Newcomer Magazine | June/July 2013

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June/July CONTENTS FEATURES Financial Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 What Makes Atlanta Great . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Moving to a new city can be an expensive proposition. A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing unexpected expenses and taking much of the anxiety out of the experience.

We break down everything you need to know about this spectacular city, from its top-flight arts scene to its stellar attractions, entertainment options and much more.

How to Prep for College Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Five Gorgeous Georgia Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 We share four key areas to look for when searching for the right collegepreparatory high school for your child.

From remote island escapes to sandy getaways near the big city, Georgia has a beach for every occasion. Here are five of our favorites.

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In Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Relocation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

The inside scoop on news, events and happenings around Atlanta.

Homes and Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

A comprehensive guide to help you find your way before, during and after your move, including counties, neighborhoods, relocation tips, a map to Metro Atlanta and much more.

Looking for a brand-new house? You’re in luck: New home construction is on the rise throughout the metro area.

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Neighborhood Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Get caught up on the best exhibitions, theatrical productions, special events and live music across the metro area.

Midtown is the heart of Atlanta’s cultural scene, and home to many of the city’s greatest restaurants.

Hidden Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

School Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Discover the wonder and history of Gwinnett County’s natural resources at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center.

Mill Springs Academy in Alpharetta is dedicated to the growth of students Find Newcomer Newcomer Magazine Magazine on on Facebook Facebook and and Twitter Twitter for for lots lots of of additional additional Find who have not realized their potential in traditional classroom settings.

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your move, from news on deals and events to tips on real estate, organizing, restaurants and much more!

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PHOTOS: (Right) Tybee Island Tourism Council

DEPARTMENTS

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inFOCUS n e w s b i tes fr om a ro un d AT LANTA

Worlds of

PHOTO: Joey Ivansco/Atlanta Botanical Garden

Go “Fourth” and Celebrate

PHOTO: Courtesy of Lenox Square

wonder

Where can you walk among giant cobras, rabbits and butterflies—not to mention an ogre and even a unicorn? Hint: Not at Zoo Atlanta. Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden through Oct. 31, features breathtaking topiary sculptures created by International Mosaiculture of Montreal, and marks the first major exhibition of its kind in the United States. For more information, call 404-876-5859 or visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Whether you’re new to the city or have lived here for years, the Fourth of July brings two signature celebrations every real Atlantan must experience at least once.

Start off the day cheering the runners at (or participating in) the Peachtree Road Race, known as the world’s largest 10K event. www.peachtreeroadrace.org. Once you’ve recovered your energy, head to Lenox Square Mall for the 54th annual Legendary Fourth of July, with food, live music and the Southeast’s largest fireworks display. www.lenoxsquare.com.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Spivey Hall

A Day at the Races

Mark Your Calendars If you haven’t yet visited the intimate environs of Spivey Hall, the upcoming 2013-2014 season offers a perfect opportunity. See renowned classical and jazz acts from pianist Kenny Barron to the Tetzlaff Quartet and the Glenn Miller Orchestra and learn why this 400-seat space on the Clayton State University campus is hailed as one of the best performance venues in the country.

For tickets and more information, visit www.spiveyhall.org.

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Tired of cards and ties? Give yourself a Father’s Day gift you’ll never forget at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta. The Daddy & Me LEGO Car Races promise an afternoon of excitement. Bring your own LEGO car creations to compete for the titles of fastest and best-looking cars. Entries must weigh less than 5 oz. and cannot be more than 2.75 inches wide and 7 inches long. Advance tickets are recommended. For more information, visit www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

infocus Gwinnett School Makes the Grade

PHOTO: Courtesy of the Atlanta Braves

PHOTO: Photo Courtesy of GSMST

Congratulations to the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, which was ranked No. 3 in U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 10 best high schools in America. The Gwinnett County charter school is dedicated to positioning children to fill jobs in the increasingly important fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame What’s better than watching the hometown team knocking home runs out of the park? Following up a baseball game with the return of the Atlanta Braves Summer Concert Series, that’s what.

Enjoy post-game performances from Run DMC on June 1, the Steve Miller Band on July 13 and country duo Big & Rich (pictured) with Cowboy Troy on Sept. 1. For tickets and other information, visit www.braves.com/tickets.

History on Display

Down by the River

Photo: Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau

What stands approximately 13 feet tall, weighs in at 8,000 pounds and is a one-of-a-kind work of art? That would be the section of the Berlin Wall currently on display in front of City Hall in Suwanee. This graffiti-covered sliver of the 100-mile barrier that separated East and West Germany for almost four decades is on loan to the city before it goes on auction later this year. Don’t miss this chance to see a piece of Cold War history up close.

For more information, visit www.suwanee.com.

Looking for a great summer vacation that’s still relatively close to home? The Riverbend Festival in downtown Chattanooga, Tenn., features nine days of nonstop fun, including 5K and 10K races and live music performances from Brandy, Cee-Lo Green, Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many more, just two hours or less from Atlanta. The festival runs from June 7-15. For more information, visit www.riverbendfestival.com. www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 9

MONEY and

Moving

Simple Steps to Keep From Breaking the Bank

By Daniel Beauregard

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Moving to a new city can be an expensive and stressful proposition. There are many financial factors to consider: Should you rent rather than buy a new home? What’s the cost of living in your new city? What should you budget for? A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing unwanted or unexpected expenses and taking much of the anxiety out of the experience.

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he first and most important step is to have a plan in place so that you know what to expect. “Any proper plan begins with a list of expenses relating to the move itself, getting set up, and ongoing changes with annual expenses such as property or tax rates— city and state—as well as differences in living expenses,” says Debbie Montgomery, an Atlanta-based certified financial planner.

MAKING THE MOVE It’s important to be aware of small expenses that can add up quickly, such as packing materials.

Be sure to budget for such items as boxes and tape. Figure out what you’ll need beforehand and buy as much of it as possible before you get started.

If you’re moving your belongings yourself, there are additional costs to account for, including van or trailer rental. If your trip will take several days, determine whether you’d feel comfortable booking hotels in advance, and be aware that discount travel sites like Priceline and Hotwire don’t disclose where you’ll be staying until after you’ve paid for the room. Moving with pets presents its own issues, such as making frequent stops to let your animal stretch its legs, and finding pet-friendly lodgings.

A cross-country move presents other issues, as well. “If you can afford to hire a mover and ship all of your belongings, then that is the easiest way,” says David Weinberg, an attorney who has worked as both a residential and commercial real estate agent. “You just have to consider

that it will take the mover several days to get to your new residence.”

Do some comparison-shopping of different moving companies to get the best price for the best service. If you’re moving for your job, check with your employer to see if they will cover the cost of the move.

And whether you’re leaving behind an apartment or selling a house in your old city, “don’t forget to cancel your utilities and return your cable boxes,” Weinberg says.

FINDING YOUR NEW HOME Perhaps the most significant financial issue is deciding where you’re going to live. Often, there’s not enough time to scout various neighborhoods and make an informed decision be-

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fore you move to your new city.

Daren Blomquist, vice president of real estate website Realtytrac.com, recommends renting for up to six months while you investigate different parts of the city. This can be a difficult adjustment if you’re used to owning a home, but Blomquist stresses that there are many single-family homes available for rent in today’s market. “Choosing to rent doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck in an apartment,” he says.

When considering the rent-versus-buy debate, it’s crucial to weigh such factors as the expenses involved in homeownership and how long you plan to live in your new city.

“Typically, if you’re not planning on staying in that city for more than five years, you should rent,” Blomquist says. “The equity that you would build in a home in less than five years isn’t going to offset the costs of keeping it up.”

If you do decide to buy, engage the services of a knowledgeable Realtor to help you navigate the process and advise you on the different mortgage rates available, as well as mortgage interest-rate deductions and other incentives for which you may be eligible. Additionally, a Realtor can give you a clear picture of the financial landscape involved in buying a home,

including sales and property taxes and closing costs, which are generally 3 to 5 percent of the purchase price.

Whether you’re renting or buying, however, you should definitely consider purchasing insurance to cover any unexpected losses or damages. Pay particular attention to the rate, as well as how much coverage a particular plan offers.

“Find an [insurance] agent who has been in the business 10 years,” Weinberg says, “and who is willing to spend 30 minutes to an hour explaining coverage limits with you, what special needs you may have.”

COST OF LIVING IN ATLANTA Once you’ve factored in the cost of your new home (and getting yourself there), it’s time to take into account the costs associated with living in Atlanta.

The good news is that this isn’t an expensive place to live. The American Chamber of Com-

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merce Research Association’s Cost of Living Index for 2012 places Atlanta’s cost of living at approximately 96 percent of the national average, meaning life in Atlanta is a little cheaper.

Sites such as Relocation Essentials, CNNMoney.com and Coli.org offer cost-of-living calculators that can give you a sense of what you’ll need to make in Atlanta to approximate the salary you earned in your previous city.

It’s also a good idea to take into account any auto or property taxes or expenses that might be different from your previous city. Most counties in metro Atlanta, for example, require yearly emissions inspections for cars and light trucks dating from 1989 to 2010.

And as Debbie Montgomery points out, don’t forget to budget for filling your new home with such items as tools, curtains, furniture and appliances.

Most importantly, be sure to leave room in your budget for exploring everything your new home has to offer.

“Consider how far the dollar will take you,” advises Weinberg. “If you can’t afford to enjoy your new city, then why move there?”

Construction is Booming— Get Them While You Can

NEWin HOMES Atlanta

By Kevin Forest Moreau

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s the economy continues to recover from the effects of a challenging recession, there are promising signs on the horizon for those looking to buy a home in the Atlanta area.

That’s especially true if you’re searching for a newly constructed home.

You might think that builders would be reluctant to start building new homes in such a fluid environment, and that has been the case in the past couple of years, as the number of new homes dropped. But the truth is, home construction in Atlanta is currently on the rise. Last year, Atlanta ranked among Forbes’ and the Atlantic Cities’ top 10 cities with the most new home construction.

And that trend translates to more sales.

“In January, closings on new homes were up almost 50 percent over last year,” says The Sherman, one of Rockhaven’s homes in Buckhead.

Steve Palm, president of SmartNumbers, which provides statistics and analysis for real SUPPLY AND DEMAND estate professionals.

The reasons for this promising trend are simWhat’s more, he says, permits for new con- ple. As interest rates remain low in an effort to struction “were up 67 percent in February, and stimulate growth, potential buyers begin to feel that should continue. That’s pretty significant.” more confident in the market.

