Relocating to Georgia looking for some good advice, where are the moms? (Atlanta: crimes, how much)

[butterbeans4]

Sorry to butt in, but I am a mother in Walnut Grove, Georgia (south east of Lawrenceville) I do not particularly care for much here in general =) so we are moving within 2 years(my husband was born and raised in Atlanta) The only real advice I can give is Research. Research Home prices, demographics, schools, you name it. I'm sure you probably already are, but Georgia is very decieving and it may catch you off guard, The school systems in some areas are good but right down the road they are in the bottom 100. You'll see amazing differences in the demographics due to what industry dominates that particular region. Cobb county has one of the worst commute times in the United States, that matters when you have kids to shuttle back and forth. Alot of people are moving to Lawrenceville (Snellville is right next door) But be careful. Check out what the schools have for student teacher ratio and free lunches.This gives you a good idea of what the schools are like. Some real estate websites give you links to schools when you search houses. And one last thing, things are moderate to expensive since we live near Atlanta, if the house prices in the area you searching are really low, there is a GOOD reason why. In my area a 3 bedroom house with as little as 1500 sq ft goes for around 140,000 and up. But in Monroe 10 miles away you can still get one for less than 100,000. There is a good reason. I hope this helps, and some real estate agencies here are: Remax and The Myers Team, (both have helpful links) Good Luck!

[Georgia]

Originally Posted by butterbeans4

Sorry to butt in, but I am a mother in Walnut Grove, Georgia (south east of Lawrenceville) I do not particularly care for much here in general =) so we are moving within 2 years(my husband was born and raised in Atlanta) The only real advice I can give is Research. Research Home prices, demographics, schools, you name it. I'm sure you probably already are, but Georgia is very decieving and it may catch you off guard, The school systems in some areas are good but right down the road they are in the bottom 100. You'll see amazing differences in the demographics due to what industry dominates that particular region. Cobb county has one of the worst commute times in the United States, that matters when you have kids to shuttle back and forth. Alot of people are moving to Lawrenceville (Snellville is right next door) But be careful. Check out what the schools have for student teacher ratio and free lunches.This gives you a good idea of what the schools are like. Some real estate websites give you links to schools when you search houses. And one last thing, things are moderate to expensive since we live near Atlanta, if the house prices in the area you searching are really low, there is a GOOD reason why. In my area a 3 bedroom house with as little as 1500 sq ft goes for around 140,000 and up. But in Monroe 10 miles away you can still get one for less than 100,000. There is a good reason. I hope this helps, and some real estate agencies here are: Remax and The Myers Team, (both have helpful links) Good Luck!

Keep in mind one thing about Realtors. They are here to sell houses.

Not knocking, but a Realtor can only give you "selling points" about the home and neighborhoods. By giving "true" opinions, they could face a slander suit or even lose their license. It's unfortunate.

[butterbeans4]

You are right, I saw something recently on Realtors saying "good schools" as a sly way of telling you the racial makeup of the area. It is important to alot of people, but no one can talk about it, no matter what race you are. I only suggested these because they have links to the schools in the area the house your looking at is in. The schools websites have their specific info. And all opinions aside, if you go to the schools website and 60% of the students are on reduced or free lunch, that is one (not the only)indicator that it may not be in the greatest neighborhood. That's also why I suggested the real estate websites, just to see house values and compare them.

[alina]

I am so glad to hear that other families are leaving Florida too and specially going to Georgia. I am planning a trip there at the end of the month to get a feel for the State. If anyone could give me some advice I would really appreaciate it. The only way I was able to convience my husband of the move is if I find someplace with fishing and boating, however I do not want to be in the east Georgia. I am looking for a small town with hills and views of the mountains. I have a 1 year old boy and another in the way. I am in real estate and he is a plumber. Please help.

[BottleJeanie]

Gainesville georgia is sorta north east but nice. Huge huge lake and boating and lots of fishing and it is in hte mountain area so hills to look at too. ;-)

[butterbeans4]

And remember "Mountain" is a relative term in Georgia. Most other states call them "Hills".

[rasmom]

hmquin, you sound like my daughter, she moved to Lilburn in Dec. My grandson goes to CampCreek in the first grade. We are transplants from Ct. also! Wehave been here 10 years.I live on the border of Monroe/Loganville, Walton county side. We are very pleased here as well. It's nice to hear someone made the move and it was a positive experience!

[gabound]

My husband and I recently found a builder in a new community and the price can't be beat. We are currently residing in Miami, Florida. The taxes and insurance have gone up along with the housing prices. The cost of living is just outrageous. We have a 8 yr old daughter and 8 month old son.

For those who have relocated... how was it leaving your family behind? I am having a hard time thinking that my children will not be as close to their grandparents and cousins as I was when I was growing up. Also, I have read on several posts that the traffic in GA is horrible, but compared to what? The traffic in Miami is mind blowing (to say the least) and the road rage is dangerous.

Any comments would be of the most help as I am split between going and staying and waiting for the cost of living to give!!!

[nibseysgirl]

Originally Posted by Violet

I am also a concerned mom relocating here with my Husband and 9mo old daughter. It's nice to see others in the same situation. We will be moving in 2 - 3 months from New Hampshire. We are considering Alpharetta & Peachtree City. Good Luck to you movingon & other moms! Hopefully the other moms will be friendly~

I just read your post (although it is now older) I would be interested in how your move(if you did) went from NH to GA. I am a former Granite stater now living in Florida. We are considering moving to GA in the next year or so and like you we have a child(11 yr old girl) we are concerned with how northerners(transplanters) are treated in GA and how overall the expiriences of "outsiders" are. Any areas of GA better than others for northerners? I am interested in the quiet side of life and would love to live in a small town with a strong community involvment. With family orientated things to do as well as a good education and safe enviroment for all our family..
Thanks for your time and help
Lisa

[nibseysgirl]

Originally Posted by LauraGibson

For all you moms moving to Georgia, I have lived here for 20 years. I have raised three kids in Lilburn, and love Gwinnett County. I now have one grandchild living in the Roswell area. The Atlanta metro area has been very good to us, and you do have to know where the good schools are, the crime rates, the neighborhoods. If you want some totally no-strings attached advice, I'll be glad to give it, but I am a realtor and have to let you know that. But I would be glad to disseminate information about our wonderful metro area to anyone who wants it.

Hi,
I saw your post from some time ago and wanted to write to you. I live in SWFL but we are considering moving to Georgia in the next 3-12 months. We like that it doesnt get so cold(like our home state of NH) and that is a beautiful state. We are totally green when it comes to the state though and we would welcome any information that you could give us on what areas (semi rural) are good for bringing up children, schools and acceptance of northerns. I have heard some not so nice things about how "Yankees" are treated less than kindly. I would welcome any help you could give us and I like how you said you will tell it as it is and in the fact that you are a realtor as we may very well need one in the near future...
Thanks so much
Lisa