Why are people so attracted to the atlanta-metro area? (Conyers: transplants, real estate)

[justone321]

My mom has decided she wants to move from LI NY to conyers GA. I've been there once with her and felt a bit bored. Why are so many people from NY moving to GA? What does GA have that NY doesn't??

[JPD]

Atlanta has lower housing prices and lower taxes than NY. A lot of Americans hate taxes.

[jeweloflight]

Atlanta is nothing like New York. In fact, nowhere is like New York, so we can just get that out the way. However, if you leave New York for a better quality of life alone, it's worth it. Cheaper housing, and I mean a BIG difference in housing cost and taxes; less crime, space to breath, and people not living on top of each other. People are more polite and courteous, and not so on edge about everything like New Yorkers.

Now on a social level, as far as things to do, I'm sure Atlanta is no match. But you have to do what's best for you, and then adjust accordingly. Of course it will be different, you'll get used to it, believe me. There are soooooo many New York transplants here, you wouldn't believe. In fact, most people in Atlanta are not from here.

Now, about Lithonia. It's just not a good choice for living anyway. The school system out there is not good, crime is terrible, and you're right, there's not much out there to do. The housing is cheap for a reason. There are much better areas to chose for living with good housing prices than Lithonia, but I don't know your mom's budget, so I won't bother making suggestions. Is she retirement age, or will she be working? What things are important to her? How close does she want to be to the city? How much money does she want to spend? These are questions to consider when moving to a new area and chosing a home. PM me and I could tell you some other choices, or what other parts of town are like after you answer these questions.

[justone321]

great info Jlight. Mom is moving from Long Island NY to Conyers in Rockdale County GA. Mom's opinion is that Long Island NY is the same as Conyers but too expensive. Everything you guys said. so thanks

[jeweloflight]

Originally Posted by justone321

great info Jlight. Mom is moving from Long Island NY to Conyers in Rockdale County GA. Mom's opinion is that Long Island NY is the same as Conyers but too expensive. Everything you guys said. so thanks

Uh, you do realize Conyers is next door to Lithonia, and not really any better. I used to live in Conyers, nothing to write home about. I dare not say it's just like Long Island either. Oh well, good luck.

[kayrob]

Originally Posted by jeweloflight

Atlanta is nothing like New York. In fact, nowhere is like New York, so we can just get that out the way. However, if you leave New York for a better quality of life alone, it's worth it. Cheaper housing, and I mean a BIG difference in housing cost and taxes; less crime, space to breath, and people not living on top of each other. People are more polite and courteous, and not so on edge about everything like New Yorkers.

Now on a social level, as far as things to do, I'm sure Atlanta is no match. But you have to do what's best for you, and then adjust accordingly. Of course it will be different, you'll get used to it, believe me. There are soooooo many New York transplants here, you wouldn't believe. In fact, most people in Atlanta are not from here.

Now, about Lithonia. It's just not a good choice for living anyway. The school system out there is not good, crime is terrible, and you're right, there's not much out there to do. The housing is cheap for a reason. There are much better areas to chose for living with good housing prices than Lithonia, but I don't know your mom's budget, so I won't bother making suggestions. Is she retirement age, or will she be working? What things are important to her? How close does she want to be to the city? How much money does she want to spend? These are questions to consider when moving to a new area and chosing a home. PM me and I could tell you some other choices, or what other parts of town are like after you answer these questions.

I agree with most everything except.......not so sure about the crime. Particularly for murders.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by kayrob

I agree with most everything except.......not so sure about the crime. Particularly for murders.

Atlanta crimes vs. New York crimes per 100,000 people... Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed (2 years old but shows that per capita, yes, Atlanta has a high crime rate compared to NYC).

Housing is cheaper here, the job market is strong, certain other things like utility bills, groceries, etc are cheaper as well. Someone from NYC can sell real estate and come down here and buy something twice as big and still put a few hundred thousand dollars in a savings account (depending on what was sold). Air quality, higher crime, traffic (in certain areas), and public transit that doesn't cover the area of NYC however, do not compare to NYC.

Real estate agents and corporate head hunters have for years painted Atlanta as some sort of a land of milk and honey, and I've talked to numerous people who have moved here and soon said, "Uh, what were they TALKING ABOUT??". I have no idea why they do it, but they do. It's a large, generic city like many others. Not the most horrible place in the world, but certainly nothing that really makes it stand out above many others, either, that is, unless you like 750 shopping centers with a TJ Maxx and Target in them.

[kayrob]

We didn't live in NY but rather in Jersey and we think the groceries are higher in cost. The gas is through the roof. Do it yourself and pay more to boot.

[veronicaluv]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

Atlanta crimes vs. New York crimes per 100,000 people... Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed (2 years old but shows that per capita, yes, Atlanta has a high crime rate compared to NYC).

Housing is cheaper here, the job market is strong, certain other things like utility bills, groceries, etc are cheaper as well. Someone from NYC can sell real estate and come down here and buy something twice as big and still put a few hundred thousand dollars in a savings account (depending on what was sold). Air quality, higher crime, traffic (in certain areas), and public transit that doesn't cover the area of NYC however, do not compare to NYC.

Real estate agents and corporate head hunters have for years painted Atlanta as some sort of a land of milk and honey, and I've talked to numerous people who have moved here and soon said, "Uh, what were they TALKING ABOUT??". I have no idea why they do it, but they do. It's a large, generic city like many others. Not the most horrible place in the world, but certainly nothing that really makes it stand out above many others, either, that is, unless you like 750 shopping centers with a TJ Maxx and Target in them.

this is hilarious because it's so true.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by veronicaluv

this is hilarious because it's so true.

I don't mean to be contrary, but I think it's the opposite of hilarious because it's true.