Columbus, Georgia (Atlanta, Macon, Auburn: movers, condos, hotels)

[black_heart]

Well... We've kind of turned into a little New york or Atlanta around here. Crime is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY up, the only side that's supposedly safe is the North side. Then again, there getting car jacked left and right over that way as well. It used to be just us blacks who took the blame but "NOW", it's a mixture of everybody commiting crimes. Meth is a HUGE problem around here and the police take forever and a day to respond to calls (black or white). I do know a lot of people who've been lured here through AFLAC or other big companys promising that it was safe to move here for them and the family but they all have since left and found different jobs. It used to be a pleasant place to stay but it has been going down hill for awhile now (unless you have money or drugs.... well ALOT of money and drugs). Schools are pretty good and they have a few things to do for the family and singles as well but if you look at the big picture, it's not worth it. Basically, don't always believe what you see in the brochures because it's far from the truth.

[JLA]

Originally Posted by black_heart

Well... We've kind of turned into a little New york or Atlanta around here. Crime is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY up, the only side that's supposedly safe is the North side. Then again, there getting car jacked left and right over that way as well. It used to be just us blacks who took the blame but "NOW", it's a mixture of everybody commiting crimes. Meth is a HUGE problem around here and the police take forever and a day to respond to calls (black or white). I do know a lot of people who've been lured here through AFLAC or other big companys promising that it was safe to move here for them and the family but they all have since left and found different jobs. It used to be a pleasant place to stay but it has been going down hill for awhile now (unless you have money or drugs.... well ALOT of money and drugs). Schools are pretty good and they have a few things to do for the family and singles as well but if you look at the big picture, it's not worth it. Basically, don't always believe what you see in the brochures because it's far from the truth.

Thanks for the thoughtful insight.

[masterbucket]

Originally Posted by black_heart

Well... We've kind of turned into a little New york or Atlanta around here. Crime is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY up, the only side that's supposedly safe is the North side. Then again, there getting car jacked left and right over that way as well. It used to be just us blacks who took the blame but "NOW", it's a mixture of everybody commiting crimes. Meth is a HUGE problem around here and the police take forever and a day to respond to calls (black or white). I do know a lot of people who've been lured here through AFLAC or other big companys promising that it was safe to move here for them and the family but they all have since left and found different jobs. It used to be a pleasant place to stay but it has been going down hill for awhile now (unless you have money or drugs.... well ALOT of money and drugs). Schools are pretty good and they have a few things to do for the family and singles as well but if you look at the big picture, it's not worth it. Basically, don't always believe what you see in the brochures because it's far from the truth.

Finally we are getting posters who are cutting through all the Columbus booster club bs...
Too many people are having the same issues in Columbus for it to be a problem being NEGATIVE...

[masterbucket]

Originally Posted by mrcolumbusga

Columbus is not a bad place to live. Just like all places, you have to know where to live and what areas to avoid.

If that is truly the case that would cover about 95 percent of Columbus that needs to be avoided(especially after 8 pm)
Check the police dispatch report downtown anytime...pages upon pages daily and most unreported by local news(why isn't the public made aware?)

[art-teacher]

Well, first off, I'm one of *those* people... I have grown up in columbus and I'm now in my 20's.... I've lived in a smaller town during college (Montevallo, AL) but have also been to Birmingham, AL quite a bit as well... I'm currently in Smiths Station, AL (right across the river from Columbus).

All that said, there are areas of town that crime is worse than others, especially in the south (near terminal court, etc.) but crime can happen anywhere. I guess this is not uncommon in most cities though, as I'd hear far more reports of robberies, shootings, etc. on the Birmingham news, verses what goes on in Columbus.

However, if you are planning on moving here, please take the time to drive around the various neighborhoods, etc. to make sure that the house you are looking at is in an area that you would feel safe in. I, myself, have been looking at houses that would be in my price range (as a first-time owner) and most are not in great parts of town.

As for the schools, well I may be biased, but they are generally very good. There are many magnet programs and most schools have a deacent amount of technology, especially the newer schools (i.e. northside and veteran's memorial MS).

As for activities, etc. There is not the huge amount of shopping choices that you might expect for such a large town, although they are continuing expansion on the newest shopping center. We have most of the chain resturants here, but don't have a huge variety of grocery stores...locally, we have the pig, winn-dixie, lewis-jones (bought out by piggly-wiggly), and publix. I would personally like to see a whole foods open up, but don't think it's feasable currently.

There are also some good local resturants... Country's BBQ comes to mind (try the fried chicken fingers and ask for some "shoop" sauce on the side!) and ezels catfish (the hush puppies are wonderful).

