Relocating... Any advice?? (Atlanta, Marietta, Smyrna: real estate, houses, neighborhoods)

[newme4lif3]

Greetings! My husband has recently been offered a job promotion. He will be working in the Lithia Springs area. We have lived in Central Florida for about 16 years. Needless to say this is home. This decision is truly bittersweet for me. I know that it is a phenomenal opportunity for him, but leaving our entire family behind will be difficult. I am hoping that we can at least find a great place to live begin building our new lives.

I came across this website and felt like I had hit the jackpot! What better than to get input from people who actually live in the area!! We are looking to purchase a home anywhere between 250K to 500K. I am more conservative, but he’s ok with pushing the limit more than I am... lol We are both in our mid-40s, debt-free with the exception of one car, and our family income is about 180K a year. We would like to live in a nice area that is safe, just like everyone else. Our children are adults, so it would be him and I only. We are Latin American, diversity is important to us. He would like a home with land for all of his toys, so not a cookie cutter community. I work from home, so close proximity to some type of shopping and coffee shops would be a plus.

I’ve heard a lot about the commuting in Atlanta. A 30-40 commute is doable for him. Any insight you can share would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance

[Bamaman1]

Lithia Springs is west of Atlanta on the hill above Six Flags. And Atlanta is one of those places where you need to live in the direction of where the job is located.
I would suggest looking west of there in the Douglasville area. Or going north toward Dallas, GA. Any closer in, like Powder Spings, and the homes may be older.
I've been gone from Atlanta area and am not that up to date on who lives where. I don't know whether coffee shop type neighborhoods are available on that side of town.

[Citykid3785]

I would consider:

City of Marietta
Smyrna
Kennesaw

[JMatl]

Since you mentioned not cookie cutter and having room on your property for your husband's toys, Mableton might be perfect. You should have no problem finding something within your budget.

Good luck, and welcome from an ex-Orlandoan.

[newme4lif3]

Originally Posted by Bamaman1

Lithia Springs is west of Atlanta on the hill above Six Flags. And Atlanta is one of those places where you need to live in the direction of where the job is located.
I would suggest looking west of there in the Douglasville area. Or going north toward Dallas, GA. Any closer in, like Powder Spings, and the homes may be older.
I've been gone from Atlanta area and am not that up to date on who lives where. I don't know whether coffee shop type neighborhoods are available on that side of town.

Thank you for sharing this insight. I will surely look at these areas.

[newme4lif3]

Originally Posted by JMatl

Since you mentioned not cookie cutter and having room on your property for your husband's toys, Mableton might be perfect. You should have no problem finding something within your budget.

Good luck, and welcome from an ex-Orlandoan.

Thank you for sharing

[newme4lif3]

Originally Posted by Citykid3785

I would consider:

City of Marietta
Smyrna
Kennesaw

Thank you sharing I’ve also heard about a town near Smyrna called Vinings. However, seems out of my price range. Any input on that area?

[Bamaman1]

The west side of Atlanta and Northwest toward Marietta have all kinds of properties.

You really need to consider finding a good real estate agent to guide you in your home search.

[Citykid3785]

Originally Posted by newme4lif3

Thank you sharing I’ve also heard about a town near Smyrna called Vinings. However, seems out of my price range. Any input on that area?

Vinings is great, but it's a bit old money. It's quiet, large lots, and close to the city (but feels really wooded). It lacks a lot of retail and much of it's own identity, but it is a nice area.

As you mentioned, it's often mentioned as a great place, but there aren't a lot of houses there and the ones that are are expensive.

[caragitana]

Smyrna is a short drive via surface streets. It is in Cobb county and has low tax rates compared to surrounding counties. Taxes in Vinings are much higher but there are some areas in Vinings that have Cobb taxes. Smyrna is diverse (not as much as FL) but you can find plenty of Latino families, some restaurants, etc.
Look at neighborhoods like Forest Park & Bennett Woods. They have big wooded lots with older (but nice) homes that include privacy, ample parking & plenty of yard space.
The airport & downtown Atlanta are close by and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center is right in Smyrna.
They attract big Latino artists e.g, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle.
Lake Allatoona is about 35 minutes away if your into boating and Kennesaw Mtn is even closer.
The Smyrna & Mableton areas have the Silver Comet trail (61 miles) where you can walk, bike, skate etc.

Good luck!