Socio-political vibes in Northern ATL (Vinings, Buckhead, Marietta, etc.) (Atlanta: cul-de-sac, transplants)

[K-SawDude]

Originally Posted by Shagbark Hickory

Forgive me - anyone I offend, as that is not my intention but here goes.
GA is hard core conservative. Rep or dem, no matter. The dems here are pretty conservative- most obama supporters during the past election here were african-american- many southern baptists- not very liberal. I know white and black dems in THAT area (mayretta, smyrna), they are against gay marriage, very against gun control etc.

If you are moving from a normal, more politically balanced moderate place, you are in for a disappointment. But if you can find several liberals to make friends with, then how many do you really need?

Well, I'm moving from a VERY liberal Midwest city, so I'm already not expecting to reproduce that. I just don't want to wake up one morning in a neighborhood where every single person but me is a George W. Bush Republican. As long as there is some diversity around, I think I can manage.

This discussion about the political feel of different parts of ATL is really illuminating, though. Someone said once that Vinings may be more libertarian than Republican--i.e., more socially liberal but definitely fiscally conservative. And that's one dimension (besides the singles scene) that differentiates it from Kennesaw and the northern suburbs. Does that sound about right?

[johnatl]

Originally Posted by K-SawDude

Well, I'm moving from a VERY liberal Midwest city, so I'm already not expecting to reproduce that. I just don't want to wake up one morning in a neighborhood where every single person but me is a George W. Bush Republican. As long as there is some diversity around, I think I can manage.

This discussion about the political feel of different parts of ATL is really illuminating, though. Someone said once that Vinings may be more libertarian than Republican--i.e., more socially liberal but definitely fiscally conservative. And that's one dimension (besides the singles scene) that differentiates it from Kennesaw and the northern suburbs. Does that sound about right?

Yes, in my opinion it's spot on.

I really like the Vinings area. Would I live there? Yes, in a heartbeat if my job was nearby.

Is it the most liberal area of the Northside - no, not in my opinion. But that certainly doesn't take anything away from the place.

Good luck with your search, and welcome!

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by K-SawDude

Well, I'm moving from a VERY liberal Midwest city, so I'm already not expecting to reproduce that.

Where? Madison?

I just don't want to wake up one morning in a neighborhood where every single person but me is a George W. Bush Republican. As long as there is some diversity around, I think I can manage.

You'll certainly find that in the southern part of Cobb (Smyrna and Mableton) and probably also Vinings with its somewhat large young single demographic (and the apparent focus of the Vinings Jubilee area to cater to such people).

I was pleased to see a mix of political signs around our house during the last presidential campaign.

[K-SawDude]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

Where? Madison?

No, but similar. I'll give ya a hint: it's in Michigan.

You'll certainly find that in the southern part of Cobb (Smyrna and Mableton) and probably also Vinings with its somewhat large young single demographic (and the apparent focus of the Vinings Jubilee area to cater to such people).

I was pleased to see a mix of political signs around our house during the last presidential campaign.

That's good to know. Someone told me the other day that the ratio of women to men in Vinings is something like 7:1. That sounds insane. Is there any truth to that?

[rcsteiner]

That's good to know. Someone told me the other day that the ratio of women to men in Vinings is something like 7:1. That sounds insane. Is there any truth to that?

I have no idea.

[City Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Shagbark Hickory

If you are moving from a normal, more politically balanced moderate place, you are in for a disappointment. But if you can find several liberals to make friends with, then how many do you really need?

What makes you think that Georgia isn't normal?

[plessthanpointohfive]

Originally Posted by K-SawDude

No, but similar. I'll give ya a hint: it's in Michigan.



That's good to know. Someone told me the other day that the ratio of women to men in Vinings is something like 7:1. That sounds insane. Is there any truth to that?

I need to ask...why are you limiting to North Atlanta? Because the eastern part of town is very, very liberal. And there are lots of bars, restaurants, music venues, etc, to walk to. It's less car dependent when it comes to entertainment and shopping. That sort of thing.

So, is it because you're going ot be working up in North Atlanta, or there-a-bouts?

[K-SawDude]

Originally Posted by plessthanpointohfive

I need to ask...why are you limiting to North Atlanta? Because the eastern part of town is very, very liberal. And there are lots of bars, restaurants, music venues, etc, to walk to. It's less car dependent when it comes to entertainment and shopping. That sort of thing.

So, is it because you're going ot be working up in North Atlanta, or there-a-bouts?

Yeah, it's a job issue. I'll be working in Kennesaw.

I've had several people tell me Virginia Highlands is probably my best "fit." But the commute from there to Kennesaw seems like it would be nightmarish. The advantage of Vinings is its proximity to 75 (and to Kennesaw) and the fact that I'd be doing a reverse commute.

I'm open to suggestions, though, if anyone thinks there may be other areas that are do-ably distant from Kennesaw.

[crystal08]

Originally Posted by K-SawDude

Do you happen to know of any apt. complexes/communities in Vinings that seemed similarly liberal to your condo area? (Maybe even places you spotted that seemed to have a lot of Obama signs--that seems to be a decent measure.) It's so hard for me to get a read on these places from the net alone, and I'll only have a two day span at the end of this week to check places out in person.

In general, does anyone have a feel for any of the following places in terms of types of people living there, safety, etc?

Gables Mill
Rockledge
Vinings at River Parkway
Wildwood Ridge
Magnolia Vinings
Village at Lake Park

I realize that not all of these places are in actual Vinings. Again, I'm not looking for liberal homogeneity or anything--just cool open-minded people, neighbors that aren't mean, weirdly judgmental or snobby, etc.

I'd also love to find a place in Vinings or Buckhead within walking distance of a good bar. Don't know if that's in the cards, though. (wxjay: I could definitely go for either the urban or quieter settings. They're both good, for different reasons.)

Hi. So I lived in the Vinings area for about 2 years before I moved to MI. I think I know where in MI you are referring to. But, I absolutely loved being in the Vinings area. I would agree with most of the other posts that it is mixed, but I will def say that you will not feel like the only liberal. The only place that I can comment on is Magnolia Vinings. The apartments here are very nice and well-kept. At that time I was a single female recently out of college and I had no issues with safety at all. The management was very responsive. This complex was also very social, so there were always activities at the pool and in the clubhouse, if that is what you are looking for. I think you would like Vinings very much. In terms of ethnic restaurants, there are not many if any. From my experience you would have to go more into the city for some of the good ones, unless there are some that I missed there.

[Tristan840]

Originally Posted by thedudewiththeplan

Good rule of thumb, the closer to city of Atlanta you get, the more liberal it tends to become.

Hes right. I would say you would be happier in midtown, or any of the neighboring communities in that area. I disagree on the user who said Buckhead is liberal, the old homes around there are old money and lots of conservatives, which Im sure most are Republican. Maybe some of the random apartments where there are young college kids but other than that Im thinking midtown area is gonna be more the crowd your looking for. Hope that helps some!