Whether you like it or not, where you grew up had a huge impact on your life. If you grew up in the hood, there are certain signs that will always be associated with your childhood.
In this article, we will discuss 35 signs you grew up in the hood. Keep reading to see if any of these signs apply to you!
Growing in the hood isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, many successful people have had very humble beginnings. They were able to take the signs of growing up in the hood and turn them into positive things.
If you grew up in the hood, don’t be ashamed. Be proud of where you came from and use it as motivation to succeed in life.
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Here are 34 signs that you grew up in the hood:
Signs you grew up in the hood: #1. You grew up in a single-parent household
Your mom was always working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. There was never enough money to go around, so you had to learn how to be resourceful.
You also had to grow up fast and take on responsibilities that you probably shouldn’t have had at such a young age.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #2: You know all about “the struggle”
You know what it’s like to not have enough money for food, clothes, or even a place to live. You’ve experienced true poverty and have had to fight for everything you have.
As a result, you are a strong and resilient person who has overcome a lot in your life.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #3: You’ve seen things that no child should ever see
You’ve witnessed violence, drugs, and other illegal activities. You’ve probably even been a victim of crime yourself.
Despite all of this, you’ve managed to stay strong and have emerged from your childhood experiences wiser and more resilient.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #4: You are street smart
You know how to handle yourself in tough situations. You’re not afraid to stand up for yourself and you know how to defend yourself if necessary.
You’ve also learned how to read people and can usually tell when someone is trying to take advantage of you.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #5: You are proud of where you come from
In spite of everything, you are proud of where you come from. You know that the hood has made you into the strong and resilient person that you are today.
You also know that the hood is a community full of love and support, despite its reputation.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #6. You never had new clothes
You were always hand-me-downs or clothes from the thrift store. New clothes were a luxury that your family couldn’t afford.
You learned to be creative with your fashion and make do with what you had. Even now, you’re not one to spend a lot of money on clothes.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #11. You know all the best places to get food
You know all the best places to get food, because you’ve had to be resourceful in finding meals.
You know which restaurants give free food on certain days and which grocery stores have the best deals. You’re an expert at stretching a dollar when it comes to food.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #12. You’ve been stopped by the police
You’ve been stopped by the police, even though you haven’t done anything wrong. You know that being black or brown comes with a target on your back.
You’ve learned how to de-escalate situations with the police and how to protect yourself.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #13. You know all the best hiding spots
You know all the best hiding spots, because you’ve had to hide from the police or gangs before. You’re always on alert and ready to run if necessary.
You know that it’s not safe to be out in the open in some parts of the hood.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #14. You can spot a rat
You can spot a rat, because you’ve had to deal with them before. You know that they’re not to be trusted and that they’ll steal your food if given the chance.
You’re always weary of them and keep your distance.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #15. You’ve been to a funeral
You’ve been to a funeral, because you know that death is a part of life in the hood. You’ve seen people die from violence, drugs, and other causes.
You’ve had to be strong in the face of death and continue living.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #16. You know how to fight
You know how to fight because you’ve had to defend yourself before. You know that violence is a part of life in the hood and you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself.
You know that sometimes fighting is the only way to stay alive.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #17. You’ve been robbed
You’ve been robbed, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You’ve had to protect yourself and your belongings from being stolen.
You know that it’s important to be careful with your things and not to leave them out in the open.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #18. You’ve seen someone get shot
You’ve seen someone get shot, because violence is a part of life in the hood. You’ve had to be strong in the face of violence and continue living.
You know that sometimes people don’t have a choice but to resort to violence in order to survive.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #19. You’ve been in a fight
You’ve been in a fight, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You’ve had to defend yourself before.
You know that violence is a part of life in the hood and you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #20. You know how to hustle
You know how to hustle, because you’ve had to in order to survive. You know that there aren’t many opportunities in the hood and you have to create your own.