“When the market reset in 2008, many families reevaluated what they really needed,” says Melanie Burruss, a sales agent for local home builder Rockhaven Homes. “But you still have families who have financial resources and want to live in town. Rates are still low, and families are growing and want bigger houses.”

That leads to buyers looking for good homes at good prices, and they’re snatching up new homes just as quickly as they’re built.

“The months supply of homes”—the number of months it would take for all homes on the market to sell based on current sales volume—“is at 2.9, which has never happened before,” says Joe Kerley, chief financial officer of Kerley Family Homes. The average figure is closer to four or five months, which means that demand is outstripping supply.

That’s because there are still less new homes available for sale than there were when Atlanta’s market was more robust.

“The main thing right now is lack of inventory,” says Kerley. u Newcomer Magazine | 15

As long as that remains the case, “There’s going to be a frenzy on buying houses. In some of our subdivisions, we’re getting multiple offers on multiple houses. Right now, if you can get a house built for a good price, it’ll sell.”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

photo: darnyl k. katzinger

hapeville

Fortunately for new residents and homebuyers, affordable new homes are presently available throughout metro Atlanta.

And that includes the most popular areas.

“Almost 75 percent of all new construction is in the northern corridor of Cobb, Gwinnett, Forsyth and North Fulton,” Palm says.

Kerley Family Homes, which offers homes from the $120s to the $300s, had already closed on 75 homes for the year by the beginning of April. The company is currently building homes in communities across the metro area, including Pine Grove in Fulton County, Manous Manor

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in Cherokee County, and McEver Woods, Oak Crest, Summit Village, Summer Springs, Tate Creek Estates, Walden Crossing and Whispering Lake in Cobb County.

Brock Built, another Atlanta-area builder, is developing new homes and communities across the metro area, including Glenaire in DeKalb County, with Craftsman-style homes from the $280s to the $350s, and Oakhurst in Cherokee County, with homes starting in the mid $200s.

Hapeville, Georgia come see where things are taking off!

Hapeville is located on the doorstep of the Atlanta HartsfieldJackson International Airport.

Hapeville welcomes Porsche Cars North America, Inc. In 2012, Porsche closed on 56.2 acres on which it will build its U.S. Headquarters, a $100M project.

Dramatic tax advantages attract businesses to Hapeville’s commercial Opportunity Zone.

Residential neighborhoods feature homes such as craftsmanstyle bungalows, traditional Chicago-style townhomes and loft-condominiums; with manicured parks and facilities.

Hapeville celebrates the arts through public art and cultural events in historic downtown.

Hapeville Assoc. of Tourism & Trade Department of Economic Development Hapeville, GA. * (404)-669-8269

It’s also currently selling new homes in the existing Manget community in Marietta, ranging from the $280s to the $450s.

Rockhaven Homes, a builder of luxury custom homes, has properties available in Brookhaven, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Chastain Park and Sandy Springs. Prices range from the $400s to $1.8 million, in areas where comparable homes can go for much higher, according to Burruss.

Rockhaven is poised for a breakout 2013, she adds, which she attributes to the builder being very selective about the neighborhoods in which it builds.

“Honestly,” says Burruss, “it’s location, location, location. We were very precise about where we wanted to execute when we started.”

Builders are also committed to offering value, which has added appeal in the current economy. Kerley points to his company’s starter homes in the low $100s. And Rockhaven works with its vendors to keep prices low, Burruss says, so that it can keep its home prices more attractive to buyers.

GET WHILE THE GETTING’S GOOD There are many more builders working on or selling homes across the region, and the market

“The issue we’re going to run into soon is lot supply,” says Kerley, noting that in many cases builders are working on pre-existing lots. “In certain parts of West and East Cobb, the existing lots just aren’t there anymore. Once builders start developing new lots again, the price of developing and the price of homes will go up.”

Additionally, “We’ve already seen situations where people paid too much for land or lots,” Palm says, noting that those costs will inevitably be passed on to homebuyers.

For now, however, if you’re in the market for a new home in the Atlanta area, there are plenty of options available, and at reasonable prices to boot. Happy hunting!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Brock Built

404.472.5707 www.brockbuilt.com

Inside one of Rockhaven’s Buckhead homes.

is even attracting new players. Earlier this year, Houston-based LGI Homes announced plans to expand into Atlanta, and with Builder Magazine ranking the city a top 5 market for future home growth, more companies are following suit.

But as with any growing market, prices won’t remain at their current levels forever.

Kerley Family Homes

770-792-5500 www.kerleyfamilyhomes.com Rockhaven Homes

www.rockhavencommunities.com

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Family-Friendly NEIGHBORHOODS

Worth a Look

Finding the right area to call home is the most important part of the relocation process, and that’s even truer for families with small children. Here are some of the metro Atlanta area’s top communities that offer something for every member of your household.

College Park

Decatur

This growing community boasts a wealth of gorgeous historic homes and a pedestrianfriendly Main Street. It’s also home to Woodward Academy, the largest private school in the country.

This walkable city just east of Atlanta radiates a cozy, small-town charm, especially around its historic square. Public transportation is easily accessible, and recreational activities are plentiful, as well.

College Park

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Smyrna

Suwanee

Decatur

Woodstock

PHOTOS: (Top Left) City of Smyrna; (Top Right) Mike Howard; (Center Left) Courtesy of Decatur Downtown Development Authority; (Center Right) Courtesy of the City of Woodstock.

Duluth

um, the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, Six Flags White Water and the historic downtown square.

Among this city’s kid-friendly draws are the 35-acre Southeastern Railway Museum, the Arena at Gwinnett Center and a walkable downtown filled with historic buildings.

Smyrna This suburban city 15 miles northwest of Atlanta boasts the Village Green, a charming town center, as well as 33 acres of park space and the Silver Comet Trail.

East Point Affordable homes and easy access to downtown Atlanta make East Point a great option for new families. Plentiful recreation options include the Georgia Soccer Park, which features naturalgrass playing fields.

Fayetteville Quality of life is high in this Fayette County city, which features a charming, historic downtown, the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum (which has ties to Doc Holliday and Margaret Mitchell), musical performances at the Southern Ground Amphitheater, and one of the state’s best school systems.

Suwanee Lawrenceville Metro Atlanta’s second-oldest city features such family-friendly attractions as the Aurora Theatre, the Gwinnett Braves minor-league baseball team and Medieval Times.

Marietta This Cobb County hub offers affordable housing, a strong school system and family-friendly attractions like the Gone With the Wind Muse-

Parks and green space are a key part of this city’s appeal, and the Gwinnett County school system is widely considered the best in the state.

Woodstock Known for its proximity to Lake Allatoona, this appealing Cherokee County suburb features 13 public beaches, four city parks, Dixie Speedway, an historic downtown and the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

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neighborhood

spotlight

e Park Arts Festiva

Midtown

By Muriel Vega

T

PHOTO: © 2013, Kevin C. Rose/AtlantaPhotos.com

here’s always something going on in Midtown, from cultural activities at the Fox Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center to festivals at Piedmont Park in the summer. Located just south of Buckhead, this thriving area is filled with high-rise homes and some of the best restaurants in the city.

South City Kitchen

PHOTO: Dan Schutz Photography

The Lofts at Atlantic Station

PHOTO: LaCour Photography

Fox Theatre

Housing

Culinary Treats

Young professionals can find luxury condominiums at Colony House (404-892-6266) starting at around $125,000. Hanover House (404-8924231) offers condominium homes starting at $199,000. Apartments at 1660 Peachtree (404287-1660) start at around $900 for a one-bedroom, while one-bedroom units at Post Parkside (404-817-8030) begin at approximately $1,200. Historic homes are available along Piedmont Road and adjacent streets.

The Atlantic Station mixed-use development offers plentiful housing opportunities, including apartments at the Lofts at Atlantic Station (404-815-0224) starting in the $1400s, and Park District (404-872-5542) starting in the low $1000s. The area surrounding the development also features townhomes and single-family homes ranging from the $130s to the $360s.

Midtown is filled with so many great restaurants, we can’t list them all. Antico Pizza Napoletana (404-724-2333) serves delicious oven-baked pizzas, made with ingredients imported from Italy.

One Midtown Kitchen (404-892-4111) is one of Atlanta’s premier spots for seafood and American cuisine. South City Kitchen-Midtown (404873-7358) specializes in contemporary Southern classics. Try Bantam & Biddy (404-907-3469) for top-quality rotisserie chicken and other staples. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Park 75 (404-881-9898) offers fine dining and a superb wine list. Visit the Varsity (404-881-1706) for a slice of Atlanta history along with your chili cheese dog, onion rings and Frosted Orange shake.

Local Treasures Piedmont Park (404-875-7275) is the city’s most famous green space, with a dog park, biking trails, picnic areas and more. The Atlanta Botanical Garden (404-876-5859) features 30 acres of flowers, gardens and gorgeous greenery, and often hosts outdoor events. The Georgia Institute of Technology (404-894-2000), one of the nation’s leading research universities, attracts students from around the world.

Arts and Entertainment The fabulous Fox Theatre (404-881-2100), known for its beautiful architecture, is one of the city’s main performing art venues. A little more than a mile down Peachtree Street, the Woodruff Arts Center (404-733-5000) is home to the High Museum of Art, the Southeast’s leading art museum, as well as the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Center for Puppetry Arts (404-873-3391) hosts puppetry exhibits (including exclusive displays of the work of Jim Henson) and performances for children and adults. N

The Inside Track Midtown Atlanta is home to approximately one-third of the city’s high-rise buildings and covers an area of roughly 4 square miles.

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PHOTO: ©2013, Kevin C. Rose/AtlantaPhotos.com

Piedmont Park

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EDU CATI O N

INSIGH T

College Success HOW TO PREP FOR

What to Look for in a College-Prep High School

By RACHAEL MASON

When it comes to your child’s future, you can never be too prepared. That’s especially true when it comes to selecting a high school with a collegepreparatory curriculum. The competition for top private and public universities is intense, so finding the school that will best position your child for college is more crucial than ever.

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in college and beyond. The idea at KIPP schools in metro Atlanta, Lewis says, “is that all children will go to college.”

The Association’s website, www.gacharters. org, is a good place to begin your search for charter schools.

here are many factors that go into choosing a high school to best prepare your son or daughter for college. Here are four important questions to keep in mind.

How Does the School’s Curriculim Prepare Students for College?

Not all schools that list themselves as collegepreparatory schools are the same. Different schools take different approaches to preparing their charges for college. Visiting school websites and following up with admissions personnel can give you a good grasp of a school’s academic focus.

The Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, a day and boarding school just north of Clayton, offers “a rigorous, traditional liberal arts-based curriculum centered on critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” says Director of College Counseling Cheryl Barber.

Charter schools, like independent schools, have varied approaches when it comes to getting students ready for college. “It is our view that not every child learns in the same manner,” says Andrew Lewis, executive vice president

Does the School Have a Strong College Counseling Program?

College counseling departments work closely with students to help them plan for college.

of the Georgia Charter Schools Association.

“The most powerful aspect of a charter school is that it empowers parents with the ability to have options” when it comes to a public education. Those options include KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) schools, which aim to provide underserved children with the skills to succeed

Many schools offer college counseling departments that work closely with students to help them develop personalized plans for college preparation, from school selection to choosing the right extracurricular activities.

“I advise parents to find a place where students can thrive, primarily in the classroom, but also in other areas of school life,” says Gavin Bradley, director of college counseling at Pace Academy.

Counselors at Pace meet with students beginning in junior year to begin helping them prepare to take required standardized tests including the ACT and SAT. The counseling office works with students to help decide which colleges to apply to based on their academic

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personal and concerned about the best fit for each student,” says counselor Lori Davis. “We also try to monitor the stress our students are under during this difficult process, and keep a close eye on their grades.”

How Does It Prepare Students for the SAT? The SAT, a standardized test that measures critical thinking and mathematics and writing

WHAT YOU CAN DO Aside from lending your college-bound teen a hand with his or her homework, here are some ways you can help nudge your student in the right direction.

• Check in with your child’s college counseling department or guidance counselor to ask about his or her academic progress.

Meeting with admissions personnel can give you a good grasp of a school’s academic focus.

and personal profiles. They also help students complete and submit application requirements.

Rabun Gap counselors meet with students one-on-one throughout grades 9 through 12, and conduct weekly college seminars during junior and senior years. Counselors also travel

with students on various trips to college fairs and college campuses.

College counselors at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) work closely with students and families throughout the high school experience. “Our counseling approach is intentionally

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• Encourage your child to polish her resume by pursuing community service opportunities, like a church mission trip to another country.

• Likewise, help your child choose extracurricular activities that complement each other and illustrate personal growth and commitment.

skills, is a vital part of any student’s college application process. When compiling information on a prospective school, be sure to ask about its SAT scores and preparation resources. Does the school have a history of strong average test scores? Does it provide students with materials to help them prepare for this important test?

Rabun Gap offers an SAT prep workshop for a fee, and individual academic departments offer weekly tutorial sessions on standardized testing. GAC offers an elective SAT prep course.

“We also have really strong relationships with several tutors in the area,” says Davis, “and we try to make available to our students and families opportunities to work in group settings” as a less-costly alternative to one-on-one tutoring.

Students at Pace prepare for standardized tests by studying a wide range of subjects. “Pace students test above the state and national averages on the SAT, so we do not incorporate formal test preparation into our daily curriculum,” Bradley says.

What Else Does the School Do? In addition to college counseling programs and SAT preparation, many schools offer specialized research labs or one-on-one programs to help give students an extra advantage.

“What are colleges looking for?” asks Davis of GAC. “Strong grades in a challenging curriculum; often good performance on standardized tests; personal thoughts and values expressed in their writings; recommendations from teachers and counselors; and how have they spent their time. What matters to them? What have they done with the resources they have had?

“We offer students numerous opportunities that prepare them not only for the next steps, but to live as a confident, globally aware and responsible adult,” she continues. “We believe that we … are able to help guide them to places where they will be happy, challenged, and intellectually stimulated—where they not only succeed, but many times stand out among the best and brightest.”

HELPFUL RESOURCES The Academic Resource Center at Pace helps students develop strong study and timemanagement habits. GAC offers a learning center staffed with research specialists who work to address students’ different learning styles.

Ultimately, a parent’s goal should be to find a school that helps the student present his or her best self to colleges and universities.

gacollege411.org going2college.org www.princetonreview.com www.petersons.com www.collegeboard.org

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 25

schoolSPOTLIGHT

Mill Springs Academy

Serving Students Who Learn Differently

By Cady Schulman

D

ifferent students learn in different ways—ways that don’t always fit neatly into the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional classrooms.

That’s why the staff at Mill Springs Academy develops individual academic plans for each of its 330 students in grades 1 through 12.

“Our motto is, if a student can’t learn the way we teach, then we should teach the way they learn,” says Headmaster Robert Moore. “We’re very interested in how students learn.”

Mill Springs, an independent school nestled on 85 acres in the hills of Alpharetta, is dedicated to the academic, physical and social growth of students who have not realized their full potential in traditional classroom settings—where “you either get it or you don’t,” Moore says.

“We want all of our students to have a full educational workup,” he adds, “which will give us clues as to how best they learn and how [learning] might be more difficult, also. That helps us create an academic plan” tailored to individual students. Small class sizes (the student/teacher ratio is around 9 to 1) and an emphasis on technology (students in grades 4 through 12 are equipped with laptops) help students capitalize on their strengths and receive individual attention.

For instance, a student who has trouble taking notes can listen in class and have notes emailed to him or her. Or if a student has a hard time with writing, he or she can utilize voice-to-text software to write papers and complete other assignments.

Most of the students at Mill Springs Academy are dealing with some kind of learning disability, such as ADHD or dyslexia. Mill Springs Academy is one of 250 schools in the state participating in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program, and accepts more special needs scholarships than any other school in the state, Moore says.

26 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

“We especially like [special needs] students because they’re so creative and vibrant, and a community wouldn’t be as good without them,” he continues. “This is why we have such a big fine arts program. … It’s a great thing for creative students who want more hands-on learning.”

The arts are an important part of the Mill Springs Academy experience.

The school’s fine arts department includes a 70-member band, as well as chorus and drama offerings. “School should be an interesting, fun place,” Moore stresses, “not just a place to get red marks on your paper. That kind of thing is critically important to learning.”

And according to Moore, students do find Mill Springs fun. Students often tell him that school breaks are too long and that they can’t wait to return to class, he says.

“They should feel that way,” he adds. “If it’s a good school, why wouldn’t they want to be there?”

In addition to its academics and arts programs, Mill Springs offers a variety of athletic options including baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis, track and wrestling, as well as non-competitive sports. “We want our kids to have any experience they could have at any other school in the region,” says Moore. N

The Specifics Grades: 1-12 Student/Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Tuition: $21,084-$$22,406 Location: Alpharetta

Contact: 13660 New Providence Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-360-1336 Web: www.millsprings.org

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28 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

The Georgia Aquarium, hailed as the world’s largest, showcases more than 500 species.

PHOTOS: (Top) © 2013, Kevin C. Rose/AtlantaPhotos.com; (Bottom) J.D. Scott.

If you’re looking for a new city to call home, there are many reasons why Atlanta should be at the top of your list. And if you’ve already made the move, congratulations! Either way, there’s a lot to learn about this great city and its surrounding metropolitan area. On the pages that follow, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about this capital city of the Southeast, from its top-flight arts scene to its stellar attractions, entertainment options and rising status as the Hollywood of the South.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Atlanta is a hub of the arts. The Tony Awardwinning Alliance Theatre stages thoughtprovoking and crowd-pleasing works and has premiered shows that went on to the Broadway stage; the thriving theater scene also includes such acclaimed companies as Georgia Shakespeare, Theatrical Outfit, 7 Stages and True Colors. The High Museum of Art, the Southeast’s leading art museum, houses such acclaimed exhibits as the recent Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting and Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis, featuring works from Vermeer, Rembrandt and other Dutch artists..

The Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are all world-class performing arts institutions. Venues including

Chastain Park Amphitheatre, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the Fox Theatre, the Ferst Center for the Arts, the Rialto Performing Arts Center, Spivey Hall and Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, among others, host big-name concert tours and high-caliber national theatrical productions. And last but not least, the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks professional sports teams draw thousands of fans each year.

ATTRACTIONS

Robert Spano conducts the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Atlanta offers much for locals and visitors to see and do year-round. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is home to 30 gorgeous acres of themed gardens, including a Japanese garden and a rose garden, and often hosts events and outdoor art exhibits. Centennial Olympic Park is an oasis

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 29

Riders thrill to the Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags Over Georgia.

in the heart of downtown that hosts concerts and events and is popular with children for its Fountain of Rings. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History spotlights the natural world with informative exhibits, IMAX films and giant dinosaur skeletons in its atrium.

The Georgia Aquarium bills itself as the world’s largest, with some 500 species frolicking in its more than 8 million gallons of water. The World of Coca-Cola takes visitors on a guided tour of the history of the world’s most famous soft drink company, which is headquartered in Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta is home to more than 1,500 animals, and is one of only a handful of zoos in the country to feature giant pandas.

FAMILY FUN The city also offers many attractions of special interest to children. The Center for Puppetry Arts traces the history of this unique art form and houses exclusive exhibits spotlighting the work of Jim Henson. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers fun, informative exhibits for young children and preteens. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids is an interactive museum in Gainesville where children can role-play and climb aboard a real 1927 fire truck.

The LEGO Discovery Center is an interactive playground filled with the world-famous building blocks, designed to delight and inspire children ages 3 through 10. The Six Flags Over

30 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

Georgia theme park offers roller coasters, water rides and other thrills. The Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville makes learning fun with engaging exhibits and galleries as well as a planetarium and observatory.

BUSINESS Atlanta boasts one of the highest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies, serving as global headquarters to corporations including CocaCola, The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, AT&T Mobility and UPS. Chick-fil-A and Newell Rubbermaid call the city home, as well.

Atlanta also enjoys a robust media industry. Turner Broadcasting, which includes

PHOTOS: (Left) Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta; (Center) courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Atlanta; (Right) Ben Evans/Photo Images by Ben.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Tigers at Zoo Atlanta; the Children’s Museum of Atlanta; the LEGO Discovery Center.

TOP: (Left) Students at Atlanta International School; (Right) Stone Mountain Park combines history and thrills. CENTER: The World of Coca-Cola.

HEALTH CARE

CNN, TBS, TNT, the Cartoon Network and other properties, is headquartered here, and the Weather Channel makes its home in the metro area, as well. Which leads us to …

PHOTOS: (Top Left) Billy Howard; (Top Right) Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain, Ga.; (Center) © 2013, Kevin C. Rose/AtlantaPhotos.com.