There are not that many clubs, etc. in town, but that has never bothered me as I'm quite the geek and would rather read than go out clubbing... That said, if you want to get a drink there are plenty of options locally.

Good family-oriented activities... fine arts (the river center, Columbus State University, and the columbus museum), pretty good offering of public rec. activities and generally good facilities.. I especially love lake bottom park. The library system is also very good here.

The job market can be rough, especially if you don't know people "on the inside" as many positions are not posted publicly (in my experience). If you are looking for white collar type work, there are the big corporations in town (aflac, tsys, carmike), but not much more...other than locally owned, smaller businesses.

One negative, IMO, is the public transit system and walkability of the city. On the whole, Columbus is not very walkable, except for downtown... Many areas have no sidewalks and the city is widely spaced. Public transit is somewhat sparse and is far less than appealing as it is not popular with any group except those that either can't drive or can't afford a car... So if you want a good public transit system, this might not be the area for you. Maybe as gas prices rise, demand will increase and our system will improve.

I hope that I've helped answer some of your questions in a balanced fashion...I certainly haven't tried to spin the facts... It's just important that you come and see the city for yourself and know what is important to you before you move here.

[masterbucket]

Originally Posted by art-teacher

Well, first off, I'm one of *those* people... I have grown up in columbus and I'm now in my 20's.... I've lived in a smaller town during college (Montevallo, AL) but have also been to Birmingham, AL quite a bit as well... I'm currently in Smiths Station, AL (right across the river from Columbus).

All that said, there are areas of town that crime is worse than others, especially in the south (near terminal court, etc.) but crime can happen anywhere. I guess this is not uncommon in most cities though, as I'd hear far more reports of robberies, shootings, etc. on the Birmingham news, verses what goes on in Columbus.

However, if you are planning on moving here, please take the time to drive around the various neighborhoods, etc. to make sure that the house you are looking at is in an area that you would feel safe in. I, myself, have been looking at houses that would be in my price range (as a first-time owner) and most are not in great parts of town.

As for the schools, well I may be biased, but they are generally very good. There are many magnet programs and most schools have a deacent amount of technology, especially the newer schools (i.e. northside and veteran's memorial MS).

As for activities, etc. There is not the huge amount of shopping choices that you might expect for such a large town, although they are continuing expansion on the newest shopping center. We have most of the chain resturants here, but don't have a huge variety of grocery stores...locally, we have the pig, winn-dixie, lewis-jones (bought out by piggly-wiggly), and publix. I would personally like to see a whole foods open up, but don't think it's feasable currently.

There are also some good local resturants... Country's BBQ comes to mind (try the fried chicken fingers and ask for some "shoop" sauce on the side!) and ezels catfish (the hush puppies are wonderful).

There are not that many clubs, etc. in town, but that has never bothered me as I'm quite the geek and would rather read than go out clubbing... That said, if you want to get a drink there are plenty of options locally.

Good family-oriented activities... fine arts (the river center, Columbus State University, and the columbus museum), pretty good offering of public rec. activities and generally good facilities.. I especially love lake bottom park. The library system is also very good here.

The job market can be rough, especially if you don't know people "on the inside" as many positions are not posted publicly (in my experience). If you are looking for white collar type work, there are the big corporations in town (aflac, tsys, carmike), but not much more...other than locally owned, smaller businesses.

One negative, IMO, is the public transit system and walkability of the city. On the whole, Columbus is not very walkable, except for downtown... Many areas have no sidewalks and the city is widely spaced. Public transit is somewhat sparse and is far less than appealing as it is not popular with any group except those that either can't drive or can't afford a car... So if you want a good public transit system, this might not be the area for you. Maybe as gas prices rise, demand will increase and our system will improve.

I hope that I've helped answer some of your questions in a balanced fashion...I certainly haven't tried to spin the facts... It's just important that you come and see the city for yourself and know what is important to you before you move here.

Another honest post without the "glee club" spin.......

Have a great weekend everyone..

[ATLCOL1]

Originally Posted by masterbucket

If that is truly the case that would cover about 95 percent of Columbus that needs to be avoided(especially after 8 pm)
Check the police dispatch report downtown anytime...pages upon pages daily and most unreported by local news(why isn't the public made aware?)

Hmmm....I have lived in Columbus 25 years and have not once felt unsafe. Every city has bad areas. Columbus was just voted one of the best cities in the country (ranked 4th actually) to raise a family. Sounds safe to me

As you say.....have a great day!

