the east coast. Since we've been together we have lived in Fresno Ca for a total of 5 years, and we lived in Houston for 3 years. I love living in diverse places, and we both don't want to go back to being the only Black person in the neighborhood. Especially now that we have children, I'm even more cautious. The gang violence has been getting worse every year here. I just don't know where to go. Nothing is really exciting my spirit.
The suburbs would be your best bet. Vancouver is not as dangerous as Portland, there is literally 5 to 6 shootings a day during the current climate in Portland and looking like the next oakland or san bernardino. Vancouver is much more quiet and on the safe side.
Have you looked into the Atlanta area? I did for similar reasons, except we thankfully don't have gang violence. I didn't want to live that far away from extended family, or we would have moved there from the PNW in a heartbeat.
@Noirmaste
I feel your pain. It's difficult enough without having the young ones to worry about. Better to stay put until you know for sure and visit, spend time in the prospective location, because you don't want to leap from the proverbial frying pan into the fire!!! I am currently in the PNW, and I expected uniformity in culture, but that hasn't been my experience. I noticed that the PNW culture changes from city to city and from one location to another. One really have to be extremely careful, especially if you have black and brown children.
@Finessnu2 not these days, you also got to factor in that Portland is a much smaller city in size and per capita. I’ve been in both, and lived near San Bernardino. Crime rate in all major cities have spiked up a lot but Portland is out pacing that trend.
Hey y’all hey! Thanks for sharing your story
I feel the same which is what literally made me UA-cam this. I’ve been coming to this region of the States now for the last 2 years with more trips increasing. Although the region is beautiful the people are extremely passive aggressive and appear to not be used to seeing black people. The energy is always awkward and it seems there is a lot of intimidation and honestly not welcoming at all. That’s why I believe being progressive and liberal doesn’t mean anything. I think it’s honestly a flex. I prefer the southeast and east coast. It’s a lot more welcoming but the crisp air and beauty of the west is priceless. It just sucks that the PANW has so much natural beauty but the people are pretty disgusting. I also found this with many of the races. It’s like a team effort or something.
It’s unfortunate that we even have to worry about these things! My husband and I are potentially moving to PNW! It feels like home and is in line with our lifestyle as far as outdoor activities but as a mixed couple it can be scary!
I live in Hood River (moved here two years ago from Boston where I lived for 30 years!) and am considering moving to Camas - I really appreciate your videos about the Southwest Washington area. Thank you!
If you make the trek over here, let me know! So glad you're enjoying our videos :)
Omg I can’t believe I just came across this channel. My husband and I are in this predicament right now! We live in the Bay Area and want to move because we simply can’t afford it anymore. Looking at an income tax free state like Washington, (we looked at Nevada too 😂)but like, is there a place to get my hair braided in Vancouver? Like is their soul food? We are interracial couple too and we get a weird vibe sometimes anytime we step outside California. I might have to send you a message sis cause literally NO ONE talks about this on UA-cam in their real estate videos. Being black and moving out of state is a whole different experience with a whole different set of challenges. Thank you so much for this video you two remind me so much of me and my hubby l❤️
🎉😮Its a shame that racism is still a problem in 2023! Everyone deserves respect ✊🏾 and opportunity.
Thank you for this video!
You are so welcome!
I loved your video.
My husband and I grew up in WA. He grew up in Renton and I grew up in Bellingham. My husband is black and I am white. Funny thing is we moved to SoCal in 2008 and preside in Temecula! I agree with everything you mention when it comes to race.
Our girls have graduated from college and we are thinking about moving back. Unfortunately not to SW WA., but probably kitsap peninsula. My husband and I spent 12 years as a married couple in WA. And didn’t experience a lot of overt racism, but of course there will always be covert racism! However, when my husband was a young boy walking home from school a cop made him walk in the ditch!!?? The only thing I have experienced, is old white men staring me down, but I’m a pretty secure person and just starred right back at them.
