moving to Decatur next week, what can you tell me about my potential neighborhood(zip 30033) (Atlanta: transplants)

[~Meg~]

hello everyone,

my husband got hired on at a company in Stone Mountain last month. he's been living in a Studio 6 for the last 3 weeks while home hunting for us. after talking to many folks and driving around neighborhoods for hours he setteled on the area in the 30033 zip code. we've found 3 potential rental homes in that area that we like. we're moving from Seattle(originally from Phoenix) so hot weather isn't an issue. i actually like the heat more then the rain. my son is 4.5yo and we'd like to get him into preschool but don't mind homeschooling if there's waiting list. what schools are in ther area? are there parks to look for? what kind of grocery stores and shopping are in the area? the safety of the neighborhood? i've been reading lots of post and i'm starting to familiarize myself with neighboring areas. i'm looking forward to moving to ATL area despite all the bashing i've been reading.

[IntownHomes247]

Medlock Park is nice. It has a playground, pool, and several sports fields. There are a number of very nice parks inside the City of Decatur (30030), which is nearby -- depending on where in 30033 you end up. The northern parts of the zip code mostly have swim/tennis clubs in different subdivisions and no parks. The area is also convenient to Emory University and the surrounding area, which provides a number of amenities -- performing arts center, museum, etc. Georgia has a Pre-K program for 4 year olds but there aren't enough spaces for every child. Since your son is 4.5, I assume he'd start kindergarten in the Fall. That will be free through the public schools, unless you want to go the private route.

For grocery stores, there's a Kroger and Publix at Toco Hills, a Publix at Shamrock Plaza, a Publix on North Decatur at Clairmont, a small (and not great) Kroger in Decatur, a Whole Foods on Lavista near Briarcliff -- there are more in the area, it will depend on which part of the zip code you end up in -- the biggest grocery stores in the area are (obviously) Kroger and Publix, but the Whole Foods is not far away.

The elementary schools are: Medlock and Laurel Ridge (Shamrock Middle and Druid Hills High).

[hokiehigh]

Congrats Meg! I am jealous you get to live in Decatur. I hear it is really a great place and you should get some of the Seattle vibe there. I am possibly moving to Atlanta soon too and I agree the bashing is a little unnerving but I will tell you my friends that live there love it! They just don't come on these boards. Also, remember a city with a lot of transplants will more than likely have people who aren't happy b/c they always compare to what they are used to. Enjoy!!

[genki]

Decatur is great to live in with kids, lots of activities and parks. The Decatur Dekalb YMCA has classes/soccer/swim for kids, and you can also join the Emory pool for swimming and lessons. The City of Decatur has a lot of parks and activities, so be sure to pick up a monthly rec center playbook flyer (also online). Also, the Dekalb libraries are good and have summer reading programs and story times.

I am not up on all of the preschools but I know there have been threads on here. Links for you!
Student Activity & Academic Center :: Facilities
City of Decatur Recreation & Community Services
YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta - Decatur-Dekalb Family YMCA Home Page
DeKalb County Public Library Home

My favorite grocery store is the Publix at Toco Hills (location search on Welcome to Publix Super Markets, Inc.), even though I don't live in that neighborhood anymore.

Good luck to you! Think you will like it here!

[~Meg~]

thank you for the suggestions. we choose Decatur because several people described it to be similar to Seattle. we really like the "vibe" of Seattle but not the weather. the reverse commute is a bonus too. i'm looking forward to settling in.