Moving from Cali to GA, any suggestions? (Atlanta, Columbus: apartment, condo)

[danashah]

Hi,
My husband & I are looking to move to GA. We have 3 small kids, 8, 7 & 4. We are an african american family. Since I am still a college student, I'm looking to move somewhere close to everything, but not too close.
I've been reading a lot of threads on here about good locations for african american families, but i've also seen conflicting information.


I appreciate your input!

Nasha

[atlantagreg30127]

You're going to need to provide A LOT more info for people to be able to help you here. Budget? Apartment or home or condo? Urban or suburban setting? Near a larger or smaller city? etc etc etc.

[danashah]

Budget: $200,000 - $400,000
House
NON-urban setting
Near a large city

[keeshonder]

Almost anywhere you move to, in Georgia, from California will be culture shock. I am not sure what you mean by a "large city". Atlanta, and it's surrounding environs is the only really large city in Georgia. The next would be cities like Augusta, Athens, Macon, Columbus, etc., but those would be more like Sacramento, compared to LA or the Bay Area.

Personally, I recommend the Athens area. It is on of the 5 largest cities in Georgia, outside of Atlanta, has a pretty good entertainment, dining and culture scene. It is highly diverse culturally, strongly influenced by the presence of the University of Georgia.

Within 15 to 30 minutes of downtown you can live in a suburban or rural environment. For the $200,000 - $400,000 range of homes you have tremendous selection.

The Athens area includes the combined Athens-Clarke County, which is one of the smallest counties in Georgia, as well as Oconee County, Jackson County, Oglethorpe County, Madison County and parts of Barrow County. Oglethorpe and Madison Counties are primarily rural with some suburban areas. The town of Maxey's, in Oglethorpe County, still has, I believe, a scholarship available for all kids living in the town.

I don't know what part of Cal you are moving from. I grew up in the L.A. area, spent a few years in the San Diego area and about 12 years in the Bay area. Be ready for a bit slower life style. Will you continue your education at a college based upon where you live or will you live based upon where you go to school.

What type of work do you and your husband do? Are you jobs/professions easily transportable? The Athens area does have one of the lowest unemployment rates of the major metropolitan areas of the state.

If you have any questions or want some links to the Athens area, just send me a message and I will try to answer your questions.