Lithonia, Conyers, Stone Mountain, Covington, or Gwinnett County (Atlanta, Lawrenceville: 2010, low crime)

[simplydeep81]

Hello. June 2010 I am moving me and my two kids to Georgia. After doing much research and thinking, I have narrowed down these choices listed above. I have read many forums but the bad ratings seem to out do the good ones. So I thought I would askf for the skinny on these places...What areas would you recommend for a single family? Are these areas' diverse? who has the best parks and school systems? What about the commute to the Atlanta Metro area? Are these places high in crime?(in your opinion) How is the housing market? I also have read from posts, Lithonia is considered country, and ghetto, why? Thanks all for the positive and negative feedback. See you soon...

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by simplydeep81

Hello. June 2010 I am moving me and my two kids to Georgia. After doing much research and thinking, I have narrowed down these choices listed above. I have read many forums but the bad ratings seem to out do the good ones. So I thought I would askf for the skinny on these places...What areas would you recommend for a single family? Are these areas' diverse? who has the best parks and school systems? What about the commute to the Atlanta Metro area? Are these places high in crime?(in your opinion) How is the housing market? I also have read from posts, Lithonia is considered country, and ghetto, why? Thanks all for the positive and negative feedback. See you soon...

I would have to do a search on Lithonia but I'm certain there are parts of it that wouldn't be considered 'country or ghetto'.

ETA: I found this thread--not certain if this will help->>>
http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...nola-road.html

I am not as familiar as some posters with Stone Mountain, Covington and Conyers--in general there will be more desirable areas anywhere you choose. If you find work on the east side of metro Atlanta then you could conceivably find a good neighborhood with some persistence. Click on 'Search' at the top of the screen and then click 'Advanced Search'. Enter a keyword such as 'Lithonia' or 'Conyers' and the system will retrieve previous threads which might give you enough FYI to ask more specific questions.

I think I suggested the Dacula/NE area of Gwinnett to you some weeks ago. I know it is safe, good schools and that the area will continue to grow. This area would be less diverse than communities closer to Atlanta. It is north of Lawrenceville and I read differing opinions of diversity in this area. Historically a conservative, primarily Caucasian area which is changing. Plenty of threads discussing the change/growth around Lawrenceville.

Imo, Conyers/Covington might also be less diverse but I cannot say for certain. The Lilburn/Stone Mountain area might be the more diverse area but there is a section that has a higher crime rate. Jimmy Carter Blvd/Beaver Ruin Rd or Indian Trail Rd--that area.

[ericsonga]

The Stone Mountain/Lilburn areas that are good are generally located between Hwys 29 & 78. As it's been stated again and again, it's really about school districts. These areas that I mentioned are served by Brookwood and Parkview schools, some of the better ones in the county. Most schools in Gwinnett exceed state and national statistics. One exception might by Meadowcreek, but I hear it's starting to turn around. Gwinnett schools are one of three finalists for earning an honor of being the best urban school district in the country.
Gwinnett is very very diverse. Some like it, some don't. Overall, most of us like it. Also, something to note, Gwinnett has the number one park system in the country.
There really is something for everyone here!

[simplydeep81]

Thanks everyone

[Carolinagal1995]

If you are looking for great schools, low crime, and nice neighborhoods, stay away from Stone Mountain(except Parkview dist), Covington, and Lithonia. Your best bet is in Gwinnett. Since you seem to want to live close in, check out homes in the Parkview, Grayson, and Brookwood District. Also, the new cluster, Archer is in a good area. Check out South Dacula, near Grayson.