Small family friendly towns near Athens? (Atlanta, Commerce: home, neighborhoods, middle schools)

[Lisamj71]

Hi
We may be relocating to Ga from NJ. My husband may be taking a position in Athens... we like to find a small town..under 10k people. We Have 2 children 12 & 8 so a family friendly community with good schools would be a must have
Any suggestions on a nice town 30min or less om Athens would be a big help....actually any info on the area would be a big help!

Thanks!

[stapletonb4]

Watkinsville, which is maybe 2 mile from Athens. Seems to fit what you are looking for. Schools are among the top in the state

[Craziaskowboi]

Watkinsville is about eight miles south of Athens in Oconee County. The downtown has done a good job keeping its ambience even with big-box retail being built in the Butler's Crossing and Epps Bridge areas.

Oconee County itself is a duality, with areas south and east of downtown Watkinsville feeling more like lonely, rural east Georgia, and areas north and west of downtown Watkinsville feeling more suburban and part of Athens -- and even feeling somewhat connected to metro Atlanta, thanks to GA 316 ad U.S. 78.

Farther away from Athens, I'd recommend three towns up by Lake Hartwell -- Hartwell, Lavonia and Royston.

[samdef22]

WATKINSVILLE is the best place to raise a family. STAY AWAY from Barrow, Clarke, and Walton!!
The schools in Oconee County are some of the best in the state, and certainly the best in the greater athens area.

For more information checkout: twinoakstrailforsale.blogspot.com

Good Luck!!

[keeshonder]

Watkinsville is a great little town, schools are rated well, some private schools. Other areas you might look are Crawford, which is in Oglethorpe County. Maxey's still has a scholarship for children living in the town. Bishop is in Oconee County with Watkinsville, also North High Shoals.

[NewJW]

I would agree with the posters above if you are looking for a smaller town near Athens with good schools. It's a close ride to Athens for shopping and activities. Danielsville is about 25 min drive from Athens. Its more rural but not sure how the schools rate there. I use to work there when I lived in Athens. It was a nice little drive and pleasant people. But not alot of major shopping etc. there. You would probably have to drive to Commerce or Athens for major shopping(Walmart) etc. Watkinville would be the first place I would check out though. Good Luck on your move! I believe you will enjoy your time in the area. Check things out for yourself and do take into consideration what people who have experience in the area have to say but I have known people who moved into certain recommended places and found them not to be the best fit for them. I do agree with the previous poster about Maxey's in Oglethorpe county having the scholarship program, I had a former co-worker who lives there and she told me the same thing.

[ne georgia]

Winterville is a nice area.

[melslegacy]

Watkinsville is (by far) the best pick. As a native that has now re-located, I now understand just how lucky I was to live/grow up there. Schools rank 10 out of 10 on Greatschools.com. All elementary and middle schools are just wonderful (I still remain in touch with my own teachers from 10+ years ago). Each school possesses an amazing staff with high parent involvement. As a mom of three (2 1/2, 8 and 9) I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to enroll my children in Oconee's school system. I wish everyday that was an option for us.

There is also a great selection of home prices to choose from, some small (but great) restaurants there to choose from, but a 10-15 minute drive to multiple selections in downtown Athens. If you're looking for a smaller section of Oconee county, try the Malcom Bridge Rd area (Search for properties/neighborhoods off Malcom Bridge Rd, Lenru Rd., Rocky Branch -there are two of them in the same area; both are have nice neighborhoods- and Mars Hill Rd). This area is close to the Athens loop for your husband's commute, but far enough from the downtown district. (approx. a ten minute drive to Publix, Rite Aid, Walgreens, etc.)

Hope this helps...If I can be of any help, feel free to pm me.

[Lilycharm]

Where in NJ are you moving from? We are poised to do the opposite move... Georgia (Atlanta suburb) to NJ. My husband has a job in the Saddle River area of Bergen County.