Family friendly questions about Dalhonega, GA (Atlanta, Gainesville: houses, school rankings, college)

[Frugnpug]

Hello, we have been researching moving to Dalhonega, but are concerned that there isn't enough for kids to do without driving to Atlanta. It seems like has a beautiful main street, but there's only so many times you can visit a gold museum or the zoo.

We're impressed by the elementary school rankings for the most part, but are also concerned about what we've read about the middle school & high school.

We are debating visiting the area in a few weeks, but want to get some clarity beforehand. Thank you!

[Stormhammer]

I suppose the largest question is - what are you looking for in regards for kids to do?

That whole area + Dawsonville is exploding, but, it still is a rural suburban area.

[ATL Golfer]

If you're more into outdoor things to do it can be great. At the foothills of the mountains. Lakes. Rivers. Outlet malls if that is your thing. Golf. Slower pace of life and a quaint downtown.

[ATLTJL]

I'm just curious... what do you think kids in Atlanta do?

They do the same thing kids in Los Angeles, Kansas City and Arab, Alabama do. They go to each other's houses, play on playgrounds, and run around. I don't think Atlanta offers anything really any suburban or exurban area doesn't, unless your kid is into something highly specific.

For adults... that's another story.

[Frugnpug]

Originally Posted by Stormhammer

I suppose the largest question is - what are you looking for in regards for kids to do?

That whole area + Dawsonville is exploding, but, it still is a rural suburban area.

Where we live now we live close to a children's museum, science museum, places that offer music/art classes etc. Our son is younger so it would be nice to be close to activities like this especially during not so great weather.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by Frugnpug

Where we live now we live close to a children's museum, science museum, places that offer music/art classes etc. Our son is younger so it would be nice to be close to activities like this especially during not so great weather.

If that’s important then either drive to Atlanta or live closer to Atlanta and pay more for housing.

[wasel]

Originally Posted by Frugnpug

Where we live now we live close to a children's museum, science museum, places that offer music/art classes etc. Our son is younger so it would be nice to be close to activities like this especially during not so great weather.

There's only so many times you can visit a children's museum and science museum, so really no difference.


I am sure there are art classes, sports teams, music lessons and such for kids in Dahlonega.

[gentlearts]

I’d take small town life over Atlanta for my kids, any day. You can still take day trips to Atlanta if you want to go to the aquarium, etc.

For day to day quality of life, I’ve found that if you think the schools are adequate, then look at the sports programs for kids. If both those things are good, then your kids will be busy, and your family will be happy there.

For me, personally, if I were a kid, I’d sooner spend the weekend in my back yard, than in traffic and crowds at a museum in Atlanta.

[OneDawg]

Originally Posted by Frugnpug

Where we live now we live close to a children's museum, science museum, places that offer music/art classes etc. Our son is younger so it would be nice to be close to activities like this especially during not so great weather.

Nope none of that near Dahlonega - we lived there for a year before moving further uphill. Dahlonega is a small community. Only thing going for it is the college and the old mines. Otherwise it's boring place to live. Too close to Gainesville and Lawrenceville to be enjoyable on the river - except on weekdays. We often found ourselves going further away for our recreation - up trail.