Thinking of moving from SF Bay Area to Atlanta (Sandy Springs: fit in, transplants)

[Thank You]

Hello All,
Our family lives in the East Bay of the SF Bay Area and my husband is a software engineer, I'm a stay at home mom of 2. As much as there is to like about living here, our standard of living is really becoming difficult. I've looked into software jobs in the Roswell, Alphraetta and from what I can tell the pay isn't much different than what we earn here. I'm wondering if anyone can give me some info on the the software industry there, is it a strong industry where there are a number of jobs, or are the jobs few and waning. Also, any Bay Area transplants there? Could you give my your thoughts on the change?
Thanks allot,
Tracie

[Atlantasfinest]

I was born in the East Bay (Berkeley) & lived in California up until High School (Santa Monica) and attended graduate school (USC) back home before I bounced around to DC then here in Atlanta. The climate both politically, culturally and temperature wise is TOTALLY different. Which city in the East Bay do you currently reside in? I can get a picture of which area you would fit in more If I had that information.

[Thank You]

We're in Castro Valley. We're Catholic and that a big part of our life. I really like the people where we live, or at least the friends I've made, but the grungy, super casual, agnostic, child fearing, forever single or forever partying types that live here and just driving me nutts. I really don't like explaining to my 5 year old why the billboards are in spanish, seeing the trash flying through the streets while our local government has this masterplan to upgrade our town (hello- take care of what you have first) and the nonstop battling of graffiti. I'm not bitter, although it may look so. I'm just looking for something a bit less anguished. So many people here are mad now. I grew up in the East Bay and I have to say, people have less patience, and consideration now.

[bayarea-girl]

Thank You, I just responded to you in the previous email regarding your insurance question. I'm in El Sobrante and will be leaving here July 2nd for good. I'll be in ATL for about two weeks in May and can give you some info when I get back. I'm happy to be getting out of this damb place (I'm very frustrated with this over-rated place). I'm considering Alpharetta, Marietta, and Roswell (I'm going to check out Decatur as so many people have written such good info about that place). I have two girls 6 & 2 and would like to move to an area with excellent schools and similar dynamics to the Bay Area with out the expense. I'm so sick of the trash and homeless drug addicts the Bay Area has to offer.

I had my first child in Georgia (was in GA for business for a short time) and when I compare it to my second child's birth at Atla Bates in Berkeley it made me so sad. Having a child in GA was one of the better experiences in my life (as it should have been), it should be against the law what I experienced at Alta Bates. From what I can remember people were so friendly, GA folks are some of the best people you will ever meet. Just down to earth and folks you always want to know. Yes some folks can be a bit backwards but they have a real heart and none of that California fakeness. And the children are very polite.

From what I am hearing Marietta, Vinings, the Mableton areas (and or any place around a Major College) is very similar to the Bay Area. You should visit GA first to see where you will fit in.

[plessthanpointohfive]

I'm a former Catholic so I tend to notice Catholic churches and I've found the biggest concentration to be in the city. However, I know little about the Alpharetta area.

[Atlantasfinest]

Ok since you live in Castro Valley and your looking to somewhat upgrade or keep a higher standard of living when you move to Atlanta. I would suggest the northern burbs since most of the IT jobs don't seem far from there and since your looking to have a more conservative culture around you.

Areas such as Dunwoody, Roswell, Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Alpharetta will suit you just fine. I am more of a City guy myself but I have family that lives in the northern suburbs but the good posters here will be able to help you out more when it comes to specific areas up that way.

You can compare those areas to The Bay Area as follows more or less... Concord=Sandy Springs, Walnut Creek/Dublin = Roswell/Dunwoody, Danville=Alpharetta/East Cobb.

[RainyRainyDay]

Originally Posted by Thank You

We're in Castro Valley. We're Catholic and that a big part of our life. I really like the people where we live, or at least the friends I've made, but the grungy, super casual, agnostic, child fearing, forever single or forever partying types that live here and just driving me nutts. I really don't like explaining to my 5 year old why the billboards are in spanish, seeing the trash flying through the streets while our local government has this masterplan to upgrade our town (hello- take care of what you have first) and the nonstop battling of graffiti. I'm not bitter, although it may look so. I'm just looking for something a bit less anguished. So many people here are mad now. I grew up in the East Bay and I have to say, people have less patience, and consideration now.

Originally Posted by plessthanpointohfive

I'm a former Catholic so I tend to notice Catholic churches and I've found the biggest concentration to be in the city. However, I know little about the Alpharetta area.

I'm in the Marietta-Roswell area (northwestern suburbs) and there are plenty of Roman Catholic churches hereabouts. Not so many as Baptist churches, naturally, but the Catholic churches out here seem quite large (so I imagine they'd have a full complement of parish programs and activities), and they are numerous enough that there's one within a reasonable distance of any neighborhood. Some have schools, too. I live fairly near the campus of St. Peter Chanel church, Queen of Angels elementary and Blessed Trinity high school, which seem to be quite highly regarded schools. Doubtless there are Catholic churches and schools in other suburbs too.

It sounds like the OP might prefer the conservative culture of the north-side suburbs to the more liberal environs inside the perimeter.

[Atlantasfinest]

[quote=bayarea-girl;3636690]
I had my first child in Georgia (was in GA for business for a short time) and when I compare it to my second child's birth at Alta Bates in Berkeley it made me so sad. Having a child in GA was one of the better experiences in my life (as it should have been), it should be against the law what I experienced at Alta Bates. QUOTE]

Hey watch it now! I was born at Alta Bates Hospital in Beerrzzerkeley.

[Thank You]

I had my 1st child at Alta Bates in Berkeley and my second in Oakland at Kaiser; Alta Bates was way better. We had an awesome nurse.
As for moving to a more conservative area, my being Catholic is an important part of my life, but doesn't dominate it, I've been raised in the Bay Area for goodness sake. I surely don't want to move to a town where everyone is one race, that's way too different for me. Also, my husband is half mexican and although he isn't involved in the mexican culture having someone look similar to him ( and to our children) is helpful.

[Atlantasfinest]

Originally Posted by Thank You

I had my 1st child at Alta Bates in Berkeley and my second in Oakland at Kaiser; Alta Bates was way better. We had an awesome nurse.
As for moving to a more conservative area, my being Catholic is an important part of my life, but doesn't dominate it, I've been raised in the Bay Area for goodness sake. I surely don't want to move to a town where everyone is one race, that's way too different for me. Also, my husband is half mexican and although he isn't involved in the mexican culture having someone look similar to him ( and to our children) is helpful.

The areas that I mentioned minus East Cobb(More conservative than all areas I mentioned) should provide a comfortable atmosphere for your family. Could you tell us the price range your working with?