Moving to Georgia. Good safe areas with local events around Atlanta? (Macon: crime, townhome)

[geeoro]

We are moving to Georgia in the spring and are looking around the suburbs of Atlanta.
We want a nice area that has things to do, nice places to eat,art events and multicultural.
Any ideas as we have heard many differing views about all areas and need some genuine feedback before we move.

[Citykid3785]

I think to be helpful, we need a lot more info:

Where will you work
Do you have kids? What age?
How important are good schools
What do you consider safe?
Do you need a house? Townhome?
What's your housing budget?

[geeoro]

We are ex-musicians and i am retired but might venture back into some if we find the right place or maybe even start another business but no rush. So work not a issue.
Our kids are all grown up and have flown the nest. My wife is into herbalism and arts and crafts so she would love a area that caters for stuff like that.
I come from the East End of London which can be a pretty dangerous place. My Wife is from here and has lied in a few places around the USA. I am not expecting anywhere to be crime free but i want to keep away from skank areas. We don't look at people's color or religion or gender as everyone is a individual and good and bad in all groups of people so not into bigotry.
We are looking for a 3/4 bed with at least 2 1/2 baths and our budget is about $200,000 cash.
Does that help ?

[Citykid3785]

Originally Posted by geeoro

We are ex-musicians and i am retired but might venture back into some if we find the right place or maybe even start another business but no rush. So work not a issue.
Our kids are all grown up and have flown the nest. My wife is into herbalism and arts and crafts so she would love a area that caters for stuff like that.
I come from the East End of London which can be a pretty dangerous place. My Wife is from here and has lied in a few places around the USA. I am not expecting anywhere to be crime free but i want to keep away from skank areas. We don't look at people's color or religion or gender as everyone is a individual and good and bad in all groups of people so not into bigotry.
We are looking for a 3/4 bed with at least 2 1/2 baths and our budget is about $200,000 cash.
Does that help ?

Thank you for this.

Most of the northern half of the city (north of I-20) is safe. Your challenge is going to be budget.

Some more affordable, safe areas of the metro:
Parts of Marietta
Kennesaw
Woodstock
Cartersville
Acworth

Marietta has a town square that really caters to the arts, in that regard its a good hub. Come to think of it, if you don't mind a slightly longer drive into the city, some of the mountain towns along I-575/5 might actually suit you (Elijay, Ball Ground, Blue Ridge)

[geeoro]

WE don't want to live in Atlanta itself and have looked at Alpharetta, LaGrande, Decatur, powder springs, Lawrenceville, Hiram, Hogansville and other places like that and have seen some really nice houses.

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by geeoro

WE don't want to live in Atlanta itself and have looked at Alpharetta, LaGrande, Decatur, powder springs, Lawrenceville, Hiram, Hogansville and other places like that and have seen some really nice houses.

Look into the Athens, Ga area. Not too far from Atlanta, less traffic, with festivals, culture, food on a budget. The city itself is pretty progressive and diverse (very progressive for Georgia), and music is a pretty big deal there. Also, for your budget and wants, you will probably find a safer place in Athens than in many of the other places you listed.

[aslowdodge]

I think jeoff has a great suggestion with Athens. A 200k budget is not likely to get get the house you want around Atlanta. If you bump up to 300k maybe. It’s the extra bath that is hard. Athens is a pretty neat place and not far from Atlanta.

[chipspeed]

There is $10 River Tube located in Duluth & Macon Ga. now closed for the season will open back up near the end of May in 2020. float down the river really fun.

[ddm2k]

If still too pricey there are other areas a little farther south on the west side of Atlanta:

Dallas
Hiram
Douglasville
Lithia Springs
Powder Springs

[walker1962]

I'm curious if you are a Brit, retired and have no history with Georgia, why did you decide to move there?