Moving to Atlanta

anita_calvin · September 2011

My husband and I are considering moving to Atlanta and need suggestions for where to live, realtors, and school districts. He will be working near Five Points and I will be looking for any teaching positions or might be willing to sub so am looking for which school districts would be best to look. Any ideas on neighborhoods to move to? We would be looking to buy something for about $500,000 or less. TIA!

Temp156375187504535 · September 2011

I'll go ahead and get it out of the way by saying that you need to live where you work. Traffic is a nightmare (for the most part) but you learn to navigate around it. A 30-45 minute drive used to depress me but I kinda find it therapeutic and the only time in my day I am alone! Atlanta has some awesome neighborhoods with fantastic homes (Grant Park, VA Highlands, Midtown). There are also nice sections OTP (outside the perimeter, which is highway 285 that circles the city) and are more family oriented. I would say it depends on the type of activities you and your hubby are into. I have lived in the Decatur/Avondale Estates/Emory area for 10 years and love it. The ladies on this board are spread throughout the city so you will get a lot of great advice. Good luck on your move.

Sadlebred · September 2011

For half a million, you can buy anywhere in Atlanta. I'd recommend Virginia Highlands, Morningside, Druid Hills, Inman Park, Candler Park, and Buckhead. Decatur and the City of Decatur schools may also fit your wish list. The "Best" school is probably a private school although there are many excellent schools in the city of Atlanta, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, etc. I'd check out the school district websites to see what positions might be available. The City of Atlanta recently had a test cheating scandal, and there were about 180 teachers let go/put on suspension. I'm not sure if all of those positions have been filled.

ATLCityLiving · September 2011

As a realtor, I can tell you there are many wonderful neighborhoods around the area that you would probably like. Sweet neighborhoods such as Virginia Highlands, Inman Park,and Candler Park to name a few. Nice bungalow homes with front porches, yards and very family friendly. Many young couples live there because of the shops and restaurants and the close proximity to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead and the airport. Little Five Points also has some great homes. The streets are pedestrian friendly with great neighborhood participation. Other areas nearby are Peachtree Hills and Garden Hills in Buckhead. All would require driving on local streets without the congestion of highway driving.

Here are some neighborhood links that will help:

http://www.virginiahighland.com/

http://www.inmanpark.org/

http://candlerpark.org/

Here's a link to Fulton County public schools, which also includes a link on jobs:

http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=1

Here's a link to Atlanta private schools:

http://www.greatschools.org/georgia/atlanta/private/schools/

I would suggest having a special home search created for you of various homes available that could be sent directly to you as they are listed. It would definitely give you a good idea of what is available within your price range in the various neighborhoods.

I also have a "Moving to Atlanta - 25 things you want to know" information sheet that will give you more information on Atlanta living.

http://tinyurl.com/3pas55v

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or want a special search.

Atlanta is a great place to live and I'm sure you will like it.

Pat Mistretta, REALTOR

MeredithE · September 2011

East Cobb is going to be comparable with Montgomery or Fairfax counties in the DC area. The City of Atlanta school system is going to be comparable with the DC school system. Traffic here is awful and the public transit is a joke.

Additionally think about how long you are going to live here. Here in Atlanta it's not like DC where the COL is high and you "need" to buy a place. You really don't. You can rent a nice place in a nice area and be fine.

eeeeva · September 2011

Like everyone said. Live where you work. Your budget opens up the whole city for you pretty much. Virgina Highlands, Candler Park, Inman Park, Midtown are all really beautiful areas that are very walkable and have a lot going on.

I live in Midtown and love being able to get to all the neighborhoods quickly either by foot, bike or a short car ride.

anita_calvin · September 2011

Thanks so much for all the feedback!! I definitely have a lot of work researching the areas you all suggested. Hopefully I can make a trip down there soon to check out the neighborhoods in person.

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