Your videos make me want to move back. We own our own home in Temecula, but my husband thinks right now 2023 we will get secured with our interest rate, especially because he is of color. The mortgage brokers made it so hard for us in 2010 when we bought our house!!!
Thank you for this video! I am a white male, but am married to a Hispanic woman and have a 4 year old son. My wife and I are from Southern California and just recently relocated to the Dallas/Ft Worth area of Texas. I am finding that Texas so far is not really for me, and love the idea of being in the PNW. I have family who lived in Vancouver, WA and am hoping to convince my wife at some point to go that way. My wife pushed Texas because her family was more open to relocating there, due to the weather and housing market. It’s going to be an uphill battle, but I’m not going to give up.
Thank you for all your informative videos. I’ve been seriously considering visiting different cities in Washington State to retirement. I’m from Northern California and I’m tired of paying state taxes. It would be nice to be closer to nature and living in a less crowded area. I also have my concerns after living in a very diverse area which is the SF Bay Area. I guess after a few visits I’ll either love it or hate it.
You might like Ashland or Bend, as well. The weather's closer to Northern CA, except colder winters with some snow.
Thank you for this! I am a mixed black woman (work from home / born and raised in Culver City but feeling very priced out) and this helps a great deal. I do wonder if it's okay for me being single and over 40 as well.
Me and my gf are considering Tennessee, Upstate New York, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont or Maine...Washington is high on the list....my question is how are the jobs out that way? As far as warehouse or logistics
Those jobs are available, I'm working with a client now who is a warehouse manager. I'm not as familiar with the logistics side but we have quite a few manufacturing companies in town and my guess is they would have logistics & warehouse needs.
True about being near water for natural disasters, I’m from TX and that big freeze was no joke bc they don’t winterize pipes. I lived in Wyoming for 2 years and it didn’t affect me. ppl just have getting out and explore different places. I can’t wait to move to the PNW permanently, got my setup planned out 🎉great content
I have an older brother who is half black. My background is from Mexico. No one believes me because I "look white" ,my brother and I had it rough. We were born and raised here in the Great Pacific Northwest. But we were raised like hillbillies so we were never welcomed in Mexican culture or Black culture. It was always something uncomfortable for us to try and relate to other Blacks or Mexicans because it felt like we were betraying ourselves.
I know my brother has experienced racism and so have I, but it has only recently started getting worse since the riots.
We have lived in the PNW for years. We don't care what a person's race is. We dislike all criminals regardless of race.
Thank you for this video. As a mother of 4 biracial boys. I live in San Diego County and have always wanted to move to Washington state because I love the scenery. My first worry is will my children be safe and will my children be able to be themselves.
As someone who's lived in the Pacific NW for over 45 years, I'll say it's a mixed bag. There's definitely racism, here. I'm not sure it's better or worse than Southern CA, but my multiracial kiddo finds it's often subtle here in everyday life, but there are still safety concerns for Black and/or Brown people, for sure. There's a misconception of the whole area being progressive and open, when there are all sorts of people and ideologies here. Racism is both overt and covert, as the video says.
I am from Georgia, I have been thinking about moving to the Pacific Northwest hopefully this year, and I have zero family there unfortunately. Also Im glad you guys mentioned Ahmaud i know his family.
I started MA > OH > MD> VA> GA> FL > MN> now in WA (Redmond -east side) and thinking about moving to Vancouver or Portland area ) . Thanks for this great video and honest conversation. Do you guys have any twitter group?
Thank you for sharing. Our family is looking to move up there. We are 2 bi-racial moms, with 3 bi-racial boys. Hispanic/ Black/white. How is the tolerance in the area?
THANK YOU FOR THIS!!
Our pleasure!
Where would you recommend to live for a Hispanic family like mine that is moving to the Vancouver/Portland area? We want a safe area with good schools for my kids, but I’m guessing those kind of areas don’t have much diversity, from my understanding.
Thanks for the information. We’re looking for land to build in preparation for hopefully an early retirement in next 10 years. My criteria actually points me to Vancouver, WA. We also like the lushness of OR, ID and Montana. We’re in central California and cannot tolerate the brutal summer heat of over 100 degrees. Diversity is very important as we love eating out and trying all the different food that California has.
