Atlanta, Georgia
SperlingViews

Atlanta area.... not what you expect! - 9/1/2011

I have lived in the Atlanta area for 11 years. The first 3 yrs were ok then I started to notice that segregation was rampant, the races only seem to get along on the surface, examine deeper and the truth comes out. Most areas outside of the city itself are occupied by "rednecks" Most positions in management is held by "whites". Most important "law making decisions" are made by "Whites" which support "their interests". I agree that certain areas are great to live, and you may feel that you are accepted by those around you,but if you are not from the South, non-white, female, educated, forget it! The system here is the "Good Ole Boy" The tension in this place between blacks and whites is terrible. Nepotism is the way of the land here, If you are not related or married to someone who has the authority you will not make it here for very long. The schools are very bad here, there are great relationships from elementary to middle school between the races, get to high school and it is nonwhite on one side of the lunch room and whites on the other. The work place( generalization) not all,co-workers act as if you are their enemy on the job(especially African Americans). The workplace is a battle field, throwing everyone "underneath the bus" is the way to excell. It is horrible. I enjoy the arts,music and good food and I am not afraid to go places. The whites look at you as if you don't belong in these places...it is only for them. If you can tolerate this behavior fine. They make non-blacks feel "black" here.I am from another country, lived and traveled overseas. When I compare places and culture it is as if I have regressed into the dark ages. The south is too closed-minded and backwards.If you are educated, open minded, sensitive to other cultures and understand how relationships should be this is NOT the place for you. Many of the native people here come from across the state line... very rural areas... from a one stop-light town (literally in the bush)...They come to the "big city", get an education, get all dressed up and get high positions, but the deep southern, country, small-minded outlook at life and others is still the same as it was 70-100 years ago. Crime is pretty bad here, road rage and other crazy things can be seen on the roads. My house was broken into a year ago. When I first bought my house I did not have to lock my car and doors now I do along with a security system. Traffic is a night mare here like any big city. It is ok to live here if you are prepared to feel like a "non-person", or "stick" to one group of people(race) "kiss butt" to keep your job, get a promotion. MOST policies and procedures here seem to work backwards and it is designed that way to frustrate and keep Non-Whites out of the system and make it as hard as possible for them to advance. If you are growing up a young black child be prepared to instill in your child that they are equal to the whites because in schools they are forced to feel less than who they are. The school systems are bad due to racism. They are designed to keep the non-whites down and it is sad in this era that attitudes like these still exist here. Basically most Georgians act here as if the civil war is still raging in GA. The climate is great most of the year, very hot in the Summer with severe weather, cool falls and springs and mild winters. It is fairly easy to get a decent house and taxes are fairly low. Apart from that.... it is not all that it is cracked up to be. Planning on moving out just for a difference in attitudes, hope to find a more liberal and welcoming place. [more...]

Public school systems - 8/22/2011

As a sophmore at Alpharetta High School, i am voicing my opinion about treatment of students in Public school systems is unprofessional. There are alot of bad kids at this high school, we change principals every year. This school is like a juvinile detention center. The rules are like a prison. We only get 5 minutes between classes, the kids are extremly rude and snotty and push people in the halls. They dont give us any time to use the bathroom!!!!!!!! If we ask in class they make us fill out a bunch of information, and the answer is usually no. We cant wait upstairs before school in the morning without getting In-School-Suspension. The counselors at this school are usually off, and not very helpful on getting students ready for college. Teachers lock the doors after the bell rings, so it feels like being in lock down. The lunches are really expensive and small, and they even make us pay for a locker and plastic eating utensils and there are not even have enough lockers for everyone. We even get detentions for packing up at the very end of class, so we can get to our next class on time. Often very disorganized, there are clubs, but half the time noone shows up for them, they dont have the right room number, and students often get locked in rooms or out of them after school when this happens.[more...]

Atlanta Sucks - 7/17/2011

Not all bad but not all that is cracked up to be. Must be very selective to have quality from education to housing. [more...]

@Adrian - 5/7/2011

@Adrian You speak so harshly about the men in Atlanta...baggy clothes, ruthlessly destructive, but in your photo you sit with your legs open wearing pink panties and a bra....where they do that at (lol)? You're from Beverly Hills? Yea, right....you have no class about you chile. get it together.[more...]

Seasons - 5/1/2011

The Seasons are the absolute the best. Winter are from cold to mild. Some times you can have a 70 degree temp for some of the weeks in the winter time which almost make it a early spring. And when spring does come it is prefect as well as summer and fall. [more...]

