Based on 11 diverse Asian American (AA) communities, this article discusses the similarities and differences across East, South, and Southeast Asians. Of two parts in this journal issue, Part 1 presents a review of literature and census data to understand the cultural and structural factors of different types of coethnic communities (strong, weak, or dispersed). Culturally, Asian families differ in culture, language, and religion. Structurally, class, education, and job skills also differ for diverse Asian families. Taken together, the article proposes a combined cultural-structural framework to understand unique characteristics in distinctive communities. The key findings from the literature and census data revealed differences in the types of communities and their resources. Lower achieving AA subgroups tend to have weaker communities with fewer resources and opportunities in general. Higher achieving AA subgroups have stronger coethnic networks with more resources and opportunities. This article challenges the monolithic view of AA students and finds more differences when comparing these communities. Educators and other practitioners need cultural and structural awareness to know how to best support AA students. Stakeholders and school officials can work together by building partnerships to support struggling AA families and communities. [For "Ethnic Afterschool Programs and Language Schools in Diverse Asian American Communities: Varying Resources, Opportunities, and Educational Experiences (Part 2: How They Differ)," see EJ1165624.]