Better Quality of Life in GA?? (Atlanta, Rome: real estate, rental, homes)

[shopzilla76]

I've lived in Orlando, FL for over 20 years and due to the sharp increase in real estate prices the city cannot keep up. Ivestors by the thousands are infesting our neighborhoods with rental properties. I cannot begin to tell you the kinds of headaches we are expriencing because of it...it's a shame.

Anyway, we are looking to get out!! We want a safe, quiet neighborhood with great schools. We are looking in NW GA. Specifically, I looked at Cherokee County, perhaps Woodstock area. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Tdiddy0027]

I'd say the quality of life is good. It can get a little boring out in the exurbs but from Cherokee county it's just a short drive to Vinings and cumberland which are becoming HOT! Cherokee itself is nice. It's growing rapidly but is still very lily white. It's pretty nice.

[atlantagreg30127]

Atlanta being literally one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. for the last 20 years (growing at around 60,000 new residents per YEAR) is hardly a "quiet" city, unless you move about 50 miles out, in which case you'll gain about 5-6 years of quiet before the city expands to that area.

That being said, Woodstock is one of the areas people who live closer in move to, in order to "get out" of the city. You're not going to avoid Atlanta traffic, though. Even Woodstock is in the middle of that. Public schools in the burbs are decent, though overcrowded (expect to see a fair number of trailer classroom overflow). Private schools are of course, better.

For "quiet" and a small town feel, further north to Dahlonega (Duh-Lawn-eh-gah) is nice. About 70 miles north and it's a touristy artsy-craftsy town. You can still get to Atlanta in a reasonable amount of time, are close to outlet malls, etc., but are out a lot more in the "country" . Have no idea about the schools up there, though. It's borderline rednecky up there, so they may have deer hunting classes starting in 4th grade.. I dunno. LOL

[baily]

hi shopzilla,were in windermere on 535 we sold last july .were now renting in winter garden.were heading up to ga .canton or cumming . good luck if you need any info e-mail me deborahdnds@aol.com

[CoolTimbers]

Rome is off the beaten path but large enough for all your needs. 60 miles NW of ATL

[shopzilla76]

We're thinking about the Blue Ridge Mountain area...NE Georgia. Know of any good spots??

[baily]

try canton really nice

[stvincent]

Hopefully you will not be working in Atlanta. The traffic would kill you coming from Woodstock, it would take about an hour, on a good day. You do not have to live far from the city to enjoy some peace and quiet. I suggest the Smokerise area of Stone Mountain. Due to zoning restrictions the area is high income, largely wooded, and breathtakingly beautiful, yet 20-25 minutes from Atlanta. Most homes are on at least an acre of land and home prices range from the 400s to about 1.5 million dollars. The area is one of Atlanta's best kept secrets and is close to good public and private schools.