Another one of those Moving to GA posts (Atlanta, Columbus: how much, house prices) - Georgia - City-Data Forum

aprilflower · 05-31-2006, 08:13 PM

We are looking to relocate from Florida to Georgia, and would love advice on the various areas to start researching!

We're a young family (mid to late 30s) with an 11y old child, and I'd say we're definitely NOT looking for a big city like Atlanta, not even to commute to for work. I am a nurse and DH is in construction, so I'd like to think we can find job opportunities in most average cities. The school system we're moving from isn't the greatest, though my son is special-needs so a reputable school system is a plus. I'd like to find something southern or central GA so as to be somewhat closer to family here in FL, and we're looking to spend in the neighborhood of 100k on a home. We are not prejudiced in the least, but I would like a diverse neighborhood, and I've seen a lot posted lately about segregated areas, so I'd like to stay away from that if at all possible. Black, white, green, purple - it's all the same to me as long as we're in it together.

We come from a quiet town, and are just looking for someplace similar to land; we're not terribly impressed by culture or nightlife. Just a safe place to raise our son and carve out a bit of happiness.

A few areas that have been suggested to me are Columbus, Albany, and Valdosta. Thoughts? Concerns? Other suggestions? I'm open to them all, as long as it's constructive!

Thanks in advance!

Tdiddy0027 · 06-01-2006, 02:20 PM

god that's pretty much every town in south and central Georgia. There's Vidalia, Warner Robins, Thomasville, Valdosta, Waycross, Hinesville, Brunswich, Americus, The Barrier Islands, Monticello, Madison, Warm Springs. These are all sizable towns in central and south Georgia and safely out of metro Atlanta.

Just so you know, small towns in GA might be sorta different from the small town you grew up in. Many area very segregated and not very accepting. And there is hardly anything to do, but apparently that doesn't bother you. Just choose wisely.

gottaGetOut · 06-04-2006, 10:12 PM

Newnan and Fayetteville both are growing (construction) and have good medical systems (nursing jobs) so check those out.

Jillian2 · 06-19-2006, 04:30 PM

Dublin Georgia is a nice small city to live. The population is appromately 17,000.
Dublin is a growing city. We have many shopping centers ,good places to eat out , good scools , Churches , and Great Medical facilities. The people here are friendly. The city is about 50 miles Southeast of Macon which is a large city should you ever need one. I am including some links for you. I hope this helps. We would love to have you here in Laurens County!!!

https://www.city-data.com/city/Dublin-Georgia.html

Green and Growing!

ptcgirl · 06-21-2006, 10:26 PM

The problem with small town Georgia is that often that is where the racism is found. Small town Georgia is also where the most affordable housing exists. Newnan is a pretty good suggestion. It is close enough to Atlanta to keep people progressive and forward minded. Also, there are a lot of communities around Athens that are cheap and open minded towards diversity. UGA keeps those areas on the more accepting side. Beware of small towns really far from the cities. You can find cheap small towns that are not too far out there. It really is a different world there! A bit frightening one!

lisdol · 06-22-2006, 01:30 PM

I live in Valdosta and while we can't stand the weather, it really is not that bad a place to live. We have lived here twice (both times an Air Force move) and the first time I moved here I was quite worried as I am from up north and had lived in the Southwest for five years just before moving to S. Georgia. I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly people are. I am sure if I dug around I could find sterotypical ugly behavior but at least on the surface, people are very nice around here.

Since you are coming up from Florida, you are familiar with the weather (bonus is we don't get as much damage, if any from hurricanes). Religion is very big around here, as I would suspect all over the semi-rural south though, so that's not a big differentiating factor. Housing prices are rising around here, though you can still get about 1200-1500 sq ft 3 bdr, 2 ba for about 80k if you are willing to have California sized lots and a parking slab. We just sold our 1750 sq ft 4bdr/2ba on 1/3 acre for $123,000 (built in the early 70s and in a nice subdivision - and my part of the subdivision was diverse in both ethnicity and age). There are options in between those two examples also. A lot of the new houses going up are 150K and more though, but you should be able to find something in your price range regardless, just probably not brand new. I would suggest North Lowndes county, NW Valdosta (that might get a little pricey), and looking off of Bemiss road for houses in your price range. Check north of Inner Perimeter road around Forrest st - I'm not sure how much those cost but that might be an option too. I would not get anything that is considered to be in NE Valdosta (around Valdosta High and south down Forrest st). Also S. Lowndes county and Lake Park area might have something in your range and are pretty quiet.

There are two hospitals here, tons of private practices, and construction going on like mad....There is also a state university that is expected to expand and get more research money within the next 20 years.

This town is certainly growing and would be extremely convenient to getting down to Florida. If South Georgia is where you are looking to settle, I would put Valdosta pretty high on the list.

Good luck

GTTG · 01-04-2007, 01:42 PM

My family is thinking of moving to Hinesville, Ga.
My husband is a high school math teacher, I am a stay at home mom, we have 2 young boys and we are wondering about the town of Hinesville. I lived there some 15 years ago and know it must have changed. We are wondering about the homes, schools, churches, and over all people. Any information would be helpful.

Thank You

cpowers21 · 01-04-2007, 02:29 PM

West Chatham and Effingham counties are doing a lot of growing so construction is definitely here. I am not sure if there are a lot of nursing jobs though.

I've only visited Hinesville twice. But it appears to be a nice area as well.

kappersack · 01-04-2007, 02:35 PM

Hi,
I live in Columbus Georgia. A nice house in a good neighborhood with good schools (North Columbus schools) will cost you about 200000 and up. Prices are going up here like crazy. We bought our house for 150K 6 years ago and selling it for 210K now. I am tired of Columbus, Geogia, it is soooo boring here, we are going to South Florida....Good Luck
PS House prices in Augusta, Georgia are much better, you can find a real nice home in the low 100's and the job market is good there.

georgia35 · 07-09-2012, 03:27 PM

My family has been in stone mountain,GA for two years. We are looking for a town that is more laid back with a Walmart close by. Hoping to avoid clashing with a town of closed minded people..I am biracial. I have been told that its not a good idea to be anywhere near 400. Any ideas? DH and I have been looking some, but dont want my kids to have to deal with unnessesary things.