You’re not afraid to work hard and get your hands dirty. You know that it’s important to be resourceful and creative.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #21. You’ve been to jail
You’ve been to jail, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have been arrested for a crime you didn’t commit or you may have had to do time for a crime you did commit. You know that being incarcerated is a reality for many people in the hood.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #22. You know how to survive on very little
You know how to survive on very little, because you’ve had to. You know that there isn’t much money in the hood and that things are often scarce.
You’ve had to be resourceful and creative in order to get by. You know that it’s important to be grateful for what you have.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #23. You’ve been evicted
You’ve been evicted, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have been behind on rent or you may have been living in a place that wasn’t up to code.
You know that it’s important to have a safe and stable place to live.
More Reading: How to reduce housing costs
Signs you grew up in the hood: #24. You’ve had to food shop at the dollar store
You’ve had to food shop at the dollar store, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may not have had the money to buy food at the grocery store or you may have had to ration your food because you didn’t have enough.
You know that it’s important to be mindful of your spending and to make sure you have enough to eat.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #25. You know how to barter
You know how to barter, because you’ve had to in order to get what you need. You may not have had the money to pay for something so you’ve had to trade goods or services instead.
You know that it’s important to be resourceful and to think outside the box.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #26. You’ve been without power
You’ve been without power, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have not had the money to pay your electric bill or you may have had your power turned off because you were behind on payments.
You know that it’s important to have a backup plan and to be prepared for when things go wrong.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #27. You’ve been without water
You’ve been without water, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood.
You may have not had the money to pay your water bill or you may have had your water turned off because you were behind on payments. You know that it’s important to have a backup plan and to be prepared for when things go wrong.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #28. You’ve had to wear hand-me-downs
You’ve had to wear hand-me-downs, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood.
You may not have had the money to buy new clothes or you may have grown out of your clothes before you could afford new ones. You know that it’s important to be grateful for what you have.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #29. You’ve been bullied
You’ve been bullied, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have been verbally or physically abused by someone who was bigger or stronger than you. You know that it’s important to stand up for yourself and to be confident in who you are.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #30. You’ve been a bully
You’ve been a bully, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have been verbally or physically abusive to someone who was weaker than you.
You know that it’s important to be mindful of your actions and to be respectful of others.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #31. There was never any food in the house.
You can remember going to bed hungry on multiple occasions. Most of your meals came from fast-food restaurants. You know that it’s important to have a stable source of food and to be grateful for what you have.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #32. You’ve been shot
You’ve been shot, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have been the victim of a drive-by shooting or you may have been caught in the crossfire of a gang dispute.
You know that it’s important to be careful and to be aware of your surroundings.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #33. Shared room and bed
You never had your own room and had to share a bed with one or more siblings, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have had to share a room with your parents or you may have had to share a bed with your siblings.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #34. No Vacation, no gifts
You never went on vacation and you never got gifts, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. You may have not had the money to go on vacation or you may have not had the money to buy gifts.
Your family couldn’t afford to go on vacation, because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood. The only time you ever left your neighborhood was maybe for school
You may have never left your city or you may have never left your state. You know that it’s important to appreciate the beauty in your own backyard.
Signs you grew up in the hood: #35. Illegal activity
Most of your friends were involved in some sort of illegal activity because you know that it’s a part of life in the hood.
You may have been involved in illegal activity yourself or you may have known someone who was involved in illegal activity.
Conclusion: Signs you grew up in the hood
If you can relate to any of the signs listed above, then it’s likely that you grew up in the hood. Life in the hood can be tough, but it can also be rewarding.
Turn the negative into the positive. It’s important to be grateful for what you have and to stay positive through tough times. Thanks for reading!
Over to you
Do any of these signs sound familiar to you? If so, it’s likely that you grew up in the hood. What other signs would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
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About the Author
Don is a father, real estate investor, self-directed investor and a personal finance enthusiast. He also holds an MBA and loves to share his financial Journey with others.