Teacher looking to relocate to Atlanta area (Columbus, Savannah: house, look for a job)

[idnew]

Hello! I have been teaching in New Jersey for 6 years now and I love my job but I can't take it here anymore. The high taxes, the crime, the traffic, hustle bustle and on and on. I am definitely ready to make my move south. I will continue to teach after the move, but I'd rather find an area that I love first, and then look for a job (not the other way around). Please give me advice on where I should begin my search. Here is some information that may help: I am 37 years old, I am single (mom and sister may soon follow), I NEED to be close to shopping, entertainment, culture, etc. but I don't want to be underneath it. I want a really nice and diverse neighborhood so that I can also relax say in my backyard or on a deck BBQing with friends. Looking to purchase a house around $250-300. I will be in the area this month. Please give me your recommendations. I would truly appreciate it!

[GeorgiaTransplant]

Did you mean to post this in the Atlanta section? Augusta is 1-1/2 to 2 hours from Atlanta, by freeway.

If you weren't looking for Atlanta, but were rather looking for a nice small to medium sized city, this is one of the correct places to post (also try Columbia, SC, Greenville, SC, Columbus, Savannah, Athens, Macon, Albany).