E Cobb, Smyrna/Vinings/Mableton, Intown?

[NativeSmyrnaGuy]

First off, I think the areas you are looking at all good. But as my handle suggest, you know which area I'm going to push. I think it’s good you guys will be renting in Smyrna to get a feel. And I hope you purchase and stay!

But back to your post. As far as homes, with your stated budget you're going to find a great mix of newer and older homes in great neighborhoods. If having a newer home (<3 yrs old) is a must, I'd consider looking at the neighborhoods along Oakdale Rd near Whitefield Academy or along Church Rd. There is also a development off Sherwood Rd (close to the S.Cobb/Concord Rd intersection) that has some nice homes going up. After that, there are some infill subdivisions along Smyrna-Powder Springs Rd, Roswell St (near the Mkt Village). The only caveat to that is, I don't know home many of those homes have basements.

If you're ok with an older home (I'd say built within the last 30 yrs) then you'll have a tremendous selection. I'd offer up Forrest Hills first (Lee St., Dunn St, Collier Rd) as many of those homes are super nice and spacious. After that, any of the subdivisions along Atlanta Rd, Ridge Rd, or Concord Rd west of the Hurt Rd intersection would be nice as well. Thing with Smyrna is, there are many older neighborhoods with some having remained well kept (my folks for example) over the years, while others having seen a "re-birth" if you will during the past 10-15 years. I bought a house in one of those "on the cusp neighborhoods" and in the 3 years I've been here, I've seen a gradual changeover. Younger folks like myself with families moving in, etc.

Like others have said, it’s a straight shot to the airport on 285. 20-25 minutes tops, from my doorstep to the terminal. Also a fairly quick commute to downtown. I work downtown near Grady and it takes me roughly 30 minutes in the mornings and about the same in the afternoons taking 75 both ways entering/exiting at Cumberland Blvd. As far as schools, I don't have any little ones, that I'm aware of, so I'm no help there.

All in all, you'll be fine with any of the cities you mentioned. For all its faults, Smyrna is a good place to live and raise a family. Its changed dramatically (for the better) from when I was a kid to now. I'd just suggest that if you make your home in Smyrna, that you get involved in the community. Take care.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by BrandNew2ATL

Hi All! This site has been really helpful in my initial research on ATL neighborhoods. Was hoping to start my own thread and get some information.

Background - Me and my husband are in our early 30s and are moving to ATL in just weeks (my new job is relocating me). We will rent temporariliy before buying a house. Would love to hear the pro/cons of the areas I've listed, E Cobb (Sope Creek area), Smynings/Mableton, Intown neighborhoods w/ good schools. I'm thinking we can't afford the type of house we want in town...but maybe Decatur? Thanks!

1. Budget - $550K max
2. House/Condo/Townhome? House w/ garage and basement (finished or unfinished), prefereably open floor plan
3. Employment Status - Iwill commute downtown and he will commute downtown and to the airport - Would like to keep commute under 45mins
4. Children - Not yet but hopefully soon...Looking for very good elemantary schools would consider private school for h.s.
5. Suburban or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of the two - I guess suburban close-in or in-town w/ neighborhood feel and yard
6. Easy access to public transit, important or not? Don't care
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood. - Young professionals w/ kids. We are looking for a neighborhood with couples around our age with young kids. My vision of the perfect neighborhood would be hanging out with the neighbors sipping wine or beers while our kids play in the cul-de-sac.

The Smyrna/Mableton/Vinings Area is very nice--it would be a very good choice.

I highly recommend that you look in the following elementary school districts--which I call the "Golden Five of Smyrna/Mableton/Vinings":


King Springs Elementary
Nickajack Elementary
Mableton Elementary
Teasley Elementary
Brown Elementary


Here is a most helpful link:

Attendance Zone Maps



Good Luck!

[aries4118]

Vinings Estates is awesome!

Schools: Nickajack Elementary, Griffin Middle, and Campbell High.



http://www.viningsestates.com/

[aries4118]

Remember this as well...

Campbell High is a good school--and has a fabulous International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme!

[Esteban5]

With your budget, I would look at Brettonwood off LaVista Rd.

Good luck!

[blakeas]

Brandnew2atl,

I am also in your position - I am renting in smyrna because we wanted to try the area to see if we liked it. We love the people and the convenience to downtown. The only problem is the schools - we have been to every town hall meeting there is and talked with many families. Most people send their kids to private school in this area, at least the ones who could remotely afford it. Those schools above that people mentioned are ok - not great but just ok in my opinion. There are big class sizes as well. The new smyrna elementary school will be 980 kids, that is too big in my opinion. Some the schools in east cobb however are that big.

Due to this we have decided to move on, we did not want to go to east cobb, a little too suburbia for us. Another reason we liked smyrna because there was a mix of old and new and not suburban - but i digress... We are moving to the City of Decatur due to the small public school system and the commute.

you are more than welcome to PM me if you have further questions.