Homer? Royston? Lexington? (Atlanta, Commerce, Washington: unemployment, school, living)

[bpangie]

We currently live in Augusta and are looking to get out. My fiancee has been offered a position in Athens (no matter we are out of Augusta anyway...) We took a trip up to Athens and despite the hype, didn't love it. Nice town, but the outskirts are succumbing to the suburban sprawl and consumerism that seem to be so prevalent amongst bigger cities in the South. However, that doesn't mean we won't go there, we just want something different.

We're trying to stay within 30-45 minutes of her job - preferably north of Athens (away from Atlanta...) - in a small town that lacks the sprawl of brick ranches and three lane high ways dotted with 10 different kinds of fast food, 3 car lots, a couple of strip malls and a Sprawl-mart. On the trip through we passed through Lexington and I think it is more-or-less what we are looking for, except maybe a bit too small.

Any help/pointers would be great. I know we're not far, but it's tough taking road trips with a baby in the car.

[drfergie]

I would look at Oconee County. I live in Oglethorpe county and am moving out of state. The county is 40 years behind in many ways and does not support its local businesses. I have lived in many states and I cannot wait to get out of this area. There is a large population that is living on disability and unemployment and they all expect handouts. Not impressed with the county at all. Don't aim on ever returning. The school system is not good as well-my daughter's kindergarten teach cannot spell. The only positive is that the countryside is beautiful around here (when there is rain).

[DJDeadParrot]

I'll second the Oconee County recommendation. Watkinsville is pretty nice. Its been about 4 or 5 years since I've been down that way, but I remember the downtown area being very charming, like a smaller version of Washington, GA.

I live in rural Franklin County. That my mailing address says Royston is merely a postal formality. Royston isn't bad. I'd say drive through town, and see if it strikes the balance of sprawling [two, count em, TWO, grocery stores, but no WalMart within 15 miles] and being too small [two traffic signals]. References to the hometown hero, Ty Cobb, are quite inescapable. But that's about the extent of the town's character and charm.

I wouldn't bother with Homer. It has even less going for it than Royston, except easy access to Commerce and Banks Crossing [I-85 and US 441], which has quite a bit of exactly the kind of commercial sprawl you're looking to avoid.