Any thoughts on Central GA? (Atlanta, Macon: crime rates, house, construction jobs)

[SFL_onthemove]

Hi all, I am another S. Floridian that is pretty much sick of this place. I LOVE the mild winters and most of the weather but not much else. HATE the Hurricanes (who doesn't), and my husband is just about ready to roll outta here. I'm keeping him here for the time being.

We still have some time but we are beginning to research. An old colleague of mine lives in Warner Robins. It seems pricey but based on my knowledge of his personality it would seem to be nice and somewhat diverse. Does anyone have any suggestions on desirable areas in Central GA? Anyone have further information on Warner Robins? We are looking for all the usual: decent school system, moderate housing costs (nice to stay well under $300K and closer to $200K), reasonably close to shopping but we don't mind a bit of traveling. Husband is in construction so he needs to get near where growth is even if we don't live there. Any initial thoughts from anyone out there? Thanks!

[Tdiddy0027]

Warner Robins is growing but that's about the only place in central GA that is. I would go to Metro Atlanta, there's much more construction there

[SFL_onthemove]

Thanks so much for your response Tdiddy0027. I gathered from the lack of response and the number of inquiries regarding Metro ATL that this must be the place to be. I am a little put off by that but given the need to be where construction is booming then I guess I will have to live with it.

We are in a booming area in FL but after 4 good years things have slowed down tremendously. I'd hate to move only to be back in the same situation 4 years later. What are the current predictions on continued growth in the area? Might we last for closer to 8 rather than 4 years this time?

I may start a new thread on Duluth, GA. If I worked in Duluth, where might we live in addition to Duluth? Your area (Newnan) sounds nice, but I'm not sure if that would be good for both of us.

Thanks again!

[Tdiddy0027]

the growth shows no signs of slowing down in the future. Of course it eventually will, but it's likely to be decades into the future

[jdaryl2002]

I was born and raised in central Georgia and will always have a special place in my heart for that area. I also lived in north Georgia (Woodstock). What I liked more about central Georgia then North Georgia is the following: Flat land. Roads in North Georgia Mountains are not only congested but have many curves, not good on icy days. Better winter weather. The mountains of North Georgia are cold, grey and gloomy from October till April. Cost of living is lower in central Georgia and if you want to take a quick trip to the beach it’s only a few hours away. I think you’ll like Warner Robins. Also, Bibb County, Macon is a high growth area. My sister lives there and loves it. But what I hear is the county is better then the city. Good Luck

[Tdiddy0027]

the heat in central GA is unbearable. I like N. Georgia because you can get a real fall with beautiful foliage and a real winter with some snow and ice.

[SFL_onthemove]

I really hate the winter, that's why I am in FL. It would be nice to be able to GET to the mountains to appreciate the foliage and experience a slight bit of winter but I don't think I would enjoy living there. Especially from Oct - April. That is the season that I disliked the most in NJ.

Well, give it to me straight. Is there anywhere in Central GA that would enable my husband to work in construction consistently for the next 3 -5 years? It pains me to admit it but Norther Metro ATL is starting to look like the most logical choice.

[jdaryl2002]

I feel the same way about the cold weather. I just love the Florida climate. When I started my search to relocate from Orlando I focus my attention in South Georgia. They have palm trees there and I have to have my palms. Here are some cities that are expercing tremendous growth. Valdosta at the state line. Valdosta has just been classified as a metropolitan city. From my house in Orlando it takes right at 3 hours (I do not drive over 70) to Valdosta. It’s also only a little over 3 hours to Atlanta. So you can have the best of both states. Baseball or events in Atlanta or a day at the thyme parks in Orlando all in a day’s trip. Two of my favorites are Brunswick and St Mary’s on the Georgia coast. I hear growth in those cities has just begun. Back to almost central Georgia is one of the fastest growing cities if not the fastest growing city in the state. Leesburg. It’s a small town but only 15 minutes from Albany. Leesburg is a bedroom community to Albany. I would not worry about construction jobs drying up because many retirees are choosing Georgia now to retire. We baby boomers are a lot of folks. As for my family, We are moving to Georgia in August. We’ve picked Thomasville which is 30 minutes north of Tallahassee. Good luck on your adventure and don’t give up on central or South Georgia.

[afonega]

I grew up in Warner Robins and i have extended family there still.I moved in the late 80's but periodically go visit family.While its true W.R. is your best bet in central Georgia.Macon is the Minneapolis to Warner Robins as Warner Robis is the St.Paul.(Not in population terms but in proximity to each other.)Macon which is much larger is growing in its northern suburbs which is a short drive to Atlanta.Atlanta ,depending on if you want to be in the city proper or in one of the southern Atlanta suburbs can be as far as 1hr or 30-45min depending on traffic to/from Macon.I moved with my parents to the "southern cresent" area defined by the counties of Henry, Clayton ,Fayette in the late 80's as a senior in high school.The area is EXPLODING!!For some reason people forget about the southern counties in Atlanta.Fayette County continues to have some of the best schools and number one for highest per capita incomes in the state.Henry has been one of the top 10 as well as #1, fastest growing counties in the U.S. for at least the past 5-7 years.My parents live in this area.There is a huge amount of construction.Another good thing also is because of its short distances to either Atlanta and Macon you are surrounded geographilly by several construction related job opportunities.I hope this helps.

[vilanoangel]

Don't move to Macon without checking to make sure it's what you want. The crime rates are really high. If you want that area, Jones County, Houiston County(Warner Robins & Perry) are much better choices. I grew up in Macon and it was once a good place to live, work and play but not any more. The city government continually has to borrow money just to meet payroll. Check out www.Macon.com (the online newspaper) and www.wmaz.com and make sure you educate yourself first. Schools in Macon are pathetic too.