Moving from Indy (Atlanta, Savannah, Roswell: real estate, rent, crime)

[IndyCarrie]

I am in my mid 20's and considering a move from Indianapolis to the south sometime in the next year. Can anyone give me some insight? I think that Savannah is just gorgeous, but after reading all of the posts about the crime, I am thinking twice about that. Atlanta doesn't seem that appealing as I really love the old history and architecture. I would love to live somewhere that there is a lot of nature and close access to trails, water and those sorts of things.

I live on the north side of Indianapolis and I love the feel that Indy has. There is a lower cost of living than elsewhere in the country, I feel very safe, and there are a lot of diverse restaurants and activities downtown. Kind of that big city feel without the big city feel. I do waver between wanting small town simplicity, yet all of the conveniences and shopping/dining that a larger city offers.

I have no children so I am not concerned about the school districts, just my own personal safety. I work in the real estate industry here, but would probably look for work in the admin field since my license won't go with me. My price range for a home would be about $115K depending on what kind of job I could get.

Any suggestions? I would like to know more about the job prospects in different areas of GA and also the cost of living. I'm hearing about northern Georgia and it seems like it might have something to offer me, but I am not sure where to look. I can't complain about Indiana...I've lived here all of my life, but it is getting a bit vanilla and it is time for a new adventure!! I want to hear it warts and all so I can make an informed decision. I would prefer not to trade suburbia for more suburbia, though.

[augga706]

Augusta metro is GA's second biggest city it has a big city feel with out all the major traffic. Has urban, country, & surburban areas with great schools, hospitals, retail, resturants & alot of activities happen dowtown.

[Maggie123]

You may want to check the historic part of Roswell & Crabapple. A lot of the older houses are being restored and there are many new restaurants, bookstores, etc in that area. Plus, you are close to the Chattahoochee River and Nature area.

[jxu66]

But her price is $115K. I doubt that she can buy anything around that price in Roswell.

[TakeAhike]

'I am in my mid 20's and considering a move from Indianapolis to the south sometime in the next year. Can anyone give me some insight? I think that Savannah is just gorgeous, but after reading all of the posts about the crime, I am thinking twice about that. Atlanta doesn't seem that appealing as I really love the old history and architecture. I would love to live somewhere that there is a lot of nature and close access to trails, water and those sorts of things.'

The very best thing you could do--is come and tour the city and state.



Atlanta is 'Loaded' with old architecture and those interested in it. There are some great posts describing all that is going on to revitalize the old neighborhoods around Atlanta/city of and all across the state. A good place for a mid 20 something.
~~
Nature trails--green spaces, water we have all of that and more.

I like to 'Get Out', too but --it is enough for me to be able to take a weekend trip or a day trip
~~

Take a look at Braselton, GA>>>
http://www.braselton.net/

You could work at Chateau Elan Vineyards---and be near Road Atlanta--(not quite Indy but plenty of car enthusiasts).

It sounds close to what I think you want. Lower cost of living--more likely to find a home in your price range.


~~~
Savannah is pretty safe---I imagine most of the crime--theft/assault occurs around the historic district--tourism center. Some of the Savannah-Chatham posters can respond to that.

sls

[IndyCarrie]

Actually, I would probably rent to begin with and once I am finished with college, then I would think about buying. After that, I would imagine my housing budget would be much greater.

As far as renting to start, I think my cap would be about $1000/month.

Thanks!!

[kitnguye]

Hi Carrie: I'm also from Indy but lived moved to Augusta, GA in 2001, to Savannah in 2001 and now am back in the midwest in Cincy OH. I don't mean to offend any of you Augusta residents, but I hated the city when I lived there. When we went home shopping prior to the move, I was literally crying my eyes out on the drive home. The city is dead year-round, except during Masters Week when everybody decides to decorate their golf carts and display them (bizarre, but strangely charming).

OTOH, I LURVE Savannah. I would relocate there again, if it wasn't for the schools. However, I'm not sure you are going to be able to buy much for $115K unless you are in a fixer upper in the Victorian district (south of downtown Historic district). We lived on Wilmington Island which is suburban, but it still had beautiful trees, and when we came over the bridge from Savannah to the islands, the smell of the salty marsh air and the view of the trees was stunning. Savannah also has their fair share of souless surburban cookie cutter developments that you find in northside Indy (I'm from Carmel and can say that, though ) too.

Re: crime... I never thought that was a problem in Savannah. The crime I noticed was opportunistic crime... i.e. smashed car windows to steal purses in plain sight. I used to go downtown often and walked the streets to the local coffee houses often.

[RelocatingHoosier]

Carrie,
Im 24 and just graduated from Ball State University. I got a teaching job at an elementary school in Savannah and am going to move there at the beginning of July. I absolutely love what I have seen of the city so far and am very much looking forward to living there. If you would like I can keep in touch with you and let you know what a guy from Indiana thinks about living in the south.

[IndyCarrie]

I never really entertained the thought of Augusta because it didn't seem like it would have much of a draw for what I am looking for, so I know what you mean. Atlanta is just too much!! But, Savannah is just so lovely, but I really can't narrow down (in my mind) where I would like to be. I was leaning towards Charleston, SC, but I got a book on NC and it seems like it also has some beautiful areas that might be fun.

I love the southern hospitality, but I do wonder how I will adjust to the differences. One thing, I am a vegetarian, so let me know how the food options are. Otherwise, I don't think that there are going to be many things that I won't be able to become accustomed to.

I lived in Cincy for a short time and it reminded me a lot of Indy, although I didn't really like it quite as much. I guess that is why I want to get out of the Midwest and try something different. I do love Indy. It is a great city, but I would like to experience something new. Please do keep in touch and let me know how your transition goes!!

[TakeAhike]

So many people from other parts of the US and world have moved to the SE that I really wonder how 'The South' can be considered different from any other area?

I cannot think that it would be a difficult transition due to vegetarian preferences. Many vegetables grow well in the South. Fresh corn, tomatoes, green beans and etc are something to look forward to.


Charleston would be more expensive--from what I've heard.

Charlotte, NC is growing area preferred by many posters.

You might like Decatur, Ga>>>
http://www.decaturga.com/

It's about 5/10 miles from the heart of the city of Atlanta. Actually established before Atlanta--history, diversity and you could partake of whatever Atlanta offers or not.



sls