HOLLYWOOD OF THE SOUTH In the past decade, a booming TV and film industry has grown throughout the state. In 2010, Georgia’s was the fourth-largest film industry in the nation. Lured by tax incentives, motion pictures and television shows, including “The Walking Dead” and “The Vampire Diaries,” are constantly filming here.

Two large production studios, Tyler Perry Studios and EUE/Screen Gems, are located in the metro area, and there are plans to expand existing studios and build new facilities in Fayette County and Covington.

EDUCATION Atlanta is home to a wealth of notable independent schools, including Atlanta International School, Greater Atlanta Christian School and Woodward Academy, the largest private school in the continental United States.

In addition, several public school systems across the metro area boast magnet schools for students with special abilities, as well as charter schools, which are given more freedom in how they educate their students.

The area is also home to more than 40 colleges and universities of different sizes, including such nationally recognized higher-learning schools as Agnes Scott College, Emory University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Oglethorpe University, Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University.

The Savannah College of Art and Design maintains a presence in Atlanta, as does Macon-based Mercer University. The city is also home to several distinguished historically black colleges including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College and Spelman College.

Atlanta is well known for its hospitals and medically related entities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, located near Emory University, heads a list of locally based organizations and research facilities that includes the American Cancer Society, the Emory University School of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine. Grady Memorial Hospital is renowned for having one of the best trauma and burn centers in the nation, while Northside Hospital delivers more babies per year than any other community hospital in the country.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is regarded as one of the nation’s premier pediatric hospitals. The Shepherd Center, one of the country’s leading catastrophic care hospitals for patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and degenerative and other such disorders, is headquartered here. Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, part of Piedmont Healthcare, has been recognized on U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Hospitals” list.

HISTORY The metro area offers many links to Atlanta’s historic past. The 33-acre Atlanta History Center in Buckhead explores the city’s rich past with two museums, six gardens and two historic plantations. It also runs the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown, where the author once lived and where she wrote much of Gone With the Wind. The Marietta Gone With the Wind

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 31

TOP: The Booth Museum of Western Art. CENTER: Lenox Square Mall.

BOTTOM: Boutiques abound in Virginia-Highland.

Museum features an impressive collection of memorabilia related to the book and movie. The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville showcases art and artifacts from and exploring the American West.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, stretching over more than 2,900 acres in Cobb County, commemorates an historic Civil War battleground. And Stone Mountain Park, said to be Georgia’s most popular attraction, boasts 3,200 acres of beautiful scenery, amusement rides, hiking trails, golf and much more, all of it surrounding Stone Mountain and its historic portrait of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis.

TRANSPORTATION Atlanta was conceived as a railroad town and is a major railroad spot. But its status as a major transportation hub is thanks largely these days to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Consistently ranked as the world’s busiest airport, it recently added a new international terminal that should keep it atop such lists for years to come. Three major interstates—20, 75 and 85—converge here, adding to the city’s convenience factor.

The city also boasts a number of publictransportation alternatives to automobile traffic, including MARTA, the area’s premier rail and bus service, as well as Cobb Community Transit, Gwinnett County Transit, and Xpress, a commuter bus service. Work has also begun on a downtown streetcar. The Atlanta BeltLine, a multi-use trail that will encircle the city and provide park space, is currently under development, with some parts already completed.

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PHOTOS: (Center) Simon Property Group; (Bottom) © 2013, Kevin C. Rose/AtlantaPhotos.com.

SHOPPING As befits a metro area of Atlanta’s size, there are a great many shopping options to satisfy your every need. Super-sized shopping malls Cumberland Mall, Discover Mills, Lenox Square Mall, Mall of Georgia and Phipps Plaza offer hundreds of shops, as well as food courts, movie theaters and more. Atlantic Station, a Midtown mixed-use development, is home to such retailers as H&M, Target and Dillard’s. North Georgia Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets, both a little outside the city, sport great brands and bargain prices. Meanwhile, the Buckhead neighborhood is your spot for high-end retail, while Little Five Points buzzes with record shops and thrift stores and Virginia-Highland is filled with charming clothing stores, homedécor boutiques and gourmet food shops.

Gorgeous OUTS ID E

ATL A NTA

Georgia Beaches Five Fantastic Spots for Sun, Surf and Sand

By Hope S. Philbrick

From remote island escapes to sandy getaways near the big city, dog-friendly banks ideal for splashing into the surf and romantic shores ideal for watching sunsets, Georgia has a beach for every occasion. Make sure to include these sunny spots on your summer to-do list for a long weekend or beach vacation sure to leave you with sand in your toes and a smile on your face. u

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Lake Lanier Islands Resort Located about an hour north of Atlanta, this sprawling resort is home to a half-mile stretch of white sand dubbed Big Beach. Lounge and get some sun, dig in the powdery sand or splash in the blue water secure in the knowledge that a lifeguard will keep watch. This 1,500-acre vacation spot, located on the 38,000-acre lake that gives the place its name, is Georgia’s most-visited lakeside resort.

The lakeside beach is only part of the fun: Get a wet adrenaline rush just steps away at the other attractions that make up LanierWorld, the resort’s water park. Thrills await kids of all ages, including nine water slides, a miniature golf course, beach volleyball, a ropes course, carnival rides, a cable park for water sports, and a wave pool where you can catch family-friendly outdoor movies on weekends.

Beyond the beach and water park, enjoy horseback riding, golf, boating, biking, dining, hiking, partying and more. Accommodation options range from villas to campsites, cabins and even houseboats for literal overnights on the water. 770-945-8787, www.lakelanierislands.com.

Southeast—the beach is open yearround, although it’s most popular from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are two other state parks on the same lake, but this 447-acre retreat, its beach nestled under tall trees, is especially peaceful.

The lake’s cool water lures swimmers, water-skiers and boaters, who can launch from one of four ramps or rent a canoe. Fish for striper and largemouth bass from the pier, deepen your understanding of history touring a Revolutionary Warera cabin, or test your skills at archery, geocaching, hiking, miniature golf and shuffleboard. All state park beaches are free, so the whole family can enjoy a day at the beach for a $5 parking fee. Stay overnight in one of 20 cottages or camp in a tent, trailer or RV. 800-864-7275, www.gastateparks.org/elijahclark.

Elijah Clark State Park

Robin Lake Beach

On the western shores of Clarks Hill Lake on the border between Georgia and South Carolina is where you’ll find the white sand beach at Elijah Clark State Park. Hugging the blue waters of this 71,000-acre lake—one of the largest in the

The world’s largest manmade white sand beach loops a mile around the 65-acre Robin Lake in Callaway Gardens, a 13,000-acre resort and preserve in Pine Mountain, Ga., about an hour southwest of Atlanta. From June through early

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PHOTOS: (Top) Courtesy of Callaway Gardens/www.callawaygardens.com; CENTER: (Top) Lake Lanier Islands Resort; (Bottom) Georgia Department of Natural Resources

TOP: Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens. CENTER: (Top) Outdoor activities at Lake Lanier Islands Resort; (Bottom) The beach at Elijah Clark State Park.

August, the lake serves as the hub of summer fun in middle Georgia. Lounge in the sun, splash into the water, or test your skills at waterskiing, wakeboarding or just holding onto an inflated tube.

Miniature golf, ping pong, shuffleboard, giant chess and checker sets, a playground and more are included with general admission.

Other activities and amenities are available for an additional fee, including access to a floating playground of obstacles, “blaster boats” with water guns that can spray up to 50 feet, laser tag, cabanas and individual waterskiing lessons.

Some activities require advance reservation.

800-225-5292, www.callawaygardens.com.

Give yourself the royal treatment at the King and Prince resort on St. Simons Island.

St. Simons Island

County’s oldest surviving brick structures. The Maritime Center offers insight into the area’s natural, maritime and military history.

For a regal experience, stay at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America. Guests have been lured to this location since it first

opened its doors in 1935, drawn by its reputation for elegance and warm Southern hospitality.

800-933-2627, www.goldenisles.com.

Tybee Island Just 20 minutes from Savannah’s Historic District, Tybee Island is the northeasternmost of Georgia’s barrier islands. The party is on South

PHOTO: Leigh Cort

The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island sports four miles of beaches on its south side. During high tide, try kayaking, fishing or bird watching. Then run with your dog, nap on the soft sand or build sandcastles at low tide when retreating water expands the beach a couple of hundred yards, exposing sand bars and tidal pools. The island also boasts a charming selection of boutiques, restaurants and historic sites. Built in 1872, the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and keeper’s residence are Glynn

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Visit

STATESBORO Farm Fresh Fun

Discover the many sights and amenities of Tybee Island.

Visitstatesboroga.com

1.800.568.3301

Albany CVB_Newcomer_043013_Layout 1 5/10/13 4:51 PM Page 1

at your own pace discover albany, georgia

Beach, with its wide stretch of sand, a pier for dolphin watching, and nearby shops and restaurants. For a more private setting, live the dream of owning beachfront property and rent accommodations from Oceanfront Cottage Rentals or Tybee Vacation Rentals: Options range from condos to cottages to mansions.

You can spend your entire stay lounging near the sea, or get up off that towel and discover what else Tybee Island has to offer. Charter a private eco-tour to explore the salt marsh that houses dozens of birds, turtles, dolphins, alligators, crabs and other creatures. Climb 178 steps to the top of the Tybee Island Light Station, a lighthouse that has guided sailors into the Savannah River since 1732. And see Fort Pulaski National Monument, where the brick walls were considered unbreachable until a two-day Civil War battle proved otherwise. Note that dogs are not allowed on the beach, since Tybee Island is an important nesting area for endangered sea turtles. 800-868-2322, www.tybeevisit.com.

FOUR MORE GEORGIA BEACHES

Vacation Packages starting at $117

Albany Museum of Art ★ Chehaw Wild Animal Park ★ Flint RiverQuarium Thronateeska Heritage Center ★ WEtherbee Planetarium

Don Carter State Park is Georgia’s newest state park (it’s set to open in 2013) and the first located on 38,000-acre Lake Lanier. Situated on the north end of the reservoir, the park boasts a huge sand swimming beach. www.gastateparks.org.

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is a camera-ready beach scattered with knobby, twisted tree trunks and root bulbs made gray by the sea. It’s a great spot to look for seashells while taking a leisurely stroll. www.jekyllisland.com.

229.317.4760 ★ 866.750.0840 visitalbanyga.com

36 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

East Beach on St. Simons Island is an ideal spot for bodysurfing at high tide and napping on the soft sand at low tide, when the beach expands to a couple of hundred yards wide. www.comecoastawhile.com.