Marriage - 4/18/2011

If you have a good marriage and family stay away from ATL, and pray your spouse doesn't have to go there on business!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WATCH OUT ADULTEROUS VULTURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![more...]

Atlanta - 4/18/2011

I have lived in Atlanta off and on since 2002. I have never been the victim of a crime, and I have never witnessed a crime being committed. I think many people fail to take precautionary measures. When I lived in North Decatur I heard about people being robbed, etc. These incidents always took places after mid-night near ATM machines and parking decks. In addition, I have heard of men coming into college dormitories. Most often, men would enter unlocked rooms. My point is that you can drastically reduce your changes of being a victim by increasing situational awareness and protecting yourself. Zip code 30303 (downtown) was recently listed as the 4th most dangerous zip code in America. I lived in this zip code for 1 year and walked to and from work for 6 months (about a 6 minute walk). I never had a problem. I would argue certain parts of 30303 are safe for downtown living. Of course, there are areas south of the GA Dome that I would not walk around in. I have lived in many areas: Washington, DC; Sierra Vista, AZ, Knoxville, TN and others. I enjoy Atlanta the most. I feel safe here and the cost of living is lower than the national average. Also, starting salaries tend to be much higher than in comparable cities. Atlanta has the offerings of a big city, without the high cost of living. In addition, Atlanta has a small town feel because of its greenery and southern hospitality. Also, Atlanta is a melting pot. The population is predominantly black. However, the white population is actually growing. The hispanic population is also growing. Importantly, I find most are proud to call Atlanta home and notions of racism are (in my opinion) outdated and overemphasized. Yes there is racism and reverse racism (this is in all areas). I think those in Atlanta are more accepting of other ethnicities simply because we are a diverse area - the diversity leads to openness. I only wish GA did not have a state income tax![more...]

ATLANTA..NO2 MOST DANGEROUS CITY IN THE COUNTRY!! - 3/5/2011

BE WARNED ..ATLANTA THE NO2 MOST DANGEROUS CITY IN THE COUNTRY(ST.LOUIS NO1)IT MUST BE REALLY BAD BECAUSE ATLANTA IS VERY UNSAFE..HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT..10.6 GHETTO MENTALITY,NO1 IN FORECLOSURES NO3 IN BANKRUPTCY,NO1 IN PERSONAL DEBT,NO 1 IN BANK CLOSING NO2 IN CITIES WITH THE MOST DANGEROUS NEIGHBORHOODS,NO8 AS THE RUDEST CITY IN AMERICA,NO1 IN RACISM,(ITS IN YOUR FACE HERE IN A VERY BLATANT MANNER..[more...]

Rent - 2/27/2011

Im moving from San diego, ca and looking for a residential hotel near the amtrak station. Only looking to spend 500 ao less. Can anyone help, as this is a stepping stone that i cant afford get wrong.[more...]

Dont come any closer - 2/7/2011

listen to the review its true georgia sucks[more...]

Not all is bad !!! in Atlanta - 1/24/2011

Compared to some south states Ga still has some southern hospitality. I want get into the white/Black/Purple/Green of things. But some drama did come along with an increase of 6 million out-of-towners, really what do you expect. People come here for cheap living and jobs that most thought they won't have to compete for when they arrive. Later they find out, that's not true because yes people from the south go to college too, Sorry. Yes there are still good hearted people in the city, someone to help you change a flat,make an emergency call for you. Yes we party here too, I know our parties are not as big as the ones up north. But if you plan on keeping it positive your more than welcome to join in on the fun. Traffic is bad from 7-9am and 4-6pm but I'm a Ga peach so I remember the day when we only had 2-3 lanes but once again do to the increase of about 6 million people. We have some fine dining and some hood spots, like any other state. But there's something for everyone, Art, Music, Plays, Parks, Fishing, Hunting. So please don't let one bad run-in ruin your taste of my city. Don't be surprise the person that pissed you off maybe from your home town or some where close. Remember only about 30-35% of the people here are natives. I wonder where the rest is from?[more...]

Horrible place to live. - 1/4/2011

Your absolutely correct! What a horrible place to live! The crime here is OUTRAGEOUS! And the people are rude, every where u go. Even on the phone. But you're wrong, the cops are a problem, however; the crimes are committed by some of the most dangerous individuals ever!I moved here two years ago and I still can't find a job. I want to leave here so badly, but I don't have the means to get out of here! But you're right to tell everyone not to move here. If you value your life, the safety of your family, your sanity and the morals and high standards that you obtained living in a better society, DON'T MOVE DOWN HERE TO GEORGIA!EVER![more...]

