Yet Another Floridian moving to Atlanta (Roswell, Marietta: homeowners insurance, townhouses, purchasing)

[BYEMIAMI]

My wife and I are looking to get out of Miami, FL. We've had enough with the property taxes, homeowners insurance, Hurricanes, etc... Basically we've been priced out of our hometown. I was born and raised here, but it's just crazy. We want a nice house with a yard and I'm not about to get into a 4K+ mortgage. Anyways, I won't bore you with the details, it's pretty much the same things everyone is complaining about. And before anyone says do the research, that things aren't as cheap as we think. Trust me we have. A comprable home around 300K in Kennesaw for example, would run about 500-800K here in Miami. Property taxes would be 10-15K and insurance over 6K. Basically its about 3-4K more a month here in Miami. While we can afford it, it would heavily rely on my current job. I would rather move somewhere else, take a 30K a year paycut and not be stressed out.

We have some friends that moved to Kennesaw about 2 years ago. We went there last year when we started looking at moving out of Miami and let me tell you we loved the area. It wasn't too far from the city. It had some highways close by. Mall, movie theatre, chain stores, all close by. Basically everything we were used to having near by back home. Some of the restaurants we like to go to like Houston's and Cheesecake Factory are a bit far (in the city), but I think it's something we can deal with. We're going again in November to check some more areas out, and check out the city. Maybe drive during rush hour to see how it really is.

I've been reading the forum for the past couple of days. I didn't see many people talking about Kennesaw, so I wanted to ask. What do you guys think of the area? Anything I should know that would help us with our decision?

[CityFan]

Originally Posted by BYEMIAMI

I've been reading the forum for the past couple of days. I didn't see many people talking about Kennesaw, so I wanted to ask. What do you guys think of the area? Anything I should know that would help us with our decision?

If I were you, I would choose Smyrna in Cobb county. Kennesaw is too far away from Atlanta. Kids can't enjoy all good things such as museum, theater, art center, and etc. that city can offer. I moved from Tampa Bay and like Atlanta a lot. Weather is nice with four seasons. It's a beautiful place to live.

[Georgia]

Originally Posted by AtlantaExecutiveTeam

I disagree with the last comment! I live in Kennesaw and absolutely love it for all the reasons you described. Its a fabulous area with lots of amenities and very family friendly. There is a great university nearby with tons of events and a brand new Anne Frank museum. There are also lots of cultural events there and a few exits to the north is a ton more shopping and other things. Good Luck!

I'm with you.Smyrna / Kennesaw, Kennesaw / Smyrna what is the difference.
Kind of Lawrenceville / Dacula, Dacula / Lawrenceville. Both are nice and not that far away from each other.

[jnatl]

Hope you have a good visit to Kennesaw in November. I have lived in Marietta for 25+ years, but love the Kennesaw area. There is a good bit of difference between Smyrna and Kennesaw, so I would suggest looking at more information for any of the areas around here before deciding. - especially if you have children in school.
Good luck and welcome to GA!

[BYEMIAMI]

Thanks everyone, this will actually be our second visit. We were there last year and loved it. We drove all over and so far Kennesaw has been perfect, especially the area we are looking at. Also, remember our friends live there, so we're trying to stay close to them. I'm currently gathering all the financial information like taxes, car insurance, phone, power, etc.. to try and figure out the financial difference between Miami and Georgia. While moving to Georgia will open us to better housing for the money, I will actually be taking a substantial pay cut. I'm way above average here, but that also comes with the stress that Im too dependant on the job. I rather move somewhere and take a pay cut and live with less stress.

[homesource group]

good idea. Your lifestyle and peace of mind really have no dollar amount. Your insurance will be absolutely cheaper. One thing is that we have state tax here and there is none there. The energy is better I think, but that will be contingent on how you live. Is your family cold natured or hot natured? If you are hot natured then obviously in the Summer you'll have high bills and in the Winter low bills. The size of the home really matters and the windows and insulation take a role in that, if it's a huge concern to you. I just moved a family up here and the wife took a $12000 pay cut, but she's ok with it. The cost of living in Gwinnett is better than Hollywood, which is where she is from. You will make your money in your home; if you choose wisely. Property taxes is a no brainer along with home isurance. YOU WILL BE WAAAAAAAAAAAY CHEAPER! Good luck!

[ready2move]

What about areas in Metro Atlanta for empty nesters in their mid to upper 40's. ALpharaetta, Marietta, Roswell? Schools are obviously not a concern any longer, but I would still want to be in an area that is condusive to higher property values. We are looking at either townhouses or a small house and then purchasing a cabin up in the mountains, for those weekends away..