N Fulton Townhouse or House (Atlanta, Alpharetta: neighborhoods, buying, construction)

[CaniMove]

We're considering a townhouse in the Alpharetta area because commute would only be 20 minutes max.

We didn't like the idea of a townhome when we moved here, but the construction seems like a similar quality of single family homes, and we can buy into a good school zone. Most of the neighborhoods in this area have an HOA, so that is an irrelevant consideration. We are considering two options with about $40k difference in prices.

It looks like the housing market in Atlanta metro had a rough few years, and who knows if it has bottomed out.


Anyone have terrible experiences or great experiences in townhome communities in the Alpharetta/Johns Creek area? Anyone with children who enjoy it just fine?

[FromGA]

If the townhouse is in a subdivision location (away from Alpharetta downtown etc) I would see if there is enough amenity space. Swim pool should look nice, tennis (standard), with additional basketball would be nice. I doubt if you are going to see basketball. If you have narrow roads, and not much amenities, and can't put a hoop in townhouse driveway, kids might get bored.

[atlantagreg30127]

I can't comment on a townhome in that specific area, but will bring up something that has been discussed here before regarding town home purchasing:

When having the home inspected, make sure you have actual concrete walls in-between the units, as in a formal "fire wall" and NOT just "fire resistant sheet rock", or concrete-style wonderboard. Not all builders use concrete walls between units, and it does make a difference in sound and safety. Also make sure that the firewall extends through the attic space between units as well, as in some cases they'll have one in-between the units, but the attics may be one huge expansive space that spans the whole building length, or have no concrete in-between the units, so if a fire makes it way into the attic, it spreads rapidly into the other units.

Again, not specific to your area question, but it's something that is overlooked sometimes by buyers when buying homes that are attached.