Help me out folks! (Atlanta, Rome: buying a home, buying, schools)

[confusedprotoplasm]

Hi everyone,

This is my first posting on this website. I am originally from Pakistan and a Muslim (unfortunately and to our dismay/frustration, not a good combination when it comes to first impressions in this day and age). I have worked hard all my life and am at the cross roads of making a huge decision on where to settle/ move to in the US of A. I interviewed at Rome, GA recently and loved the scenery, landscape and the people. I was welcomed very warmly with big smiles and felt at great ease.

I am currently in Miami and Rome is a small city by comparison. Just wanted to hear from people who live in or around the area to get an idea about how the city is? Are foreigners and people of different religion/s rare? I saw a bunch of churches in the city. Are there any temples/mosques/synagogues? Any Jewish/ Muslim/ Hindu communities in Rome? Hearing from people coming from similar cultures (Indian/Pakistani/Jewish) would be much appreciated.

Waiting anxiously,
Confused.

[southsidetoxified]

in riverdale on hwy 85 theres a huge temple ...i think its hindu

alot of people drive over an hour to attend that temple

its a long drive from rome ga to riverdale ga ...

[jenmal]

I don't think that greater Atlanta is a bastion of religious tolerance, in general. The farther away you go from Atlanta proper, or away from an area with a lot of ethnic diversity, the closer you are to the Christian congregations on every corner. We are not Christian and have not found the area in the NW suburbs (Cartersville is a bit further north, but not by much) to be very tolerant of alternative (read Not-Christian) religious philosophies. Huge churches are springing up all over the area, and with that, people seem to be associating with only fellow congregants in virtually every aspect of their lives: ie., sports teams for the kids, weight loss groups, financial planning, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I'm just saying that it can be very difficult for someone who is not Christian to feel welcome and accepted by their neighbors. If you are looking for the religious diversity, I'd recommend the area by the Hindu temple (it is beautiful!) or somewhere in Atlanta city proper. I think that you would find the diversity there much greater than in the suburbs. However, if you have to live in the suburbs, Decatur (right outside of Atlanta) should be a more welcoming area.

Just my two cents, not intended to start any arguments!
Jennifer

[confusedprotoplasm]

Thanks for the replies guys (southsidetoxified/jenmal).Thanks for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate the effort. This definitely helps. Makes our move more complicated as I have job offers from other areas of the country but Rome,GA just 'felt' good.

Confused.

[ouijaspirit]

I agree with you. I moved to Rome in August and am not very happy. This is a christian city and I am unsure if there is any discussion of any other culture. The local newspaper has at least one reference in the op ed daily about christianity. I am not chrisitan and have found people do not include one who has no interest in attending their church. I feel isolated here and will probably consider not buying a home. I am unaware of a mosque but have seen women with a headscarf.

Originally Posted by jenmal

I don't think that greater Atlanta is a bastion of religious tolerance, in general. The farther away you go from Atlanta proper, or away from an area with a lot of ethnic diversity, the closer you are to the Christian congregations on every corner. We are not Christian and have not found the area in the NW suburbs (Cartersville is a bit further north, but not by much) to be very tolerant of alternative (read Not-Christian) religious philosophies. Huge churches are springing up all over the area, and with that, people seem to be associating with only fellow congregants in virtually every aspect of their lives: ie., sports teams for the kids, weight loss groups, financial planning, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I'm just saying that it can be very difficult for someone who is not Christian to feel welcome and accepted by their neighbors. If you are looking for the religious diversity, I'd recommend the area by the Hindu temple (it is beautiful!) or somewhere in Atlanta city proper. I think that you would find the diversity there much greater than in the suburbs. However, if you have to live in the suburbs, Decatur (right outside of Atlanta) should be a more welcoming area.

Just my two cents, not intended to start any arguments!
Jennifer

[ouijaspirit]

Dear Protoplasm,

see my relpy to Jennifer. Good luck.

Originally Posted by confusedprotoplasm

Hi everyone,

This is my first posting on this website. I am originally from Pakistan and a Muslim (unfortunately and to our dismay/frustration, not a good combination when it comes to first impressions in this day and age). I have worked hard all my life and am at the cross roads of making a huge decision on where to settle/ move to in the US of A. I interviewed at Rome, GA recently and loved the scenery, landscape and the people. I was welcomed very warmly with big smiles and felt at great ease.

I am currently in Miami and Rome is a small city by comparison. Just wanted to hear from people who live in or around the area to get an idea about how the city is? Are foreigners and people of different religion/s rare? I saw a bunch of churches in the city. Are there any temples/mosques/synagogues? Any Jewish/ Muslim/ Hindu communities in Rome? Hearing from people coming from similar cultures (Indian/Pakistani/Jewish) would be much appreciated.

Waiting anxiously,
Confused.

[deja-zebbie]

Confused,

Isn't there a university in Rome? (sorry my memory 'ain't' what it used to be). Why don't you check and see if there is a university and then, if there is, call and find out about religious services for students/faculty? You may not find a Moslem "community" but perhaps some members of your faith.

You could always check and see if there are Middle Eastern or Indian restaurants in Rome and then inquire where to find Middle Eastern or Indian groceries and through that you may be able to connect with other Moslems.

Also, I'd check and see if there are any websites that have information for Moslems in the South which might list mosques, stores, etc. For example, I know there is a website for Jews in the South.

It might take some exploring on your part and I wish you luck in your quest.
zebbie

[mbrandon]

Rome is either white, black, or hispanic. The schools there are Berry and Shorter, both with religious affiliations for Protestants.

I hate to be negative, but Floyd county is full of rednecks and Rome city is full of gangs, drugs, and violence.

[DisgustaTruth]

I think Decatur is a great idea.. I know there are several mosques nearby and the area is very diverse.. You will also find halal markets and many ethnic farmers markets ( I doubt you would find those things in a place like Rome)