5 best and 5 worst places to live in GA? (Atlanta, Savannah: magnet school, gated)

[hannah tarrant]

Hi, I am living in Bend ORegon and am looking to move to Atlanta in the next few months. First time out of Oregon. MY buddy has lived in Atlanta for a long time and he just moved by a place close to downtown I think called 5 point Im not to sure though. I was wondering if you guys could help me with some ideas on an area to move to.. I want to be in a area maybe like 5 point from at least what it sounds like. I want to be close to a cool part of town where my daughter and i can walk . and hopefully i can walk to work or close to.. really i have no idea at all what its like in atlanta, I am open to hear anything at this point. thanks for your time.

[rtoro34736toGA]

It has been said that the nicest people in the United States reside in Georgia. If you live there or have driven through the state, you know this is true. In fact, if you’re from such areas as NYC, South Florida or California, Georgians are so polite compared to you that it can be a little disconcerting.
For instance, you can be on a family vacation making your way up I-75 just outside of Atlanta but you need a little pick-me-up. As you wearily drive through McDonald’s to pay for your caffeine jolt, you don’t expect the 16 year-old at the window to ask you how your day was. And you really don’t expect her to grin from ear to ear while waiting for your answer.
Yes, the Peach State has friendly smiles and a proud heritage. The best places to live in Georgia embody these wonderful characteristics, plus a host of other endearing qualities. Here’s a look at some of Georgia’s finest:
10. Martinez

Number 87 on Money Magazine’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live,” Martinez (pronounced Mart-uhn-EZ) has a population of just over 30,000. The median home price is around $193,000 and the town boasts extravagant mansions, outstanding school systems and inland access to the Savannah River.
9. Richmond Hill

A quiet family community of just over 10,000 residents, Richmond Hill is just south of Savannah. The crime rate is low and the southern charm is high, according to the city’s official Web site. If you like to be near the coast, this is the town to enjoy great seafood, antiques and a variety of recreational activities. The median home price is $157,000.
8. Dallas

Dallas, according to Money Magazine, is where the jobs are in Georgia. Located in Paulding County, Dallas is being rejuvenated by an aggressive economic development plan that includes a multi-million dollar airport project. The average home price is $139,000. The county just recently received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Excellence for Economic Development award.
7. McDonough

Becoming one of the largest cities in Henry County, McDonough has excellent schools, health care and outdoor recreation. It’s been designated as a “City of Character” by the Georgia Municipal Association. Located 25 miles south of Atlanta, the city has a small-town feel but access to big-city activities. Population is approximately 190,000 and the median home price in 2007 was $152,000.
6. Peachtree City

“Plan to Stay” is Peachtree City’s motto and it was voted one of Money Magazine’s best places to live. U.S. News & World Report reported it as one of the best places to raise a family or retire. The relatively new city is another Atlanta suburb and limits development. The population is approximately 34,000 and the median home price is around $250,000.
5.Suwanee

Settled originally by Shawnee Indians, the town of Suwanee is rich with its Native American heritage. It was placed at number 10 on Money’s top 100 best places list. Called a friendly and progressive town with strong ties to the railroad, Suwanee has a population of 11,200 and average home prices around $293,000.
4. Valdosta

Just over the north border of Florida is Georgia’s tenth largest city with a population of approximately 43,000, per U.S. Census 2000 statistics. According to the city’s Web site, Valdosta boasts a wealth of “amenities, attractions and overall beauty” that provides an excellent standard of living for residents. The median home price is $165,000.
3. Marietta

Marietta is one of Georgia’s “best managed and most livable cities,” according to Georgia’s Municipal Association. Located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Marietta has numerous historical homes, monuments and sites. Just north of Atlanta, it has a population of about 60,000 and an average home price of $203,000.
2. Atlanta

Called the Hostess City of the South, Atlanta is known for its amazing walking tours. It offers historic squares, 18th century cemeteries and riverfront boardwalks. The city is vastly hip and culturally sophisticated but it manages to retain its southern charm. The median home price is $210,000 and the population as of 2006 was over 4.9 million people.
1. Savannah

Perhaps the friendliest place in all of Georgia is the coastal town of Savannah. Deep history and the present day meld together in this charming city where residents enjoy beautiful parks, squares and mansions in century-old settings. With a population of over 130,000, Money Magazine named it one of the best places to retire. The median home price is $137,500.