PHOTO: Tybee Island Tourism Council

Wet, Wild & Out of this World

Cumberland Island National Seashore is on the state’s largest and southernmost barrier island, which boasts 17 miles of pristine beaches and is home to wild horses. www.nps.gov/cuis.

38 40 47

GETTING STARTED

HERE TO THERE MARTA

Driver’s License

Out-of-state drivers are required to obtain a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days. To obtain your license, you will need to provide the following: 1) Previous driver’s license; 2) Two pieces of identification; 3) An eye exam at the time of issue; 4) A $20 fee (in cash) for a five-year license, or a $35 fee for a 10-year license. Licenses are issued through the Georgia Department of Driver Services at several sites across Atlanta. Call 678-413-8400 or visit www.dds.ga.gov.

Mass Transit

One way to avoid long commutes is to take advantage of the city’s local transit system, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Offering both train and bus service, MARTA is a convenient way to travel to downtown or the airport. The fee for traveling one way is $2.00 including transfers, and payment is even easier now with the Breeze limited-use and extendeduse cards. Weekly and monthly passes can be obtained at discounted rates. For fares, schedule and route information call 404848-5000 or visit www.itsmarta.com.

38 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

Car Tag

MARTA Rail Service

You must register your car within 30 days of residency. Bring with you the following information: 1) Car title, name and address of lienholder, or copy of lease agreement; 2) Current tag registration; 3) Mileage reading of vehicle; 4) Proof of insurance; 5) Emission certificate (if applicable).

There is an approximate $20 fee for your tag. In January 2006, the state began charging sales tax on vehicles. Your tag office will

Patrick Killam, Publisher pkillam@bellsouth.net provide the amount of sales tax on your vehicle.

770.992.0273 Office For information on a specific county, contact the appropriate county’s Tax Commissioner’ s Office.

770.649.7463 Fax

GETTING STARTED

ProoF SH NEED TO KNOW

Vehicle Emission Inspection

Vehicles dating from 1985 through 2006 model year must be checked each year for emission standard compliance. Visit a statedesignated inspection station for the service.

Call 800-449-2471 or visit www.cleanairforce.com.

Driving Tips

Georgia 400 is the only toll road in Atlanta. If you travel it daily, obtaining a Cruise Card is recommended. Purchased in advance, the Cruise Card allows drivers to bypass the tollbooth and avoid long lines. Call 404-893-6161 or visit www. georgiatolls.com to purchase a card.

The Georgia DOT provides daily updates of road work, road closings and traffic delays, which are helpful when commuting. Updates can be obtained by calling (toll free) 1-877-694-2511, by dialing 511, or by visiting www.georgia-navigator.com.

ad Size:

issue: december/January 08

Voter Registration

Registration applies to U.S. citizens at least 18 Page years of Full age. You have8.375"x up to 10.875" 30 days before an election to register. Register at your local Voter HalF Page Horizontal 7.375"x 4.812" Registration Office and most public libraries.

Refer to the AT&T directory for locations, or download a HalF Page Vertical 3.5625"x 9.875" registration form at www.sos.georgia.gov. tHird Page Vertical 2.375"x 9.875"

Making a Phone Call

All phone numbers in the metro Atlanta area include the area code plus the sevendigit number. tHird Page Horizontal 4.75"x 4.812" To make a phone call, dial one of the four area codes (404, 770, 678 and 470) and the seven-digit number. In general, 404 is FourtH Page Vertical 3.5625"x 4.812" designated for intown areas and 770 for suburbs; the 678 and 470 area codes overlay both areas.

Cell phone subscribers can choose from any area code whenPage signing up for service.

SixtH Vertical 2.375"x 4.812"

Registering for School By law, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten and 6 years old on or before September 1 to enter the first grade. To enroll your child in either kindergarten or first grade, you will need to provide the child’s social security number; a vision, hearing, and dental screening from a family practitioner or local health clinic; and immunization records on Georgia State Form 3231.

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 39

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION public schools Cherokee County Schools Board of Education 770-479-1871

Cherokee County QUICK INFO

Elementary Schools 22 Middle Schools 7 Intermediate Schools 1 High Schools 6 Alternative 1 Evening 1 Per-pupil expenditures $8,578 School & bus information: 770-720-2112 Avg. SAT Scores Cherokee Co. Georgia National

UTILITIES & CONTACTS HOME SERVICES Cobb Energy (Electricity, Security, Telephone and Satellite TV) 770-429-2222 Electricity 706-276-2362 Amicalola EMC Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 Georgia Power 888-660-5890 770-887-2363

Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

Telephone AT&T 888-436-8638 ETC Communications 678-454-1212 TDS Telecom-Nelson 770-735-2000 Ball Ground Windstream

800-501-1754

Water Cherokee County Water Authority 770-479-1813 City of Ball Ground 770-735-2123 City of Canton 770-704-1500 City of Waleska 770-479-2912 City of Woodstock

770-926-8852

Cable TV Charter Communications

888-438-2427

Comcast

404-266-2278

ETC Communications

678-454-1212

Hospitals Northside Hospital-Cherokee 770-720-5100 Wellstar Kennestone Hospital

770-793-5000

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

1560 1460 1509

pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

Sawnee EMC

County www.cherokeega.com Neighborhoods www.canton-georgia.com www.woodstockga.gov www.cityofballground.com www.hollyspringsga.us www.cityofwaleska.com Schools www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Median household income: $63,518 Median age of residents: 34 Population: 210,529 Sales tax: 6% Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County 770-345-0400, www.cherokeechamber.com Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $26.80; Incorporated Cherokee County, $24.06.

Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400

Cagle Dairy Farm, Canton

Located northwest of Atlanta, Cherokee County gets its name from the original inhabitants of the area, the Cherokee Indians. The county seat, then called Etowah, was established in 1833 and renamed Canton in 1834. Today, the city is enjoying its greatest economic boom in its history since more than $60 million was invested in residential and commercial development in 1998.

Despite developing its own industrial base, Cherokee County remains idyllic and serene. Farming, especially poultry processing, remains a leading industry.

Canton and the neighboring community of Woodstock have seen tremendous growth as subdivisions crop up to accommodate newcomers.

In fact, nearly 60 percent of the county’s population are commuters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of homes in 2006 was $194,900.

Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farms, Bridge Mill and Town Lake Hills.

Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92 traverse the county, affording residents easy access to Atlanta and the nearby attractions of Town Center Mall, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Mountains. Other great places to live,

40 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

Ridge Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is prime location for development.

Woodstock

work and play in Cherokee County include the cities of Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska.

Neighborhoods

Canton Canton was incorporated in 1833 and renamed in 1834 at the request of two founding fathers who had visions that the town might become a silk center similar to what existed in Canton, China. Canton did become famous for its “Canton Denim,” known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills.

Today, Canton is attracting new industry and residents. As a result, the city is re-investing in its downtown.

As part of its “Streetscapes” program, downtown Canton will be restored to its historic look and features a newly designed theater on Main Street.

Located at the foothills of the Blue

Twelve miles south of Canton, Woodstock is the fastest-growing city in Cherokee County. With a growth rate of 70 percent over the past 10 years, the city has doubled in size. Residents enjoy easy access to Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92, allowing short commutes to Cobb and Fulton counties.

While affording convenience to big-city attractions, Woodstock still maintains its small-town appeal.

Buildings dating back to 1879 characterize the downtown, where antique and other specialty shops are located.

Various golf courses are located in Woodstock, including Arnold Palmer’s Eagle Watch, a course with wooded countryside views that is considered to be one of the top places to play in Atlanta. The 11,860-acre Lake Allatoona provides additional recreation. Woodstock is also convenient to more than 13 state parks. N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

pUBLIC schools Cobb County Schools Board of Education 770-426-3300

Cobb County

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

White Water

Neighborhoods

Kennesaw

One of Family Circle magaCobb County came zine’s “Ten Best Towns for Famiinto being in 1832 when lies,” Kennesaw takes pride in its the state redistributed land small-town atmosphere and boasts County www.cobbcountyga.gov once part of the Cherokee abundant parks and green space, Neighborhoods www.austellga.org Nation. Named after Thomas exceptional recreational programs www.mariettaga.gov Welch Cobb, the county and top-notch schools, includwww.ci.smyrna.ga.us experienced a devastating ing Kennesaw State University. www.kennesaw-ga.gov setback during the Civil www.cityofpowdersprings.org Kennesaw’s Historic Downtown War when most of it was features shopping, dining and atSchools www.cobb.k12.ga.us destroyed during the Battle tractions such as the Smithsonianwww.marietta-city.org at Kennesaw Mountain. affiliated Southern Museum of Median household income: $65,123 Today, Cobb County, Civil War and Locomotive History, Median age of residents: 35 located north of Fulton the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum and Population: 698,158 County, is one of the fastnearby Kennesaw Mountain NaSales tax: 6% est-growing counties in the tional Battlefield Park.

Chamber of Commerce nation. With a diverse ecoCobb County nomic base that includes 770-980-2000, www.cobbchamber.org Rapidly defining what’s new jobs in the service, retail, Property Taxes and progressive in quality of life aerospace and technology The property tax is $28.75 per $1,000 of assessed and citizen services, Smyrna sectors, Cobb County offers value. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000 delivers an amazing sense of style a quality of life unsurpassed and love of life. The new Market in the Southeast. More than $770 million has been spent on apartments and condos near Cum- Village, home to fabulous restaurants, transportation improvements in re- berland Mall, secluded subdivisions bars and upscale shops and services, cent years, allowing residents easy in East Cobb and horse ranches in is the final piece of a master plan for access to Atlanta and the commer- the northwest corner of the county. success. Call it “Main Street USA” or cial districts of Vinings Overlook, The small towns of Marietta, Vin- “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its Cumberland Parkway and the pres- ings, Smyrna and Austell still retain charm and ability to offer the best in tigious “Platinum Triangle” in the their Southern charm amidst urban fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N Galleria area. settings. According to the Census For more counties and neighborhood A variety of housing options ex- Bureau, the median value of homes information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com ist in Cobb County, including luxury in 2006 was $205,200.

QUICK INFO

Smyrna

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Magnet Charter Special Per-pupil expenditures

71 25 16 6 6 4 $8,816

Marietta City Schools Board of Education

770-422-3500

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Sixth-Grade Magnet Per-pupil expenditures School and bus information

7 1 1 1 1 $9,061 678-594-8000

Avg. SAT Scores

Cobb Co. Marietta City Georgia National

1534 1514 1460 1509

pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS HOME SERVICES Cobb Energy (Electricity, Security, Telephone and Satellite TV) 770-429-2222 ELECTRICITY Acworth Power 770-974-5233 770-429-2100 Cobb EMC Georgia Power 888-660-5890 770-942-6576 GreyStone Power Corp.

