Black Female From The North Thinking About Moving To Hiawassee (Atlanta: rent, employment)

[countrygirl1979]

Hi everyone I'm from the country up north I love the mountains and fishing ....a few months ago I visited hiawassee ga I have friends that live there and I had a blast they showed me the mountains very pretty I felt so relaxed. We went shopping and had some looks but I'm used to it since mostly my friends are white but would I be safe living in hiawassee and would I have a problem finding work? I'm a honest woman so any suggestions would help me be as honest as you like. Thank You

[Ollie1946]

To my knowledge, other than students at Young Harris College, there are no black people living in Towns County. There are some few in adjoining Union County. While I don't think you would be harassed in any sense, you might find yourself more exposed than you like over time. However, there is always a first step. You did not mention the type of work you do or can do. Employment is hugely tight all over GA but far more so in smaller communities. If you do go there, rent rather than buy. It is not just mainly white, it is all white unless that has changed in the last couple of years since I lived there.

Good luck to ya.

[DreamKeeper]

I don't think you would have any problems safety wise. I'm sure there are black people that live in that area as there are all over Georgia but there probably aren't a tremendous amount living there. In my experience with traveling there the people in general are very friendly. As far as the job prospects go I know that the rural areas have been hit pretty hard economically so finding a job would probably be your greatest challenge.

[lastminutemom]

Originally Posted by Ollie1946

To my knowledge, other than students at Young Harris College, there are no black people living in Towns County. There are some few in adjoining Union County. While I don't think you would be harassed in any sense, you might find yourself more exposed than you like over time. However, there is always a first step. You did not mention the type of work you do or can do. Employment is hugely tight all over GA but far more so in smaller communities. If you do go there, rent rather than buy. It is not just mainly white, it is all white unless that has changed in the last couple of years since I lived there.

Good luck to ya.

This -- Having visited Towns County, I have to agree with this. I think you might find yourself the only minority, not just the only black.

[AnsleyPark]

The north Georgia mountain area is pretty unique in this state in terms of demographics. I have no experience with Hiawasee but find other areas where I would imagine an African American might feel uncomfortable. You do see more confederate flags in the area and I've seen a few folks with KKK tee-shirts on. It bothers me, a white guy, so am sure there would be uncomfortable moments for you. That having been said, folks in the mountains seem generally kind and friendly. I agree with the prior poster who suggested renting for a bit before permanently settling in. I just think that would be prudent.

[countrygirl1979]

Originally Posted by Ollie1946

To my knowledge, other than students at Young Harris College, there are no black people living in Towns County. There are some few in adjoining Union County. While I don't think you would be harassed in any sense, you might find yourself more exposed than you like over time. However, there is always a first step. You did not mention the type of work you do or can do. Employment is hugely tight all over GA but far more so in smaller communities. If you do go there, rent rather than buy. It is not just mainly white, it is all white unless that has changed in the last couple of years since I lived there.

Good luck to ya.

Thank you all very much for the advice and I have customer service,banking and promotions experience. I feel I'm pretty outgoing but being also aware of people views.. guess its the shy side of me but my friends and this forum has help me to be more relaxed... But more suggestions would be helpful again thank you

[SW30303]

Honestly, finding work would be tough for anyone in North Georgia right now and especially for outsiders. To be quite frank, I think you would do better to live closer to metro Atlanta and then enjoy North Georgia in your leisure time. Whatever you may decide, I would try to find the job before moving just to make sure. Good luck in your decision.

[Ollie1946]

You may want to contact Young Harris College. It has recently converted to a 4 year school and is in the midst of campaigning for support and students. They are high on diversity so there may be something there for you. I failed to mention that there are a few black people living in Murphy, NC and also Hayesville. I wish you well in finding what you want and something you can live with. By and large, with some exceptions, people do judge on character. Many of the people living in the Hiawassee area are from outside the area. I doubt there are many native mountain people there anymore.

[countrygirl1979]

I agree with you I am always respectable and I will look into Young Harris College I would like to major in psychology....but thank you for the much needed advice

[lastminutemom]

Unfortunately, though, there are some people who relocate to that area because of the demographics. I would investigate very carefully.