Can't get out fast enough... (Atlanta, White: fit in, home, gated)

[Tdiddy0027]

I live in Newnan and don't mind the growth, just as long as it's done right

[flmom2kids]

Thank you for the encouragement. I have a house in construction in Henry County. We choose Henry Co. to be close to my husbands job in Clayton Co. I am building a house with a basement---cheap coming from FL where the same house would cost me $600-$700. The home is being built for market value by a well named company. I just do not believe that I will remain in the area very long. I come from highly sought after area in So. FLorida. I am still bothered by this website....I guess I am happy that I came across the website. I am getting some honest opinions about the Atlanta suburbs. (some too honest)

I come from a very mixed family....

Originally Posted by backfist

flmom~

Pretty much every generational descendant before me--going back prior to emancipation-- came from north Georgia. The many relatives of mine who remained there wouldn't dare leave. They've been to California; they've been to other northern and western states, and wouldn't dare call any place other than Georgia their home. I mean, think about it. All of what those generations had to endure for the last couple hundred years, and only two of them have left. Two! That says a lot about the love that people have for Georgia.

I happen to work at a law firm, and one of our clients is Champ Bailey. A Georgia boy through and through. He recently signed a multi, multi-million dollar contract to play football here in Colorado, yet even he is going to move to Atlanta to live.

Now if Atlanta was as bad as some people say, why would generations of Georgians, multi-millionaires, and thousands upon thousands of other Americans continue to flock there in droves if it's so bad?

Now, I would be extremely naive not to know that there's still segregation in the neighborhoods and in the schools. But that's not only changing, it's changing more rapidly than some people are comfortable with. Some Georgians feel as though they've lost their home, when in reality thev've only lost their dominance.

So if I were you, I'd still seriously consider the numerous Atlanta suburbs and what they have to offer. Don't listen to the naysayers. Don't be scared of some boogeyman. My beautiful wife--who happens to be white--is looking forward to living in Atlanta, and (obviously) has rejected the calls for fear and distrust. And if more people did so, Atlanta would be an even better place. There are always going to be those folks who will take flight at the slightest hint of change. I say let them. And their bitterness and resentment will fortunately go with them.

I have to agree with you. My parents still reside in Southern Wisconsin. There home was almost broken into last year. My parents have lived in the same home for over 25 years....This was a area where they did not have to lock their car doors or house doors at night. My parents are now moving to TN to retire next year.

I would recommend the Northwestern Wisconsin to anyone that is looking in the area. I would choose a city close to the Minnesota border. The area is full of mountains...yes the taxes are high... but the fishing is great.

Originally Posted by jammocaz

I am currently residing in Southeastern Wisconsin. I will say that I plan to get the heck out of WI. The taxes are extremely higher. The quality of life is not what is was in years past. The crime has increased. The school system is among some of the worst in the country. The city is hyper segregated! The unemployment rate is higher than the national average and jobs are diminishing here like crazy.. Most of my friends have all either moved to other states. The only people that can afford to live in Wisconsin is Illinois transplants. Illinois residents are buying all the real estate these days in Wisconsin. Everything from Northern Wisconsin to Southeastern WI. I hear it is more racially mixed in the northern areas than in the central areas of Milwaukee.

There is huge hispanic, hmong population in North Wisconsin. I was recently appraised and my home value was appraised by $24K!!!! Last year it was $19K!!! The assessments are increased and taxes are based on assessed values. Wisconsin is a tax h*ll right now! The county of Milwaukee is considering selling the Mitchell International Airport because the county has no money!!! There are signs all over milwaukee that read "got jobs? Bring them to Milwaukee" I am not kidding you! There are other parts of the state that is in much worse shape.

[Original_GA_Peach]

Thanks, flmom! We are looking at Chippewa Falls...there look to be some job opportunities in that area that mesh with my husband's background. We have yet to visit that specific area (how's that? ) but have visited Eau Claire. We spent several days checking out Trempealeau County, in particular, back in October. (Think I spelled that right.) We just loved the whole atmosphere. My husband is from mid-PA and it reminded him a lot of that area, so he was sold. There was just such a different feeling...we didn't want to leave...except to come home and pack!

Jammocaz, you're the first and only person I've seen, so far, to express serious cons about living in western WI...other than the comments about there being nothing to do and no 'night life'. And those are draws for us! I have a friend who moved here about a year ago from Menomonie and already misses it. She thought this would be a great area when she was transferred here, but I doubt she'll stay any longer than she has to. My in-laws live in IA and have a lot of friends either from that part of WI or that have family there, or both. They have heard so many great things from all those friends, that they want to move near us if we move there...sight unseen! After visiting us many times over the past 15 years, they have said even if you gave them a mansion and paid them, they wouldn't live anywhere near Atlanta.

