Vinings or Buckhead area? (Atlanta, Roswell: real estate, condos, townhouse)

[MsV]

We are moving down to GA to work in the Vinings area. We are empty-nesters, but have grandchildren in Roswell. We want to buy in a safe area so as to be a good investment ~ any preference between Vinings vs. Buckhead condo/townhouse living? Or what would you suggest...we do know that Cobb County has the best schools in GA...Many thanks for any thoughts.

[GF72]

Cobb County has some of the best schools in GA, but also some average schools and then some of the worst schools in GA.

Neither Vinings nor Buckhead have good public schools. Basically, the entire region north of I-285 and between I-75 and I-85 is where the good schools are. Most of this area falls within eastern Cobb County and northern Fulton County.

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by GF72

Cobb County has some of the best schools in GA, but also some average schools and then some of the worst schools in GA.

Neither Vinings nor Buckhead have good public schools. Basically, the entire region north of I-285 and between I-75 and I-85 is where the good schools are. Most of this area falls within eastern Cobb County and northern Fulton County.

Don't forget Gwinnett County. And Buckhead does have a few of the top elementary schools in the state. It's the middle and high schools that are a problem.

[wxjay]

Why would schools be important for you in terms of (a) being empty nesters and (b) living in a condo or townhouse? Those two types of housing are not traditionally geared toward folks who have school-aged kids, and so the investment for future buyers should be focused on young professional desires, right?

Regardless - my suggestion would be the Vinings area, particularly "Historic Vinings" (Paces Mill/Paces Ferry Rd.) and then south of there toward Atlanta Rd., the E-W Connector, and areas in between. Lots of townhomes there with great amenities and still lots of shopping. While Buckhead is not a bad option either, that may be a little too trendy or urbanized for what you are looking for. Plus, for condos and townhomes, many of the nicer ones in Buckhead are pricier than in Vinings. Plus, being in Cobb County for Vinings will save you a nice amount on property taxes.

[MsV]

Good schools = better real estate investment & often safer area.

I agree, most cond/townhomes aren't the focus for most young families, but that's why I'm asking CD'rs if I can find them in Vinings or Buckhead - want to downside in a good area. Thanks for your comments.

[sweettea1]

If you're working in Vinings, why not live there and walk to work? It's an adorable 'village' community with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, etc. Lots of new condos. Train bothers some but others find it peaceful.
I think you'd be more likely to run into issues with resale and school districts if you were buying a SFH rather than a condo. Condo owners are typically not concerned with schools (they're younger and starting out or older and downsizing) so the people you'd likely sell to would be in a similar situation to yours or not yet concerned with schools.

[movinginatl]

Townhomes in the Vinings Village area that don't require renovations start at low $400s. I looked in the area and basically found that the area is awesome to live in, but be willing to pay for the conveniences and safety. My thoughts...

[wxjay]

Originally Posted by movinginatl

Townhomes in the Vinings Village area that don't require renovations start at low $400s. I looked in the area and basically found that the area is awesome to live in, but be willing to pay for the conveniences and safety. My thoughts...

Brand-new townhomes at The Overlook at Vinings (right up from Vinings Village) are selling in the low to mid 300s.