Alabama, Georgia or South Carolina, where do you recommend?

Question

We are thinking of leaving Europe to move to the USA, We have narrowed it down to Alabama, Georgia, or South Carolina, can anyone recommend any towns we should look at, we live in a small town in the mountains in Spain (2000 people max)at the moment and would like to find somewhere approx the same size with a good sense of community etc, although close enough to drive to a job (my husband works in hospitality management, hotel/bar/restaurants etc) Any suggestions would be great, along with any links to websites or pictures you think might help us decide,
Many thanks x

Answer 1

Charleston, South Carolina is very historic and romantic. I live in Summerville, a small but growing community about 20 miles outside Charleston. Lots of opportunities for your husband with all the tourists we get!

I have a brother in Augusta, GA and that's a great city too. Very cool downtown area and a PGA golf course to attract tourists.

I have to disagree about Atlanta's traffic being tolerable. I lived there and if you get on the interstate during rush hours (6-9 am and 3-8 pm), you average about 11 miles an hour.

Answer 2

Since you're used to a nicer climate and a higher elevation, and since you've stated you have limited your choice to the above mentioned states, I'm thinking that either Asheville, NC or Athens, Georgia are the best choices.

I've selected a couple of cities where there as much culture as you can expect to find in a smaller town, unless you choose to live in Atlanta, in which case I'd select a small town just north of suburban Atlanta, anywhere between Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Athens.

Understand that with fuel going up, you might strongly consider Atlanta if you want the culture, and find that Athens or Ashville is not enough. Asheville has more tourism and retirement so I think there will be more in terms of hospitality management there than Athens. But of course Atlanta would beat that hands down. If you can, go take a trip to scout out some locations before you close down your household in Spain.

Oh, one more thing, look at places around Cherokee and Maggie Valley. There's so very much tourism, and the hils and culture is alive there too. Only it's all spread out, and what with fuel prices you might prefer to be closer to Asheville.

Buena suerte! Si en algo mas les puedo ayudar, ponganse en contacto conmigo. Vivimos mas cerca a Savannah, pero les ayudaremos en cuanto podemos.

Answer 3

Hey, unless you are a good ole Southern boy and want to remain same, at least go to a good university in the South... U of Georgia. My point is that your others on the list are ok for a future life in the South where tradition and contacts trump quality a lot of the time. Of course, a student can work hard and learn anywhere, but if you want a degree that people respect out in the rest of the world, you have only one choice in your list, U Ga. I taught as a professor at U Ga and know it has the cash to mount good programs. So choose that. However, going to a top DEPARTMENT in a middling school is also a great choice. You will have to evaluate down to the department level to get that info and any university can have a really outstanding department of something or other within a so-so overall school.

Answer 4

Here is my list of places you should consider.

Helen, Georgia -- Kind of a fun place up n the mountains, but not too far from Atlanta.

Mentone, Alabama -- Beautiful upscale resort.

Eastern shore, Mobile Bay, Alabama -- A number of resorts, plus an easy going lifestyle. Close to Mobile, which is a nice mid-sized city.

St. Simon's Island, Georgia -- A nice coastal resort that doesn't feel touristy.

Pawley's Island -- South Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina -- It's not in your three states, but it's beautiful there, plus a nice arts community

Good luck!

Answer 5

South Carolina

Answer 6

Move to South Carolina, upstate towards Charlotte NC. Try GOcarolinas.com. Fort Mill or Rock Hill is very nice. Their are many, many new hotels, restaurants, etc. opening. It's like a boom town.

Answer 7

I don't think there are many jobs in Alabama. In Georgia Savannah is nice in fact anywhere on the coast of Georgia is nice. South Carolina Charleston is nice.

Answer 8

Georgia

Answer 9

I like all those choices. I've lived in Alabama (Montgomery) before and loved it. You'll do great no matter which of these choices you go with. Why? Because your success and your enjoyment of the location depend upon you, not on the city.

Best of everything.

Answer 10

Georgia...♥