Can't wait to go back to LODON- too much drama her - 12/31/2010

I moved from London in 1998 to live here temporarily . I thought i would get use to the crime . It is driving me crazy !! I am nervous and can't wait to go back to London . The crime coupled with poverty ,i just can't stand. Can't go anywhere without someone begging you ... The agression and road rage is another thing. Hospital / medical care is a big business!! Health care is too expensive - which is free in London for citizens. It is less drama in London.. and police don't carry guns. Counting down the days to go home - can't wait!! I must say the people here appear to be quite friendly - always saying hello . Because of my accent , I get people looking at me when i speak and asking me to repeat things ( they obviously have heard the first time) [more...]

Atlanta is nothing special - 12/4/2010

I grew up here and I haven't lived anywhere else so it's hard to say whether or not my point of view is valid. Atlanta is really not a cosmopolitan city nor do I think it ever will be. It may look like a big urban center but it's simply not. I can't help but notice that there is a lot of TRASH living here. A lot of the trash (if not most) is not even from here. White trash mid-westerners are everywhere in the suburbs. Scum bags from the Northeast are everywhere too. There are really good opportunities in Atlanta but the underlying culture of laziness and entitlement prohibits a lot of people from seizing the day. People here are nice to your face then come back and bite you in the butt. That's how the South is. A lot of the suburbs, without a doubt, WILL become slums in the near future. The newer construction is hideous! - developers clear acres of forest and build the cheapest, ugliest pieces of crap imaginable. This even happens within the city! Because housing was so accessible, it seemed like even the lowest of the low owned their own house. Many of these neighborhoods are now in decay with all the foreclosures. Gwinnett County, for example, is a mumble jumble of poor planning, quick profits and of course, CRIME! I don't know how other cities are but it seems like people steal so much here (could it be all the mexicans?? just kidding). Somebody cut my bike lock and stole my rusty, worthless bicycle! Just the other day somebody stole a broom I left outside my door! I don't think I'm in a supposed high crime area. I just know I'm doomed for a mugging so that's why I carry no cash (also so I have an excuse not to give to strangers who *daily* ask me for money)! Again, Atlanta is full of low lives. Imagine if I were to show off my country to a foreigner. I'd be a little embarrassed to show them Atlanta. [more...]

looks good - 11/16/2010

A great place to invest[more...]

The big apple of the south - 11/15/2010

1. Good hospitable people, but no body can beat them in being more lousy, inefficient than Atlantans / Georgians. 2. Worst air quality; more traffic on all the freeways. Especially rush-hour traffic on 75, 85, 285, 400, and all the streets inside and outside of perimeter etc. 3. More people (and friendly) everywhere, which is a very good thing to be surrounded by friendly people (the biggest attraction). 4. Downtown Atlanta may be bad for its crime; do not go out in downtown after midnight. 5. A lot of entertainment, restaurants, clubs for young folks. 6. MARTA (the subway/city rail) ride on a sunny weekend are lovely. 7. Outer suburbs, outer cities (Roswell, Marietta, Austell, Duluth etc.) have nice places to live and work; GA is a lovely sun belt state. 8. High ethnic diversity ordered by geographic locations - its predominantly Black and White but recent intake (a million+ in last 5 years) to north Georgia resulted in some Korean dominated, Hispanic dominated, new Whites dominated, Indian/Pakistani dominated areas - which is also not a bad thing. 9. If you travel to south Georgia, you see a lot of honest, hard working, innocent people who don't seem to have an idea of money or milking tricks (as the Atlantans often exibit). Hardly I noticed any racism. 10. But still, the return for your dollar spent in Atlanta may still be less than the return you get if you're to spend in New York. Not so a bigger apple than New York. Not Yet! [more...]

