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Question: What is it really like to live in atlanta georgia?

(Posted by: AstroAquarius on 2010-01-18 17:55:07)

I am an african american single mother. I have dreams of moving to Georgia form my current home in Maryland. I envision good schools, job opportunities, lower housing cost, and a over good environment to raise my daughter in. Am I just walking around with my head in the clouds? My mom warns me of sickening humidity, and rampant racism. What is the real deal down there? Thanks.

Posted by: Meredith on 2010-01-19, 11:30:12

I like what 'guitardannysoccer' wrote! I moved here as a single mom because I thought it would be a more wholesome place to raise my child, than NYC. I found wonderful apartments with a lot of amenities -- pools, gyms -- for a fraction of what I would have paid back home. There were many more day care centers (some good, some not-so-good) and every creature-comfort a person could want. It didn't matter to me that it's hot and humid in the summer: every place is centrally air conditioned, and again, there are swimming pools all over the place! As far as the job market: unless you're in a sought-after field, don't bank on instantaneous employment. It took me over a year to find a crummy job that I never would have accepted at home. (I was a little spoiled; I had a great resume and never had problems finding work in NY.) Racism? I couldn't tell you. Atlanta is predominantly black but I think it's still here -- like in many places -- to some degree. I worked for a large insurance company that held its annual picnic at a plantation. An African American friend of mine nicely and reasonably asked them to look for another venue; "too bad " they told her.... All in all, I think you can forge a good life here. But you really should come down to see things firsthand, before you make up your mind.

Posted by: guitardannysoccer on 2010-01-19, 08:29:31

Well Im from a town right out side of Atlanta like every place it has it's pros and its cons. Atlanta has beautiful weather with lots of sun but like you said, it "s very humid!....Very!...Summers can be uncomfortable at times but you get a lot of nice sunny days. School wise, Atlanta is not really known for its education.....don't get me wrong, we're not like a bunch of stupid hillbillies like the stereotypeses say....just we're not up on the list....housing in GA is really low compareded to most states....GA is amongst the largest growing states in the country...and I believe that is because housing is quite afordable......as for racism....Please~!....Atlanta has alot of mixed cultures....blacks, whites, hispanic, asian....you name it, we got it!....and as for your African American, you will feel quite comfortable...Atlanta has a large African American culture.......well, that's all I can name on the list....of course other states might be "better " than GA...or Atlanta in your point....but for what you pay here, it "s quite nice living.....hope I helped a little : )

Posted by: Jess/19 on 2010-01-19, 20:41:46

I live about 30 min south of the city they compared Atlanta to los Angele's California there saying Georgia is like another California on the east coast but i don't think so i love Hot Atlanta Ga

Posted by: american samurai on 2010-01-19, 22:57:46

Its awesome compared to New Orleans, the people are nice and friendly, its a beautiful clean fairly safe city with good roads and transportation with lots of parks and things to do., The Buckhead area is really nice and for an upscale area its not expensive. I really have not seen a better all around city.

Posted by: sun_shinevt on 2010-01-20, 10:32:12

Well I would say your head is in the clouds. Unfortunately the job opportunities are not out there at the moment. Our state unemployment right now is higher than the national average. There are alot of people looking for jobs and they just aren't out there unless you are in the healthcare field. The education system isn't good for the most part. Georgia ranks like 48th or 49th in the nation for education. There are some good schools in Atlanta, but you really need to look for them and most of the time the cost of housing in those areas are much higher. For a city Atlanta is fairly cheap to other big cities, but its still going to cost you to live in a nice area with good schools and less crime. The humidity is ridiculous, its hot, hot, hot in the summer. The traffic is horrible, its ranked in the top 3 worst traffic in the nation. I don't think there is really any racism in the city, but the further outside the city you get you might expect to see it in some places. Before you decide to move here you should definately come and look at the areas you are interested in living and do some research while you are here. Don't move here blindly. On the good side, Atlanta has alot to offer in the way of entertainment, lots of great restaurants/ bars/ clubs, great music venues, sporting events, etc., etc.

Posted by: Andre on 2010-01-22, 13:45:37

Yes you have your head in the clouds, just like 50% of other people that move here for the same reason. The city of atlanta housing cost is not as low as people think; unless you compare our cost of living to NYC or LA. Some suburbs on the other hand have a low cost of living. As far as racism goes, there's a large african american presence here so you'll be fine. If you go to other parts of GA you'll might experience racism. It amazes me that people still move here thinking that there's so many jobs out here. Those days been over. If you reside in the DC metro area you'll probably have better luck getting a job where you live. The state of GA has the highest percentage of teen pregnancy and high school drop outs. If you're looking for good schools you will have to live in an expensive community or pay for private school. There's also a large gay presence here. I heard that Atlanta was the HIV capital or STD capital of the US. Atlanta is considered one the smartest cities in American. A lot of people here have at least a bachelor degree...so if you don't have one or plan on getting one your head you won't make it out here. Even if you do have one it's still going to take you awhile to find a job, because so many people have a degree and the jobs aren't out there right now. Honestly, you can come here and visit to see how you like it, but you won't get the whole experience of Atlanta until you live here. Before you move here make sure you have enough money in your savings just in case you don't like it here you won't be stuck.