Marietta Power/ Columbia Energy 770-794-5100 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE 888-436-8638 AT&T Comcast 404-266-2278 770-541-7235 MCI Worldcom Outside Georgia 800-356-3094 WATER Austell Water Cobb County Water Systems Marietta Water Powder Springs Water Smyrna Water

770-944-4300 770-423-1000 770-794-5100 770-943-8000 770-319-5338

CABLE TV Bellsouth Multimedia 770-360-5000 Charter Communications 888-438-2427 Comcast 404-266-2278 HOSPITALS Emory Adventist Hospital 770-434-0710 WellStar Cobb Hospital 770-732-4000 WellStar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000 WellStar Windy Hill Hospital 770-644-1000

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 41

COUNTY INFORMATION

Coweta County Newnan

Neighborhoods

EDUCATION pUBLIC schools Coweta County Board of Education 770-254-2800 19 6 3 3 3 $8,219 770-252-2820

Avg. SAT Score Coweta Co. Georgia National

1476 1452 1498

pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS Electricity Georgia Power Company

770-253-2263

Coweta-Fayette EMC

770-502-0226

Photo: Courtesy of the Georgia Department of Economic Development

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Charter Alternative Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

Downtown Newnan

Coweta County, the 64th county in Sharpsburg, Turin, Raymond the state of Georgia, covers 443 square and Roscoe. The town of Haralson is miles in the west central part of the state. split between Coweta and Meriwether The land on which Coweta County Counties.

Attractions in Coweta County now sits was originally part of the Creek Nation, which chief William McIntosh Jr. ceded to the United States government in the Treaty of County www.coweta.ga.us Indian Springs in 1825. The land Neighborhoods www.ci.newnan.ga.us Founded in 1860, Sewas divided into five counties. www.senoia.com The settlement of Bullsboro noia is filled with historic Schools wwww.cowetaschools.org architecture from the early became the first county seat in 1826, but the seat of government 1900s and dating all the Median household income: $61,015 soon moved to Newnan, named way back to the 1840s.

Median age of residents: 36.6 for Georgia Secretary of State The Senoia Historic DisPopulation: 129,629 Daniel Newnan. This new city, the trict, comprising much of Sales tax: 7% county’s largest, soon became the the city, is on the National Chamber of Commerce center of economic activity. During Register of Historic Places.

Coweta County the Civil War, it was chosen to host The city has twice hosted 770-253-2270, www.newnancowetachamber.org a hospital for wounded soldiers, the Southern Living Idea Property Taxes due to its location on two major House. Senoia is a popular The property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed railroad lines. location for film producvalue is: Coweta County is filled with tions and has been seen Unincorporated Coweta County, $28.41; historic homes and buildings, in such pictures as “DrivNewnan: $43.90, Senoia, $35.53. some predating the Civil War, with ing Miss Daisy” and “Fried Tax Commissioner: 770-254-2670 more than two dozen landmarks Green Tomatoes” and televithroughout the county listed sion shows including “The on the National Register of Historic include the historic courthouse in Walking Dead.” The city is also Newnan’s town square; Oak Grove home to Raleigh Studios Atlanta Places.

In addition to Newnan, Coweta Plantation; the Lewis Grizzard (formerly Riverwood Studios), a County is home to the cities of Museum and Erskine Caldwell production facility. N Grantville and Senoia. Part of the Museum, both in Moreland; and city of Palmetto is located in Coweta Oak Hill Cemetery. In recent years, County, with the majority residing in Coweta County’s growth has placed it For more counties and neighborhood Fulton County. Coweta is also home among the top 100 growth counties in information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com to the towns of Moreland, Sargent, the nation.

QUICK INFO

Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

Telephone AT&T Residential 866-271-9724 Water Coweta County Water and Sewer Authority

770-254-3710

Cable TV AT&T 770-599-2000 Charter Communications 770-253-8328 Hospitals Piedmont Newnan Hospital 770-400-1000

Newnan, the county seat, is steeped in history. The city survived the Civil War largely intact, due to its status as a hospital city for Confederate troops, and retains much of its original architecture. The city is known as the “City of Homes,” and boasts six historic districts. Attractions include Dunaway Gardens, a rock and floral garden that hosts weddings and special events, and the Ashley Park shopping development. The city is also home to the Heritage School, an independent college-preparatory school for children from age 4 through high school. Notable natives include country singer Alan Jackson, NFL wide receiver Calvin Johnson and former Georgia Gov. Ellis Arnall.

42 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

Senoia

COUNTY INFORMATION

DeKalb County

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

Located east of Fulton County, DeKalb County is the second largest county in the state with a population of about 705,000.

DeKalb County contributes to Atlanta’s status as an “ international city” with its businesses and residences representing more than 30 different countries and 120 languages.

Neighborhoods

Decatur The county seat of DeKalb, Decatur is a charming historic city known for its recreation and pedestrian-friendly streets. Its beating heart

The square is also home to some beautiful public art, and hosts numerous festivals, town celebrations and neighborhood events.

Decatur is home to a diverse population, attracting young professionals, families, retirees and bright young college students—the city is home to the prestigious women’s university Agnes Scott College, and world-renowned Emory University is just outside the city limits.

Older brick homes, smaller bungalows and cottage homes distinguish the community and the surrounding neighborhoods of Avondale Estates, Oakhurst and Candler Park.

EDUCATION pUBLIC schools DeKalb County Schools Board of Education 678-676-1200 Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

83 20 20 $9,896 678-676-1300

City Schools of Decatur Board of Education

404-370-4400

Early Learning Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

1 4 1 1 $13,444 404-370-8737

Avg. SAT Scores DeKalb Co. City of Decatur Georgia National

pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS

Dunwoody

Emory University

QUICK INFO County

www.co.dekalb.ga.us

DeKalb County prosNeighborhoods www.decaturga.com pers in part due to its exwww.druidhills.org cellent transportation syswww.dunwoodyga.org tem. Five major road arwww.candlerpark.org teries traverse the county: www.stonemountaincity.org Interstates 20, 85, 285, www.dekalb.k12.ga.us Schools 675 and US Highway 78. www.csdecatur.net Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is only six Median household income: $51,753 miles from DeKalb’s south- Median age of residents: 35 Population: 739,956 ern border and the DeKalb Sales tax: 7% Peachtree Airport, a general aviation field, is report- Chamber of Commerce DeKalb County ed to be the second busiest 404-378-8000, www.dekalbchamber.org airport in Georgia. DeKalb County is also a leader in Property Taxes the biomedical commu- The property tax rate is $41.50 per $1,000 for unincorporated DeKalb County. Tax Commissioner: nity with The Center for 404-298-4000 Disease Control headquaris the Courthouse Square, which tered there.

The median value of homes in features an eclectic mix of store2006, according to the Census Bu- front boutiques and shops, restaurants and entertainment options. reau, was $190,100.

In the northern corner of the county is Dunwoody, a popular neighborhood among established professionals and young, upwardly mobile professionals raising families.

It is often referred to as the “tennis set” neighborhood because of its numerous recreational outlets that include Lynwood Park and Recreation Center, as well as Blackburn Park and Tennis Center. Cultural attractions include the Dunwoody Nature Center and the Spruill Gallery.

A variety of housing is available in Dunwoody, including apartments, townhomes, ranch-style homes, bungalows and mini-mansions with manicured lawns. Nearby Perimeter Mall provides shopping, dining and family entertainment. With its proximity to all major expressways and North Fulton’s booming business opportunities, Dunwoody is a hot-spot for families. N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com

1334 1577 1460 1509

Electricity Georgia Power

404-395-7611

Snapping Shoals EMC

770-786-3484

Walton EMC

770-972-2917

Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

Telephone AT&T

888-436-8638

Bellsouth

404-780-2355 Water

DeKalb County Water System 770-621-7200 Cable TV Charter Communication

877-728-3121

Comcast Cablevision

404-266-2278

Hospitals Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston

404-785-6000

DeKalb Medical Center

404-501-1000

Emory University Hospital

404-712-2000

Piedmont Hospital and Medical Care Center

404-605-5000

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 43

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fayette County Schools Board of Education 770-460-3535

Avg. SAT Scores

Fayette Co. Georgia National

1550 1431 1483

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS HOME SERVICES ELECTRICITY Georgia Power Company 888-660-5890 Coweta-Fayette EMC 770-253-5626 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE AT&T Residential

888-757-6500

WATER Fayette County Water 770-461-1146 Comcast

CABLE TV 404-266-2278

HOSPITALS Fayette Care Clinic 770-719-4620 Piedmont Fayette Hospital 770-719-7000

Fayetteville

Old-fashioned community pride mingles with a progressive sensibility on the streets of historic downtown Fayetteville, where antique stores and boutiques sit side by side in refurbished buildings.

Boasting a population of approximately 16,000 residents, Fayetteville is home to the Fayette County Historic Society, Research Center and Museum. A haven for family fun, Dixieland Fun Park offers an assortment of activities for young and old alike. The HollidayDorsey-Fife Museum provides a fascinating link to the past thanks to its association with several historical figures, including Margaret Mitchell and "Doc" Holliday. The 1,500-seat Southern Ground Amphitheater attracts national touring acts with its annual summer concert series.

17 6 5 1 1 $8,359 770-460-3520 Photo: Courtesy of the City of Fayetteville

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Alternative Open Campus Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

Fayette County

Neighborhoods

Starr's Mill in Fayetteville

Located southwest of Atlanta, the land comprising Fayette County was ceded from the Creek Indian Nation in 1821, thus creating Georgia’s 49th county. The county seat, the city of Fayetteville, was established in 1823 and contains the oldest courthouse in the County www.fayettecounty.ga.gov state, built in 1825 and located Neighborhoods www.fayetteville-ga.gov The area now known as on Fayetteville’s historic town www.peachtree-city.org Peachtree City was originally square. Both the county and city Schools www.fcboe.org settled by Woodland Era were named for the Marquis de Indians several thousand LaFayette, who fought alongside Median household income: $82,216 Median age of residents: 42.4 years ago, and ceded to George Washington in the Population: 107,104 the Federal government Revolutionary War. Sales tax: 6% in 1821 by Chief William Author Margaret Mitchell Chamber of Commerce McIntosh, Jr. spent many summers at her 770-461-9983, www.fayettechamber.org Comprising some grandfather’s home in Fayette 12,000 acres, Peachtree County, which helped to inspire Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: City was chartered in the locations in her novel Gone With Unincorporated Fayette County, $30.70; 1950s as a masterplanned the Wind.

