Augusta has much to offer; part 2
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1/1/2007
Downtown Augusta is about 20 to 30 years behind other downtowns. It's an extensive area with lots of historic properties like Savannah or Charleston, but don't expect to find a boom in office/retail or loft/condo projects -- not yet anyway. The general public seems to have turned its back on the area and only random festivals at the commons park or "First Friday" draw crowds. A much-touted riverfront condo project is plagued with lead and aresenic poison. There's a decent-sized homeless population downtown and neighbohoods to the south, east, and west each have some unkept areas and suffer from impoverishment.
Downtown aside, the service sector seems to be thriving in Augusta with virtually everything along Washington Rd (I-20 area) or Bobby Jones Exwy (I-520). I read a lot of postings about herrendous traffic and road rage in some cities, but I've witnessed none of that here. I drive both interstates everyday and only see traffic back up when there's an accident. Crazy fast drivers are few and far between.
Government is the major employer the area with Fort Gordon, Medical College of Georgia, Savannah River Site (nuclear research), and the school districts. You would think the area would be a hotbed for high-tech companies, but I don't see much of that here. The area is still transforming from the old manufacturing and textile industries and the lack of a large research university doesn't help things (although Augusta State is growing).
Overall Augusta was a great move for me. Everything is convenient and the city is stress-free. I would look at the area if you are considering the Southeast. It's not a "trendy" place like Raleigh, but has a bright, long-term future.
Michael | Augusta, GA