Good area to move to for family (Atlanta, Savannah: jobs, low crime)

[WISTOMOVE]

What area would be a good place to move a family? Looking for someplace with really good schools - elementary, middle, high school and college, a more liberal bent politically, low crime, good recreation ie camping, fishing, biking etc. relatively close by. Would be looking for employment in IT and production. Any suggestions? Wanting to get away from Wisconsin winters.

[spiritlady]

I'm not trying to dissuade your move to Georgia, so please don't even think this for a second. I do, however, want to tell you the truth about some matters. First of all, you mentioned that you're looking for an area with really good schools. The public school systems in Georgia is one of the worst in the nation (we rank #46!) The school children here have far too many "free days", and this takes away time for them to learn. I hope you can afford private school. I haven't heard any bad things about the private schools here, but I'm willing to say that your children can get a decent education at them. And as far as low crime, crime is everywhere, I repeat, everywhere, in Georgia. Please don't fall for the line "we don't have crime" because we do. However, some areas are higher in crime than others. There are cases where certain crimes don't make the news because it has a lot of others crimes to report. For recreational activities, I can't think of an area in particular, but I will tell you this: all those hobbies that you listed are available in Georgia. There is a lot to do here, just one rule: you need transportation. Yes, here in GA, we rely on our vehicles. I'm sure you can find employment in your line of work. Start by looking on this website: AJC.COM. Also check out employmentguide.com and click on GA.
Like I said, I'm not trying to dissuade you, but as a native GA, I just wanted to tell you the truth like I would want someone to tell me. Anyhow, good luck on your move!

[kskutie76]

I have to agree for the most part with the previous poster. Georgia's public education system is nothing to brag about for the most part, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the public school system in Columbia County. Columbia County is in the Augusta metro area. The school system is awesome and because of it's excellence Columbia County is growing like wildfire! We're 2 1/2 hrs from Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, and the north Georgia mountains. Logistically, Augusta is great, and the city continues to improve. Lots of new restaurants and shops continue to open. It's definitely an area worth checking into.

[WISTOMOVE]

Thanks for the info. Want to move south but not at the expense of my kids' education. Will have to keep looking around I guess.

[jmarkey]

We lived in Evans, in Columbia County, for seven years. I thought the school system was better than the one we'd left in CT.

I don't know about the rest of the state, but Columbia County's schools are top notch. The area was great for raising children. It's very family oriented - lots for kids and families to do.

I think the area is definately worth a look.

[jxu66]

I know a lot of people complain about Georgia education. It is poor for sure. But it is mainly due to inner city school and rural Georgia. If you live in Gwinnett, North Fulton, Cobb and Fayette, you will get comparable schools in Georgia. Also a couple of schools in Athen area are pretty good as well. You just need to research hard to find those schools. Also, Atlanta area has a lot of outstanding private schools too if you want your kids to go to Ivy.

Just an example, I grew up in MA, known for its education. I know many of my friends from high school went to Ivy Leagues and little Ivy. However, when I look at the data just the other day from boston globe. I am surprised that certain high school in my neighborhood has higher SAT scores than my old high school in MA. So go figure.

[beephonkbeep]

liberal? haha good luck.

[Robert Turner]

Gwinnett County has one of the best school districts in the state of Georgia. Exceptional seasonal weather conditions aford the outdoor enthusiest the best of hiking, cycling, rafting and fishing. Located on one of the largest lakes in Georgia, Lake Lanier, bass and trout fishing is great fun.

Gwinnett is also one of the epicenters of technology type jobs in Atlanta. We have three large shopping malls in our county.

[kskutie76]

First let me say that I see many, many positives to living in Gwinnett County & that the school system is definitely a good one. Now, let me also point out that over the past few years the illegal immigrant population has EXPLODED in Gwinnett County & I believe the school system has suffered because of it. Class sizes are up and so are the number of trailer classrooms at every elementary school. Funds that would normally support art & music programs are now dedicated to ESL classes to help bring the non-English speaking students up to speed. Still a good system, but it has it's issues too.

[jxu66]

There are some very good schools in Cobb, Dekalb, Fayette and Gwinnett. There are some very bad schools in Cobb, Dekalb, Fayette and Gwinnett. The only place I see has consistently good schools is North Fulton, even over there some schools in Sandy Spring is questionable. So research and research and find the school you need.

http://reportcard2006.gaosa.org/k12/default.aspx