Fayetteville, $31.64; community of five separate Today, the 199-square mile Peachtree City, $34.54. villages. Today, the area area is renowned as a thriving Tax Commissioner: 770-461-3611 is linked by a 90- mile economic center that features network of trails and golf numerous attractive incentives for businesses, including the 2,200From 1984 to 1994, Fayette cart paths connecting homes, acre Peachtree City Industrial Park, County was the fifth-fastest growing businesses, schools and parks. Gol carts, bicycles and walking are the which features its own Foreign Trade county in the U.S. Zone, which allows merchandise to Fayette County boasts several preferred modes of transportation enter from or exit to foreign countries golf courses and two amphitheaters, among its 35,000 residents, who without a formal U.S. Customs entry among other attractions serving a enjoy its wooded scenery and or payment of duties. In addition, family-oriented population of more wealth of parks, playgrounds and Fayette County maintains a rural, than 106,000 residents. Single-family recreational areas. N . small-town allure, and has been housing in Fayette County ranges For more counties and neighborhood recognized as one of the nation’s from the $50,000s in moderateinformation, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com most attractive communities for income areas to more than $2 million corporate family relocation. in affluent neighborhoods.

44 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

QUICK INFO

Peachtree City

Fulton County

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development.

At the center of the Metro AtBuckhead is also the lanta area is Fulton County. Bor- epicenter for the city’s enterdered on the west by the Chatta- tainment and dining industries. hoochee River and encompassing With more than 200 restaurants, Interstates 85, 75, 285 and Ga. luxury hotels and night400, Fulton County is at the hub spots, it has long been of the area’s financial, transporta- a young professional’s tion, retail, communications and paradise. The area also cultural services. Most Fortune 500 offers numerous antique corporations maintain national or stores, art galleries and regional facilities in the area; many mall shopping at Leare headquartered here, including nox Square and Coca-Cola, Equifax, United Parcel Phipps Plaza.

Service, Home Depot, Delta Airlines and Turner Broadcasting System.

More than 3 million live and work in Fulton County. Older, innercity neighborhoods, such as Inman Downtown Atlanta skyline Park, Candler Park and trendy Virginia-Highland offer eclectic living one of Atlanta’s most afamidst unique boutiques and fluent neighborhoods. restaurants. Midtown is at the County www.co.fulton.ga.us Homes range from elegant heart of the city’s cultural life, Neighborhoods www.alpharetta.ga.us subdivisions to those home to the Atlanta Symphony www.buckhead.net with acreage. The CounOrchestra, High Museum of Art, www.virginiahighland.com try Club of the South is Alliance Theatre and the historic www.eastpointcity.org a planned community Fox Theatre. Many outdoor feswww.collegeparkga.com home to several sports tivals are held at Piedmont Park. www.hapeville.org www.ci.roswell.ga.us stars, high profile execuAccording to the Census Buwww.sandyspringsga.org tives and celebrities. reau, the median value of homes Schools www.fultonschools.org A successful combiin 2006 was $270,000. Homes www.atlanta.k12.ga.us nation of old and new, in the millions can be found in Median household income: $57,586 Alpharetta has become a such affluent neighborhoods as Median age of residents: 35 haven for singles, families Buckhead, Sandy Springs and Population: 963,676 and professionals wantAlpharetta.

Sales tax: 7%, Atlanta City: 8% ing a bit of country living Chamber of Commerce with all the amenities that Greater North Fulton city dwelling offers. While 770-993-8806, www.gnfcc.com many residents shop Metro Atlanta at nearby Northpoint 404-880-9000, www.metroatlantachamber.com Considered Atlanta’s “silk Mall and Gwinnett Mall, South Fulton stocking district,” Buckhead is many still enjoy the old 770-964-1984, www.sfcoc.org “where old money lives and new stores on Main Street— Property Taxes money parties,” according to a visit to the Alpharetta The property tax rate per $1,000 is: $30.49 for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Soda Shoppe is a special the City of Atlanta; $28.03 for incorporated Fulton With its one-of-a-kind Georgian treat. N County; $33.69 for unincorporated South Fulton and Neoclassical mansions and and $31.90 for unincorporated North Fulton uniquely styled homes from the County County. Tax Commissioner: 404-730-6100 1950s and 1960s, Buckhead is a favorite locale among architecture and history buffs. It is home to the Once a small farming commuGovernor’s Mansion, the historic For more counties and neighborhood Swan House and the Atlanta History nity, Alpharetta has greatly boomed information, visit our Web site at www.newcomeratlanta.com within the last 20 years to become Center.

QUICK INFO

Neighborhoods

Buckhead

Alpharetta

PUBLIC SChooLS Fulton County Schools Board of Education 404-768-3600 Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Charter Per-pupil expenditures

58 19 16 6 $9,746

Atlanta City Schools

404-802-3500

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Charter Non-Traditional Per-pupil expenditures: School & bus information:

55 16 22 7 2 $13,710 404-753-9815

Avg. SAT Scores Atlanta (City) 1285 Fulton Co. 1584 Georgia 1460 National 1509 PRIvATe SChooLS Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS hoMe SeRvICeS Cobb Energy (Electricity, Security, Telephone and Satellite TV) 770-429-2222 eLeCTRICITy City of College Park 404-669-3772 City of East Point 404-270-7093 City of Fairburn 770-964-2244 City of Palmetto 770-463-3377 Georgia Power Company 404-395-7611 GreyStone Power Corp.

770-942-6576 Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

TeLePhoNe AT&T 888-436-8638 Outside Georgia 800-356-3094

Fulton County

WATeR

404-730-6830

CABLe Tv Charter Communications 877-728-3121 Comcast 404-266-2278 hoSPITALS Atlanta Medical Center 404-265-4000 Center for the Visually Impaired 404-875-9011 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding 404-785-9500 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite 404-785-5252 Emory Crawford Long Hospital 404-686-2513 Fulton County Health Dept. 404-730-1211 Grady Memorial Hospital 404-616-4307 North Fulton Regional Hospital 770-751-2500 Northside Hospital 404-851-8000 Piedmont Hospital 404-605-5000 Shepherd Center 404-352-2020 South Fulton Medical Center 404-466-1170 St. Joseph’s Hospital 404-851-7001

www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 45

COUNTY INFORMATION pUBLIC schools Gwinnett County Schools Board of Education: 678-301-6000 Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Alternative Open Campus Per-pupil expenditures:

72 24 20 6 1 $8,338

City Schools of Buford Board of Education:

770-945-5035

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Academy Per-pupil expenditures

1 1 1 1 $10,198

Avg. SAT Scores Gwinnett Co. 1526 City of Buford 1455 Georgia 1460 National 1509 pRivate schools Visit our Web site at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS Electricity 770-945-6761 City of Buford City of Lawrenceville 770-963-2414 770-448-2122 City of Norcross Georgia Power 404-395-7611 Jackson EMC 770-963-6166 770-887-2363 Sawnee EMC 770-972-2917 Walton EMC Gas Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit www.newcomeratlanta.com.

AT&T

Telephone 888-436-8638

Water Buford Dacula Gwinnett City Water Lawrenceville Norcross

770-889-4600 770-963-7451 678-376-6800 770-963-2414 770-448-2122

Cable TV Bellsouth Multimedia 770-360-5000 Charter Communications

888-438-2427

Comcast

404-266-2278 Hospitals

Emory Eastside Medical Center

770-736-2400

Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital 678-584-6800 Gwinnett Medical Center

678-312-4321

Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion 678-312-4770 Summit Ridge Center for Behavorial Health 770-822-2200

Gwinnett County

Photo: Georgia Dept. of Economic Development

EDUCATION

Some of Duluth’s neighborhoods include Edgewater Estates, Sweet Bottom Plantation, and Riverbrooke.

Affluent estates with antebellum architecture can be found as well as apartment communities, older brick, ranch-style homes and subdivisions.

Duluth still retains some of its original small-town businesses, along with chain businesses, many accessible by Ga. 400 and I-85.

Suwanee

Suwanee is named after the Shawnee Indians who settled here Mall of Georgia in the latter part of the 18th century.

Following the official founding of Originally part of Georgia’s the city in 1837, Suwanee became Native American territory, Gwinnett a railroad stop along the Southern County was created by the State Railroad route. It remained a small Legislature in 1818 and named after country town well into the ’70s when Button Gwinnett, the third signer of construction of I-85 and U.S. 23 the Declaration of Independence and brought easy access to the region. a former state governor.

Since then, Suwanee has exWhile the county was perienced tremendous once largely rural with small growth, from 2,000 resiCounty www.co.gwinnett.ga.us towns, country stores, farms dents in 1990 to more Neighborhoods www.cityofbuford.com and forests, today it is home to than 10,000 today. To www.duluthga.net more than 245 international help manage growth, www.snellville.org companies and 450 high-tech the city has developed www.suwanee.com firms. With an average of 260 a comprehensive developSchools www.bufordcityschools.org new professional and industrial ment plan that promotes www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us companies relocating to the pedestrian-oriented deMedian household income: $64,005 county each year, attracting more velopment and mixedMedian age of residents: 33 than 6,000 new jobs, Gwinnett use zoning. Designated Population: 789,499 County remains in the top 10 a Tree City USA for more Sales tax: 6% ranking for growth nationwide. than 10 years, the city Chamber of Commerce The county supports many is committed to preserving Gwinnett County cultural events, restaurants 27 percent of its land as 770-232-3000, www.gwinnettchamber.org and shopping opportunities, green space.

Property Taxes including the Mall of Georgia.

