What is a good place in Northern Georgia (Atlanta, Rome: real estate, crime rate)

[Oneida]

We are thinking of moving to Northern Georgia from Wisconsin. What part of Northern Georgia is a good place to raise our family? We have an internet business so we don't need to look for work. We homeschool so we are not worried about schools. We like to live in the country, no more then 10 miles outside of town.House with at least 5 acres of land, under 100K. Must have a Wal-mart in town, some form of hardware store, Internet access, Dish network, other then that we like to be left alone to do our own thing.

Thanks,
Oneida

[irvm]

Originally Posted by Oneida

We are thinking of moving to Northern Georgia from Wisconsin. What part of Northern Georgia is a good place to raise our family? We have an internet business so we don't need to look for work. We homeschool so we are not worried about schools. We like to live in the country, no more then 10 miles outside of town.House with at least 5 acres of land, under 100K. Must have a Wal-mart in town, some form of hardware store, Internet access, Dish network, other then that we like to be left alone to do our own thing.

I'm sorry, you can find 5 acre parcels for $100 - 150k, or a small house on a tiny lot for
$150k, but both? You'll be looking for a long time to find anything livable. Under $200k would be a more reasonable goal.

The rest of your requirements - no problem, start looking 60 miles or more north of Atlanta.

[Oneida]

Hi irvm,

Thank you so much for your advice. I will give it a look.

Thanks again,
Oneida

[irishvanguard]

My recommendations would be just outside of Cartersville, Dalton, Rome, Dahlonega or Toccoa. This is keeping the Wal-Mart requirement in mind. You also might consider Chickamauga-Ft. Oglethorpe area, which is within striking distance of Chattanooga, with Ft. Oglethorpe having the WalMart.

[irvm]

Originally Posted by Oneida

Hi irvm,

Thank you so much for your advice. I will give it a look.

Oneida

Here are a few more details which may help:
Internet (dsl or cable) runs about $50 per month. There are places where high-speed access is not yet available, so check that carefully before buying.

I would look in Pickens, Dawson, Gilmer, Fannin, and Lumpkin counties in Ga. There should be realtors with listings on line in all those areas.

If you enjoy cooler weather, look for something with some altitude. A 10-minute drive up a mountain can make a 10-15 degree difference in temperature (year round).

If you'd like to see what the scenery looks like: Home - North Georgia Mountain Homes and Real Estate in North Georgia from North Georgia Realtor Bob Marcy

[irvm]

Originally Posted by irishvanguard

My recommendations would be just outside of Cartersville, Dalton, Rome, Dahlonega or Toccoa. This is keeping the Wal-Mart requirement in mind. You also might consider Chickamauga-Ft. Oglethorpe area, which is within striking distance of Chattanooga, with Ft. Oglethorpe having the WalMart.

Walmarts are easy to find:
Walmart Georgia Locations Map - Wal-Mart Guide

I do have to warn about Dalton: the crime rate is high.
You can compare crime rates in various Ga. counties here: georgia.gov - Crime Statistics Search (http://gbi.georgia.gov/00/article/0,2086,67862954_87981396_90656469,00.html - broken link)

[jhsrichards]

Banks County. Very nice scenic area located in the foothills of the NE GA mountains - try and get some property close to 441, and you'll be in a nice quiet area, but you can get to Wal-mart and shopping in Commerce in about fifteen min. or less.

[Tennesseestorm]

I would recommend the northeast Georgia mountains then... not as hot in the summer, with mild winters. Country-like setting. Also, not too far from the beach! Also a short drive to the north will get you into the Great Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee/west North Carolina, not too far from the big cities of Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA!

[johndoeboy]

Dalton, ga is a nice place to live. I wouldn't live in rome, but you might like it

[Gunga07]

Check out zip code 30710 at realtor.com. The area is an easy 30 minute drive from Chattanooga. Houses and property are reasonably priced.
2,000+ sq ft house with 3-5 acres for around $200k