Relocation to the Atlanta Area..Need some advice (Roswell, Alpharetta: high crime, homes)

[df80umes]

My family and I (husband and 2 children) currently live in the DC area and we're looking to relocate to the Atlanta area at the end of the summer. I've done some research and I've asked a bunch of people where we should look. I've narrowed it down to Gwinnet County, basically anything north of Atlanta. I'm originally from NJ/NY, so I'm looking for an area where the schools are pretty diverse, although I'd prefer a school with less minorities(those schools tend to be better, more funding per student, less free lunch etc) I've read several post and a lot mentioned the high crime in the area. My inlaws live in DC, in a huge homes worth approx 500K-600K but they still HAVE to put a club on their cars, I don't want to live like that. If anyone has any suggestions..it would be greatly appreciated.

[BobKovacs]

I'm confused- you want a school that's "pretty diverse", but with "less minorities"- aren't those two statements in conflict with each other? Or are you saying you want a school that's pretty much all white, with an occassional black or hispanic kid thrown in just so you can say you're not in an "all white" school???

[pinkrozes]

[Staying away from the south side is a good idea, lots of traffic in Alpharetta, some gang activity, may be under control now. The people are upscale, shopping is too. Can actually speak english that is understandable. I have lived in the Conyers area, gone downhill fast. Now in Covington, its ok, but feel looked down on for being white, same in Conyers now. I've never looked down on anyone, but now I know how it feels.

[pinkrozes]

Bob,
So what is your answer to the actual question?

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by pinkrozes

Bob,
So what is your answer to the actual question?

I can't give an answer to the actual question, since I need an answer to my question to understand exactly what it is that the OP is looking for.

[applejuice]

I would look in East/West Cobb, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Woodstock. There are pockets that are more diverse then others.

I find Gwinnett county very busy, tons of traffic, no trees, with subdivisions, after subdivison. This is just my personal opinion and there are those who love living there. I am sure there are those who will think that is no different then Alpharetta, but Gwinnett has a vibe that reminds me of South Florida

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by df80umes

My family and I (husband and 2 children) currently live in the DC area and we're looking to relocate to the Atlanta area at the end of the summer. I've done some research and I've asked a bunch of people where we should look. I've narrowed it down to Gwinnet County, basically anything north of Atlanta. I'm originally from NJ/NY, so I'm looking for an area where the schools are pretty diverse, although I'd prefer a school with less minorities(those schools tend to be better, more funding per student, less free lunch etc) I've read several post and a lot mentioned the high crime in the area. My inlaws live in DC, in a huge homes worth approx 500K-600K but they still HAVE to put a club on their cars, I don't want to live like that. If anyone has any suggestions..it would be greatly appreciated.

Except for very north Gwinnet County, it is extremely diverse. Around Buford Highway there are many, many Koreans, Mexicans, Latins and Asians of all type. The stores and churches have Asian names and even the congressmen can be Asian. You would be living in a foreign country. Sugar Hill and Sugar Loaf could be better choices for you. Go further north to have a more USA experience.

[df80umes]

Bob,

I'm looking for a school district that is diverse. Although, I don't want my child to be the only African-American(yes, we are AA) child in the class, but I don't want him to go to a school without white children as well. In my research, I've found that the schools with a higher percentage of Caucasian children are rated higher and score higher. Those schools tend to receive more funding and have a lot more by way of extracurricular activities with active PTA's. My son current attends public school in DC, the school is completely AA, he's testing 2 grades ahead of his classmates and they send him to other grades for reading and math. The teachers are great, but he needs to be in a better environment. So, yes I want a school with more white children, to be exposed to other cultures, views and have a better view of what the real world is like.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by df80umes

Bob,

I'm looking for a school district that is diverse. Although, I don't want my child to be the only African-American(yes, we are AA) child in the class, but I don't want him to go to a school without white children as well. In my research, I've found that the schools with a higher percentage of Caucasian children are rated higher and score higher. Those schools tend to receive more funding and have a lot more by way of extracurricular activities with active PTA's. My son current attends public school in DC, the school is completely AA, he's testing 2 grades ahead of his classmates and they send him to other grades for reading and math. The teachers are great, but he needs to be in a better environment. So, yes I want a school with more white children, to be exposed to other cultures, views and have a better view of what the real world is like.

Have you gone to Greatschools.net yet? Maybe they will give the racial mix of the schools. Also go to AJC.com (Atlanta Journal Constitution) and see if the newspaper has a link to the Atlanta area schools list. The paper also sells a book that used to be called "The Ultimate School Guide" which lists test scores, #'s of kids on free lunch, racial makeup, # of teachers per pupil. It used to be about $25. Excellent guide. Good luck making your choice.