Reviews & Comments
Harlem, GA
Harlem Growth and Life -
7/20/2020We found this area due to a military transfer via Fort Gordon. (2007) We were looking for a place that wasn't on top of the post, that had racial diversity, decent school system for our high schoolers, and quiet.
The main intersection of two roads which make up the center of Harlem were picturesque. Small shops and small businesses were neatly displayed with a train track running in the center. It was well manicured. They had a display of holiday lights (when we first saw this it) and it felt charming.
There were three gas stations & one grocery. It had greasy spoon breakfast restaurant as it's only known 'fast food' which really wasn't. Later came a Subway and new, a Hardee's. The grocery moved to a new, bigger facility. It is clean and somewhat overpriced due to the Convenience it offers. (Sure you can find cheaper closer to town, but it's a matter of if you'd like to drive to Grovetown to get it.)
Our new home was on a cul-de-sac which has recently been opened and a flurry of new houses are being built, joining two neighborhoods together.
There are many active duty and retired military here. There was also confirmation earlier this year that Amazon is coming to our exit of the interstate which means more construction, more people, and jobs for some.
Our (now adult) children liked Harlem High School. They didn't classify it as challenging even though they did participate in the honors programs. They had good friends and happy memories. One has since graduated from Augusta State University, the four year which is located in Augusta, that is known for it's medical programs. We considered the proximity of university a benefit when we moved here.
Because of the new growth, housing prices have really risen. A double edged sword. During the crisis, our house had decreased in value but didn't go underwater as it did in other communities within Columbia County such as Evans and Lakeside.
Currently, it is a challenge to locate a home in the community for less than $225K which is kinda ridiculous.
The quiet area we had wanted is transforming into a suburbia complex. This may be exactly what some folks are happy to have. Growth is very real and full speed, even during this pandemic.
We have enjoyed the majority of our time here. The citizens are friendly, the cops are nice (don't speed- seriously!), they have built a new library (which is amazing), and they host activities throughout the year.
It is still country enough that you'll regularly see hummingbirds and deer, even amidst the sounds of builder hammers, barking dogs, children at play, and the train whistle. The newest craze is cruising golf carts from evening until dark.
The weather is good if you like warm as the summers can and do often reach into the high 90's plus humidity. Fall, spring, and winter tends to be mild and seldom is there snow or ice though we have seen both. We have seen drought conditions as well.
Here, you are midway between Augusta Proper and a smaller town called Thompson. I'd recommend exploring in both directions.
It is also not far (less than an hour) from a lake which offers swimming, camping, fishing, cabin rentals. I like that it isn't overcrowded and that they do tend to have available, clean restrooms. The rangers are nice, too. It seems like the price of entry is $5 per carload of people, though I do believe there are places which are free as well.
It has been a nice stop along our way. No regrets. For us, GenX retirees, it is time to find a place without as much activity and a little more quiet, less traffic and barking.
This would be an excellent place for active duty, people with smaller/young children, and those who dream of a suburban spot.