Watkinsville... (Atlanta, Gainesville, Monroe: fit in, insurance, homes) - Georgia (GA) - City-Data Forum

SOMUTCH · 01-12-2009, 01:01 PM

My wife and I were recently in Watkinsville and really took a liking to it. We were just wondering if any of you are from there that might care to comment on your town.

We are from Ca. and while I know that many might be turned off by that, we believe we would be nothing but an asset as we embrace your way of life, religeous beliefs, morals and politics (Christian conservatives).

That's the reason were leaving Ca., we just don't fit in and are not willing to accept "status quo" here.

We have two boys, 10 and almost 6. We're into huntin, fishin, dirt bikes, camping and having a good time with friends.

I've read about Watkinsville here on City-Data but many of the posts are old.

Can anybody give us an opinion on this town?

Thank you in advance.

BobKovacs · 01-12-2009, 01:20 PM

I know several people who live in Watkinsville are really like it. The big question is, what will you be doing for work, as it's too far to commute to the Atlanta metro, and there's not a whole lot out that way other than possibly some positions at/around UGA.

SOMUTCH · 01-12-2009, 01:42 PM

Thanks Bob.

I am self employed and in the Insurance industry. I can service my existing book of business from anywhere. We would likely open an agency wherever we land.

We do mostly personal lines insurance, auto, home etc. and a little commercial too.

meadgrad · 01-13-2009, 06:14 AM

Watkinsville is the place in metro Athens to go if you have kids in public schools. My understanding is that Athens city schools are not as good, so if you are in ACC then you would probably want to go to a private school.

I like Athens better, but with kids in school, Watkinsville is a much better bet!

SOMUTCH · 01-13-2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks. We had heard that too. Oconee schools are supposed to be great schools and that was the first reason we started looking there.

We only spent about 3 days in that area but much of it was in Athens. I love Athens, I think I'm the only Dawg fan in CA. We really need to plan a trip to come back and really start investigating a bit more seriously.

I don't recall seeing much there. Beautiful homes and wonderful people but not much retail. We like that! I don't even recall seeing a grocery store but according to Google Maps, theres a few.

Are there any other small towns like Watkinsville in North GA. that any of you would recommend? I mean strong family oriented communities, safe, good schools etc. Mayberry if you will.

On our last trip there, we went to several small towns: Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Ball Ground, Ellijay, etc. Three years ago we had gone thru Buford and Cumming area's but when we went back this last time, it just didn't grab us like it had before and I'm not even sure I can pinpoint why.

SOMUTCH · 01-15-2009, 11:03 AM

bump.

SOMUTCH · 01-20-2009, 10:56 AM

Sorry to bump again, just hoping someone from the area can chime in.

meadgrad · 01-21-2009, 08:08 AM

well, I'm not sure on how family oriented these areas are, but they are wonderful towns every time I go through...

Madison - awsome small town, town square and all...half hour from Athens close to I 20.
Jefferson - nice even smaller town...half hour from Athens, even closer to Gainesville and close to 85
Winder - nice town, but not so sure on the schools..

I'm sure others will chime in on these and other towns around Athens...with schools as a consideration Watkinsville may be best...

cmtiger · 01-21-2009, 06:15 PM

Monroe is nice, but the schools are spotty.

B Wagner · 01-21-2009, 08:45 PM

Winder has some bad schools and is mostly poorer people intown. It is developing on the northside around I85, but In would not want my kids in the schools there.
Jefferson is further out I-85 and is developing rapidly.
You may want to look at Walton County; it is about 20 miles west of Athens and is beginning to grow very rapidly there, but still has that country feel. Monroe is a good town in Walton County.