Hello? Hello? I can hear you breathing..... (Atlanta, Valdosta: transplants, rent)

[sunsetrider]

I know you're in there (giggle) and I really need some help. I'm afraid my daughter and her family are going to make a huge mistake by moving to Georgia. Not that Georgia isn't a lovely state, but I don't think it's for them. My daughter and son-in-law are both teachers and have an eight year old son. They are looking at possibly living in Bartow county, working in Cobb county because the pay is higher. Ok, so maybe I'm a bit overprotective as a mom AND grandma, but what towns around there would be best to look at? It seems crime is high everywhere! Nothing cosmopolitan, but with nice ammenities and good schools for my grandson. I have heard, maybe unjustly, that "Yankees" don't do well there because of the red-necked, good ole' boy network. Does that still exist? Racial diversity is a good thing in my opinion, but are there still racial tensions? It's a huge move for them and any factual information I can pass on would be greatly appreciated. After all, one can't necessarily believe everything the local Chamber says!! My hat off to you for your help..........

[Collins]

I can assure you that they will be fine. Where in the world did you hear that yankee's don't fare well?? There are probably more yankee's in the Atlanta area than red necks... Really, you have to let them make their on decisions. I speak from experience.. my son and his family moved from Ga to Tennesee (Pigeon Forge). I thought I would die! They're fine and I'm fine. They were just here this week.

[fast64]

look into columbia county (evans and martinez), its part of "augusta", but not ACTUALLY augusta-richmond county. very nice, low crime, well-to-do, and growing every day. Plus, you can rent your house out for thousands of dollars during masters week (living here is an investment).

[AshlynB]

For low crime rates I would move to south ga. Its a slower pace of life but its a great place to raise kids. There are nice people in the south and just because its ga you cant call people rednecks. Yes we talk very slow but we are down to earth. Tell them to try Fitzgerald, Tifton or Valdosta.

[bbuch]

Ok, first off the commute from Augusta to Cobb county would be horrible. What is that? 3 hrs each way?!!!

Anyway, if they are looking for high paying teaching positions, Dekalb and Fulton pay more than Cobb with Fulton being the highest in Georgia. My wife just left Dekalb because...well, the district is on the way down. She has transfered to North Fulton for next year. Some of the best public schools are in North Fulton county. As far as living here, that would depend on what their needs are. I think Cartersville is in Bartow, but not sure. They will deffinitely get more of the red-necky behavior livng in bartow than they would living closer to Atlanta. More info would help. Where in Maryland are they coming from?

If they would like to talk to someone that has been teaching for the last 5 years in GA schools let me know and I can put them in touch with my wife.

B

[Tdiddy0027]

What happens in this area is that people relocate to the Atlanta area from other parts of the country and kind of dilute the redneck culture (in some cases to the point where that kind of culture doesn't exist.) Ever heard of Alpharetta GA north of Atlanta? It's hard to believe that this city now overflowing with shopping centers, restaurants, subdivisions and transplants was a small "redneck" country town just 30 years ago! That is what is happening in Southeastern Bartow next to Cobb county. I think they will like it. The quality of life is pretty good if you don't mind traffic

[FriedChicken]

If you read the news, crime is everywhere - rural, metropolitian, it's on the rise. They have more of a chance of being in a traffic accident than being a crime victim.
They are professionals, with a direction in life. I seriously doubt they will be hanging out with surly charcters.
There are more racial tensions in Boston, Chicago, Louisville, Denver, and LA than here. The most "redneck" state in the U.S. is Maine!
Don't succumb to stereotypical thinking - it makes you part of the problem instead of part of the solution. Be supportive and "let go,Mom!"
The Teacher's union will have infomation that will help them plan thier move- to the most wonderful state in the Union.

Originally Posted by sunsetrider

I know you're in there (giggle) and I really need some help. I'm afraid my daughter and her family are going to make a huge mistake by moving to Georgia. Not that Georgia isn't a lovely state, but I don't think it's for them. My daughter and son-in-law are both teachers and have an eight year old son. They are looking at possibly living in Bartow county, working in Cobb county because the pay is higher. Ok, so maybe I'm a bit overprotective as a mom AND grandma, but what towns around there would be best to look at? It seems crime is high everywhere! Nothing cosmopolitan, but with nice ammenities and good schools for my grandson. I have heard, maybe unjustly, that "Yankees" don't do well there because of the red-necked, good ole' boy network. Does that still exist? Racial diversity is a good thing in my opinion, but are there still racial tensions? It's a huge move for them and any factual information I can pass on would be greatly appreciated. After all, one can't necessarily believe everything the local Chamber says!! My hat off to you for your help..........

[xxman777]

Originally Posted by FriedChicken

There are more racial tensions in Boston, Chicago, Louisville, Denver, and LA than here.

What racial tensions in Denver?

[chiroptera]

Originally Posted by xxman777

What racial tensions in Denver?

Detroit - for sure, I live near there now.
I lived in Denver for 13 years and it was wonderfully free of racial tension. Real diverse city, I loved living there.
Sorry for the hijack!

[caitlingurl]

they will be fine, even if they make a mistake, that is their mistake. Anywayz, I hear Cobb has a great school system as well as Gwinett. If they want to teach High School, Northview is great, it is on the Fulton side of Duluth, Ga, not too far from ATL. Northview is always being praised and they have been rated as one of the top 1,000 high schools in Newsweek Magazine. When their children get to high school hopefully the HOPE scholarship program is still up and running and they can get to go to any GA college for free only if they keep a certain GPA or grade. How rewarding?