To fear that we'll be leftout in Benfleet/Rayleigh in Essex?

[js1000]

Thinking to move to Rayleigh or Benfleet from London as we can't cope in two bedroom flat anymore and south Essex is the place which we can afford, commutable to London with some excellent schools.

My fear is that kids might feel left out/odd ones at school and neighbourhood as both areas being dominated by whites. I have always lived in a cosmopolitan, multicultural cities there feeling bit anxious.

Please tell me frankly what would you do if in our situation ?

[EatDessertFirst]

Move if thats the best thing for your family.

My family are from that area, and yes, we are white but the area is pretty multi-cultural. Not cosmopolitan in the slightest though.

Not sure what the implications of 'dominated by whites' actually means. What do you think white people are/will do to you?

[Papaluigi]

I wouldn't worry, I've worked in schools in the area and it look very diverse to me (but I am whit) hth.

Go north essex, still commutable,cheaper property and generally naice people. We have a waitrose in colchester!

[js1000]

Thanks Eat - Don't get me wrong, we have lots of white friends. May be I am being silly, thinking kids might feel left out at school because they look different (brown skinned) celebrate different festivals etc...

Thanks Papaliigi - that is really reassuring

[Marylou2]

Amused by post. If it were the opposite way round and the OP was concerned about moving to a non white area and then later claimed to have lots of black or asian friends I think there'd be uproar .

[EatDessertFirst]

I doubt your kids will notice anything like that unless you make an issue of it.

We no longer live in the area due to work but our (white) children attend a school here that is only 30% white and a nursery that is around 50% white. All they see is other children, not skin colour. They love learning about all festivals and celebrations.

Rayleigh is a great area to live in. Good schools, short commute, reasonable house prices. There are loads of outdoorsy activities and some great local pubs.

[EatDessertFirst]

Trying to avoid that Marylou. However, diplomacy is not my strong point . Racism in any form is abhorrent.

[Gossipyfishwife]

I live in this area next door to a white family and they seem alright.

[Cazza72]

Wouldn't think twice about it. I live reasonably near to both and honestly don't think you'd have any problems. For choice I would go for Rayleigh over Benfleet as (in my opinion) is a nicer town.

[meadowquark]

Hello OP. Have you moved to Benfleet yet? I am considering the same move and my kids are mixed race... I have no reason to think that we will not fit in, but some reassurance is always helpful....

[Ididntseeitsoitdidnthappen]

YABU to be worried about the racial demographic. Essex is an multicultural county and very easy going.

Rayleigh is a nice area and you'll have no problems there. Property gets cheaper the further north you go and all of Essex can reach Liverpool or fenchurch street within an hour (depending where you move)

I have honestly never been to a more friendly area than Essex

[seasavage]

OP. Have you visited any schools / spent some time at parks in the area? This may help you get a better feel for how you might feel.
Re comments of implied racism. Check your privilege much?

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Js1000 - we lived in Leigh on Sea for over 10 years, and we found it to be a really friendly area - I found it easy to make friends, and so did my dses.

[AntoinetteSaunders33]

It's quite a racist area. People stare if your not white. They don't like Muslims. Kids get bullied. Noone wants to admit to being racist. But this is a racist area yes!

[Chevii]

Is South Benfleet safe to live if your full black I'm moving there in a few weeks but I fear for my 3 children

[Chevii]

Is south Benfleet is a good place to live as a black single mum with 3 black kids I'm just a little worried for my children

[Chevii]

Questions... do you think my on and off again partner has someone else because he loves to ghost me for no real reason and pop up again weeks and months later

[Chevii]

Is love real

[FrancisFriedFish]

This thread is 9 years old, have you moved yet ?

[Chevii]

No I haven't moved yet but will soon