relocating from Il to Ga..South near Griffin (Macon, Newnan: trip , rental)

[qwemmie]

Hello all....This forum is so helpful to so many people...So an advanced Thank you to all who stops by .....

My husband is being transferred to Griffin, Ga. We have been told by SEVERAL that we do not want to actually LIVE in Griffin. I have been researching for over 2 weeks now and WOW!.....lol..

We will be moving from a small (pop:1800 Apprx) but not too boring town in Il. with an old time safe feeling, one in which I am hesitant to give up. We have GREAT schools...wonderful caring teachers, a normal (haha) community with a mixture of races. I would love something that compares somewhat equally to that, maybe with a tiny bit more of the cultural mix. We range about 2.5% mixture. My son was born in a white suit...as he puts it...and would like to have a few more Non-white people to hang out with. We don't like racism...The way we see it...98% of AMERICAN families arrived on a boat at one point in time...so that is not an issue...what is an issue are MEAN people...no matter what shade of people you are....So we want a Nice People Hood...lol......You know..the perfect place.....

I have been looking within an hour's drive from Griffin and away from ATL. I don't want a snobby town.....a boring town...something with parks and at least a local grocery and gas station. Good schools...Did I mention perfect?

These are the towns I have looked into...But I am CLUELESS to all the towns so please HELP....

My children are 11 and 16 if that helps. Soccer or Golf in high school would be a huge plus...and I am assuming that every school has Volleyball.

Grantville
Warm Springs
Manchester (For Manchester United..of course)

Any others that I don't know about???

THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU

Qwemmie

[deja-zebbie]

Quemmie,

I've thought about towns that are near Griffin as my husband and I live in that general area.

There are two towns I can think of: Zebulon which has a WONDERFUL bookstore which is owned and run by three VERY helpful women. The shop, "A Novel Experience" will also e-mail you of special events they are hosting. The inside walls of the shop serve as a photo gallery as well. Zebulon also features a VERY good farmers market (for this area) in season with produce, quilters, etc. The market runs Saturday mornings until noon. In fact, we just stopped in Zebulon where the farmers market is last saturday, bought some peppers and had some barbecue at a Kiwanis fund raiser before heading to Griffin for shopping. Now, this is not a large farmers market, but very good for the area. Wednesday evening events on the square. I have heard that lot sizes in Pike are a minimum 1 acre, but am not sure if this is accurate or not. Zebulon is in Pike county and is VERY close to Griffin.

Another town near Griffin is Barnesville in Lamar county. You would enter Griffin in the historic downtown of Griffin, but it's not far to the newer area with Lowe's, Home Depot, those kinds of stores. Barnesville also runs a farmers market but it's on Thursday afternoon to early evening. The market runs in season until November. Barnesville is an historic town with a state college, "Gordon College". I believe there is some kind of science center for young folks at the college (and think it MIGHT be for kids) and also that there might be some kind of a yearly tour to one of the Georgia islands for young folks (maybe young teens? or school children).

I can't speak to the schools in these towns, there is somewhere a website that rates schools. If you look on the forum for posts where the title of the thread has something to do with schools, very often that website will be included (it's for the whole state). I do want to mention that some of these small towns have one school of each type, i.e., one primary, one elementary, one middle school and one high school. I think that is important to keep this in mind when looking at school stats, because that means that EVERY child in the COUNTY that goes to public school goes to that school. In other words, in larger places where there are more schools in a town our county one might be better than another, but in these smaller counties, often everyone goes to the SAME schools...from the bright kids to those who might have have more difficulty in learning and the school stats would obviously be effected. I mention this because we're from a major city in the West where the school ratings were often better dependent on economic and education level of parents. There are, of course private schools around in these areas.

While everyone wants top notch schools, IMHO I'd gladly hire a little extra tutoring (if needed) to augment schooling in exchange for raising children in a safe, stable secure community.

If you visit Griffin IMHO the best restaurant in the area is J. Henry's. Very casual and popular and unlike many restaruants in the general area, once it's open for the day it's open (i.e., it doesn't close after lunch) which is a distinct advantage. Also worth checking out in Griffin is Antiques Griffin -- very nice and helpful folks own it and the booth renters also work at the desk. This is not a fancy antique store, but real down home. They are used to questions about all kinds of things (besides antiques) in fact they are the folks who recommended J. Henry's to us.

For us the best grocery store chain is Publix...but you might have to drive a bit to find one. We use Ingles for the "regular" stuff and then go once a week to Publix for American grown produce and things we can't get at the local Ingles.

