Northern Atlanta Burbs vs Southern Atlanta Burbs (Alpharetta, Lawrenceville: real estate, crimes) - Georgia (GA) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

atlantagreg30127 · 05-05-2008, 07:27 AM

Atlanta has always been a racially divided city. The Northern areas were seen as "white and safe", the southern areas were "black and dangerous". Even to this day it still continues, but people lived the stereotype when deciding where to move as well, so over time it came to be true. Typically today, the Southside does have more crime (and corruption amongst leaders) than the Northside, though crime and corruption of course can be found anywhere. Once you get far enough South to the Fayetteville and Peachtree City areas, you start coming across nicer areas as "the norm" as opposed to "pockets of good areas".

If you're used to living near the ocean and LOVE living near the ocean, then Atlanta's urbanish sprawl will probably drive you nuts. The Chattahoochee River 'aint the ocean. LOL

Even Charlotte is closer to the sea, and depending on your job needs, Charleston, SC is a great place to be and it's on the ocean as well.

doggiebus · 05-05-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

If you're used to living near the ocean and LOVE living near the ocean, then Atlanta's urbanish sprawl will probably drive you nuts. The Chattahoochee River 'aint the ocean. LOL

Even Charlotte is closer to the sea, and depending on your job needs, Charleston, SC is a great place to be and it's on the ocean as well.

We looked at Charleston, we liked it a lot, but career wise not sure its a big enough place for us. That is what kept us from considering it any further.

I am not to bothered by urban sprawl (we live in it right now, somewhat, Miami). How far is the drive to the coast from Atlanta?

atlantagreg30127 · 05-05-2008, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiebus

We looked at Charleston, we liked it a lot, but career wise not sure its a big enough place for us. That is what kept us from considering it any further.

I am not to bothered by urban sprawl (we live in it right now, somewhat, Miami). How far is the drive to the coast from Atlanta?

Depending on where in metro Atlanta you live, you can reach Savannah in as little as 4 1/2 hours, but Savannah Beach is filthy. If you stretch that drive to 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours though, you have more options in the SC and FL panhandle areas which are nice. In other words - not a "day trip", but a 3 day weekend thing.

doggiebus · 05-05-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

Depending on where in metro Atlanta you live, you can reach Savannah in as little as 4 1/2 hours, but Savannah Beach is filthy. If you stretch that drive to 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours though, you have more options in the SC and FL panhandle areas which are nice. In other words - not a "day trip", but a 3 day weekend thing.

thanks! that is what I thought.

neil0311 · 05-05-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netdragon

That brings up another good point. A lot more high-income work is available in the Northern suburbs, with the exception of some airport jobs.

That's the key. With the airport being the one notable exception, most of the business and employment is downtown or on the north side of town. A quick ride on the top end perimeter and GA400 will make that clear.

pomartini · 05-05-2008, 10:22 AM

What is actually considered "southside"? Because, I am new to what *I* and those around me consider the "southside" (Fayette and Coweta Counties -- nothing to do with Clayton) and the broad brushed generalizations painted about the "southside" on this forum are not accurate of these two counties when lumping them with the "southside" intrepretations. Clayton County, yes. But it seems to me that Clayton County falls more into an "city of Atlanta" category than "southside"??? From my impression here, when posters inquire about the "southside", they are inquiring about Fayette and Coweta Counties.

To answer the OP's question, yes, there are many plans to bring more restaurants to Coweta County. Ashley Park is the new, gorgeous outdoor shopping area that currently houses Dillards, DSW, Jos A. Bank, Aveeda Salon, etc, etc., with more coming in all the time. The last I heard, The Cheesecake Factory, Bonefish Grill, and P.F. Changs were in negotiations with the developer. I believe Bass Pro Shops are also in final negotiations to open a store down here as well as prelim. plans are underway to construct a new convention center.

Crime in these two counties is extremely low. Coweta County has one of the lowest crime rates in the Atlanta MSA (which I believe Coweta County is considered a part of -- if not, it should).

It is a little inconvenient to drive the 35 minutes to Nordstrom's, but I have found that it takes me much longer than that just to get thru the traffic on the northside and only go half the distance.

rcsteiner · 05-05-2008, 10:27 AM

We live in the NW metro because both my wife and I have jobs in that area of the metro. Our workplaces were the main factor in deciding where to purchase a house.

rcsteiner · 05-05-2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pomartini

What is actually considered "southside"?

South of I-20?

Georgia · 05-05-2008, 10:36 AM

If you do NOT have to travel to the airport all the time then I prefer the North end.
If you do, then look to Peachtree City. Trying to reach Hartsfield from the North is a headache at best, unless you can use the HOV.

neil0311 · 05-05-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georgia

If you do NOT have to travel to the airport all the time then I prefer the North end.
If you do, then look to Peachtree City. Trying to reach Hartsfield from the North is a headache at best, unless you can use the HOV.

Not really. I live in west Cobb and can get to/from the airport, even in rush hour, in around 30 - 45 minutes. I just avoid downtown and take I-285.