Product Description

Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban living? Peachtree Publishers has the guide for you!

A new trend emerged in the 1990s: a shift of city dwellers from metropolitan areas to small towns and cities. This trend is particularly evident in the South, as this region has attracted more growth, second homes, and increases in income and education levels. Frustrated with city traffic, air pollution, crowded suburbs, and declining quality of life, city dwellers are seeking desirable, small Southern towns.

Finding the best community, however, can be a challenge. THE 50 BEST SMALL SOUTHERN TOWNS is just the place to start your search. Authors Gerald W. Sweitzer and Kathy M. Fields researched and personally visited over 150 sites to give you this comprehensive relocation guidebook with helpful information on the fifty best small Southern towns in nine Southeastern states. In order to be featured in the book, each town had to meet stringent qualifications: population under 25,000, positive population growth, readily available cultural and recreational attractions, adult education opportunities, healthcare options, and Internet access.

Information on each town includes:
· Directions for getting there
· Housing options
· Recreational highlights
· Cultural scene
· Natural environment
· Economic and education profiles
· Healthcare
· Vital statistics (climate, median incomes, etc.)

The appendix offers quick reference charts showing facts and features for each town. Perfect for anyone considering an alternative to city living.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #680792 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 414 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781561452538
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Library Journal
Business manager Sweitzer and educational consultant Fields have both given seminars on retirement and living in small towns. In this useful guidebook for anyone planning to move South and live in a small town here defined as any urban settlement with up to 25,000 inhabitants the authors picked 50 locations after considering the following criteria: recreation, cultural housing, employment, education, healthcare, spiritual life, media resources, and location. The guide is arranged alphabetically by state (Alabama, the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia) and by town within each state. Each entry includes a description of the criteria and statistical charts that give details on the climate, the cost of living, median incomes, taxes, and nearest cities. Also included is a helpful appendix that indicates college towns, the geographical setting of each town, population, and more. Recommended for public libraries. George M. Jenks, Bucknell Univ., Lewisburg, PA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"[This book] gives you the basis for an insightful decision. It offers true enlightenment in a truly fascinating manner." -- Jay Conrad Levinson, author of the GUERILLA MARKETING series of books

“The book will help readers make a positive, quality lifestyle change...without being isolated geographically, electronically, educationally, culturally and healthfully.” -- Michael J. Dziak, President of InteleWorks, Inc. and co-author of TELECOMMUTING SUCCESS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR STAYING IN THE LOOP WHILE WORKING AWAY FROM THE OFFICE

“This book makes me want to pack up and move to one of these towns! Excellent resource.” -- Janet Luhrs, publisher of THE SIMPLE LIVING JOURNAL; author of THE SIMPLE LIVING GUIDE and SIMPLE LOVING

“This book unquestionably provides the most comprehensive guide for identifying the best small towns in the Southeast. A great effort!” -- Harry S. Dent, Jr., author of THE ROARING 2000’S

About the Author
Gerald W. Sweitzer, a Chicago native, is a graduate of the University of Florida. He holds an MBA from Georgia State University and has attended Dartmouth University and the Candler School of Theology. He works as a business manager for a nonprofit organization.

Kathy M. Fields is a licensed professional counselor and an education and interpersonal skills consultant. A native of Richmond, Virginia, she has a BA from Mount St. Agnes College in Baltimore and an MED and EdS from Georgia State University.

Customer Reviews

An Essential Resource
Most people spend more time planning where to spend their vacations than they do deciding where to spend their lives (or their retirements). Fortunately for us, the authors of this book have done a huge portion of the legwork for us: finding the best small southeastern towns, evaluating them through a set of clearly defined and excellent criteria, visiting each one, and gathering relevant information to help us not only decide where to go, but to also help us connect to the community once we get there. I would be lost without this book, not even knowing where to begin. The books is also well-written, engaging in style, and easy to use. For example, you can skip sections you're less interested in because there are frequent headers common for each town, and you can also search towns by state, climate, geography (e.g., coast or mountains), and other factors of interest.

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Useful facts about lesser-known places
This informative volume describes a number of towns that would otherwise surely go unnoticed by the non-Southerner. Basic population, economic and climate data are followed by descriptive sections on recreation, housing, health resources, and the like. An occasional anecdote or personal interview might have added a bit of color, but this is a more complete book than most others about those charming, artistic, or undiscovered places we want to find out about, and it may be the only one of its kind on the South. I am happy to own it.

Excellent Reading
The perfect reader for southern enthusiast and small town living fans. Does an excellent job of describing, in deatail, the towns and their enviroments. Gives me a years worth of weekend trips at my fingertips. A must read!