Thinking of moving to GA...needs some help (Atlanta, Savannah: low crime, student loans)

[oOomrsjoOo]

Hi, My family currently lives in South FL, but im over it! Ive been here my whole life and just can't stand it anymore. I would love to move to GA. However I need some help. I am in the medical field and plan to go back to school for Physical therapy...so id like to be near a good college. Also I have 2 children in elementary school, one who has special needs. My fiance works for home depot, so if anyone knows of good cities with those things in mind I would greatly appreciate your opinion. Thanks

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by oOomrsjoOo

Hi, My family currently lives in South FL, but im over it! Ive been here my whole life and just can't stand it anymore. I would love to move to GA. However I need some help. I am in the medical field and plan to go back to school for Physical therapy...so id like to be near a good college. Also I have 2 children in elementary school, one who has special needs. My fiance works for home depot, so if anyone knows of good cities with those things in mind I would greatly appreciate your opinion. Thanks

When you say 'go back to school for Physical Therapy' what sort of training do you need? A nursing program or other?

A few months ago someone was trying to find a Physical Therapy program in Atlanta and it seemed like GA State University had a 4 yr program or maybe it was a 2 yr program. DeKalb and/or Gwinnett Technical Schools did not have PT programs, IIRC.

The Medical College of GA is located in Augusta, SE GA>>>
Medical College of Georgia

UGA/University of GA, is located in Athens, NE GA>>>
Medical College of Georgia

Branches of the university system are located in every region of the state.

University of Western GA, Carrollton, GA
North GA College, Dahlonega, GA
Valdosta State College/University, Valdosta, GA/near the FL/GA line
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, near Savannah

and a dozen or so more.

[oOomrsjoOo]

I would be looking for a school that has a physical therapy program.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by oOomrsjoOo

I would be looking for a school that has a physical therapy program.

GA State University, Atlanta, GA has a physical therapy program. You could search the websites of the other schools to determine if this program is offered elsewhere.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...-training.html

It would be difficult for me to say whether your family would do well in Atlanta. Georgia State University is located in dowtown Atlanta and is accessible by MARTA/rapid transit. Housing is more expensive in the intown neighborhoods near GA State. In NE Atlanta you might find good schools, low crime, affordable housing and moderately convenient commute to GA State in Tucker, GA. I mention this area because the commute to downtown is fairly simple and that means a lot in Atlanta's often gridlocked traffic.

There are other areas that might work for you but posters would need to know a range for housing, how long of a commute is acceptable and other specific criteria. The job market is weak here and that is something to take into account.

If Valdosta State University has a PT program maybe that would be a better area for your family while you are in school. Valdosta is about an hour or so from Jacksonville.

hth

[Thunderbolt_Guy]

I think that Athens and Valdosta would both fit the bill. I've lived in both places.

Personally I like Valdosta better... it is just big enough for me to call a "city"... my definition including a 4 year college, a real bookstore, a mall, Best Buy, Target, restaurant variety, and a little night life. VSU is a good 4 year college. Valdosta has 2 hospitals, and the cost of living is not bad. It's also close to FL should you ever get the urge to visit. The downtown area is being revitalized as well (coffee shops, etc). And they have both Home Depot and Lowes. You and the kids would also be 15-20 minutes away from a Wild Adventures theme park. People are nice there and I feel safe in most neighborhoods. Traffic is no problem, in my opinion.

If you like even more options, then visit Athens... it is nice, but too large now for my tastes, and too far north (hey, I like it HOT). But UGA has a lot to offer and I'm sure there are job opportunities for your husband.

Another option is Savannah (AASU is a decent 4-year college)... and plenty of jobs to be had at Memorial Medical Center... or the other 2 hospitals. Savannah is a unique place, so check out posts here but don't be afraid to visit and see it for yourself (plus... you are just 20 mins from the coast). Home Depot and Lowes..and 2 Targets now.

And personally, I'd avoid: Atlanta, Augusta, and Macon. Well, Augusta is not bad for families, but it is a little dull. Thus its nickname... Disgusta.

I've lived all over GA, so if I can answer any specific questions, let me know. Do check out Valdosta! I have a friend there who works for VSU Admissions and the Georgia Student finance commission (student loans, scholarships, etc) that I can put you in touch with if need be.

[Laurie Jane]

My husband and I are from Ireland / UK and got relocated there by our company - was very welcoming and fanatastic neighbours, country side and access to all major cities etc.

Large hospital and many good schools in area.