[lilmusket]

Had to laught about Martinez... sure its a nice suburban bedroom community of Augusta, but "Extravagant Mansions"???The person who wrote that obviously has never been to Martinez... more like a "Handsome split-level"

[thedudewiththeplan]

Yeah, and the B.S about GA being the friendliest state and mentioning someone at a drive through outside of Atlanta asking the customer how there day was. I lived in metro Atlanta for almost 20 years and NEVER had that experience! Savannah as a friendly place I can see, but the others, NOT!!!

[chatticath]

I plan to move to Georgia, everyone tells me to stay away from Richmond county schools. In what ways is Richmond county worse than Columbia county?
Chatticath

[bgnzsavnh]

Originally Posted by chatticath

I plan to move to Georgia, everyone tells me to stay away from Richmond county schools. In what ways is Richmond county worse than Columbia county?
Chatticath

If your Kids are College bound Davidson and Johnson Magnet Schools are the best public high schools in the state
Best High Schools Search - US News and World Report
Parent Ratings & Review of Davidson Magnet School, Augusta, Georgia Schools | SchoolMatters.com (http://www.schoolmatters.com/schools.aspx/q/page=pr/sid=44742 - broken link)

There must be Augusta Richmond County Schools that feed into Davidson and Johnson.
Richmond County School District in Georgia / GA

Richmond County schools, Augusta - GA: charter and public schools. Augusta school district - Augusta GA school district



If you have other priorities....................

[nortonguy]

Originally Posted by chatticath

I plan to move to Georgia, everyone tells me to stay away from Richmond county schools. In what ways is Richmond county worse than Columbia county?
Chatticath

Those ppl who told you that stay in columbia county. So naturally they are gonna boost their county. Westside a public high school in richmond is alot better than 3 of columbia county high school's. Columbia only has 5 high schools in total. Westside is better than Harlem, Evans, and Grovetown. Westside is comparable to columbia's best high school Lakeside and better their second best high school Greenbrier. ARC and Cross Creek in richmond are on par with Greenbrier. Davidson and AR johnson in richmond county blow every school in metro Augusta and the state. Out of the water in graduation rates and test scores. Davidson and AR Johnson beat Savannah arts academy, Atlanta rich suburban schools, and Dekalb schools of arts. And all of those are good school's too.

[nortonguy]

Originally Posted by bgnzsavnh

If your Kids are College bound Davidson and Johnson Magnet Schools are the best public high schools in the state
Best High Schools Search - US News and World Report
Parent Ratings & Review of Davidson Magnet School, Augusta, Georgia Schools | SchoolMatters.com (http://www.schoolmatters.com/schools.aspx/q/page=pr/sid=44742 - broken link)

There must be Augusta Richmond County Schools that feed into Davidson and Johnson.
Richmond County School District in Georgia / GA

Richmond County schools, Augusta - GA: charter and public schools. Augusta school district - Augusta GA school district




If you have other priorities....................

You have to live in Richmond county to attend Davidson and AR Johnson. Davidson is the number one school in georga. And AR johnson is in the top 5. Can't go wrong with either one.

[Georgiafrog]

Best
1)Rome. Number one school system in the state in 2008, Number one most livable small city in the S.E., Tree City U.S.A., four colleges, and three major hospitals, 60 miles from Chattanooga, 65 miles from Atlanta, 90 miles from Birmingham, thriving historic downtown, largest intact Victorian district in the state, 2nd widest Broad Street.
2)Newnan
3)Athens
4)Savannah
5)Peachtree City

Worst
1)Riverdale
2)College Park
3)East Point
4)Forest Park
5)Red Oak

[Chadro77]

^^^^ 100% agree with Rome as #1. I've always lived in Cobb but I'll live in Floyd or Bartow before I'm done!!