Relocating to Macon and need advice... (Atlanta, Warner Robins: real estate, rental homes, crime)

[Bradridge5]

Hi there, my family may very well be relocating to Macon, GA. We are natives of the Maryland (Baltimore/DC area). however have been living in Stevens Point Wisconsin for the past 2 years. So, we have some expereince with relocating already. My issues are schools and safe diverese areas to live. In addition, I have some concerns about racial issues in the south. We are a multi-ethnic family (black & white). In maryland, this was NEVER an issue and it is very common where we are from. Wisconsin has been mostly white, but the people have been very welcoming and no "ourright" discrimination. Although, we all know it exists.

I need some honest opinions and advice from natives to the area. Thanks in advance for those who decide to respond.

[GP2]

Macon is a dump...whether you are black or white...

[mattattack25]

Originally Posted by GP2

Macon is a dump...whether you are black or white...

I will second that
(post too short post too short, now its not)

[pinkmartini]

I highly recommend that you look about 20 min. south of Macon to the Warner Robins area. Macon is much more racially divided than W.R. IMO W.R. is a good bit more open minded because it is an Air Force town with a lot of diversity.

If schools are a concern, Warner Robins would be even more important to you. The school system in Macon is one of the worst in GA. In contrast, W.R. (Houston County) has MANY schools of excellence. If you live in Macon (Bibb County) you'll want to consider private schools.

If you look at Houston County/Warner Robins, look at the center of the county....the Hwy. 96 area is where all the new growth and new schools are going up. Avoid the northern part of the county (Northside High School area) as well as the Perry area.

[GP2]

pinkmartini, you are exactly right.....I live in Warner Robins and LOVE it....

[Bradridge5]

Originally Posted by pinkmartini

I highly recommend that you look about 20 min. south of Macon to the Warner Robins area. Macon is much more racially divided than W.R. IMO W.R. is a good bit more open minded because it is an Air Force town with a lot of diversity.

If schools are a concern, Warner Robins would be even more important to you. The school system in Macon is one of the worst in GA. In contrast, W.R. (Houston County) has MANY schools of excellence. If you live in Macon (Bibb County) you'll want to consider private schools.

If you look at Houston County/Warner Robins, look at the center of the county....the Hwy. 96 area is where all the new growth and new schools are going up. Avoid the northern part of the county (Northside High School area) as well as the Perry area.

THanks Sooooo much for your more concrete helpful adivce. I will be flying to Macon soon to investigate the area and will now look at Warner Robins area for housing. Can you tell me anything about rental homes in that area? Maybe good places to look at that are affordable and would allow a dog?

Also, why is Macon not a good place? I am now very curious and would like some specifics if possible.

Thanks!!!

[Jet205]

We live in jones county just ne of macon. Basically if you want to shop in nice places Atlanta (75m) or Warner Robbins (40m)is a better place to shop. If you are church oriented Macon is the place for you. Fact Macon Ga has most churches in one town than any other in America, no kidding. Jones county is reported to have good schools also. For the most part you just have to come and look around for yourself. But, rent or buy, find yourself a real estate agent to help they do no cost you any money and can be very helpful.

[pinkmartini]

Sorry....I'm new to the forum and don't know how to post a link. However, here's where you can compare the crime stats for the counties in GA. http://www.state.ga.us/gbi/gbistat1.html

But just as an example, here are some stats for 2005:

Murder: Bibb County:28 Houston County: 2
Rape: Bibb County: 78 Houston County: 16
Burglary: Bibb County: 2726 Houston County: 907

Now...I suppose that I should confess that I'm a bit biased towards W.R. I grew up there and still have family there. However, I worked in Macon for many years and know the area pretty well. I also know the Jones County/Gray area pretty well also.

Ugh....I've sat here for 30 minutes wondering how to word my response about the negatives of Macon. Don't get me wrong....there are positives. I just think...hearing your situation, my response would have to be discussion about the racial issues of the south. Again, I simply think that W.R. has a more diverse mix of people being that it's a more transient town and a much newer town. I suppose the reality is that you can find prejudice just about anywhere you go. But on the flipside, all over the south, you can find progressive, clear thinking people that know prejudice is wrong . I'd like to think that the latter is the norm here in the deep south now. You can certainly find areas of Macon that you will feel comfortable. I just the think the racial divide is stronger there.

As far as rentals in W.R.....I haven't lived there in years, but I'd imagine you could find some '70's homes for rent south of Watson Blvd. Go south of Russell Pkwy. for the newer homes. More specifically....between Russell Pkwy. and Hwy 96 for the newer homes and better schools....into the Bonaire area.

HTH.

[pinkmartini]

Oh, and get ready to see why they call it the "Bible Belt" down here.

[Bradridge5]

THanks agian guys. THe advice is very helpful. I am flying down there in 2 weeks and will be looking at housing with a realtor. Ironically, I found a realtor who is also in a multi-racial family as well. So......I feel pretty good about how the realtor will be able to help me search for my families particular needs. Anyone know anything about the community Lake Wildwood?