Augusta/Evans Relocation Questions (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: appliances, house, job market)

[explorer123]

Folks,
I am expecting a job offer from an employer in Augusta. I really appreciate if you can help me with the following queries:

1. I am planning to move to Evans because of better schools. How is the diversity in the schools? I am first generation immigrant from south Asia; would my kid be treated as a stranger in school by his peers?

2. What would be a good neighborhood in Evans considering good schools and commute to Augusta?

3. I work in IT field. How is the job market in the area for IT in case I have to switch job?

4. I am moving from Chicago suburb. Please give me your opinion. Would it be a good move as I am planning to live there longer term?

Thanks.

[DisgustaTruth]

Well, Augusta isn't exactly the best place to be if you're in the IT field... it's not what you'd call a Tech hotspot like Atlanta, Austin, or Raleigh. BUt then if you already have a job offer, you should be ok.. just don't expect a competitive job market in Augusta. AS for diversity.. the Augusta area is certainly no where near as diverse as Chicago.. but it sounds like you have picked the best part of town to locate in. You will not be the only South Asian family in Evans... in fact there are a good many south asians in that area, especially because of the medical community in Augusta (medical college of GA and several hospitals).. The JOnes Creek subdivision seems to have a good concentration of south asians as does Lakeside High. There are even a coupld of decent Indian Restaurants in Augusta, but if you want to do some serious shopping for ethnic food and go to better restaurants, Atlanta is about 2.5 hrs away. I know of several ppl who live in Augusta who go to Atlanta once or twice a month for shopping. Seriously, since you are used to Chicago and are inthe IT field, you may find metro Atlanta more to your liking. IT has a lot more to offer as far as jobs..but then again Augusta is fairly inexpensive overall.. but its just not a hotspot for IT jobs... expect pay to be considerably less. You will find a much larger south asian community in metro Atlanta, especially in East Cobb County and Sandy Springs.
But if ou do plan on moving to the Augusta area, the Evans is your best bet overall.

[Chuck_G]

Hi explorer123,
Where in Augusta will you be working? As Disgusta said, Jones Creek is a nice subdivision, and it's convenient to Riverwatch Parkway which can get you downtown. Not to be nosy, but when you say 'south asian' what ethnicity are you? There is an Indian community here in Augusta, and there is also a Vietnamese and Chinese community. There are some asian markets, Indian Restaurants, and at least one Vietnamese restaurant that I know of, but you will probably have to drive to Atlanta for more variety. We have some friends who are Vietnamese, and they regularly drive to Atlanta for grocery shopping. Hope this helps.

[explorer123]

Thank you very much. This helps. By the way, what would be the typical price for a 3 BR house (new or old) in Jones Creek subdivision? If Jones Creek is the first, what would be my second choice. I appreciate your answers.

[DisgustaTruth]

I'd suggest checking out one of the local Augusta realtor websites.. Jones Creek always has listings.. anything in that genera area should be fine. Jone Creek has bigger and smaller homes so there are various price ranges to choose from.
Meybohm is a good resource to check out. Hope this helps. BTW, your kids should have no trouble in that school district.. schools are pretty good ( its an upper middle class suburban area).

[truemann]

There are several nice neighborhoods off of hardy macmanus and washington road in the evans area.

[explorer123]

Originally Posted by Chuck_G

Hi explorer123,
Where in Augusta will you be working? As Disgusta said, Jones Creek is a nice subdivision, and it's convenient to Riverwatch Parkway which can get you downtown. Not to be nosy, but when you say 'south asian' what ethnicity are you? There is an Indian community here in Augusta, and there is also a Vietnamese and Chinese community. There are some asian markets, Indian Restaurants, and at least one Vietnamese restaurant that I know of, but you will probably have to drive to Atlanta for more variety. We have some friends who are Vietnamese, and they regularly drive to Atlanta for grocery shopping. Hope this helps.

I will be working for "Electrolux". Any comment or feedback about the company and their IT? How's there reputation as an employer? Are they in the area quite sometime? Ethnicity perspective, I consider myself as an Indian. Thanks.

[DisgustaTruth]

I'm not familiar with their operations in Augusta, but from what I understand Electrolux is a very well respected and stable company making home appliances. The company is based in Sweden, and swedish companies tend to get very high marks on things like benefits and employee satisfaction.
Electrolux manufactures Kenmore appliances for Sears as well as Husqvarna lawn and garden equipment. They also have their own line of high end home appliances under the electrolux label.

[nortonguy]

Evans is a nice growing bedroom community of Augusta. I sure you will find something in your price range that you like.

[DAP443]

I think the Electrolux operations in Augusta is its North American headquarters.