Gangs in Gainesville? (Atlanta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville: apartments, rentals, how much)

[gjs]

Hello, I am relocating to the Gainesville area soon.
It seems that Gainesville has everything to offer that I am looking for.
Parks, Bike trails, eating out, etc.
But I have been hearing on the gainesville threds so much about gang activity in the Gainesville area, it gets me thinking that maybe I should look to other areas to live, maybe lawrenceville, flowery Branch, etc....
I ask for those of you that live in Gainesville, is it really that bad for gang activity? Is it not safe there?

[OhioNative]

Originally Posted by gjs

Hello, I am relocating to the Gainesville area soon.
It seems that Gainesville has everything to offer that I am looking for.
Parks, Bike trails, eating out, etc.
But I have been hearing on the gainesville threds so much about gang activity in the Gainesville area, it gets me thinking that maybe I should look to other areas to live, maybe lawrenceville, flowery Branch, etc....
I ask for those of you that live in Gainesville, is it really that bad for gang activity? Is it not safe there?

There are some nice areas in Gainesville, but the city population is about 50% Hispanic, and there are some areas of Hispanic gang activity, especially around Atlanta Hwy.

[gjs]

50% Hispanic! Man, where did they all come from. Why Gainesville?

[Ailin]

The 50% Hispanic population is a fairly recent change. It's sad, the culture there is changing rapidly. and from what I've noticed certain areas are getting pretty rough in Gainesville.

[SDotson]

Thats why the influx of mexicans. Gainesville is the Chicken capitol of the world. You'll see what i mean when you get here. My wife and I lived off of 53 on the norht end of town for over a year. Its not bad, we never saw any gang activity. Heard about it, but never saw it. We moved to Dahlonega, and I still drive to Gainesville for work. My wife drives down to Cumming. Its much slower pace and much more baeutiful up here. Good luck. Just take your time and really look around before you settle.

[gjs]

So the main reason for the influx of mexicans is because of the chicken industry, I wonder how many of them are illegals. Theres gang activity all over the US, especially in major metro areas. It's not like Gainesville has drug related shootings in the street....or do they?
Are there incidents where people are getting mugged in broad daylight....etc...
How much of a problem is it for the community with the heavy influx of hispanics in the area? California has a heavy hispanic population in certain parts.

[cityrover]

The only good parts of gainesville now are on the outskirts (browns bridge road etc) and around the lake. I lived in that area for quite some time and saw it change. It is not dangerous but just different.

Now, try to go to a mall or any shopping place. Stay there for a minute, either in the car or outside. You will either be chased by the mall cops, the real cops will come and hassle you or everybody will be giving you dirty looks. I call it the gainesville anti gang task force. It's a joke. Night time, driving through town you will have 1-2 city cops tailing you checking your tags and what not. Every time. Every day. Meanwhile the person with no tags will drive right past you...........

It's changed a lot in the past 10 years. It really has.

Lawrenceville is worse.

Flowery Branch is generally good. Their biggest issue there is domestic abuse/fights.

[southern no more]

I recommend the north hall/dawsonville side of Hall county like the previous poster did (hwy 53). it is 15 min to 400 and the outlet mall, 20 min to Cumming which would have all your needs covered and if you need some culture Alpharetta is a mere 30 min drive. The other side of Hall... Oakwood, Flowery Branch and east Gainesville does have a lot of gang activity. I very seldom even go to Gainesville but enjoy a Hall county address for tax purposes. I would definitely stay away from Gwinnet county. That whole county has turned into a sh** hole.
Where are you moving from and are you bringing a family?

[gjs]

I will be coming from A smaller town just south of Roanoke,VA.
I just turned 50 and have a job lined up in Pengergrass, I want to live in a town with a good park system and not too overly populated, that's why I am looking at Gainesville.
There's not much of towns with things to do around Pendergrass.
Also Gainesville is a town with the amenities that I look for within a short driving distance.
I am comming down Monday to look at rentals in the area, so my move will be realativly soon.

[SDotson]

We lived in some real nice apartments off 53 just north of the Best Buy and all the shopping there. Like the other poster said that is a newer nicer part of town. i cant say much for the pendergrass side, but thats closer to the chicken plants and more industrial. Do drive around though, the Walmart in Gainesville was nothing but Mexicans. They don't bother you, but they dont make shopping easy. And just really look at everything. You get a quick idea about where to go and not. Stay off Atlanta Highway. All the signs are in Spanish, so you'll know where you are.