Some Athen's, GA questions (Oconee: condos, houses, established neighborhood)

[TheChooch]

I have asked some questions in the past, but I'm just checking to see if there is anyone new here who can provide some insight. We visited this past summer and we are really considering relocating. We loved Athens. Since we have a child, schools are important. We also want to live in an established neighborhood with other children/families. We loved Beechwood, but heard that there are not that many children. Any similar neighborhoods that are more child-friendly? Also the school situation: If we live in Athens we will most likely do private school. If we move to Oconee Cty we would consider the public schools. It just seemed that Oconee (watkinsville) seemed too quiet and removed from the action and stimulation of downtown Athens and UGA. Any insights? Also, I would love to here your opinions about what the area is like for families. Another concern: If we lived in Athens and sent our child to Athens Academy, I would assume that school friends would be from all over and the other neighborhood children would all be going to the local schools together. How might that impact our child. We are currently going to our local public school and it's so nice to have a neighborhood school. I worry that my child would have a hard time socially if her friends lived so far away. Thanks a bunch.

[TheChooch]

Anyone?????

[irishvanguard]

I don't think the private school would hurt your "neighborhood school" concept. For the most part, your child will want to spend her time with 5-6 kids. This is no matter if you live in NYC or live in Mayberry. It is a practical and sociological fact. Your child will become involved in school clubs, sports, and other activities and others of like-mind will latch onto her.

I think it is important to be prepared to involve your kid in "structured" or "organized" activities. It really isn't the norm to just turn the kids out into the neighborhood to find leisure activities. This stopped about 40 years ago-----everywhere.

[irishvanguard]

Another thing, if you want to be close to the downtown scene, you will probably have to get a condo in a gated community nearby or live in the expensive, gentrified neighborhoods nearest the campus. The condos would be more economical, but the houses place you into the right "feel" for what you describe as your affinities. Note that most homes more than 1/2 mile from campus on the east side are in slum areas. But the gated communities still pop up there.