[JLA]

[quote=masterbucket;4251705]Another honest post without the "glee club" spin....... QUOTE]

Hello Mr. Happy,
Glee club member and Head Geek in charge here. I have a little to add. The last time I checked there are more companies here looking for highly trained professionals than AFLAC, TSYS or Carmike. Have you guys ever heard of Georgia Power, Southern Company, Alabama Power, MEAG, Pratt & Whitney, PCI, Panasonic, Civil Service, Muscogee County School District, KIA..., let's not forget the numerous other organizations that support the big boys. At the white color level networking is necessary for hiring and advancements even in the big cities of Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Chicago or Dallas. The truth is, most people will choose to complain rather than to actually do something about their status in life. I have lived and worked in a variety of places all over the United States and the world. None of them were perfect, they only seemed perfect to the outsiders, those who only show up to sight see and take in the scenery. Once the tourist spots have gotten old, it comes down to what does this city has to offer me and what can I contribute to this city. Columbus is not perfect, but I will take it. A nice functional local government that thinks regionally. A Chamber of Commerce that has done an outstanding job of promoting and recruiting jobs to this area. And when I say area I mean the whole Valley area not just Columbus. Good schools and universities. Plenty of recreation activities for all. A growing diverse job market and if you guys have not noticed, things are tough almost everywhere. The last time I checked the Columbus/Phenix City/Auburn/Opelika/West Point/La Grange area along with Savannah seem to be the brightest spots in GA when it comes to job growth and recruiting. Not bad for the "Arm Pit" of the Valley. The cup was at one point half full, but now, it's most nearly 5/8 full. And the best is yet to come. Sit back and enjoy the ride, I know I will. Enjoy your lovely weekend.

[art-teacher]

JLA-
The "Aflac, Tsys, and Carmike" white collar jobs statement was mine, and I apologize if it was more limited than the actual job pool is here in town... What can I say? Despite living here, I don't seem to get out much and, of course, it would help if I was in that field... I did not mention MCSD, because I assumed most out-of-towners / relocators would be looking for corporate and not teaching jobs.

[masterbucket]

[quote=JLA;4253563]

Originally Posted by masterbucket

Another honest post without the "glee club" spin....... QUOTE]

Hello Mr. Happy,
Glee club member and Head Geek in charge here. I have a little to add. The last time I checked there are more companies here looking for highly trained professionals than AFLAC, TSYS or Carmike. Have you guys ever heard of Georgia Power, Southern Company, Alabama Power, MEAG, Pratt & Whitney, PCI, Panasonic, Civil Service, Muscogee County School District, KIA..., let's not forget the numerous other organizations that support the big boys. At the white color level networking is necessary for hiring and advancements even in the big cities of Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Chicago or Dallas. The truth is, most people will choose to complain rather than to actually do something about their status in life. I have lived and worked in a variety of places all over the United States and the world. None of them were perfect, they only seemed perfect to the outsiders, those who only show up to sight see and take in the scenery. Once the tourist spots have gotten old, it comes down to what does this city has to offer me and what can I contribute to this city. Columbus is not perfect, but I will take it. A nice functional local government that thinks regionally. A Chamber of Commerce that has done an outstanding job of promoting and recruiting jobs to this area. And when I say area I mean the whole Valley area not just Columbus. Good schools and universities. Plenty of recreation activities for all. A growing diverse job market and if you guys have not noticed, things are tough almost everywhere. The last time I checked the Columbus/Phenix City/Auburn/Opelika/West Point/La Grange area along with Savannah seem to be the brightest spots in GA when it comes to job growth and recruiting. Not bad for the "Arm Pit" of the Valley. The cup was at one point half full, but now, it's most nearly 5/8 full. And the best is yet to come. Sit back and enjoy the ride, I know I will. Enjoy your lovely weekend.

All the companies you mention have been in Columbus for decades and are hiring very few LOCAL applicants except for customer service etc(most paying positions are recruited from out of town) and those companies have been around for decades....
Civl Service positions at Benning have been cut way back and replaced with mainly contract jobs that are mostly temp and no benefits.
Where are all these NEW great paying companies you folks rave about?
Correct ....there are none.
Recreation?....ask any young person about that...you will be disapointed
The Chamber of Commerce has run off more companies ready to set up here..and I will mention one that 99 percent of you probably never heard.
Walmart had offered to put a distribution center in Columbus a few years back(on property near Pratt and Whitney) offering several hundred jobs at $12-20 dollars an hour and guess what the city and chamber blew them off with outrageous stipulations....ask them to verify this if they are not too embarrassed to tell you.
There are many more I can mention and may in the future......

Like most of Columbus you will sit back and ride waiting for something good to happen....and The Columbus Syndrome strikes again.
I think the best has come and gone.

Hope everyone has a great upcoming 4th of July weekend...