MAJOR shopping can be done in -->NORTH<-- Macon or in Mcdonough which ever is closer to where you locate.

If you garden, you will find this area Eden like -- though if you're visiting in the next few months it might look drab because of the time of year.

Also, if you rent or buy, you'd be advised to find out about the water restriction situation due to the drought. For example if you live in town limits you might have a good source of water, but just a block away in a county area you might have harsher watering restrictions or vice versa. You'd want to find out the LEVEL of restriction in the area where you plan on living.

Frankly, I think the BEST situation is to pick a general location (town or country) and rent for a year till you can find the exact location that works best for you and your family while still close to the schools where your children are going. This can be better economically as well if you're planning on buying becausse then you have time to see what comes on the market. We did this and were able to find a nice small three bedroom on 1/2 acre in an historic district for $72,500 a few years ago. We did have to have the electricity redone and add new heating and cooling but continuously pat ourselves on the back over waiting till we found what we wanted. Seems as if not a lot of houses are being sold in the general area (several counties) right now, so if you are thinking of purchasing a home you might be at an advantage. Moving twice (one to a rental and then to the house you purchase) is a MAJOR pain, but can be worth it to find what you want.

You mention racism. There are a lot of stereotypes about the South floating around outside the South. I sure don't mean to imply that you are spouting them, but but perhaps you've heard comments. We heard an EARFUL in the West when we told friends and colleagues we were moving to the South. We live on a street with mixed races...the children play together, folks around here aren't just polite to each other they actually work together, do socialize, go to church, hug each other in the grocery stores, eat together, etc. Just explore...and keep your eyes open and you'll see what I mean.

We LOVE living in the general area you're moving to...we've been here several years and only wish we had moved sooner. I think you'll find the folks in that area friendly and helpful (I've said this on the forum so many times I feel like a broken record).

All the best in your quest for a new home...there are a LOT of really great places to visit in Georgia that aren't far from where you'll be living.
zebbie

[qwemmie]

Originally Posted by deja-zebbie

Quemmie,

I've thought about towns that are near Griffin as my husband and I live in that general area.

There are two towns I can think of: Zebulon which has a WONDERFUL bookstore which is owned and run by three VERY helpful women. The shop, "A Novel Experience" will also e-mail you of special events they are hosting. The inside walls of the shop serve as a photo gallery as well. Zebulon also features a VERY good farmers market (for this area) in season with produce, quilters, etc. The market runs Saturday mornings until noon. In fact, we just stopped in Zebulon where the farmers market is last saturday, bought some peppers and had some barbecue at a Kiwanis fund raiser before heading to Griffin for shopping. Now, this is not a large farmers market, but very good for the area. Wednesday evening events on the square. I have heard that lot sizes in Pike are a minimum 1 acre, but am not sure if this is accurate or not. Zebulon is in Pike county and is VERY close to Griffin.

Another town near Griffin is Barnesville in Lamar county. You would enter Griffin in the historic downtown of Griffin, but it's not far to the newer area with Lowe's, Home Depot, those kinds of stores. Barnesville also runs a farmers market but it's on Thursday afternoon to early evening. The market runs in season until November. Barnesville is an historic town with a state college, "Gordon College". I believe there is some kind of science center for young folks at the college (and think it MIGHT be for kids) and also that there might be some kind of a yearly tour to one of the Georgia islands for young folks (maybe young teens? or school children).

I can't speak to the schools in these towns, there is somewhere a website that rates schools. If you look on the forum for posts where the title of the thread has something to do with schools, very often that website will be included (it's for the whole state). I do want to mention that some of these small towns have one school of each type, i.e., one primary, one elementary, one middle school and one high school. I think that is important to keep this in mind when looking at school stats, because that means that EVERY child in the COUNTY that goes to public school goes to that school. In other words, in larger places where there are more schools in a town our county one might be better than another, but in these smaller counties, often everyone goes to the SAME schools...from the bright kids to those who might have have more difficulty in learning and the school stats would obviously be effected. I mention this because we're from a major city in the West where the school ratings were often better dependent on economic and education level of parents. There are, of course private schools around in these areas.

While everyone wants top notch schools, IMHO I'd gladly hire a little extra tutoring (if needed) to augment schooling in exchange for raising children in a safe, stable secure community.

