Am I going to lose my credibility. I have perfected a script based upon living the ‘real’ urban experience. Living just a stone’s throw from South Central has kept it ‘real.’
Moving to Sherman Oaks — now where’s the credibility there. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Jamba Juice abound. No ‘LA Liquor’, halfway houses, nor LAPD helicopter traffic.
Will I be the same? I don’t imagine I gather much of my identity from my neighborhood — but a move to Sherman Oaks — ’south of the Boulevard’ — spells Yuppie.
When looking for a neighborhood that catered more to my lifestyle — I started looking at zip code demographics. One site greatly appealed to me as it broke down income, race, and ‘types.’ All I had to do was figure out my type and move right in. Our zip code is 44% African-American, 48% Latino, and has an average income of $34K per household. We’re described as ‘city strivers’ — signifiying a blend of cultures and household types, but higher than average unemployment.
Our new zip code is described as trendsetters and urban chic. The make up of the area is 79% Caucasian, and 14% Latino. The average household income is $65,000 — while the average home value is more than double.
Sure sipping a latte with my laptop is more me — but can I keep my street cred?