TBH the PNW doesn't have the same diverse food choices on every corner like CA. Portland has some good stuff, but it's not like CA where you can go to a food truck or little place anywhere and get amazing eats from around the world. That wouldn't be a reason to move to this area, is all I'm saying as someone who misses that from my brief time living in So Cal.
I have just accepted a job offer in Ariel, WA and will be relocating to the area from Los Angeles next month. I am keenly interested in identifying a viable area for me to exist in and not feel that I've moved to a proud boy enclave or supremist hotbed. I have major concerns about ending up in the wrong area. After watching a couple of your videos, I have a growing interest in Vancouver. I plan to reach out to you directly for some greater insight! Thank you for posting these videos.
Really good video.
For all of the people wondering if race is an issue in Vancouver/Portland area, take this into consideration. Last year in 2021 when the schools were thinking about reopening from Covid. Washington people voted to send brown and black children back to school first to see if it’s safe for the white kids to return.
Lol! And I thought the south was worse in that regard
I never comment on UA-cam videos, but felt compelled to thank you both for this video. I have similar experiences as you both growing up in the burbs of LA (Pomona/Upland/Ontario) , then jumped around in SF, Toronto & Portland (2020-2022). Yes, gave a Portland a try, but at the worst time & worst specific location (near 205). After a year away from PNW I’ve decided to give it another shot as the beautiful scenery and nature adventures have continued to call to me. Sharing what a POC might encounter in a new city/community is critically important, yet sparse in available information. After watching your video and considering my own experiences, I’ve received confirmation this will be the right move. Thank you
Thanks for the honest conversation!
Always!
I am a 22 year old black woman moving to Oregon. I am beyond scared but this video gives me hope. I am concerned about employment any advice?
Lots of jobs here, no matter the color of your skin...
You've clearly bought into the race-baiting nonsense.
Oh and I’m a good looking single mixed guy, who wants to show you around Oregon when you get here😍
@@matthewrutters6842 Only someone who is POC would understand. It’s easier to be followed and harassed when you’re deemed a trespasser, all while minding your own business. It’s a real thing that happens, the equivalent of being non PoC in a Detroit neighborhood. Baiting my ass.
i had a traumatizing experience with the phx az maricopa police. planning on moving to somewhere greener too. thank you for this video i appreciate it.
Vancouver Washington is a great place to live. I grew up in Vancouver. Went to McLoughlin Middle School, graduated from Fort Vancouver High School and Clark College. Vancouver is a great area for fishing, hunting and gorgeous scenery of the Georges along I-84. I spent my time fishing in Columbia River and Camas Lake close to the house. I got tired of the weather that rain most of the time so I moved to sunny Florida. Overall Vancouver is a great place to raise family. There are plenty of jobs there like ShinEtsu, WaferTech, Linear just to name a few.
Thank you! ❤️
We have always talked about moving up north. We live in Texas, part of the LGBTQ+ community, and have a huge desire even more to get out. We almost feel like it’s not safe for us to stay here. The PNW is so beautiful and more aligned politically to us than Texas. Your videos have helped so much to spark conversations and narrow down where exactly we want to move!
You’re welcome to come, but please don’t vote the way these states are ending screwed up.
Keep in mind that culture, voting, ideology, etc. in the Seattle area(and to a lesser degree, Portland) is not at all reflected throughout the Pacific NW. I'm just saying you'll want to spend time in various places before moving.
Wait doesn’t california touch the NPW? I’ve always considered WA/OR is mainly but a lot of Northern California is off the pacific coast highway.
