Closest Location to Mountains with Young Families and Good Schools? (Atlanta: homes, neighborhoods)

[momtomany]

We are looking to be as close to the mountains as possible in a community with young families and good schools. We would also like to live on an acre or 2. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[merilynn]

Hello, I think that the areas of Putnam ,Morgan,Greene and Jasper counties ,here in Georgia would be of interest to you. These counties are less than two hours from the north Georgia mountains . They are growing at a productive rate but are not overgrown or overpopualated.
There are wonderful school systems here and you can choose from private or public education for your children.
As for as Housing, you have the choice of price range and or type of living areas. You can choose a quiet country lifestyle or a more upbeat town life. There are great lake homes or river side areas. The old antibellum areas are still so beautiful and offer walkable neighborhoods that are safe and Quiet.
Look into cities such as Eatonton in Putnam county, Madison in Morgan County, Monticello in Jasper county and Greensboro in Greene county.

[resolute]

Lumpkin County (Dahlonega) might be a good area - so would Canton or perhaps Jasper, GA - these places are all on the major roads to the mountains

[momtomany]

Thanks for your responses, I'll look into those areas.

[Hyun-Soo]

I sugggest Cartersville or Canton. But Canton is pretty much in the Atlanta area.

[ga1998]

word of warning - Atl has grown in the last 10 years - since the olympics. The suburbs have spread. when we moved here in 1998, Forsyth County was still pretty hill billy - and sorry to say - I really mean hill billy. Once you get north of exit 14 on GA 400 - going toward the mountains, things go downhill VERY quickly. You can go to the school sites and see thier scores - the farther north, the lower the scores. Not to say that there aren't new communities being developed there, because there are - but it will take time for that growth to leak into the school system. For forsyth county the website is: Forsyth County Schools I think you can just change the name of the county - Dawson, Lumkin, White, whatever... and should be able to go the school system for that county. You can still get acreage in Forsyth, Dawson & Lumpkin counties for decent prices. Just be careful - the education quality is very different going south to north.