Nervous about move (Atlanta, Alpharetta, Kennesaw: fit in, transplants, rent)

[Michigander27]

Hi everyone- I am a Michigan native- I was born on the west side near Lake Michigan, went to College in Grand Rapids, and my husband and I ended up in the fabulous Detroit about a year and 1/2 ago due to his job.

We are considering a move to Atlanta in the near future- now that AT&T bought out Bellsouth and owns all of Cingular, there are many opportunities for my husband to transfer (he works for AT&T) to the Atlanta area. We are just so sick of Michigan, the economy is horrible yet the cost of living remains extremely high, at least in the Detroit suburbs. People are being laid off around here left and right, and add that to the traffic, crappy crappy weather and struggling downtown, and it's easy to see why we are in need of a change. Also, since we just sold our house in the GR area a few months ago, we haven't bought a house over here, so moving to ATL would be fairly easy.

Ok, to get to the point-- what are the best places for Northerners like us to feel like we fit in? I have browsed this forum and read numerous posts that say that Southerners don't like Yankees, and we are defininitly "yankees" at heart! I'm not used to being friendly with strangers- in fact, in Detroit, it's sort of an unwritten rule to not make any attempt at conversation with strangers, we look at it as a waste of time! Also, we're both fairly liberal and feel that that might make us stand out.

I have been to Atlanta a couple times and I really do like it, I know it's busy but I'm used to that coming from Detroit. Also, the weather in ATL is BIG plus, we are so sick of Michigan winters!

So, I guess my main question is what you guys think would be some good areas for us to look in-- job wise, my husband will likely work in the downtown Atlanta offices of what used to be Cingular or Bellsouth if he transfers, and I have a big company office in Alpharetta for my current company, so I would likely transfer there. I have heard Alpharetta's very nice, also Woodstock and Kennesaw. We would prefer the suburbs- we don't have kids yet but plan to start soon, and we have a very energetic dog that needs a big yard. We are looking to spend approx 175-230 on a house, but it doesn't have to be brand new, we just need at least 1600 square feet or so with a nice yard.

Ok, any suggestions?

[Forsyth-Online]

South Forsyth County is a great family area. Lots of new things going in and with the expansion of 400 the commute will get better. Taxes are lower than Fulton County.

[Figment 07]

Suggestions for a self-described "unfriendly" liberal?



If you are an unfriendly person -- liberal or conservative, you might have a very hard time finding any place that will welcome you.

Sad to hear that you are so "nervous about the move" that you would search for an enclave of similarly "unfriendly" people. I hope that will never be found here. You don't need to be overly friendly to be accepted here. That would put me off, too (I'm naturally more introverted).

Here is my suggestion: Decide to always treat others with respect and kindness, no matter what race, religion or creed. Even native southerners.

[Michigander27]

Ok, maybe I need to clarify- I am not saying I'm "unfriendly" in that I refuse to be nice to people or treat people with respect. I'm just saying that I am more "introverted" as you say, probably a better term to use. I'm just not used to going out of my way to make conversations with strangers, and it makes me a little uncomfortable when people start talking to me out of the blue (I'm obviously not talking about the checkout person at the grocery store or the bank teller that would have reason to talk to me). Not trying too sound like a snob, but I am a little shyer and feel like maybe that would stand out and people would think I was stuck up or something. If that is not the case, then I suppose I don't have anything to worry about.

My biggest concern is finding an area we like that we fit in, and that is also affordable, so I was looking for suggestions.

[A2Det]

Having lived in both cities I think you will be fine with the move. I currently live outside Detroit and work in the city and honestly dont see a real difference...people here still hold doors for you, smile etc. like they did in Atlanta. IMO to get real southern hospitality you have to go outside Atlanta anyways...remember, most of the city is transplants too!

Things that I notice are different though...

1. Traffic...the traffic we have in Detroit is like "pretend" or "beginners" traffic. I drive 94 or 96 every day and it is almost never a problem...ever. If you end up driving any of the "big 3" in Atlanta you are screwed...unless its 2 in the morning or something. NOTHING in Detroit compares to Atlanta traffic.

2. Learn to drive fast. They drive really fast down there...I mean really fast. That whole stigma of southerners being slow does not apply to driving. Next time you drive down the Lodge or whatever, add about 20 mph and that is the average speed in Atlanta.

3. There are very few actual towns in suburban Atlanta. No Ann Arbor's, Birminghams, Hamtramicks (or such ethnic neighborhoods), Plymouths, Chelseas, Dexters...no Northvilles, Royal Oaks, Grosse Points...etc etc. They just do not exist as the city really lacks any old infrastructure.

4. Although housing is getting more expensive in Atlanta (correct me if I'm wrong people in the know..,) you should get much more house for your money there...you will have no problem having a dog!

5. Atlanta is not on a grid like Detroit is, so that makes it quite difficult to get around. There are not many alternate routes like there are here.

6. Atlanta has an economy...Detroit...not so much. It is really sad constantly hearing about layoffs here and how bad things are...so if that weighs on you, you probably will not hear it in Atlanta. Actually I would guess that the rest of the country does not know how bad it is here.

7. Weather...This winter's not so bad! anyway, in the winter you will see the sun down south which is nice. Keep your gloves though, you will need them when you get in your car and your steering wheel is 200 degrees in the summer!

If there is more I can think of I'll type later...

in the end for me...
I like the city of Atlanta substantially more than the city of Detroit.