Such foresight has The property tax in unincorporated Gwinnett Gwinnett County remains allowed Suwanee to retain County is $31.77 per $1,000 of assessed value. affordable for renters and first-time its old-fashioned charm Tax Commissioner: 770-822-8800. home buyers, many of whom find while providing contemhomes in the communities of Doraville, in Metro Atlanta and is home to porary convenience. Only 35 miles Lawrenceville and Snellville. The median some of the best golf courses and from downtown Atlanta, Suwanee is value of homes in 2006, according to private tennis clubs. There are close to big-city attractions, business numerous parks for recreation and districts and shopping. Many anthe Census Bureau, was $193,100. participatory sports, including tique shops and historic structures, Bunten Road Park and “Shorty” including several Victorian and reHowell Park. Two major malls, gional farm-style homes, are located Gwinnett Place and Northpoint, near downtown Suwanee. N are located near Duluth. The Southeastern Railway Museum, Amidst the pristine setting of which preserves and operates old For more counties and neighborhood Gwinnett County, Duluth has some railroad equipment, is a must-see information, visit our Web site at of the most exclusive neighborhoods for any railroad aficionado. www.newcomeratlanta.com

QUICK INFO

Neighborhoods

Duluth

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METRO ATLANTA

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upcomingEVENTS

Duluth Idol, Festival Center Take to the Festival Center stage and share your singing talent with the city of Duluth. Auditions will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on June 3. June 8, 770-476-3434, www.duluthga.net.

Movies Under the Stars, Town Center Park Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and snacks while enjoying a screening of The Amazing Spider-Man. June 8, www.suwanee.com.

RockFest, Tellus Science Museum Enjoy a weekend for the whole family at one of the largest gem and mineral shows in the Southeast, featuring dealers, children’s activities, a rock wall, special planetarium shows, giveaways and more. June 8-9, 770-606-5700, www.tellusmuseum.org.

Atlanta Ballet Summer Day Camp, Cobb Centre

Suwanee SculpTour, Suwanee

Theater & Concerts

The Guess Who, Southern Ground Amphitheater

Vince Gill, Southern Ground Amphitheater

The Canadian classic-rock group, responsible for such hits as “American Woman,” “These Eyes” and “No Time,” performs. July 27, 770-719-4173,

Keep your child engaged during the summer and let them explore their creative side! The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education hosts a day camp for beginning and intermediate dancers ages 8 and up at its Cobb Centre studio in Marietta. June 10-28, 678-213-5000,

www.southerngroundamp.

www.centre.atlantaballet.com.

Exhibits & Events

A Light in the Darkness: Magnetic Pizzazz, Tellus Science Museum

The multiple Grammy Award-winning country music singer and guitarist performs. June 7, 770-719-4173, www.southerngroundamp.

The R&B group, known for such classics as “Working My Way Back to You” and “The Rubberband Man,” performs. June 15, 770-719-4173, www.southerngroundamp.

One Direction, Philips Arena The world-famous U.K. boy band, made up of former contestants on the British version of the “X Factor” TV talent competition, performs as part of its world tour. June 21, 800-745-3000, www.philipsarena.com.

Bill Cosby, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The comedian, actor and author makes a rare local appearance. June 28, 800-745-3000, www.cobbenergycentre.com.

C.C. Culver, the only woman mission controller on the Lunar Prospect Mission, delivers a lecture about the mission’s detection of magnetic fields on the moon and how it affects the Earth.

35th Annual Possum Trot, Chattahoochee Nature Center This 10K race along the scenic Chattahoochee River in Roswell benefits the Chattahoochee Nature Center. The event includes a 1-mile fun run. June 1, 770-992-2055,

June 14, 770-606-5700, www.tellusmuseum.org.

Gwinnett Fire Five-Alarm 5K, Town Center Park

www.chattahoocheenaturecenter.org.

This fun 5K race along the greenway in Suwanee benefits the Gwinnett Fire Employees’ Benevolent Fund. The race finishes at Town Center Park in Suwanee. June 15, www.suwanee.com.

BeerFest Duluth: Brews and Tunes, Duluth Town Green Enjoy live music from the Acorns, Smokey’s Farmland Band and more while sampling more than 300 beers at this event promoting Georgia’s fine local breweries. June 1, www.beerfest-duluth.com.

Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis, High Museum of Art

Moonlight and Music Concert, Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic dinner and enjoy free live music in an outdoor setting. The Beatles tribute band Abbey Road Live! performs on June 28, and the Randall Bramblett Band performs on July 26. June 28 and July 26, 678-226-2639, www.visitlawrenceville.com.

48 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com

East Point Farmers Market, Downtown East Point PHOTO: “Girl With A Pearl Earring” Johannes Vermeer

The Spinners, Southern Ground Amphitheater

This monthly farmers market features locally grown produce and handcrafted goods, as well as the city’s first Food Truck Alley, featuring a number of food trucks offering quality, inexpensive fare. June 15 and July 20, www.downtowneastpoint.com.

Fayette Market Day, Downtown Fayetteville Browse the wares of vendors of homegrown goods and homemade merchandise in an open-air market environment at the Gazebo in

Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting, High Museum of Art

Downtown Fayetteville. The June 15 event also features a car show. June 15 and July 20,

Chattahoochee River Summer Splash, Chattahoochee River

770-719-4173, www.fayetteville-ga.gov.

Kayak, canoe or raft your way down 6 miles of the beautiful Chattahoochee River during this annual summer event. An afternoon of live music, food and fun at Powers Island follows the float. July 27, 678-538-1200,

Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis, High Museum of Art Highlighting the artistic genius of Dutch Golden Age painters including Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Frans Hals and Jan Steen, this exhibit marks the first time Vermeer’s titular painting will be seen in the Southeast.

June 23-Sept. 29, 404-733-5000, www.high.org.

Native Expressions: Dave McGary’s Bronze Realism, Booth Western Art Museum View sculptures by one of the living legends of contemporary artists of the American West.

Through June 30, 770-387-1300, www.boothmuseum.org.

Duluth Celebrates America, Scott Hudgens Park Commemorate Independence Day with live music, games, face-painting, food and drink vendors and a fireworks display. July 3, 770-476-3434, www.duluthga.net.

11th Annual Fabulous Fourth Spectacular, Mall of Georgia Celebrate the holiday with a fireworks display and a screening of the romantic comedy Playing for Keeps on a giant 55-foot screen. July 4, www.mallofgeorgia.com.

Pops on the River 2013, Chattanooga Experience a free concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Orchestra at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, Tenn. The event also includes a fireworks display. July 4, www.chattanoogafun.com.

Salute to the Red, White and Blue, East Point This family-friendly tradition features a carnival complete with carousel, Ferris wheel and more.

The event also includes a watermelon-eating contest, a food court, and the area’s largest fireworks display. July 4, www.downtowneastpoint.com/fourthofjuly.

Grand Opening, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta Attend the official opening of this new shopping center in Woodstock, featuring more than 85 of the best-known brands and designer outlets, including Adidas, American Eagle, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade and many, many more. The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in the center court. July 18, www.theoutletshoppesatlanta.com.

www.visitsandysprings.org.

Covering America: The Saturday Evening Post in the 1950s and Early 1960s, Booth Western Art Museum This exhibit showcases 30 original paintings that graced the cover of the Saturday Evening Post, the nation’s oldest magazine. These works depicting everyday life in post-WWII America, created by such renowned artists as Norman Rockwell and Richard Sargent, are shown alongside the covers on which they appeared. Through Sept.

29, 770-387-1300, www.boothmuseum.org.

Suwanee Farmers Market, Town Center Park Browse and purchase fresh produce, baked goods and natural products at this popular market. On the first Friday in June, enjoy some of Atlanta’s best food truck vendors. Open 4-7 p.m.

Tuesdays through Aug. 6 and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays (except Sept. 21) through Oct. 5. Through October, www.suwanee.com.

Suwanee SculpTour, Suwanee Downtown Suwanee’s walkable, outdoor public art experience returns with 15 new sculptures created by artists from across the country. Through

GONE WITH THE WIND COLLECTION

March 2015, www.suwanee.com.

Fox Theatre Tours, Fox Theatre Take a guided tour of this historic venue, including the orchestra pit, the Egyptian Ballroom and the “Mighty Mo” organ. Ongoing, 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.com.

MOnDay-SaturDay

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Closed Sunday

Inside CNN Studio Tour, CNN Center Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the world’s first and most famous 24-hour news network.

Watch the CNN newsroom in action and have your picture taken reading the day’s news. Ongo-

GONE WITH THE WIND M u s E u M

ing, 404-827-2300, www.cnn.com/tour.

Scarlett on the Square

Titanic: The Artifact Expedition, Atlantic Station This stirring exhibit showcases more than 200 artifacts preserved from the wreck of the RMS Titanic, offering a one-of-a-kind look at the historic ship (then the largest in the world) and sharing the stories of its passengers Ongoing, 404-496 4274, www.titanicatlanta.com.

MarIETTa

Original Gone With the Wind memorabilia on display from the private collection of Dr. Christopher Sullivan.

Gift Shop, facility RentalS annual eventS

770-794-5576 www.gwtwmarietta.com www.newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 49

hiddenATLANTA

Gwinnett Environmental T and Heritage Center

here are nature centers, science centers and history centers throughout the Atlanta area. But the only place you’ll find a combination of all three is at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center.

Situated on 233 sprawling acres, this oasis in the middle of bustling Buford, Ga., is dedicated to promoting sustainable environmental practices, fostering an appreciation of the area’s natural resources, and educating children and adults with programs, events and hands-on exhibits.

By Cady Schulman Those exhibits include Water Ways, which traces how water has shaped Gwinnett County from 1818 to the present; Blue Planet, a high-tech, multimedia display with video, audio and lighting effects that highlights the “power and fragility” of our ecosystem; and Discover H20, which shows how water affects us and how we affect water sources in North Georgia. The center also houses traveling exhibits such as the recent Peanuts … Naturally, which featured Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends exploring the wonders of the natural world.

In addition to its exhibits, the center educates by example, showcasing a number of “green building” features and practices, from its 40,000-square-foot vegetative roof (one of the largest in the nation) planted with thousands of drought-resistant seedlings to energy-efficient lighting, recycled building materials and a water feature that serves as a cooling tower to naturally aircondition the building.

The center also hosts birthday parties and is available for rental for meetings, weddings and other special events. The building is surrounded by acres of green space and walking trails, just 2 miles from the Mall of Georgia.

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center also presents educational programming at six heritage sites, including Chesser-Williams House, built in the 1850s; McDaniel Farm, which provides a look at turn-of-the-century farm life; the Isaac Adair House, built around 1827 and notable for its architecture; the Yellow River Post Office, a former farm property that also included a post office and general store, which served as a communications center for southern Gwinnett County in the mid-19th century; Freeman’s Mill, a grist mill constructed in the late 1800s; and the Lawrenceville Female Seminary, a former “finishing school” for girls in the area.

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is located at 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford. For more information, call 770-904-3500 or visit www.gwinnettehc.org.

Bringing the Natural World to Life

50 | Newcomer Magazine | www.newcomeratlanta.com