Diversity in Gwinnett & Columbia Counties (Jersey: high crime, house, neighborhood)

[John & Denise]

We are a family of three planning to move to Georgia from New Jersey. We have visited areas in Gwinnett County and Columbia County. We were very fond of some areas. We were concentrating on these counties because of the school systems and participating healthcare providers under my husband's existing plan. (He will be retiring.) We are also closer to family living in South Carolina as well as Florida. Our concern is around "acceptance" particularly in a school system that we choose for our 6 year old to attend. By acceptance we are speaking about racial discrimination. We are aware that it exists everywhere. Some places, more than others. We have looked at the demographics. However, nothing can really speak about this subject as well as those who have experienced it or not. If anyone can help speak to us about your experiences (positive or negative) in the counties we've mentioned, we would appreciate it.

[magnoliame]

this is an important issue for a lot of people moving from the northeast such as myself and my husband (we're raising biracial children). Please reply honestly- my feelings will not be hurt. We just want to know what the race relation climate is like before we move. Anybody....? what's it like in calhoun, georgia?

[dlh891]

My husband and I and three year old moved to Gwinett County last year from Florida. We are an interracial family and have had no trouble at all here. We encountered racism in Florida though.

We live in a well to do neighborhood and also have a vacation house on a lake nearby in a, well, less well to do neighborhood. The 'less well to do neighborhood' has been even more welcoming to us. In fact, every person who has any interracial relationships in their family loves to tell us about it so that we know it is accepted. The people are genuinely nice here.

In our main neighborhood, no one seems to care either, we just have met less people because all the homes have at least 1 1/2 acres so we are more spread out.

Sorry if it's TMI, but I just wanted to assure you that you won't have trouble in Gwinnett County if you choose it.

[galove]

I have lived in both counties. You will find LOADS of diversity in Gwinnett County and top notch schools. The schools there are much better than those of Columbia County. Gwinnett also offers much more in the way of things to do in safe, clean areas. The traffic is less congested in Columbia and the area is growing, however you need to go to Augusta for the mall, the aquatic center, bowling, skating, etc. All of these are old and shabby and in high crime areas. As far as diversity, there are not many Asians, Indians, or Hispanics in Columbia County. Our high school has a population of about 2300 and has 1 Indian student.

[jeweloflight]

Gwinnett County has huge diversity, he will be more than comfortable there.

[John & Denise]

Thank you so much for your responses to our question. Really do appreciate your candor and your time!