Flmom, I sincerely hope your experience in the Atlanta area is the exception. Good luck and God bless you in all you're dealing with!

Peaches

[crabbydebbie]

i guess some of us. can all feel like you when it time for us to go . but we never know how well feel after we move to the next area. were moving to ga from fla. to alpheretta area and i feel it will be a good place to call home .there problems in any area the only thing we can control is ourselfs and try to make a good life . i just want a safe area and as far as people in the area . i will be drawn to the ones like myself. and i'll be fine .good luck in you new area .

[jammocaz]

original GA peach,

Home is what you make of it. i lived there and i know the area so some will say that this is a great area and it is to a degree. It also has an increase in crime due to the increased presence of Meth addiction. Here is information regarding a bill that was passed last year in Wisconsin regarding the meth epidemic in the areas that you plan to move to. I wish you the best. It may be nice there now but in a year or two things will be much different. it has already changed to some degree.. at any rate here is the information. Good luck!

May 10, 2005

“Crackdown on Meth Act” Passes Legislature

(Madison) . . . The “Crackdown on Meth Act” passed the State Legislature today, unanimously in the State Senate and by a 92-6 vote in the State Assembly. The “Crackdown on Meth Act” would limit the amount of pseudoephedrine individuals may purchase and put a number of products containing meth precursors behind pharmacy counters.

“Today, the Legislature has taken an important step to protect Wisconsin from the scourge of meth,” said lead Senate author, Sheila Harsdorf (R – River Falls). “It has been shown that meth manufacturers will move to those states that have the least restrictions on the availability of these products, so it is crucial that we toughen our laws, to avoid making Wisconsin a target for meth cooks.”

Meth is reaching epidemic proportions in Northwest Wisconsin, as it already has in border states such as Iowa and Minnesota. Statistics show that the threat is now moving beyond Northwest Wisconsin and into the rest of the state. Similar legislation in other states is credited with reducing in-state meth labs by as much as 80%.

“Residents of northwestern Wisconsin have already seen meth’s devastating effects. This drug destroys the lives and families of those who make and use it. Today we have taken a significant blow against those who spread the plague of meth upon our communities and save an untold amount of suffering by preventing this epidemic from spreading further into the state,” said lead Assembly author Kitty Rhoades (R – Hudson).

The primary ingredient is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold medicines such as Sudafed. The “Crackdown on Meth Act” will restrict access to this precursor drug necessary for meth production. It will require a purchaser of a product containing pseudoephedrine to show photo ID and sign a log book. Additionally, it will limit the total amount of pseudoephedrine that can be purchased each 30 days, while creating penalties for those in possession of more than 9 grams with intent to manufacture.

In areas where meth has become a primary problem, meth enforcement has begun to overwhelm local government budgets. Meth creates a number of related crimes, and the labs endanger children, unknowing neighbors, and law enforcement.

“Meth is a devastating drug that threatens our communities,” said Representative Rhoades. “I’m pleased that we’ve built bipartisan, statewide support to combat this drug.”

Legislators scheduled to speak at today’s press conference announcing the action include State Senators Ron Brown (R – Eau Claire), Bob Jauch (D – Poplar) and Carol Roessler (R – Oshkosh) and State Representatives Mark Pettis (R – Hertel), Andy Lamb (R – Menomonie) and Barbara Gronemus (D – Whitehall).

“It’s a credit to my colleagues that they’ve recognized the growing dangers of meth proliferation, and are willing to stand with us to enact tough legislation that will halt the spread of meth labs throughout Wisconsin’s countryside,” said Senator Harsdorf.

The bill is supported by the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association, The Wisconsin Pharmacy Association, The Wisconsin Counties Association, the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, the Wisconsin Medical Society, and the Wisconsin Nurses Association.

[xxman777]

Just want to say quickly that I love Atlanta. I think it is an very interesting, diverse city with tremendous oppurtunities. I have only lived here for a short time and am very happy with my decision. But people forget that this is a major city. It is the 9th largest city in the U.S. The good things that come with being a large city also bring many negative things. Crime, pollution, traffic, etc. are all problems that the city has to deal with. Is it worth it? For me, yes. For other people, maybe not. People just need to figure out where their priorities are and if this city is right for them.

Some people may see my posts as anti Atlanta, but I am not. I love this city, I just want people to realize what they are getting into before they come here. There are some very bad parts of city which people don't seem to realize. You can look at crime stats and school stats all you want but that doesn't really give you an acurate understanding of what the city is about.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by Original_GA_Peach

I can't believe what's happened to our lovely Southern culture...it's the saddest thing.