If you visit Griffin IMHO the best restaurant in the area is J. Henry's. Very casual and popular and unlike many restaruants in the general area, once it's open for the day it's open (i.e., it doesn't close after lunch) which is a distinct advantage. Also worth checking out in Griffin is Antiques Griffin -- very nice and helpful folks own it and the booth renters also work at the desk. This is not a fancy antique store, but real down home. They are used to questions about all kinds of things (besides antiques) in fact they are the folks who recommended J. Henry's to us.

For us the best grocery store chain is Publix...but you might have to drive a bit to find one. We use Ingles for the "regular" stuff and then go once a week to Publix for American grown produce and things we can't get at the local Ingles.

MAJOR shopping can be done in -->NORTH<-- Macon or in Mcdonough which ever is closer to where you locate.

If you garden, you will find this area Eden like -- though if you're visiting in the next few months it might look drab because of the time of year.

Also, if you rent or buy, you'd be advised to find out about the water restriction situation due to the drought. For example if you live in town limits you might have a good source of water, but just a block away in a county area you might have harsher watering restrictions or vice versa. You'd want to find out the LEVEL of restriction in the area where you plan on living.

Frankly, I think the BEST situation is to pick a general location (town or country) and rent for a year till you can find the exact location that works best for you and your family while still close to the schools where your children are going. This can be better economically as well if you're planning on buying becausse then you have time to see what comes on the market. We did this and were able to find a nice small three bedroom on 1/2 acre in an historic district for $72,500 a few years ago. We did have to have the electricity redone and add new heating and cooling but continuously pat ourselves on the back over waiting till we found what we wanted. Seems as if not a lot of houses are being sold in the general area (several counties) right now, so if you are thinking of purchasing a home you might be at an advantage. Moving twice (one to a rental and then to the house you purchase) is a MAJOR pain, but can be worth it to find what you want.

You mention racism. There are a lot of stereotypes about the South floating around outside the South. I sure don't mean to imply that you are spouting them, but but perhaps you've heard comments. We heard an EARFUL in the West when we told friends and colleagues we were moving to the South. We live on a street with mixed races...the children play together, folks around here aren't just polite to each other they actually work together, do socialize, go to church, hug each other in the grocery stores, eat together, etc. Just explore...and keep your eyes open and you'll see what I mean.

We LOVE living in the general area you're moving to...we've been here several years and only wish we had moved sooner. I think you'll find the folks in that area friendly and helpful (I've said this on the forum so many times I feel like a broken record).

All the best in your quest for a new home...there are a LOT of really great places to visit in Georgia that aren't far from where you'll be living.
zebbie

Zebbie..THANK YOU....First off...

You mention racism. There are a lot of stereotypes about the South floating around outside the South. I sure don't mean to imply that you are spouting them, but but perhaps you've heard comments. We heard an EARFUL in the West when we told friends and colleagues we were moving to the South. We live on a street with mixed races...the children play together, folks around here aren't just polite to each other they actually work together, do socialize, go to church, hug each other in the grocery stores, eat together, etc. Just explore...and keep your eyes open and you'll see what I mean.

Very cool.....Thats what I am wanting....I too have heard so many horrible things ..mostly about how people are treated if they aren't the 'right ' color....I hate that....i just heard that corp. punishment is still allowed in the schools there..Scared my children..lol

You have been very helpful....extremely nice...I contemplated the renting first...it's funny that you also mentioned it. I am mostly concerned with the schools...I wouldn't want to change their schools once we did find a house to actually purchase. I will search for that link in the forum..

I love Farmer Markets....I have tried my hand at gardening....I have a yellow to light green thumb as of yet....Maybe it will change down there..lol

We are to be there by Jan 2008...does not leave enough time for me....I need to cover EVERY inch....and I don't think I will be able to....

I better get started....Thank you again...I truely appreciate it.

Qwemmie

[deja-zebbie]

qwemmie,

I think January in Griffin will look pretty drab...the best times in Griffin and surrounding towns will be spring, summer and fall.

While my husband and I are great supporters of public education, I just wanted to mention that there are a number of private schools in towns near Griffin (probably in Griffin as well).

There is a school which I've heard positive things about, St. George's in Milner. I've only heard about it because several people I know have grandchildren there and have spoken highly of it. I'm pretty sure it's an Episcopal school (in Milner, but I think connected to an Episcopal church that is maybe in Griffin). Though the people I know whose grandchildren go there are not Episcopal, they are Baptists. So perhaps even though it's affliated with the Episcopal church (I think)the particular religion might not be stressed. I'm pretty sure that children of different races go to St. Georges. I seem to remember this from a class photo I saw.

Wishing you all the best on your move. I hope you love this area of Georgia as much as we do.

