N. Fulton - Roswell vs Alpharetta vs Duluth (Atlanta, Doraville: best suburbs, transplants)

[athensvaasi]

Within North Fulton county - could someone compare Roswell vs. Alpharetta area vs. Duluth area. Some factors -- traffic, access to job centers, access to MARTA train line (Northline or Northeast line), reasonable level of diversity, crime, other positives or negatives. Thanks for your time.

[backfist]

All three towns are neighbors. Alpharetta is a "newer" community where many transplants now live. Roswell is a little closer into the city, but Alpharetta is a mini employment center of its own (depending on the industry). Duluth is due east of Alpharetta, but it requires a little more investigation--some parts are very nice, and some aren't. Crime is relatively low in most areas of each town.

Not sure what "reasonable level of diversity" means, but if it means not wanting to live around too many Blacks and Latinos, then most of Alpharetta and Roswell will suit you fine. I don't mean to offend; it's just that I've learned fairly quickly that that's the unspoken mindset of many suburban Atlantans.

All in all, I'd probably suggest Alpharetta, even with the traffic. It seems to have most of what folks are looking for.

[jxu66]

Just a correction. The city of Duluth is not in North Fulton county but is in Gwinnett county.

The unincorporated part Fulton side of Duluth will become city of John Creek's by tomorrow (December 1, 2006).

In general, all those areas are described as white professional, although there are sizeable asians population in city of John's Creek (due to NorthView high school). All of those areas are considered upscale with country clubs around. Roswell is probably older neighborhood compared to Alpharatta and John's Creek. You probably can find older, more characteristic homes there. Of three, I would say Roswell is probably most conservative of three.

If you live in Roswell or Alpharatta, the closest train station is North Spring. If you live in John's Creek, Doraville station is best bet.

Probably due to lower house price (A house may cost $275,000 in North Fulton side of John's Creek and probably costs $260,000 in Gwinnett side of Duluth), the city of Duluth on Gwinnett side is a lot more diversity. There are a lot more blacks and Asians. Gwinnett place Mall area is in the process revitialized. I read from Gwinnett Daily that one of high risers being built is 40% presold in three months. The average selling price for condos is between $350,000 to $390,000.

[athensvaasi]

Thanks for the reply.
(1) Clarification on "reasonable level of diversity" -- I was just being realistic on the level of diversity in North Fulton (I am Asian and would like more diversity). Sorry I was not very clear.
(2) Which areas of these three citiies would be most accessible to MARTA lines (in terms of distance, and/or traffic levels at say 7:30 AM)?
Thanks for your time.

[jxu66]

The city of Roswell is pretty big area. If you can find a place near North Spring station, that's pretty close. But that probably costs you a lot.

I would say in general, John's Creek to Doraville station is best bet. Driving down Peachtree industrial is a lot better than driving down GA400 in the morning.

[backfist]

Originally Posted by athensvaasi

Thanks for the reply.
(1) Clarification on "reasonable level of diversity" -- I was just being realistic on the level of diversity in North Fulton (I am Asian and would like more diversity). Sorry I was not very clear.
(2) Which areas of these three citiies would be most accessible to MARTA lines (in terms of distance, and/or traffic levels at say 7:30 AM)?
Thanks for your time.

Actually, let me apologize for any assumptions I might have made. Relatedly, Alpharetta has a growing South Asian population that has impressed me.

Northeast Roswell and south Alpharetta are closes to a MARTA station (North Springs). The Doraville station is closest to Duluth.

[athensvaasi]

Thanks Backfist and jxu66 for all the insight.

Probably my last question in this thread: Roswell shows up on best suburbs list, why do you think it trumps Alpharetta or Duluth (St. Johns Creek)? Or do you think they are talking about the general area around Roswell that includes these cities.

Thanks.

[jxu66]

The list is for 75,000 or above. City of Alpharatta, John's Creek, even Duluth won't make it because they have population less than 75,000.