I like the suburbs of Detroit substantially more than the suburbs of Atlanta.

I wouldnt worry about the people either...good folks down there.

[McdJen]

Hello! I have lived in the suburbs of Atlanta for 22 years now. My husband and I now live in McDonough (Henry County, south suburbs) and we are really enthusiastic about the new growth - both business and property values!

For your price point, you should be able to get a 2500-3500 sq home with a nice size yard in this area. There are even lots of new golf course communities popping up all over.

I am about 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta via I-75 without traffic and 35-40 with traffic.

We looked all over for homes before purchasing our current home and could find better amenities for the $. The school system is supposed to be one of the better in the area, my kids are not in pubic school so I don't have first hand information on this one.

Good luck with your move!

[Michigander27]

Thanks so much for all your responses- A2, nice to get perspective from someone who has lived in both cities-- you are right, I don't think anyone but those who live here realize how bad the economy is! I do really like to go to places like Birmingham and Royal Oak, but that said, I don't feel there's many places I can go to in downtown Detroit at night and feel safe without being in a large group, and though I know every city has it's share of crime, I've heard that ATL has some great areas close to downtown, such as Midtown and Buckhead, so that would be nice to be able to go to places like that.

I have heard several people mention the southern suburbs-- obviously if I ended up transferring with my company to Alpharetta, that would prob not be practical, but I may decide to not transfer, since my current position is not down there and I'd more be doing it just to be assured a job, if that's the case, we could def look into the southern suburbs. I'm thinking we'll prob rent first for a few months just so that we can get down there quickly and then we have a chance to do a more indepth home search. Which brings me to my next question-- being that it's a better economic situation, do you think I'll have any problems finding a job there if I decide to not stay with my company? It sounds funny, but in order to stay in my field I'd actually have to look outside my company, since they do not have the division that I work in in or around ATL. I am so used to the Michigan economy- I have a Master's Degree and decent experience in my field and it still took me 6 months to find the job I have now when we moved over to Detroit. I work in the group healthcare industry....

[CityFan]

Originally Posted by Michigander27

I've heard that ATL has some great areas close to downtown, such as Midtown and Buckhead, so that would be nice to be able to go to places like that.

do you think I'll have any problems finding a job there if I decide to not stay with my company? It sounds funny, but in order to stay in my field I'd actually have to look outside my company, since they do not have the division that I work in in or around ATL. I am so used to the Michigan economy- I have a Master's Degree and decent experience in my field and it still took me 6 months to find the job I have now when we moved over to Detroit. I work in the group healthcare industry....

Yes, these two places are very nice and convenient, but they are pretty pricy if you want to live in a decent home. As to finding a job, you can contact head hunters. They will help you land a nice job. With a Master's Degree and working experience, you should be OK to find a decent paying job, maybe in town.

[OhioNative]

Originally Posted by Michigander27

Ok, to get to the point-- what are the best places for Northerners like us to feel like we fit in? I have browsed this forum and read numerous posts that say that Southerners don't like Yankees, and we are defininitly "yankees" at heart! I'm not used to being friendly with strangers- in fact, in Detroit, it's sort of an unwritten rule to not make any attempt at conversation with strangers, we look at it as a waste of time! Also, we're both fairly liberal and feel that that might make us stand out.

In many areas of the north Atlanta suburbs you will actually find that most people are Northerners. In my Suwanee subdivision, I have yet to meet a native southerner.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by Michigander27

We are just so sick of Michigan, the economy is horrible yet the cost of living remains extremely high, at least in the Detroit suburbs. People are being laid off around here left and right, and add that to the traffic, crappy crappy weather and struggling downtown,

I have browsed this forum and read numerous posts that say that Southerners don't like Yankees, and we are defininitly "yankees" at heart! I'm not used to being friendly with strangers- in fact, in Detroit, it's sort of an unwritten rule to not make any attempt at conversation with strangers, we look at it as a waste of time! Also, we're both fairly liberal and feel that that might make us stand out.

A couple of comments...

First of all, many people in Atlanta come from "elsewhere". New York, L.A., Bumducky Idaho, and varied foreign lands - so you're much more likely to run into another "yankee" than you are someone who is from here natively. Once you get out to the FAR suburbs (Cumming, Buford, etc) then you will start running into more native Southerners and a bit less variety. Closer in, it's a melting pot.

Unless you are blatantly rude you won't have a problem. Generally yes, you do see more people saying hello to each other on the streets here, and if you run into a native it can sometimes take them 8 minutes to spit out what might take you 1 minute, making you WANT to go, "OMG would you just SAY IT already???". But - don't say that. Just hold your breath and deal. It's the norm and it isn't gonna change. Assiminate. Get ready to be invited to the local Baptist churches and have cookies delivered to your door when you move in.

Regarding a depressing downtown. Well... sorry... Atlanta isn't much better than Detroit. Sure, we have more business going on, but you have to step over a few dozen bums in order to conduct it. This recent paper article highlights what to expect when you visit parts of the core of downtown: Atlanta's central square called sad, dirty eyesore | ajc.com (broken link)

Other areas such as Buckhead (north of downtown), Virginia Highlands (village type neighborhood) are much nicer, but not the "city center". Downtown Atlanta overall is not a pretty or clean area, though they are trying to re-invent at least part of it in the Centennial Park and Aquarium area. Still - you'll see a lot of Detroit when you come here in that regard (minus the waterfront).