Seeking Northern Georgia Natives Opinions (Atlanta, Toccoa: transplants, vacation home, tornado)

[waltonsnut]

I am thinking about relocating and have learned alot from following some of these threads. But, I am seeking honest opinions of local people as to how you really feel about "transplants" It seems there are lots of people relocating to Georgia. I am the 6th generation of the pioneers who settled the area of WV I am from and I know how some locals feel about "newcomers". I am looking for "Walton's Mountain" (see my user name) It's the place of my parent's memories and some of mine. Does it still exist anywhere or am I looking for a fantasy? I know, I know. But, surely there are still some rural areas left with no chance of sudden growth. We are not at all interested in the city life. I guess we are probably looking for an outlying area close to a little town with no more than 3000. I am concerned about the tornado thing. We don't have to worry about that in the mountains of West Virginia. We are not interested in an area where meth has taken over. We love the slow, conservative life style. Would love to hear from people who have actually lived in Northern Georgia for several years. Thanks!

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by waltonsnut

I am thinking about relocating and have learned alot from following some of these threads. But, I am seeking honest opinions of local people as to how you really feel about "transplants" It seems there are lots of people relocating to Georgia. I am the 6th generation of the pioneers who settled the area of WV I am from and I know how some locals feel about "newcomers". I am looking for "Walton's Mountain" (see my user name) It's the place of my parent's memories and some of mine. Does it still exist anywhere or am I looking for a fantasy? I know, I know. But, surely there are still some rural areas left with no chance of sudden growth. We are not at all interested in the city life. I guess we are probably looking for an outlying area close to a little town with no more than 3000. I am concerned about the tornado thing. We don't have to worry about that in the mountains of West Virginia. We are not interested in an area where meth has taken over. We love the slow, conservative life style. Would love to hear from people who have actually lived in Northern Georgia for several years. Thanks!

I don't think you will find it in north Georgia. The area is experiencing rapid growth for three reasons:
Its' popularity with retirees from Atlanta and Florida
Its' popularity as a vacation home destination for Atlantans
Its' easy accessibility from Atlanta (575, 400, 985 expressways)
If I were looking for something akin to what you describe, I would look in western Virginia or southeastern West Virginia. Why not Schuyler, VA? Home of the Walton's Mountain museum and the town on which the story is based.

www.waltonmuseum.org

[waltonsnut]

Thanks so much for the reply. I should have mentioned that while I love the mountains I would like some flatland with mountains close by. That is one reason I wa looking into North Georgia. The valley where Chickamauga is seemed interesting. I've been to Waltons Mountain Museum and I loved it, but the property is very hilly. I have looked further south and like the looks of the Indian Springs (I think) Valley, but the elevation is too high. We are at 1880 where we are now and the Indian Valley is around 2400 which surprised me. I should have mentioned we are looking for a place to squeeze in a couple more months of nice weather instead of 6 month winters. I'm also looking at the Mt. Airy, NC area. So...it'e really going to grow near Chickamauga? Thanks. Appreciate any input.

[waltonsnut]

I meant to say Indian Valley, Va was a higher elevation than I expected, not Indian Springs, GA.

[TakeAhike]

I don't know much about the area but Chattanooga looks like it will develop within the decade and the surrounding area should too.

Here's a previous thread>>>
Chickamauga,GA

[Georgiafrog]

Some NGA towns you might want to check out: Clayton, Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Lafayette, Toccoa, Blairsville, Cleveland. Hope this helps.

[waltonsnut]

Thanks so much. I was looking at the little place called Rock Spring just south of Chickamauga. Any thoughts?