where to move (Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah: low crime, high school, university)

[DBelks]

My husband, I and 2 kids want to move south to pursue the writers dream (we're fed up w/ the corporate scene and Ohio winters). We have saved, but to stretch our dollar, obviously, we need to move to a place with low taxes/affordable housing but isn't too far away from a major city (no more than an hour, say). Can anyone recommend somewhere that isn't too far in the boonies, scenic, low crime, good schools?

Thanks!
DB

[richmond county]

Atlanta,GA

Augusta, GA

Athens, GA

[rasmom]

Loganville?Monroe are. Not downtown Monroe. Look at Youth Middle, Youth Elem. and Loganville High school area. Good luck to you!

[irvm]

Originally Posted by DBelks

My husband, I and 2 kids want to move south to pursue the writers dream (we're fed up w/ the corporate scene and Ohio winters). We have saved, but to stretch our dollar, obviously, we need to move to a place with low taxes/affordable housing but isn't too far away from a major city (no more than an hour, say). Can anyone recommend somewhere that isn't too far in the boonies, scenic, low crime, good schools?

Thanks!
DB

Truthfully, you can rule out Atlanta, because EVERYBODY wants to live < 1 hour away, so prices/traffic/taxes have escalated out of sight.

Two hours would be more reasonable, or outside a smaller city (Savannah has, it seems, the right atmosphere for writers). Not much in the way of winter, and good seafood. What else could anybody want?

[JLA]

Columbus have what you guys are looking for.

[griffinrobin]

I agree with another member, Walton County which includes Loganville,Monroe and Social Circle is a great area. Maybe I am bias because I have lived in Social Circle all of my life but it's a great small town with 1 traffic light.

[FFG3]

Originally Posted by DBelks

My husband, I and 2 kids want to move south to pursue the writers dream (we're fed up w/ the corporate scene and Ohio winters). We have saved, but to stretch our dollar, obviously, we need to move to a place with low taxes/affordable housing but isn't too far away from a major city (no more than an hour, say). Can anyone recommend somewhere that isn't too far in the boonies, scenic, low crime, good schools?

Thanks!
DB

Lake Oconee area or Coastal GA should get a serious look.

[irishvanguard]

Originally Posted by FFG3

Lake Oconee area or Coastal GA should get a serious look.

I agree that both Lake Oconee area or Coastal GA would be good choices.

Lake Oconee area is quite wealthy, while retaining the quaintness of Greensboro, and is about 90 minutes out of downtown Atlanta.

Savannah on the coast deserves a close look for any writer. It has some of the "triggers" you are looking for. Sense of place, history, and charm......heck it is its own universe of atmosphere. You will want to walk the squares of old Savannah (don't drive them) and drink in the atmosphere and history.

Visit this autumn, while the weather is at its best for walking.

[DisgustaTruth]

Athens, GA is the place.. A great city for writers.. A University town.. Great downtown.. only an hour's drive from Atlanta.

[irishvanguard]

of course, if you want to split the distance between Atlanta and Savannah, you would be welcome in Dublin, right in the middle, 2 hours away from each.

A couple of photos from Bellevue Ave........