Working in Austell area and thinking of moving to West or East Cobb (Atlanta: rental)

[don0256]

Hello All,

My wife and I (mid-30's, no children, 2 dogs) will be moving from the Chicago area to Atlanta early in 2011 for my work. My office will be in Austell but from everything I've read it seems like we would prefer to live in East or West Cobb county (safe, family orientated, suburban area with great schools). I currently have an hour commute so I'd like to stay in the 30-60 minute range. I'll also be traveling quite often in my new position so a safe area is the top priority. We are planning on children soon so being in a good public school area is very important (also for resale reasons). We currently live in a very private house in beach community on Lake Michigan that we're planning to keep as a rental until we move back in 3-5 years. We would really like to avoid the cookie cutter homes with the neighbor being right on top of you if at all possible.

Budget - $200-250K; could go higher if need but but would rather not
House/Condo/Townhome? - House; 3+ Bedrooms and 2+ Baths
Children - None yet but good public schools are very important

All that being said, what areas do you think would be best to look at? The biggest keys are safe area, good schools, and (hopefully) a good investment. I really appreciate your advice.

Regards,
Don

[KevK]

Originally Posted by don0256

Hello All,

My wife and I (mid-30's, no children, 2 dogs) will be moving from the Chicago area to Atlanta early in 2011 for my work. My office will be in Austell but from everything I've read it seems like we would prefer to live in East or West Cobb county (safe, family orientated, suburban area with great schools). I currently have an hour commute so I'd like to stay in the 30-60 minute range. I'll also be traveling quite often in my new position so a safe area is the top priority. We are planning on children soon so being in a good public school area is very important (also for resale reasons). We currently live in a very private house in beach community on Lake Michigan that we're planning to keep as a rental until we move back in 3-5 years. We would really like to avoid the cookie cutter homes with the neighbor being right on top of you if at all possible.

Budget - $200-250K; could go higher if need but but would rather not
House/Condo/Townhome? - House; 3+ Bedrooms and 2+ Baths
Children - None yet but good public schools are very important

All that being said, what areas do you think would be best to look at? The biggest keys are safe area, good schools, and (hopefully) a good investment. I really appreciate your advice.

Regards,
Don

Powder Springs is great and right down the road from Austell (about 10 miles down hwy 6 which is a 4 lane hwy). It has good schools (my daughter went to McEachern HS) and is close to lots of things but far enough out to not be too congested.

[RandyWatson13]

Look for some places on the East-West Connector......

[don0256]

From my limited research it seems like Sandy Spring and Marietta (in the Walton, Pope, or Lassitier school districts) have some of the best resale values in the area. I know Sandy Springs is pricey but in this economy I should be able to find a house near my price point. That area also has a MARTA stop which will be nice to take to/from the airport or downtown. How would the commute be going West along I-285 in the morning to Austell and then back East to the Sandy Springs area after work? Any idea if that would keep my commute in the 30-45 minute range? I really appreciate any info you can give me.