McDonough (Atlanta, Newnan, Jasper: rentals, sex offenders, low crime)

[snowbird51]

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Hi to all!
We are moving to Georgia at the end of this month - and have no idea where we will live! I have been looking into all areas within 45 - 60 minutes of drive time from McDonough - I am more confused now than I was in the beginning of searching! I am at wits end!
We are from the Northeast - we did live in Florida for a spell - so somewhat familar with the South. We want to live in a SAFE area - we do not equate having a high Black population with crime. We feel crime is an equal opportunity thing - it matters not what race a person is - if a life of crime is their way it is.
To be honest I am pertified about moving into Georgia from all that I have read. I have kids so of course I checked the Sex Offenders sites for information - I was shocked!
We spent less than 24 hours in Atlanta in August 2005 - my husband had a job interview - it was not in the best area (near the stadium) - we lived outside of Ocala Fl at the time in a small community - you know the kind - people at the family owned grocery store knew who you were! We are now living in a small town - we have always lived in small towns and cities - so major a city the size of Atlanta is a bit overwhelming! We live in an area where we get Boston news and it does not scare me the way all of the talk about Georgia does!
I have looked at houses in Stone Mtn - looked like a nice rental - then I read about the crime! I have checked into rentals in all the counties around metro Atlanta and Jasper County seems to be the best so far - to be honest the cost of rent is higher in GA than in some parts of Massachusetts. My husband is due to be at work on 11-06 - he is being transferred to McDonough.
Any ideas anyone might have would be greatfully appreciated. I sincerely do not want to hurt feelings on what I have said about the area - and if I have I am sorry.
Thanks,

[xxman777]

I would look into McDonough. Why commute if you don't have to. The schools are good there, low crime, pretty nice area. You aren't going to significantly raise your quality of life by commuting 45 minutes to somewhere slightly nicer.

[jxu66]

Peachtree city and other cities in Fayette county are good choices.

[Tdiddy0027]

Newnan isn't too far away either

[floridadragon]

mcdonough is so very beautiful..very peaceful, small country town.

[backfist]

To be honest I am pertified about moving into Georgia from all that I have read. I have kids so of course I checked the Sex Offenders sites for information - I was shocked!
We spent less than 24 hours in Atlanta in August 2005 - my husband had a job interview - it was not in the best area (near the stadium) - we lived outside of Ocala Fl at the time in a small community - you know the kind - people at the family owned grocery store knew who you were! We are now living in a small town - we have always lived in small towns and cities - so major a city the size of Atlanta is a bit overwhelming! We live in an area where we get Boston news and it does not scare me the way all of the talk about Georgia does!

The first thing I'd say is don't worry. Atlanta, more than other large metro areas, is going through significant growing pains. One of the consequences of such rapid (and poorly planned) growth is that folks who have always lived here feel put upon; put out; threatened. Yes, Atlanta is a big city and as such there's going to be city-like crime. But you're smart not to buy into the out-dated notion that Blacks=crime. Being mugged by a White guy in Denver can't be any better than being mugged by a Black guy in Atlanta.

Now once you get outside of Atlanta proper, you have lots choices of smaller communities. And try not to feel as though there's only one community to live in, and the rest are crime havens. Not the case. If you come from Boston, then you know that Roxbury and Southie aren't always the best places to live, but that they're not your only choices either.

My advice would be to recognize that talk is cheap. If Atlanta is as bad as some people say it is, ask yourself this: why are they still here? And why is business and employment so strong here? Once you get past the fear factor, you'll be able to see things much clearer and have a lot more peace of mind.

[homegirlrose]

Hi, very interesting comments and concern about moving to Georgia. Well, I have lived in Mcdonough for the past 3 years, and I am still discovering new communities everytime. I love it there, one of the most sought after school districts. My kids love it there as well, there are many activities for the kids and adults alike to do and get involved in, through the recreation centre.
There are many parks, beautiful homes, I would say a predominantly white neighborhood, little or no crime, never had a problem. All the major stores and resources are nearby. Many times people tend to think that should they live in Mcdonough they would be in the boondocks, with little or no basic resources. There's Walmart, Costco, Krogers, Publix. Sam's, and all the chain restaurants. Not to mention doctors, banks, churches etc.

You definitely need a car, there's no public transportation, but for someone accustomed to a small town living, you will definitely enjoy. I say go for it, and good luck.

[IMISSNY]

Heron Bay is a nice area somewhat close to McDonough GA

[clcrss]

Definitely consider McDonough - there is a Henry County Transit service for bus service within the county and the Marta Xpress bus service makes connects with downtown for those working in other areas that don't want to drive.