Relocating Jewish Family w/2 Young Children Seeking a Nice Neighborhood (Atlanta: rental, condo)

[bsharynu]

My husband possibly has a job opportunity that would move us to Atlanta. My husband would be looking downtown. We are looking for a nice neighborhood that is safe, family friendly, and with good schools. We have one child entering pre-K and another child who is 2 1/2. Ideally, we would like to be in a Jewish community and live in a neighborhood with a community feel - community pool would be nice.

1. Budget - We are unsure and a little open as we are moving from an area with a higher cost of living
2. House/Condo/Townhome? House
3. Employment Status(commute/work from home) Commute to downtown
4. Children(public school vs. private) Public
5. Suburban or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of the two. Suburban preferably or mix of two (suburban/urban). We don't want country or anything too far out.
6. Easy access to public transit, important or not? Easy access to public transportation would be ideal but open. Will be commuting downtown
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood. Jewish areas. We are reform/conservative not orthodox. We grew up in NJ/MA and then currently live in MD right outside DC.

Since my son is entering pre-k, I need a good school for pre-k. JCC? Preschool in synagogue? Other? I would like a Jewish preschool but plan on going to public school for kindergarten.

Thanks!

[lorilove]

FYI Here is a recent thread that talks about the Jewish Community in the Atlanta area

http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...ndly-area.html

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by bsharynu

My husband possibly has a job opportunity that would move us to Atlanta. My husband would be looking downtown. We are looking for a nice neighborhood that is safe, family friendly, and with good schools. We have one child entering pre-K and another child who is 2 1/2. Ideally, we would like to be in a Jewish community and live in a neighborhood with a community feel - community pool would be nice.

1. Budget - We are unsure and a little open as we are moving from an area with a higher cost of living
2. House/Condo/Townhome? House
3. Employment Status(commute/work from home) Commute to downtown
4. Children(public school vs. private) Public
5. Suburban or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of the two. Suburban preferably or mix of two (suburban/urban). We don't want country or anything too far out.
6. Easy access to public transit, important or not? Easy access to public transportation would be ideal but open. Will be commuting downtown
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood. Jewish areas. We are reform/conservative not orthodox. We grew up in NJ/MA and then currently live in MD right outside DC.

Since my son is entering pre-k, I need a good school for pre-k. JCC? Preschool in synagogue? Other? I would like a Jewish preschool but plan on going to public school for kindergarten.

Thanks!

Based on your criteria, you should look--

In the Walton High Cluster in East Cobb.

In the Riverwood High Cluster in Sandy Springs.

In the Dunwoody High Cluster in Dunwoody.


Secondary possibilities--

In the Pope High Cluster in East Cobb.

In the North Springs High Cluster in Sandy Springs.




Let me/us know if you need/want more detailed information. I hope this helps some.

[bsharynu]

I did read that thread and took down notes. Since my children are much younger and I am looking at preschool and elementary school, I wanted to start a fresh thread.

Does Sandy Springs pay Atlanta city taxes? If no, Even if it is in the perimeter? I noticed that half of Sandy Springs is outside the perimeter and half in the perimeter.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by bsharynu

I did read that thread and took down notes. Since my children are much younger and I am looking at preschool and elementary school, I wanted to start a fresh thread.

Does Sandy Springs pay Atlanta city taxes? If no, Even if it is in the perimeter? I noticed that half of Sandy Springs is outside the perimeter and half in the perimeter.

I said "cluster" because it will include a fair amount of elementary schools in each. Let me/us know what other kind details you would like.


Sandy Springs is now a separate city and does not pay Atlanta city taxes.


You are right--Sandy Springs is "ATP" (at the perimeter). Partly inside the perimeter, partly out.

[lastminutemom]

Parts of Sandy Springs are inside the perimeter and no, they are their own city, so no to City of Atlanta taxes.
A lot is going to depend on what type of house you want vs how easy of a commute.

Look in the Heards Ferry Elementary district in Riverwood.

Tons and tons of Jewish families in East Cobb (the Walton District) and really strong public schools.

You need to figure out where you are living first, and then the preschool will follow.

[bsharynu]

Thanks. We will probably go down there and do a short term rental so we can visit different neighborhoods and then buy. All this information is helpful and I am starting to get a feel. I like to use the site redfin.com to look for active listings. Unfortunately, since I am looking for private preschools for August/September for both children, I have to call around now. My guess is that a lot could be full.

[lastminutemom]

Actually, I just corrected my post above -- Heards Ferry is the elementary school to look at.

The Jewish Federation offers a list of preschools

Early Childhood Education Centers

Many preschools may very well have spaces. During the recession, preschools became viewed as an option not a necessity and many have not been full.


These are spread out throughout metro Atlanta, but it should be a starting point.

[cqholt]

Dunwoody or Sandy Springs.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Dunwoody or Sandy Springs.

or East Cobb.