Good suburbs within commuting distance to Covington (Atlanta, Snellville: houses, to buy)

[jvankirk]

My husband has been offered a new job in Covington. We currently live in Colorado and are not really familiar with the area. We have a 19 month old and I'm expecting again in August. Good schools are a must, whether private, public or charter.

We'd like to buy a house and will be looking in the $200-300k price range. I know the range is big but some of the suburbs seems to have nice houses for the low-mid 200's, others seems like we need to spend more. We'd like 3 bedroom minimum.

A community that has a lot of family activities, non-chain restaurants and such would be great. Since we'll be moving while I'm pregnant, I'll be a stay at home mom for at least a year. Recreation and nice gym facilities are also a necessity.

Recommendations would be wonderful! The interviewers told my husband that most of them live in Snellville. What is that town like?

[MattCW]

Social Circle, Monroe, and Loganville would probably be good. Loganville is a bit closer to Snellville which has a lot more commercial development. Madison is about the same distance from Snellville, but further out, and probably not considered a suburb anymore. Have you thought of Covington itself? Newton County Schools aren't great, but you're within reach of at least a few private schools.

You don't say if you care anything about Atlanta itself, but I will advise that of these places, only Snellville has any kind of transit into Atlanta, and that's only a few trips at peak-time, peak-direction. Otherwise, you have to drive into Atlanta, and it can take well over an hour during the peak periods unless you're reverse commuting (like for a ball game). But also be advised that you couldn't just hop on transit to go to or from the ball games either to avoid their traffic mess. You could drive to Indian Creek MARTA station, and while after an event traffic on your route wouldn't be bad, it's still about 27 miles one way to Covington.

[jvankirk]

Thanks Matt. When I go back to work I may be communting into Atlanta, but I drive for an hour each way to work already, so I'm used to the commute. I was turned off of Covington because of the poor school rating. I'll check out Social Circle, Monroe and Loganville. Thanks!

[Kgeeism]

What is bad about Covington schools? Do tell?