from IL to Roswell or Alpharetta? (Atlanta, Evans: real estate, 2009, houses)

[tomoveornot]

We've been comtemplating moving from suburban Chicago to the Alpharetta area for years for my husband's job. We are from here and all our friends and family are here. Very tough decision. If we do transfer, what are the differences, if any between Roswell and Alpharetta? Will we love it or wish we never did it????

[mlv289]

We would to know a little bit more about the activities you enjoy, IE city life, nature life etc. For instance if you enjoy that you can walk in downtown Chicago without to much panhandling or even feeling to uneasy, you may not like Atlanta too much. If you just stay in the burbs and like shopping, community activity, you may very well enjoy Roswell or Alpharetta!

[BGS99]

A lot of people are moving/relocating to those areas. They are very nice cities with a lot of growth in store

[scgraham]

Originally Posted by tomoveornot

We've been comtemplating moving from suburban Chicago to the Alpharetta area for years for my husband's job. We are from here and all our friends and family are here. Very tough decision. If we do transfer, what are the differences, if any between Roswell and Alpharetta? Will we love it or wish we never did it????

You might want to consider Alpharetta. According to Money Magazine on CNN.com, Alpharetta, Georgia (GA) is the best place to buy a home these days.

[Go Blue 99]

Alpharetta has that "new" suburb feel to it. Homes and businesses are all fairly new, and the area is very clean. I lived in Alpharetta for 1.5 years and guests were always impressed with the area.
Roswell is more established, and is closer to the city. Though there is miserable traffic if you live off Holcomb Bridge.

[yankeegirl73]

What Chicago burb are you in? If you are close in, like Evanston or Oak Park, you will find it quite the culture shock to move to Roswell or Alpharetta. However, if you're in one of the further suburbs with newer development, you will find it similar to your current situation but prettier with larger houses and better weather. Keep in mind though that traffic will probably be worse and public transportation in Alpharetta and Roswell is virtually non-existent, so that may be a big change depending on your use of Metra/CTA.

[tomoveornot]

We live in Algonquin. Are you from here? Do you like it down there?

[yankeegirl73]

I grew up in Evanston. I've lived in Atlanta, off and on, for over 15 years. I like Atlanta because of the weather (I do *not* miss the sun setting at 4:30 in the winter and snow--except perhaps just before Christmas) and the trees and hills. I do not like that Atlanta is not a "real" city in the same way Chicago is. Even inside I-285, Atlanta is mostly new development which means it is very car focused and suburban feeling. On the other hand, it is much easier to get a house here near where you'd like to live and things generally are more affordable. Since you already live pretty far from downtown Chicago, I think you would like either Roswell or Alpharetta. Just be prepared for lots of subdivisions and more traffic!!

[JennySells]

I have lived in the Alpharetta / Roswell area for 25 years - having relocating from both NY and IL. I work in the real estate arena and I see many families picking northside of Atlanta to work and live. I happen to favor Alpharetta, Roswell is good but the atmosphere in Alpharetta is wonderful. I drive outside my neighborhood - of about 85 homes - and we have horse farms all around. Two minutes away there is a Kroger, Blockbuster, etc - everything you need, plus some great restaurants in both cities. Plus we are getting our own Verizon Amphitheater opening here soon so going to Atlanta for a show is no longer needed. Parts of Alpharetta have just branched off into City of Milton (Which I am now a resident of). Depending of which part of Alpharetta you live the lot sizes can differ from 3/4 acre up to 1+ acre lots. There is also a lot of new building go on in the area but the Birmingham Alliance is trying to keep a certain look to the area - a "Era" feel. The East side of Alpharetta is a little more congested and having lived over on that side of town as well there are both pros and cons - it really depends on the type of home, schools, activites, etc. I hope that helps somewhat!

[DeMaze]

We are in the same boat, thinking of moving to Alpharetta area. We live in the far, far west suburbs. Housing is so affordable...... I have three kids and the oldest will start kindergarden in 2009, so if we make the move we want to do it before then.

ToMoveorNot- when are you guys thinking of moving?