I live in the northeast part of Atlanta. One great quilt shop close by, many more within the area. WalMart has fabric, but Hancock's, JoAnn and Hobby Lobby are close by. There are snakes but this is the South! Atlanta is not known for tornado damage, though we occasionally get one. Hurricanes not an issue with the coast 300 miles away. Houses are nice and reasonably priced in my area; many quilt guilds so you'd have to find one that meets your taste. Several mega-quilt-shows a year.....Glad to give you more info if you PM me or check out Tucker GA online. Note: Tucker has two counties; DeKalb is higher priced (homes, that is) than Gwinnett. Try Lilburn as well. Or Parkview HS area. Huge price range and differing ages, etc of homes. Dog friendly, low crime rates. I love it here BUT have always wanted to live at the beach so 8 years til I retire to the Myrtle Beach SC area.