New job in Alpharetta - relocating from Los Angeles - help! (Atlanta: relocation, gated)

[bauerfan711]

Hello all,

New poster, here.

I have been offered a position with a company based in Alpharetta, off the 400 exit 12, 1/2mi SE (Shiloh Rd). This will be my first experience in the Atlanta area, and I am probably going to have to stay in a hotel when I first start my job, while finalizing my apartment hunt that I have already started. My first day of work will be on 05-October (just got the letter last Friday).

Can anyone offer some neighborhood advice as to limiting my search radius, considering commute times, prices, and amenities? I may be limited to about 800-900 a month, including utilities. I only need 1BR/1BA. I'm flying a bit blind here, as the company offers very little relocation assistance (i.e. a few apartment complex and extended stay hotel contacts ). Any and all input would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[canuckmom]

My family recently had to stay in temporary housing between house purchases. We stayed at the Archstone Apts on Windward Parkway, in Alpharetta. The actual address is 18000 Masters Way .

They have 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apts, swimmimg pool, tennis courts, work out room, laundry ...is gated. Has lots of single people, young couples, some families. It is pretty ethnically diverse. Have monthly get togethers for tenants, have tennis lessons etc...

My husband's office at that time was in Shiloh Point. From these apts, it took him less than ten minutes to get to work. Assuming you will have car.

We had a three bedroom apt. - rented on a month to month basis - which is more expensive than if you sign a lease - we paid $1200 / month plus an extra $75 per month for a garage. There is plenty of parking - we needed garage to store household items. I think one bedroom apts. start around $800.

Windward Pkwy has lots of restaurants/shopping etc...might be an ideal location for you.

As we were moving out, they were repainting the entire complex, had fixed the pool area - new furniture, and were upgrading carpets in & painting many units - think complex is about 10 years old, but in pretty good condition.

If you go thru rent dot com, and end up renting there, they will send you a $100 Visa Gift Card. It's a great deal. Check it out.

Good Luck.

[BillWagner]

BaurerFan, Here are some links that might help:
Atlanta Apartments at PROMOVE: Atlanta Georgia's Apartment Source

http://www.ajchomefinder.com/apartments/?siclientid=115&sessguid=3f900d12-a3ed-42d4-957b-7d2cea9681be&userguid=3f900d12-a3ed-42d4-957b-7d2cea9681be&permguid=3f900d12-a3ed-42d4-957b-7d2cea9681be

Atlanta Apartments - Atlanta Apartment Search - A&A Apartment Locators of Atlanta

These are only a few. Punch up on Google Atlanta Apartment Locator and there are a lot more. Hope this helps...Bill

[bauerfan711]

Thanks so much for your responses. I will definitely look up the Archstone Apts. and these other links. Hopefully I'll get situated in time!

[irvm]

Originally Posted by bauerfan711

Thanks so much for your responses. I will definitely look up the Archstone Apts. and these other links. Hopefully I'll get situated in time!

Hi:

I STRONGLY recommend an extended stay type hotel for a month or two before you jump into buying or leasing. Then take every opportunity to roam around the back roads and up into the mountains north of your work. You'll find a wide variety of housing and recreation opportunities in various areas. Who knows what will appeal to you?

[irishvanguard]

Originally Posted by irvm

Hi:

I STRONGLY recommend an extended stay type hotel for a month or two before you jump into buying or leasing. Then take every opportunity to roam around the back roads and up into the mountains north of your work. You'll find a wide variety of housing and recreation opportunities in various areas. Who knows what will appeal to you?

Wouldn't a place in the mountains near Dawsonville put him within 30 minutes of work in Alpharetta? Or is it 30 minutes from Cumming?

[irvm]

Originally Posted by irishvanguard

Wouldn't a place in the mountains near Dawsonville put him within 30 minutes of work in Alpharetta? Or is it 30 minutes from Cumming?

If I understand correctly where he works, off McFarland, I can get there in 30 minutes from Jasper, so Ball Ground, Marble Hill, Dawsonville and points north would be easy.

[Go Blue 99]

Not sure of your age, but do you plan on going out in Atlanta often? These areas people are mentioning are very far from the city. I live off Exit 9 and even that is a long drive from city entertainment.

[irvm]

Originally Posted by bauerfan711

Any and all input would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Oh, BTW, since you're from LA, I need to add: when people here wave at each other, they use all 4 fingers. Try to keep that in mind.