Where to live??? (Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Smyrna: apartment, renter, insurance)

[jbaudoin1]

My husband and I are looking to move to Georgia. He works for Coca-Cola, so we need to be somewhat close to Atlanta so he does not have too much of a commute. We live in New Orleans, La now. And now you know why we're moving. I have a 2-year-old boy and really want to move somewhere safe and family oriented with good schools etc...
Any comments, suggestions, thoughts would be appreciated. Just remember SAFE... It's like a bad episode of COPS here these days and I am sick of it.
Thank you!

[atlantagreg30127]

Gee, I thought New Orleans was safe these days - you should be aware that about 30% of the pre-Katrina criminals there moved HERE after the hurricane (and are still here!). Most of the rest went to Houston.

Otherwise, if you're still set on the move, then you need to list your price range and how long of a commute you're willing to put up with, whether you want a home, apartment, or condo, etc etc, in order for people to help you here.

[jbaudoin1]

Looking to buy a home 3+ bedrooms. No more than 45 minutes commute. Prefer to stay in the $150,000.00- $200,000.00 price range.
I know that a lot of New Orleans people are there now, but it's far from safe here. I am watching the news now and it makes me want to pack. I just thank goodness I have a gun and know how to use it.
My house is valued at $160,000.00 and my mortgage is about $850.00/ month. We pay $3200.00/ year for INSURANCE! We are in a no flood zone and my house is raised. It's more than the crime. Louisiana has continued to vote in office people that have no business making decisions for a city that is so damaged and in desperate need of help.

[sweettea1]

I suggest renting first so you can really explore the areas without being clouded by 'just getting out' of your current situation and making a decision to buy you may not be satisfied with later.

[sj73]

I agree with renting first, especially since it seems like you are in a rush. If your husband will be working at Coca Cola, I suggest you rent inside the perimeter (Cumberland area, Dunwoody/Sandy Springs, Decatur, Smyrna) to have the most affordable rental options that are only 15-20 minute drives.

When I first moved here, I rented in the Cumberland area. It only took me 15 minutes to make it to midtown. If you are going to rent, you definitely want to at least have the convenience of a short drive. No use wasting your money on gas if you don't have a property you are investing in.

While you are renting, you can take a few weekdays off to search for homes (most realtors aren't as busy during the week) and you can also see how the traffic flows during your possible work drive time. You can also take a few Saturdays to see what different areas have to offer. You definitely want to take your time searching for a home in Metro Atlanta.

Good luck in your search.

[Go Blue 99]

I agree with the others, rent an apt as close to work as possible. Assuming you don't work, there is no reason to be a renter and have a long commute. Just try to move out after the first year though- most apt complexes have good rents for the first year, and then jack up the rent big-time.

[JBnC]

I think the Douglasville area is probably your best bet if you want to be in the suburbs. Coke is on the West side of Atlanta. The Cumberland-Vinings area is NW Atl, and nice, but expensive. Pretty much anything close in is going to be expensive. The Fairburn area is SW Atlanta, outside the perimeter, it's started growing. If you want to stay close in, inside the perimeter, I would take a look at East Point. You may be able to find something affordable there.

The best thing is to rent for the first year. Atlanta is so huge and diverse, you don't want to buy a house and then decide you don't like the area.

[sweettea1]

There are some really nice complexes off of Spring Road and Cumberland Parkway in Smyrna/Cumberland. One is called Magnolia and always looks inviting! I pass them daily. Area is safe and there are tons of shops and restaurants. Also family friendly. Easy commute to 75. Just a thought...