Ethnic Growth in the Suburbs Brings Culture and Sophistication to Local Neighborhoods

Suburban Ethnic Growth Brings Culture and Sophistication to Local Neighborhoods

U.S. immigration levels are reaching a record high this decade as more and more people from a broad spectrum of ethnic backgrounds plant their roots in America. Immigrants tend to settle in large metropolitan areas, or “gateway cities,” such as New York City, Los Angeles and Miami. Today, however, many immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for several years are moving to suburban towns and neighborhoods outside the city. The evolving “city to suburb” cycle brings a range of ethnic diversity heretofore not seen in most small towns and communities. Realtors nationwide are discovering that an influx of varied and rich cultures is making the historically homogeneous suburbs more appealing than ever to prospective homebuyers.

As diverse ethnic groups move into suburban areas, a town’s cultural disposition expands and takes on a more interesting character. With new groups of people come many cultural subtleties: boutiques and food stores with an exotic, ethnic flavor; neighborhoods with anomalous and beautiful architecture; the availability of traditional music and art; the introduction of different sports and recreational activities; and, of course, unique restaurants.

Ethnic restaurants are a common and welcome outgrowth of ethnic expansion. In 1996, many immigrants were natives of Mexico, Vietnam, China and the Caribbean, spawning many authentic restaurants and near-craze excitement over their unique cuisine, customs and delicacies. Once staid suburbs take on an air of worldliness and sophistication with the addition of new or rare culinary hot spots. In today’s dual income suburban families, these restaurants often are a respite from the garden variety pizza and burger places of yesterday.

The suburbs also benefit from ethnic growth through diversity in schools. Classrooms, once containing few ethnic students, include children from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In response to growing numbers of ethnic students, primary and secondary schools are starting to teach more foreign languages earlier, educate students about many different customs and cultures and recognize multiple religions and holidays. Children are enlightened, receiving a broader world view at a young, impressionable age.

Ethnic growth and diversification continue to create interesting neighborhoods full of cultural nuances—mini melting pots—that are pleasant and interesting places to live. A CENTURY 21â real estate sales professional can give you additional information about identifying both an area and home ideal for fulfilling your neighborhood needs. For a CENTURY 21 office near you, call 1-800-4-HOUSES (1-800-446-8737) or visit www.century 21.com.

Century 21 Real Estate Corporation (www.century21.com) is the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the Century 21â System. The System is comprised of more than 6,300 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in more than 25 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD).