thinking of moving to GA (Atlanta, Peachtree City: apartment, crime rates, new home)

[jenniet620]

Hi
my family and I are from NYC and as our 2 little ones grow up we are becoming more and more concerned about the area they are growing up in. My husband has business opp's. in Georgia in the atlanta area. I have never even visited Georgia. I was hoping someone had advice on if this is a good move or not.

[atlantagreg30127]

You should take some time to browse through the forums to read some reviews. They will of course be mixed - some folks love Atlanta, others hate it.

Regarding traffic if you're from NYC you won't be as freaked out as some, but if you're used to riding the subway you'll be somewhat bothered by how limiting the Atlanta public transit system is. Crime in Atlanta is statistically higher per capita than NYC. Prices are much lower - you'll get a 4BR/3BA house here for the cost of a 1BR flat in NYC.

Avoid the public school in-town. Private only, unless you actually WANT your kid to grow up to be a gang member or thug. Suburban schools vary - read up on them.

Get used to drinking sweet iced tea. Don't eat grits, as they're evil in disguise.

[nickibeds]

Jennifer,


I visited the Marrietta area in April and really liked it what they say about the traffic is true and yes you would have to find employment close to the area you would be living in but other than that I had a good time while I was there and will be going back the week of June 12th to find an apartment. I currently live in Maryland and can't wait till I move. I am still in search of employment but I know once I get settled I will find a job.

[jenniet620]

Thanks so much for the information. After reading alot of these posts, I really am not to excited about moving there. If the people that already live there seem to have so many negative things to say, I cant imagine how it really is. I appreciate all the help.

[rasmom]

Remember, in general people find it easier to complain than to find something nice to say. I grew up in NY, moved to Ct...lived there for 17 years and have lived in Ga. for the last 10 years. We love it here. Everything is more affordable..pace of life is less stressful,and I would never go back up north.It's very stressful to move to a new area...especially if you haven't had the opportunity to visit. I relocated with the company I worked for 10 years ago. We bought a house in Gwinnett County...when it became so overcrowded, we sold our house and moved to Walton County. The schools are good..there is a commute to Atlanta that can take up to an hour. But overall, we have wonderful neighbors, all the shopping you can ask for is nearby and the cost of living compared to living up north has allowed me to be a stay at home mom...who could ask for more? Good luck to you wherever you end up!

[nickibeds]

I would also advise you to not get discourage about the negative things people say. When I decided I wanted to move there before I visited there were people telling me good things and that I would like it I am 30 yrs old I also had this lady older than I was telling me it would be a bad mistake and that I wouldn't like it and sure like you I was discourage about what she was telling me. I could not take her word for it and decided to visit anyway and she was wrong I had a great time and from that one visit I knew I wanted to move there permanatly also I like the cost of living I will be buying my first house next year and Georgia Is where I will be buying my house. And you have to remember things that are being said negative you can not go by that those are opinions and opinions only you need to atleast take a trip and visit yourself and just don't listen to anything negative. Cause hey I am going

[jenniet620]

thanks for the positive stories. I was excited to visit and then became real uneasy about even visiting. The people that moved there that i know love it and I do plan a trip. I wish you luck on your new home that is the main reason for us moving. My husband is an established plumber here making great money and with the cost of houses in a good neighborhood here in NY we wont be able to afford our own home. So i appreciate the good word it gives me a little bit of hope. Thanks again.

[RETom]

I am a transplant from Long Island. We have a 5000 square foot home on an acre in Peachtree City, pay 4000 a year in taxes, and have a great life.

If I was to buy the equivalent home on Long Island, the home would be over a million, the taxes would be 40,000 and I would be perpetually stressed and sick of eating macaroni and cheese.

Come down and take a look. You may get freaked out by people being friendly, I was, but you get used to it.

[only1katwalker]

Actually I have never been to Georgia, only landed there moving on to Mississippi. I am moving to the southern area in June. I'm from Montana & Idaho! But actually I am looking forward to this move since every one I"ve met in different forums have been so courteous & kind & willing to tell me about their state. The area I'm moving to & my husband will be working in sounds alot like where I'm from, just no mountains as we know of them. But that's fine as long as the people are like I've met!
I'm looking forward to the move!

[xxman777]

You have to remember that all places have negatives. It just a question of if the positives outway the negatives for you. Atlanta has horrible traffic, pretty high crime rates, lots of pollution and is very segregated. That said, it doesn't really snow here, the trees are beautiful, cost of living is low and you get the laidback country feel in most parts of the region. So what are your priorities? If you can put up with the negatives then the benefits are great.