Rome, Athens, or (fill in the blank):

[Flaxbee]

Alas, I'm not talking about moving to Europe, we're talking about moving to Georgia. Looks like we have a seriously interested buyer for our home (I hope I hope I hope I hope I hope) and now we need to figure out where to move.

Have seriously flirted with Asheville, NC, but the housing prices, if I also want a little land (2-5 acres), are outrageous. Don't wanna spend the next 30 years of life a slave to our mortgage. I want a home, plus land, for under $150K, because pretty much everything else is overpriced-shit-for-compressed cardboard construction or overpriced-because-of-location... Want low property taxes, too, and kids schools are not an issue at all.

So, we were thinking of Georgia (not Atlanta) and like Athens for its liberal reputation and the UGa, but the Rome area also looks lovely. Rome has 4 local colleges (though I think at least one of them is a religious college; not bad in and of itself unless the school is of the Bob Jones variety).

Anyone have any thoughts? Suggestions? Opinions?

[dawg]

1. I like Athens.

Although it is only liberal by Georgia standards. I'm not that familiar with Rome, but the scenery is pretty in that part of the state. There would be more to do and see in Athens, I believe. I also think you could come closer to finding an affordable home there than in the mountains around Rome.

[Flaxbee]

2. what do you like about the area?

we'll be driving down sometime in the next 10 days, I think... pros/cons to the area?

[dawg]

3. Several things, actually.

I'm a little biased because that's where I went to college and I grew up in the general vicinity, but here goes:

- Because of the University, there's lots to do and see. The town is full of young people bristling with energy.
- The weather is nice and warm, but there are four distinct seasons and you usually get at least one good snow each winter.
- The town is large enough to have most of the things needed for living such as two hospitals, a good selection of doctors, and plenty of shopping. But the atmosphere is still that of a small college town.
- If you want to escape to the big city for a day, Atlanta is relatively close by. (Same could be said for Rome.)
- Chili dogs and fried peach pies at the Varsity. Thick hamburgers with homestyle french fries at the Grill.
- Go Dawgs! Sic 'em! Woof woof woof woof woof!

[dawg]

4. Oh, and cons ....

Well, I think Athens has a higher crime rate than Rome. (Mostly due to the college students, although not entirely)

And, as I said earlier, Athens is liberal only by Georgia standards. It still has its share of unenlightened rednecks and yuppie rich-guy/gal wannabes.