Why do I only see masonic lodges on the nicer neighborhoods?

Question

For many years, my hobby has been to drive around in my car, and just look at the pretty houses. Friends actually enjoy me taking them on tours of the nicer neighborhoods to show them houses, I know where the really pretty or interesting ones are.

I don't live in a nice neighborhood, but I know my area pretty well too.

One thing I thought to myself one day, was that in all the nearby towns, in the nicer parts of town, there was always a masonic lodge. I have never seen one in a lower class neighborhood.

Is there a reason for this?

Answer 1

this reminds me of something a friend of mine once declared: I'm not attracted to poverty.

Answer 2

It's mostly because if a neighborhood goes bad around a lodge it will get moved. Still, I've seen some on borderline neighborhoods- here in Albany the local Prince Hall lodge (a lodge with a traditionally Black membership) is pretty close to a bad neighborhood. It's on an OK street, but you wouldn't want to wander far at night. They won't move because it's a great old building and they couldn't afford to buy one as nice. They're fine gentlemen, all of them.

In REALLY bad neighborhoods all I see besides houses is convenience stores, bars, and an occasional storefront church.  

Answer 3

Yes. Consider who are members of this organization.

Answer 4

That's not true in Tucson, AZ.  There are lodges in all types of neighborhoods.  Also true in Tempe, AZ. /

Answer 5

Why would they build one is the low-rent district? Most Masons are middle class guys who build nice buildings in nice neighborhoods convenient to themselves.

Answer 6

No reason in particular, some of the Lodges in downtown Chicago closed because the members were tired of being shot at and having their cars vandalized and the police not helping out.

Despite what some say, its not a good ole boy club, nor a rich man's club.  

Answer 7

It is a very old "good ol"boys" type club.   It consist of both Christians and Jews, but they are tried together by very high morals (no criminals) and also very high work ethics.   Members will not be people on welfare, people looking for handouts, but working together for the common good.

In the early days of this country the "working together for the common good" is how many of our towns were literally built.

Answer 8

It's because those masons are rich!