Hubby accepted job in Forest Park, GA... (Atlanta, Peachtree City: high crime, credit)

[elise61]

It appears that we will be moving to the Forest Park, GA, area in the next month or two. We are looking for a house in the "country" with an acre or two for our dogs to enjoy. We would rather not live in a so-called subdivision unless the lots are big (1-3 acres). We don't have a clue where to live or not live so your help will be appreciated. I'm trying to get a jump on things before we sign up with a realtor.

[mmenomen]

You will want to avoid the Forest Park area itself. Part of it suffers from noisy plane noise and there is high crime in the area. Clayton County, too, should be avoided due to school accreditation loss and the fact that the people from the torn down projects in the City of Atlanta were moved to many areas of Clayton County. Most of the houses in Forest park are tract houses built in the 1950s-60s, so even what you would like (house with large lot) is not found much in that immediate area.

If you want to be close to work, you might want to consider nearby North Henry county (Ellenwood). Some houses there have acre lots, but the area is hit and miss. Another area to consider is eastern is semi-rural areas of Rockdale county for houses with large lots. The commutes from these areas to Forest Park are at least 20-40 minutes or longer (factoring in traffic).

[elise61]

I was reading thru the message boards and I came to the conclusion to stay far away from Forest Park. LOL! Thank you for the information. I'm sure the Realtor will put us in a safe area but I wanted some input from others.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by elise61

I was reading thru the message boards and I came to the conclusion to stay far away from Forest Park. LOL! Thank you for the information. I'm sure the Realtor will put us in a safe area but I wanted some input from others.

I wouldn't put my safety in the hands of a realtor- I'd do as much research as possible on the area on my own. Especially in today's market, where buyers aren't exactly falling into their laps, it wouldn't be a stretch to think that you may get "sold" on something that isn't necessarily in your best interests.

[chinaberry25]

Look in Fayette County or Peachtree City area. The traffic will mob you on the commute, but may be worth it. Thomaston area is good, but all are at least 60 -70 miles away. Land is off the charts in Atlanta area, so shop around.