GA? Relocating in 2008 (Atlanta: apartments, skateboarding, for rent)

[luvmeloks]

Hi,
My family and I (Husband,4Children age rge. 2-16) will be moving to GA area. We need some suggestions on which city (Altanta, etc.) to move to. My husband's trade is Heating/Air Tech. & Maintenance.I am a homeschooler and stay at home mom. We're looking to move into a black neighborhood. We would like to find a house 3/4 BR w/2BA for rent w/option or just rent- $650.00 max in cost. Low-crime area for raising children. My husbands commute to work no more that 20 min. Close to grocery stores/shopping center, clean parks, & recreation areas. 2 oldest sons love skateboarding & basketball. Any skateparks near? Hoping to also find other black homeschoolers and support groups. Plan to make a few visits before the big move. Also, any websites that you might find helpful, please post as well. Please also indicate if names you're listing is county or city in Georgia.

Thanks.

[BobKovacs]

For $650/month, even though you don't have to worry about the school system since you're homeschooling, you'll still have to worry about being shot- and I don't say that to be sarcastic. You're not going to find a 3-4 BR apartment, yet alone a house for $650 in anyplace other than the absolute worst, most dangerous sections of town.

Bob

[nibseysgirl]

Originally Posted by luvmeloks

Hi,
My family and I (Husband,4Children age rge. 2-16) will be moving to GA area. We need some suggestions on which city (Altanta, etc.) to move to. My husband's trade is Heating/Air Tech. & Maintenance.I am a homeschooler and stay at home mom. We're looking to move into a black neighborhood. We would like to find a house 3/4 BR w/2BA for rent w/option or just rent- $650.00 max in cost. Low-crime area for raising children. My husbands commute to work no more that 20 min. Close to grocery stores/shopping center, clean parks, & recreation areas. 2 oldest sons love skateboarding & basketball. Any skateparks near? Hoping to also find other black homeschoolers and support groups. Plan to make a few visits before the big move. Also, any websites that you might find helpful, please post as well. Please also indicate if names you're listing is county or city in Georgia.

Thanks.

(IMHO)I think that number is unrealistic in any market. Way to low....I think even if the worst of areas that would be a stretch. For a three/four bedroom you are looking at least 1000K month plus without an option...just straight rent. This is inforamtion I have recd from alot of searches as well as inquiries about the same type of homes to rent vs ownership. They are few and far between for option. If you want a quality, safe(as can be) home as well as good areas and schools then your numbers need to be more realistic and based on your parameters as well as area you are looking to reside in..No matter what city, state etc...Good Luck...I realize that schools are not an immeditate concern but you also may want to ulilize some of the services offered for homeschoolers such as phys ed, homec,etc....you pay for it in your taxes even if you dont use it and you might want to consider the schools in your area of prefernce so you know what is available should you need or want services where you reside...just a suggestion....I know alot who homeschool and they have also looked into these issues as well...for future use if needbe...Take Care

[xxman777]

I did a quick search on craigslist and it looks like there are some mobile homes way out in the ex-urbs that would be $650 or less, (if you are working in the city you would have a much more then a 20 minute commute) otherwise you are going to have to reevaluate your priorities.

[luvmeloks]

Well,
Thanks so much for the info. I'm moving from a small town in NC. And nice houses and apartments here "do" go for $550.00 - $700.00 /monthly. I'll do definitely do a little more searching.

Thanks !

[BobKovacs]

Another thing to consider is having your husband find a job first before deciding where to live. If you find living arrangements first, he may end up with a job that's 2 hours away when he finds one. Also, he may find that the wages in the Atlanta metro are better than what he was making in smalltown NC, so that may help boost the amount you can spend on hosuing as well. HVAC techs are always in demand- a search at ajc.com will show you what types of positions are available, and some will also indicate pay ranges.

Bob

[luvmeloks]

Thanks so much Bob. I'll pass that job website on to my husband. He's already visited some job websites and sent resumes, etc.

Everyone's input has been wonderful !