Moving from NYC(Queens) to Rome, GA end of August! (Atlanta: rentals, crime rate)

[Templb01]

Hey Guys/Gals,

I will be moving my family from NYC to Rome at the end of Aug to start a new job. Hopefully this would be a good move. I am familiar with Atlanta as I went to school there for a yr and have family there, but I know nothing about Rome. However, from driving through the area it looks pretty decent and homey which is what we are looking for to raise our son (14Mo)

I have a few questions though related to apt/house hunting.

-Which areas do you recommend? I've been looking at Rome, Cartersville, Acworth, Rockmart areas for housing as they are about a 30min or less drive. I'll be working at a major hospital in Rome so the closer the better.

-How much does sewer, water, electric, ect cost? My current and past rentals only required me to pay electric. Sewer, trash, ect are already covered. Just to get an idea.

Thanks!!!!

[Newsboy]

Wow! This will be a major move. But you are already familiar with Georgia and have a good attitude so I don't think it will be too big a shock. I love Rome! It's a beautiful city in a gorgeous part of the state, big enough to have its own identity (and minor league baseball team) but small enough to have a real sense of community. And you're only an hour from both Atlanta and Chattanooga -- great location!

I can't speak for housing costs, utilities and the like, but am somewhat familiar with the area and think you probably would be most comfortable living in Rome proper, which has some very nice areas. Too far out in the country may indeed be a culture shock. Good luck!

[ATL_RN123]

I grew up in Cartersville, just down the highway from Rome. I would not recommend it, horriable schools, lots of crime, etc. Rome is quite a bit better in those regards, especially schools...even though even Rome schools are nothing to marvel at. If you can afford private school I would recommend it, even though the only private schools in that area are Christian schools...don't know how you feel about that though. I would recommend Rome (Having lived in Cartersville and I've had friends live in Acworth.) It has the best schools, most culture, probably a lower cost of living, and a similar violent crime rate and lower property crime than the other place you mentioned.

You will probably have to pay for all utilities if you are renting, except maybe trash pickup. Sometimes down here you'll find somewhere that will pay for your water, gas, etc. but this is fairly rare.

[LovinDecatur]

Originally Posted by ATL_RN123

I grew up in Cartersville, just down the highway from Rome. I would not recommend it, horriable schools, lots of crime, etc. Rome is quite a bit better in those regards, especially schools...even though even Rome schools are nothing to marvel at. If you can afford private school I would recommend it, even though the only private schools in that area are Christian schools...don't know how you feel about that though. I would recommend Rome (Having lived in Cartersville and I've had friends live in Acworth.) It has the best schools, most culture, probably a lower cost of living, and a similar violent crime rate and lower property crime than the other place you mentioned.

You will probably have to pay for all utilities if you are renting, except maybe trash pickup. Sometimes down here you'll find somewhere that will pay for your water, gas, etc. but this is fairly rare.

Not all of the private schools in Rome are 'Christian'; the Darlington School is one of the best private schools in the state.

Darlington School: Home: Welcome

[MMuller]

Have you considered Adairsville ? It's between Cartersville and Calhoon. No crime and everybody treats you like family. We just moved here in Oct from Miami, Fl and we love it. Just got tired of all the crime, crowds and traffic in Miami.

[antiquesmountainapache]

This is quite a move! You will most likely be happier in the Rome city limits unless you are seeking a completely different lifestyle. I'm assuming that you will be working at Floyd Medical Center form your post, which is centrally located in the Rome city limits. I would rule out Acworth due to the distance. It is further away than any of your other choices.

Rome is a bit off the beaten path due to a lack of direct freeway access but it has so much charm.It serves as the gateway to northwest Georgia.

Darlington, as mentioned in a previous post, is one of the premier prep schools in the state. There are also two private colleges -- Shorter and Berry. I'm proud to say that I have degrees from both. There are excellent cultural offerings from the institutions.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information. I lived in Rome for many years and still have friends there. The area between Rome and Chattanooga is gorgeous and turns from rolling hills into mountains. Good luck!

[KayThomas]

I've only lived in Rome for about a year, but I like it. There are a few beautiful parks very close to town. The down town area is charming. Lots of local amenities. I have a daughter that starts school next year so I've been doing lots of research on local school. There is a highly rated school in Armuchee called Glenwood Primary School. It's the best in the area (excluding private options). Armuchee is maybe 10-20 min from Floyd Hospital and it probably has most of the modern construction homes. Otherwise there are lots of older homes in Rome. If you're working in Rome and don't mind living on the outskirts, you may want to look at areas such as Lindale, Silver Creek, Cave Springs, Kingston, Summerville, Shannon, and even Euharlee (which is almost equally between Rome and Cartersville). Anyway, good luck. I hope you enjoy Rome as much as my family does. It's really a nice little place.