In the mid-1960s, Atlanta's population peaked at 487,455 people. Federal urban renewal policies and freeway construction demolished the city's poor, substandard housing and displaced black residents east and west. In response, fearful Kirkwood residents sought out affordable housing in suburban areas. Their fears were realized when a wave of non-white homebuyers moved in.
In June, a black family moved into an Edgewood home and someone set it on fire. The next day, about 100 protesters turned out to meet the family. One of them threw a rock through the kitchen window. Another protester said the blacks were making the neighborhood a "white community." The next day, several neighbors were in town for a hearing on the real estate agent selling the home to the blacks.
The area's safest neighborhoods are located near the middle of town. Crime rates in Kirkwood are less than half the national average and 37% lower than state averages. Property crimes are most common. Residents should lock doors and keep lights on at night. If possible, consider adopting a protective furry alarm system. Fortunately, the Kirkwood Police Department has 60 sworn officers. It's not a crime-ridden neighborhood, but the police are ready to take on any criminal.
While the population of Kirkwood City was relatively small, the numbers were still remarkably high. Twenty-four percent of the city's residents were under age, while nine percent of female householders were unmarried. Forty-five percent of households were non-families, while twenty-one percent were 65 or older. It's important to note that the city was created in 1852 and was the first suburb outside of St. Louis city limits.