I think it's important, too, but it doesn't happen here, unless you really make an effort. The town my kids grew up in here has a about a 25% Asian (mostly Chinese and Indian) population. It is a very significant minority. At the time they graduated HS, there was a lot more diversity in terms of ethnicity and religion than when we moved there. It was good.
My DIL had some unique experiences as a kid, because of where she lived, but I don't think she wants her child taking the city bus to school in 2nd grade, like she did. And this was in the late 80s.
As for me, we had thought about moving to the city where I grew up, to have a more urban feel. Then we started cycling. That pretty much nixed that plan! And now, I get agitated with all of the people, traffic, etc. I like being close enough that we go there whenever we want, but I always feel a sense of relief when we get to a certain point on the drive home. And it has nothing to do with safety, because I feel the same agitation in the ritziest neighborhoods in Boston. Just too many people.