UK Family moving to Atlanta

[CobbLife]

Yes. East Cobb, Marietta is definately worth a look. Great schools. The commute would be about 40 mins, give or take 15 mins or so.

Can you stay in a corporate apartment for a month while you get a feel for the area that you like?

[lawss74]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

Will second both of these. Have several friends that commute to the Perimeter area from far East Cobb via Johnson Ferry Road and it is not much more difficult than coming south bound on GA 400. Arguably the best public schools in the state and housing probably a tad less expensive than Roswell/Alpharetta/Johns Creek with similarly well regarded schools.

Sandy Springs and Dunwoody have good schools, but a step lower on the scale than the aforementioned areas. Fair assessment from most folks I would say.

Where are you coming from in the UK? I lived in Esher, Surrey for two years back in the late 80s.

I currently live near Milton Keynes but originally from just outside Manchester. We are moving in April and until we come and visit, it is so difficult to get a feel for the best area to live. Thanks for your advice.

[lawss74]

Originally Posted by CobbLife

Yes. East Cobb, Marietta is definately worth a look. Great schools. The commute would be about 40 mins, give or take 15 mins or so.

Can you stay in a corporate apartment for a month while you get a feel for the area that you like?

It is possible however in order for my sons to meet people quickly, we were trying to get them enrolled into the school system in April.

I hear Marietta is quite spread out in terms of area. Ideally we are looking for a community feel that also offers a good family social scene.

[RhymesWithTiger]

If you're looking for a smaller community feel, then I recommend living in Roswell. Yes, the Marrieta area is quite large geographically, however it has pockets of communities within it.

Since you likely won't have any US credit history, you'll likely need to expect to pay several months rent up front as well as a 1-2 month security deposit. I recommend you bring with you documents proving past earnings, job offer letter for US job which states your income, and copies of at least 3 months paycheck stubs and bank statements. You'll need these when applying to lease. These may be in electronic format.

The school year ends near the end of May, so your children should be able to meet some kids before summer. Many neighborhoods have swim and tennis, which are another way for your family to meet those living nearby.

[flyonpa]

Just a heads up Summer Camps fill up fast,

Sign-Ups for "Day/Sports Camps" is in Mid/Late March.

[Saintmarks]

Originally Posted by lawss74

It is possible however in order for my sons to meet people quickly, we were trying to get them enrolled into the school system in April.

I hear Marietta is quite spread out in terms of area. Ideally we are looking for a community feel that also offers a good family social scene.

I loved my time in the UK. My wife had a more difficult transition. I am sure you will be fine, most Brits are much more widely travelled than your average American and don't expect a new place to "be like back home." You can PM me anytime with any more in depth questions. All the best in your move!

[deacongirl]

It is very easy to meet other kids/families in East Cobb through school , activities, etc. get a house in a swim/tennis neighborhood and have your kids do swim team. Almost everything I need for my kids is within 10 minutes and I see people we know everywhere.

[Saintmarks]

I see in my post above I replied not to your reply to me, but the one that followed.... no biggie, but I can't edit now and wanted my reply to make sense in context. Yes, little things like this... well they don't stress me, but I do like to explain myself, lol.