I think it loses it on the "North" part of the title.😊
I got followed thru skamania county, a couple other places too when going fishing, I thought it was just a small town thing, But the guy I fish with most of the time is black. Just commenting to help your channel and thinking out loud. Didn’t connect that before
Great info. There are good and bad people everywhere. Sometimes people just treat you bad when you’re different from them, even if you’re caucasien. Fortunately most people are good, in my opinion. I had an interesting experience driving in the east county of San Diego. I was looking for a friend’s house, but the area was very rural and addresses were not easy to find. I pulled into a driveway of a house, that I knew was near my friend’s house, and I wanted to ask directions, in case they knew my friend by name. A white guy came out and pointed his shotgun at me and told me to leave. I’m white, so it wasn’t a racist thing, but he falls in the group of bad people we all want to avoid. If I had been a person of color, I would have assumed the guy was a racist, but basically he was just a jerk.
Wow I am a travel nurse coming to Richland area for three months I am so worried about the culture. Any advice would be great
Thank you for your service on the front lines of healthcare. That area's totally different from Vancouver/Portland metro. I googled "being black in Vancover, WA and got this video---could do the same for Tri Cities, WA. That's what Pasco/Richland/Kennewick are typically called.
Ain't no blacks here. I've been here for a while and nope ain't ni blacks and is beautiful no doubt about it but extremely weird. Getting ready to go to a more diverse area. Sick of the low key racism and passive aggressive fake attitudes here. They act like they like everyone and we all bleed the same color BS but nah trust me I've seen it. Just look around and the companies and ask yourself do they really hire blacks here? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Don't do it. Believe me ain't no blacks here and the ones you hardly see they look at them in a very weird way with a very weird, off type of vibe. Don't do it.
I have had no issues but then again I'm a part of the culture here anyway since I grew up here. If you're from the south you're gonna have trouble I think.
GOD bless your efforts to guide others with such great spirit.
Wow, thank you. That is so kind 🤗
Considering Reno/Carson City, Everett, and Vancouver, WA. Blessings, -Kate
3 3 3 ... there it is. Ty I preciate u.
Hey friends. Can we get a part two of this video that emphasizes the culture element of blackness? Like, how easy it to find stylists to do Black hair (type 3c, 4a, 4b, and 4c)? To do nail styles that are popular in the African American community (e.g. the coffin shaped, long length, heavy charm trend)? How often do you see cookouts being hosted in neighborhoods? How big are the NPHC/Divine 9 organizations? Why aren't there any HBCUs in the Northwest? What is the healthcare experience like for black mothers/expecting mothers? Etc. etc. etc. I feel like the video centered overt and covert racism, but seeing as you said that isn't really overwhelming black residents' day to day life, I feel like there is so much more to talk about.
I am white, but I have been concerned moving to a less inclusive place after living in the Bay Area for 33+. I like the diversity of the Bay Area.
Hello,
You guys are fantastic; my partner and I are moving there in October and would like your help. My partner is Mexican, and I’m Ethiopian etc. We both were concerned about moving to Vancouver, Wa. But watching this video helped us make the right decision.
We will be relocating from Santa Fe, NM. Please keep up the videos, and thank you for all you do.
Definitely keeping the videos coming! And please donresch out if you need help navigating real estate here 😊 360.818.4438
Hi guys! I've been wanting to move to Washington State for years and am now wanting to make it happen. I hope you guys still live there and would love your advice on employment making Vancouver or other cities our new home. peace ...gypsy 😊
We still live here & love it even more every year. No place is without it's challenges & flaws, but we are extremely happy to have found this place. Employment is plentiful these days so I doubt you'd have an issue finding a job. What kind of work do you do?
@@halbyrd_ I am so open to any field. I went back to school and earned a Master's in Writing/Educational Leadership for Higher Ed and a Graduate Certificate in English (Literature). My favorite work environment is Higher Education but it doesn't pay very well. However, I would LOVE to work as an Administrator and teach English, Creative Writing and/or Literature courses. Thank you for responding to my comment. I appreciate it so much! 😊
I been in Washington State for all my life 56 years and i'll die here. Woodland Washington is a great town. I love it here.