Atlanta - 11/10/2010

James" I have been here in Atlanta now for 2 years. I live in midtown and am a homosexual. I haven't received the aggressive welcome you have since moving here; but I do agree with you about city. This city is full of corrupt unqualified politicians, reverse racism, and very high crime and rates very low for education. Since living here for just under 2 short years I have: seen an armed robbery, been told by black neighbors that I could only hire blacks to work in my yard (trying to intimidate me), was harassed by a police officer after being pulled over for speeding (this was scary and very strange), almost ran over monthly at cross walks by people have no idea what they are for, purposely almost ran over by aggressive middle aged black couple that sped up to try and hit me; have been called "white faggot" by young black children; been hit on by married 'religious' men of all races; most of the people that I know have been victims of crime, mostly robbery. Please note I am not on or anywhere near the poverty line. I own multiple homes one being in midtown. I am well educated and not overtly homosexual (minus the white teeth and weekly haircut). I have tried to like Atlanta. I think if I don't focus not these things then it will be better. I like to see the good in people and could make a longer list of good things that I have experienced; however, I would not move here unless I made a lot of money to shield me from these afore mentioned issues (like over 200k) I haven't even gotten in to traffic and weather. Do your research. I would move here if I were a black, upwardly mobile mover and shaker. This would be a great city with opportunity for an ambitious, educated, young black person trying to get a start in their career! [more...]

Help me on my decision to relocate to Atlanta???? - 11/7/2010

I'm 27 years old and a single mother of 3..(African American) I'm considering moving to Austell,GA I'm originally from Oakland California (Bay Area)..... Do u think it will be a good look for me and my children to move to Austell,GA? which is 15 minutes outside of Atlanta. My kids is my first priority how's the school system? In Cobb county?? What about activities such as sports for kids., music and ballet classes ect.? What about healthcare as in Doctor's, Hospitals, specialist?? I attend school for Fashion Merchandising (A wardrobe stylist). But I do Have a couplebother professions under my belt as Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy technician, and a Class B bus/school bus driver. Please help me I'm torn right now!! [more...]

Atlanta, GA's CRIME is out of control and it is 99 - 10/31/2010

I've been residing in Atlanta, GA now exactly one year this time. The 1st time was back in November of 1997. Not much difference. Still the same aggressive people, predominantly Black males, and a level of IGNORANCE that is INCOMPREHENSIBLE! Too many poorly educated and uncultivated people in general... however, the worse are among the Black community... specifically the men,,,,,,,,,,,,,, too many of them are ruthlessly being destructive without any regard for anyone or anything. SAD!!! The Black boys, and men in this town are as I have never experienced in other city; garbage mentality! They are like wild rodents from the streets... it is DESPICABLE! This is why racism existence in this country. When some, not all ... however, a large number of Black boys and men can be this reckless and destructive, it makes for a platform of racism. Clothes falling off, guns tucked away in baggy clothes, shooting at anyone if they get an impulse to do, too any worthless Black Police Officers who think it is OK to not protect law abiding citizens. It is going to take the Grace of God to shift this city from the downward slope it finds itself in today. I left twelve years ago because I foresaw the ugliness on the rise. It is genuinely very, very, very sad! There was a report done recently of the worse zip codes for crime in the US. Atlanta occupied 33.5% of the positions. What does that tell you? More than 1/3 of the crime is committed here; ATROCIOUS!!! As I underlined earlier... 99% is committed by Black men. What does that tell you? It has to change or this city will lose all its investment money and business will REFUSE to do any business in this city![more...]

Atlanta Sucks - 10/15/2010

I use to visit Atlanta frequently and decided to move there in the 80's.I loved being there. I had to leave for personal reasons. I have stayed in Atlanta during the summers while visiting friends and relatives and I have to say it has turned into a jungle. Downtown Atlanta is the worst I have ever seen ever since they built the underground. It is only a haven for drugs, gangs, homeless people, prostitutes and whatever else you want to throw in there. The present Mayor I believe is still Shirley Franklin has been trying to keep downtown Atlanta from becoming what I described above, but with little results. The police patrols and harass people just for sitting on a park bench. Finding work is for who you know not what you know if your a relative, friend, or someone who went to school with you your in there. Many people from all over have flocked to Atlanta while I was there but very few stay and those that want to leave can't for some reasons or another, The crime is worst there than in New York where I am from. People are rude especially if your not from Georgia. Traffic is terrible and I remember when there was only two lane traffic on the highway now it'sb4 or 5 lanes and that still isn't enough. The only people that I found friendly there was from people of other states that had relocated. They are still behind in the times trying to be a wanna-be-New York. The only thing in common with Atlanta and other major cities is the overcrowded subway system. You can move out to other counties but everyone is flocking there to get away from what goes down in Atlanta. Sooner more than later the suburbs will turn into a ghetto. [more...]