New Englander thinking about 30309

[CTGuy]

Thanks for the school report. That is EXTREMELY helpful.

[Jonas1950]

yeah, check out the school ratings first...very important. for public schools you'll find Fayette County, and Peachtree City (30269) excellent...PTC is a great choice for suburban living....about 30 minute commute to airport, 45-60 to get into different areas of Atlanta

[Mamato3BB's]

I agree with the others pick a neighborhood as close to your work as possible since you want a limited commute. But make your priority the schools, unless you would consdier private schools. It was a shock to me moving down here from the midwest on how different public schools can be even if they are close to each other in neighboring districts. Frankly some of the city schools are pretty bad and should be avoided. So even in some areas with nice family neighborhoods you'd have to go private. Just something to consider.

[mlynch930]

Depending on where you're from in CT, I'm assuming you haven't been raising your family in a city environment (since there are so few). The good thing about Atl is that it has a big-town feel. The schools are very good on the Northside of town, and you might find homes you like in the Brookhaven, Dunwoody or Alpharetta areas.

[netdragon]

Originally Posted by CTGuy

I am looking at a job down in Atlanta on Peachtree in the 30309 zip. I have spouse & 3 kids(elementary age). We are living in CT and the schools are awesome and love the neighborhood. But I have over an hour commute on good days. Job market is getting tight and homes are getting outrageous.

What is in Atlanta that would be great for raising kids with good schools great community and a short commute. We would be looking for a home under 500k.

It depends on where your job is :-)

Assuming your job is in Buckhead, midtown, or downtown and you're looking for a place with a great school and room for your 3 kids, you probably aren't much better off price-wise in metro Atlanta and may have difficulty finding too much for under $500k that meet your criteria. So... I'd look for the job first, and if you can find one in the outer metro, then you'll definitely be able to significantly cut your cost of living and still meet your criteria.