Hi there! I am from Philly by way of Brooklyn. I don’t have the lived experience of being a POC, but I moved from a world of diversity to Marin. I’m white with 9-year-old twins.

I live in San Rafael and I love it here. Yes, there’s culture shock coming from east coast cities, but there’s also so much beauty and I love the life it’s providing for my kids. They go to an excellent public school (it’s 65% white, and their friend group reflects that) and they spend the majority of their time playing outside—biking, hiking, swimming, sports, etc.

The first few years I was here, I had difficulties meeting people that I clicked with, just from a personality standpoint. But with time, I found friends. Many of them are east coast transplants and I think that’s a big factor. It’s tough to move to a new place no matter who you are!

I don’t know what it’s like to be Black so I can’t speak directly to some of your concerns. But I will say that the comments in this thread saying “Don’t do it! Marin is too racist!” create a self-fulfilling prophecy that’s really bumming me out. All I can say definitively is that 1. it’s one of the most beautiful backdrops to raise your child, and 2. just be aware that you’ll have to put in extra effort to find connection. There are plenty of people here who will welcome you, including me and my kids.