Roswell GA & surrounding - question (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: extended stay, sales, real estate)

[PAV85]

Can anyone tell me a little more about Roswell GA or surrounding towns? I am looking at surrounding towns to Alpharetta and close to Atlanta. Possibly relocating in the next 6 months from NJ.

Roswell looks really nice, with a nice downtown. What are the pros and cons?

I also see on the real estate sites, quite a few houses are vacant. Has Roswell experienced a lot of foreclosures?

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by PAV85

Can anyone tell me a little more about Roswell GA or surrounding towns? I am looking at surrounding towns to Alpharetta and close to Atlanta. Possibly relocating in the next 6 months from NJ.

Roswell looks really nice, with a nice downtown. What are the pros and cons?

I also see on the real estate sites, quite a few houses are vacant. Has Roswell experienced a lot of foreclosures?

Real estate in the entire Atlanta metro (except for a few select pockets) has been hammered.

[Tarzanman]

Originally Posted by PAV85

Can anyone tell me a little more about Roswell GA or surrounding towns? I am looking at surrounding towns to Alpharetta and close to Atlanta. Possibly relocating in the next 6 months from NJ.

Roswell looks really nice, with a nice downtown. What are the pros and cons?

I also see on the real estate sites, quite a few houses are vacant. Has Roswell experienced a lot of foreclosures?

I just moved from Roswell about 3 weeks ago. I lived in a small townhouse subdivision off of Eves Rd between East Roswell Park and the 30076 US Post Office. Was there for 8 years.

Roswell's charms will grow on you after a while.

Pros:
-7 miles outside the perimeter on 400 means that you can be in downtown Atlanta in less than 30 minutes in light traffic
-Avid bicycling community. Road bikers and mountain bikers
-Connected to the Big Creek Greenway which runs all the way up past exit 10
-Disc golf course at east roswell park, Studio Movie Grill, Super Targets, 24-hour Krogers, Rhea's burgers
-Safe enough to walk just about anywhere any time of day or night
-3 or 4 points to drop in on the river
-Small skate park

Cons:
-Downtown Roswell is nice, but ultimately is only one city block's worth of restaurants and shops
-The city is split by GA400, which is a pain to get across
-45+ minutes from the airport
-Not served by MARTA rail, limited bus service
-You really have to make an effort to find events or social gatherings to meet or connect with people
-Holcomb Br Rd is the only road for about 5 miles that crosses the river

I would prefer Roswell to Alpharetta. Alpharetta is a bit more spread out and is the losing the 'edge' it once enjoyed over its neighbors (Roswell, Johns Creek, Cumming) in terms of amenities, new construction, best schools, etc.

Both cities are WAY more aesthetic, way safer, and less expensive to live in than New Jersey.

I don't know what you are looking to spend, but I would also look at Dunwoody/Sandy Springs along Spalding Rd. More of a drive to the highway, but nicer houses that are still close to Roswell.

[staywarm2]

Roswell traffic can be a real bear during rush hour. Long waits at red lights.

[roxyrn]

Roswell also has an outstanding park and recs department with a multitude of activities and events.
There is a bit of history (especially for Civil War buffs) with three historic antebellum homes to tour.
The Chattahootchee River and nature center is popular with river and hiking activities as well as a spray park for little ones.
There is a feeling of community with events such as Alive After Five, bicycle races, outdoor movies and concerts, etc.
As far as real estate, there are no vacant homes or foreclosures in my neighborhood; sales are picking up and inventory is way down.

[researchnerd]

Roswell has consistently made the lists of best places to live for the past 10-15 years, maybe longer.

City of Roswell, GA - Official Website - City Awards & Achievements

[justNancy]

Since someone already started this thread, I want to ask a question about Roswell too. Where is there a quiet, safe place to stay while looking for a permanent home? Are any of the extended stay inns decent? Do you know of any furnished apartments that rent month-to-month? (I have excellent credit & references)

All suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Edit: I suppose Craig's List is one place to start.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by Tarzanman

I would prefer Roswell to Alpharetta. Alpharetta is a bit more spread out and is the losing the 'edge' it once enjoyed over its neighbors (Roswell, Johns Creek, Cumming) in terms of amenities, new construction, best schools, etc.

Both cities are WAY more aesthetic, way safer, and less expensive to live in than New Jersey.

I don't know what you are looking to spend, but I would also look at Dunwoody/Sandy Springs along Spalding Rd. More of a drive to the highway, but nicer houses that are still close to Roswell.

Agree with all the pros. But, I like Alpharetta because of it's spread. It isn't cookie cutter, nor is Roswell. There are lots of old growth trees in both cities. I think Alpharetta has a bit of an edge over Roswell High School, but that's a recent development, and Roswell will probably rise back up in the ratings.

John's Creek is nothing but developments and strip malls. I don't see the appeal, to be honest. The overall housing stock is a bit newer, but not necessarily nicer. Schools are good in all of North Fulton.

Alpharetta is building a new downtown center. At the moment, the main drag has some good restaurants and boutique stores. Roswell's downtown is small, but lively.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by justNancy

Since someone already started this thread, I want to ask a question about Roswell too. Where is there a quiet, safe place to stay while looking for a permanent home? Are any of the extended stay inns decent? Do you know of any furnished apartments that rent month-to-month? (I have excellent credit & references)

All suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Edit: I suppose Craig's List is one place to start.

The hotels on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta (lots to choose from) are centrally located and surrounded by restaurants and shopping. There are a couple of extended stay hotels in the Northpoint mall area, but I can't vouch for them.

[PAV85]

Thank you so far for the substantive feedback. Can you tell me does Roswell have tree lined neighborhoods, or is it more reflective of those spread out treeless communities?

Also, what is traffic like in Roswell getting to Alpharetta or Atlanta? Please remember I am in NJ where we are quite congested up here.