Signed,
The Original GA Peach...now sadder and wiser.

Well, I fully agree with any statements made that Atlanta has basically gone to Hell, but I'm not sure about the comment about "southern culture". Atlanta hasn't had a "southern culture" for what... 35 years? It's been a city of transplants since then (or before).

It's also a matter of opinion. One person's "culture" is another person's "hell". I mean, recently a women from Gwinnett County who is a long time southerner tried to get Harry Potter books banned from schools because as she said, "It teaches kids witchcraft" - quoting the Bible all the way. This is what SOME people see as "southern culture". Others see sweet tea and grits. All a matter of perspective.

As far as Atlanta is concerned, yep, it's doomed.

Atlanta has two problems, and before anyone decides to jump on this perspective, it's a *personal opinion* - it's not politically correct, and you do not have to agree:

Problem 1: There is NO growth control, and too many governments. You have multiple satellite cities in the immediate area, each with their own governing bodies - many of which are still white good 'ol boy types who pad their pockets with under-the-table payouts from contractors who want to "build build build" in the area. As a result, Atlanta is a poster child for sprawl. A year or so ago, several mayors from around the U.S. visited Atlanta so they could see what NOT to do, to avoid our sprawl and traffic problems.

Problem 2 - Reverse racism: On the flip-side, the actual city of Atlanta is simply a larger version of pre-Katrina New Orleans. Black mayor, black fire chief, black police chief, majority black city council and city managers. They have the black version of a good 'ol boy system, and have done so since the mid-70s. As a result, over the years Atlanta's crime rate has soared, infrastructure is horrible, and the public school system has in some cases been compared to the same environment as a prison (dangerous). Police are afraid to do their jobs, because if more blacks than whites get into trouble with the law, marches and protests cite "profiling", so, a lot gets unreported or worse, ignored.

I won't go on - you get the idea. White idiots running the burbs who won't work together to make the whole metro area run more smoothly... black idiots in the city who can't see beyond a ghetto mentality.

I repeat... Atlanta is doomed. Get away while you can. You will be assimilated.

[k. bart]

won't go on - you get the idea. White idiots running the burbs who won't work together to make the whole metro area run more smoothly... black idiots in the city who can't see beyond a ghetto mentality.

I know you can't possibly mean Clayton County when you write about white idiots running the burbs! You know, the county 20 miles south of Atlanta! Clayton County is the diaper for the city of Atlanta...it catches all the crap!

[Tdiddy0027]

I think you're going a little too far to say that Atlanta is going to hell. What about the improvements we've made. Why are you so pessimistic?

[Original_GA_Peach]

Ummmm...to which improvements would you be referring, tdiddy? That fancy, new aquarium?

And, Atlantagreg...our Southern Culture basically began evaporating, oh about...well, you're real close...40 years ago. Right about the time my parents had to leave the city for Cobb County (then Cobb County was out in the middle of nowhere!) because they were no longer able to safely stoll their baby girl around Five Points. I appreciate your frankness. My PC filter seems to be developing a hole or downright rotting away lately. That often happens after I make a trip into our quaint, little village. And after today's trip to my local grocery store (Newnan, remember...down in Coweta County) I'm newly reminded of how fast the times are-a-changin. Mind you, I'm not pushing some sort of segretated society. I'm just tired of dealing with the arrogance. And, yes...this is my opinion, although shared by many, many around here. I'm tired of seeing black youth (in Newnan, again) hanging out in parking lots, in front of stores, etc...wearing pants with the waistband BELOW their hind ends, so we can enjoy their Fruit of the Looms. I'm tired of seeing middle aged black women straddling the aisle of the grocery store with their carts and, knowing I would like to continue on my quest for groceries, refusing to move to one side or the other and practically daring me with their 'looks that could kill' to even say "excuse me". And God forbid that we should ever offend any of these people because we'd then be in danger of who knows what...I shudder to think of it!

Not that there are no problems with the white folks...Lord only knows we have our fair share of those jerks! And usually, when someone does something stupid in traffic, it turns out be be some white, yuppie-looking thing on his/her cell phone! At least I'm not afraid of offending them as they're not usually the violent, chip-on-the-shoulder type.

And you can believe, this little blonde gal tries to keep herself out of trouble!

You're right again, atlantagreg, about the police having their hands tied. They're danged if they do and danged if they don't! So, I guess they just "don't" most of the time so they can avoid making the national headlines! We certainly don't want another Rotney King episode, now do we???

Sorry about that...guess I'm in big trouble now. And who was talking about me being vague???

Love,
Peaches