Can I move to N. GA without becoming part of "the problem"? (Atlanta: fit in)

[BuzzBear]

My wife and I live in Illinois. We have a second home in our state's version of "mountains" (elevation 900 ft), but are looking to take early retirement in the real thing.
We've checked out the Asheville, NC area. Pretty nice. Next week, I'll be in Atlanta for business, so I'll drive up north to check out Georgia's versions of mountain-view (or lake-view) homes. Maybe Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, etc.

But I've been reading posts here that suggest some previously beautiful areas are being spoiled. Either the natural beauty is being destroyed by development of McMansions and big box stores, or companies are flooding towns (like Dalton) with foreign labor, with its own set of issues.

Am I getting the wrong image? I've read rants from locals in NC and GA who say the influx of people like me are spoiling the area. Are some towns managing the "invasion" better than others? Right now, my instinct would be to either find a home in an area with natural/legal limits on expansion, or find one in an existing community...like Big Canoe.

Any advice?

[AmandaLively]

I live in Dalton GA, I'm just going to tell you that you don't want to move here. I live on a farm here that is beautiful but I've also been looking for a job for 3 months to no avail. Illegal immigrants have taken all of the jobs, our crime rate is way above average, along with the gang activity. Why are violent crimes, teen pregnancy, drugs and gang violence above average in this small town? The only thing here that's different than any other small town is the amount of illegal aliens.

[BuzzBear]

Also, you asked which problem I'd be contributing to. I was vague, sorry.

I was pondering two types of problems. I'm concerned about personally contributing to the "McMansion" one - you know, buying or building a home on what used to be 2 acres of unspoiled hillside.***

You've steered me away from the other category of problem - a flood of illegal aliens. Yikes. I'm unlikely to personally contribute to that one, unless I decide to become a carpet mogul in Dalton.

Thanks for your advice.


***A local version of the rich home-owner problem: In one of our nicer neighborhoods (Barrington), a very wealthy LEGAL alien purchased a second home for around $500K, just so his kids could have a home near the high school to crash after school or have parties. He also used it to store his extra furniture and junk that didn't fit into his mansion a few miles away. The local residents were outraged, in part because THEY had to save up a lifetime to buy their half million dollar dream home, but to this guy, it was just a storage shed and crash pad. The fact that he was a foreigner didn't help.
I'd hate to be seen as "that" guy if I build a nice home with a mountain view. Does that make sense?

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by BuzzBear

***A local version of the rich home-owner problem: In one of our nicer neighborhoods (Barrington), a very wealthy LEGAL alien purchased a second home for around $500K, just so his kids could have a home near the high school to crash after school or have parties. He also used it to store his extra furniture and junk that didn't fit into his mansion a few miles away. The local residents were outraged, in part because THEY had to save up a lifetime to buy their half million dollar dream home, but to this guy, it was just a storage shed and crash pad. The fact that he was a foreigner didn't help.
I'd hate to be seen as "that" guy if I build a nice home with a mountain view. Does that make sense?

Well, if you allow the home to be used for frequent high school "crashing" and parties, then yes, the local most likely aren't going to get along with you. It's definately one of the "respect others and they'll respect you - don't, and they'll push your house over the hillside" types of attitudes up in North Georgia (and rightfully so in my opinion - I'm a strong supporter of "Respecting your neighbors").

Here's the thing... if someone has bought a $500,000 home up there on 3-5 acres to "get away from it all" , and you buy the land right next door and build a 10,000 square foot thing with a pool that can be seen from their back deck easily, then yes, they will get upset. If you move in next door and have loud parties every weekend, yes, they will get upset. You get the idea. People invest lots of money in order to feel like they're completely away from civilization up there, not to have the same city problems they're escaping only with more trees and opossums.

So if you don't buy an existing property, then just do your research before building. Try your best not to build on top of or in clear view of the neighbors if it's a heavily wooded lot. A GOOD builder can plan a construction in such a way that you can be relatively close to a neighbor but yet still feel like you're out in the sticks if it's done right, and the right amount of trees/landscaping is kept as it was. Check out who the neighbors are yourself - retirees? weekenders? younger folks? Pit Bull breeders? This could make a decision for you as to whether YOU want to live near THEM as well. Keywords: Plan ahead, and think first.

[Marathon07]

North Georgia; depends on whether you want to be isolated or have access to basic amenities such as good schools; shopping, transportation. One very hot development is Chestatee; secluded Golf Communnity on Lake Sidney Lanier and 30 minutes to "Mountains"; great shopping 10 minutes; Mall 30 minutes, etc.
Marathon07

[hiawasseegirl]

If I moved back home (Hiawassee, GA). I wouldn't build a house. Try to find an existing one. If you do move down here, please do respect the environment. Due to commuters, the Smoky Mtns are the most polluted in the US.