When you get settled think about taking a day trip to Madison for fun.

All the best,
zebbie

[cool_mommy]

Hey Qwemmie,

We just moved to Newnan, GA about four months ago. I found this forum to be sooooo helpful. We moved from a small town in CT with a population of about 12,000. We had 1 grocery store, 1 McD's, 1 pharmacy, etc. We had a home on a couple of acres where you couldn't sneeze without a neighbor finding out about it, so we felt extremely safe there. My husband and I both grew up in towns that were probably 97% white, as was the town we moved from. We are happy to be here in Newnan where our children will be raised with diversity. It is something I wish I had grown up with, as you said in your post, it is the way of the world.

Anyway, there are a lot of sub-divisions that are located in rural areas of Newnan but still afford a quick trip to the grocery store, retail stores, doctor's office, parks, etc. I love the combination of quiet and convenience.

There are some really great schools in Newnan and some schools that are lacking. You also have the option of private schools here as well. My kids are in public school here. My son had been termed "gifted" when he was in pre-school. While the schools in the north are great, he never enjoyed school as much as he does here in Newnan. He was always so bored. They have a great gifted program called the "REACH" program and he loves it. My daughter is currently being tested for this program as well. It is challenging and allows the children to be creative in their learning experience. The class takes place once a week and has a pretty large attending size. We have found that it is enough to keep him from being "bored".

I'm pretty sure golf would be no problem here in Newnan as there are several courses. Yeck, you can live on one if you choose to.

Newnan also has a really nice historical district. It's like going back in time to walk down the typical "main street USA" with different stores and restaurants and of course many churches, park benches, it's really beautiful. There are also many gorgeous historical homes located there as well.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like any more info on Newnan or any of our experiences as newcomers.

Best wishes on your relo!

[BuckeyeGal]

If you want good schools, Georgia isn't exactly perfect. For the most part, GA public schools are run by the county, not the city. There are a few counties with good schools. You may want to go to the Georgia Bd of Ed website and look.

Georgia Department of Education

[forresthills]

try to move between Griffin and Mcdonough if possible. I use to work in Griffin. It had a terrible problem with gangs at the time ( I use to work in probation there). Zebulon seems to be a neat town. Brooks is another neat community seemingly in the middle of nowhere but accessible to peachtree city, fayetteville, and Griffin. Good luck

[deja-zebbie]

Qwemmie,

Two additional things that might interest you in the Griffin area:

I just heard that there is supposed to be a bookstore, I think it's called "Chapter Two" in the downtown Griffin area. Haven't checked it out yet. It's supposed to be a nice bookstore so I'm crossing my fingers.

Don't know if you are your kids would be interested, but there is an airfield and restaurant in Williamson where vintage planes are supposed to fly in. People fly in to eat at the restaurant. The restaurant is called, "Barnstormers". The manager of the restaurant told me that right now it's too cold for biplanes. The airfield is right near the restaurant and people can go up and look at the planes. The restaurant sponsors "fly-ins" where according to them at the last one on Veterans Day 75 people flew in. I believe there is another fly in scheduled sometime maybe late Spring.

The restaurant offers sandwhiches as well as dinners. On Saturdays they are open from morning till evening.

All the best,
zebbie

[sahm3]

Griffin it's self is nothing special, I would not want to live there.. We used to live in Henry county which is growing like crazy (much bigger than the 1800 pop you are used too `lol) however there is everything you will need with out much driving elsewhere to find it.. You will find better schools there than south of Griffin IMHO.. I would search Locust Grove, McDonough or even certain parts of Hampton. Since you have Older kids I would most definitly look in the Ola school district (locust Grove is scheduled to get a new Middle and High school in about 3 years)... I believe you will find the people in general very friendly also... We also used to live in Metro Chicago. What part of Il are you coming from?
Good luck
you will have to check the individual schools for the sports they offer, I was surprised when we moved here the lack of some of the sports that is the norm from up north, ex: swim team, gymnastics , golf...

[deja-zebbie]

I agree with Sahm3, Griffin is nothing special and I would not want to live there.

Seems TO ME that there is a LOT of sprawl and traffic in Griffin for VERY little benefit. I'm not speaking of the downtown area, but rather the "newer" COMMERCIAL areas.

We do some of our shopping in Griffin (such as Home Depot, Lowe's etc.) but for major shopping go to Mcdonough--though Mcdonough (except the tiny downtown) is IMHO -- TOTAL sprawl and unbelieveable traffic and with not enough traffic lights. Still, there is good shopping there.

zebbie