I’m originally from Virginia. My wife is from San Diego and Mexico. She has family here in Seattle. Seattle or the PNW has beautiful nature, but it can be a hard place to assimilate to if you’re black. There are some nice people here, but there’s a lot of passive aggressive racism here. I don’t think people are really accustomed to black or Hispanic people here. I have experienced more racism here than I did growing up in Virginia. If I could do it all over again, I would have never moved here. It’s a nice place to visit, but not stay, if you’re black. People in Seattle and the PNW are very weird and socially awkward sometimes, especially around people of color. In all fairness, every place, no matter where you live, has its pros and cons.
📣 Ready to start a conversation about buying/selling/investing in Vancouver, SW Washington & the Portland Metro area? Or maybe you'd like to work together with me in real estate? Click the link below now to schedule a private Zoom call 👇🏽
halbyrd.as.me/zoomcall
i lived in the pnw my whole life i moved to inglewood been here for three years and it’s a culture shock… i lived in tacoma and skyway in seattle…miss it is y’all have any questions i’ll fite sure be able to answer them
hey ! my best friend is from inglewood:) im near the area.. what do you miss about it if i may ask? ive been living in LA (5years) but i grew up in IL (16 yrs) lived in VA (2yrs) and MD (~2yrs). California is just too expensive and i don’t see myself here for too much longer.. especially if i wanna have a house and extra time on my hands. i’ve become an insomniac cuz work and errands take up all my time and i just wanna breathe and have more time in the day, along w resources/$$$.. my friends from other states think cuz I’m la that i have an awesome social life, but i never go out unless there’s a free event cuz it’s too expensive.. sorry didn’t mean to vent 😅 what’s the cost of living like in tacoma vs skyway? thanks man :)
@@ZebrazRus what part of the puget sound are u in?
@@jujubanks5437 ohh u know, i thought u meant inglewood california ! lol my bad. there’s an inglewood there? i’ve never lived in the pnw
@@ZebrazRus oh what part of la r u in? send social contact…
@@ZebrazRus i thought you were in the pnw so you have a friend from the pnw or inglewood or were you telling me ur close to inglewood?
Thank you because I’ve been to Longview Kelso loved it but I know it can get lack of sun light I that’s the only thing that worries me
I've lived in Western WA over 45 years. It's not the rain but the gray that gets to me, but I manage (SAD is real, though). My advice is to visit for several days, some time besides the summer, and notice your feelings/overall mood and energy levels.
Lol, i thought there was going to be a black wmn perspective included. Where she at?
I’ve from Vancouver wa, I’m 26 lived here my whole live, and I am black with a white partner. There is a lot of colored people but we are way overweighed by Caucasian, there is a ton of racism still. Direct or subtle, I have experienced it specific in Vancouver my whole life.
I've considered going back to Florida, but I don't like the East Coast. I looked at California as well, but that's no longer in the picture.
I'm introverted myself, but don't mind a small group of friends.
I looked at South Dakota the other day, lol
I've heard about the sundown towns that's insane! Smh.
The stories about the y'all police encounters just makes me so angry. Has my blood boiling. Smh.
Thank y'all for talking about this
Thanks for watching. We can definitely relate with the desire to find that area to call home that makes it feel as comfortable as possible. Good luck with your search and let us know how we can be of service.. Blessings - JB
@@jarretbyrd1Thanks, man! And I'm glad y'all didn't choose Tennessee
How is the LBGTQ community with kids like. My partner is Latino, I'm Filipino and our kids we adopted this year are Caucasian mix...our biggest topic whenever we consider another city or state to move into is the support for the LBGTQ community...🌈
Thank you for ur content, it's great information and giving me and my family hope
The LGBTQ community is huge there 🥰 My wife and I got married in Portland (right over the water) so many people stopped us and congratulate us. PNW is a special feeling of love
@@TravelingPumpkinWitch thank you soo much for the insight...the city sounds more and more beautiful
I'm not part of the community so I don't experience what you & others might (support, looks, comments, etc) I get the feeling that people are generally supportive, but I just don't have the direct experience to say for sure. I'm going to see if I can get some more information on this topic or interview someone locally. And thank you Samantha for responding with your experience!