Cali girl relocating to GA! help need the 411 (Atlanta, Alpharetta: job, housing)

[MC - Cali Girl]

I'm looking to relocate to GA, I've been looking in the Suwanee area (because of it being one of the best places to live for 2007!) I am married with 2 boys, being in Orange County, CA its a bit hectic here. We have a very busy life with the boys playing sports (basketball leagues for the big one (13), getting ready to start football) and the little one (4) he wants to get into baseball, soccer, basketball and football. My husband plays in a basketball league, I play coed softball. Its going to be a big change from CA to GA because there is so much to do, we can go to the beach and to the mountains in the same day...................strange but it can happen. we snowboard, bike ride, pretty much don't like to be bored and like to be outside doing something! What I want to know is first off the school districts, I've found some good schools in Suwanee but is that the best place to go? housing prices I've been looking at is around $200-250k but more towards the lower end of the two. I will be working in Alpharetta, my husband............we will have to work on that one since it will be a completely new job for him, I will be just transferring. neighborhoods are important for my kids, safety, other kids to play with. What is there to do? I know we won't be able to get to do as many things we do here in CA now but how much slower will it be?

[j0ja]

There is a thread here about schools in metro Atlanta. It is pinned to the top of these Atlanta threads or just click here. You probably already know about greatschools.net. I would start there search for schools in those areas and read. I would say the bedroom communities of Suwanee or even the Alpharetta areas are fine, but it is better for others who have first hand knowledge to give you more details.

Good luck.

[JennySells]

Schooldigger.com is a good site as well - you may also want to look at Alpharetta/Milton area, there are some good schools here as well. But in your price range the Suwanee and East side of Alpharetta may be the best place to look, even Cumming is worth checking out.

[atlantagreg30127]

Ditto on the Alpharetta area. That might be a better area to look for a place to live.

Good overall school system, good shopping both in that area (mall) and North of there (outlet malls). North of there about 45 minutes are several small mountain towns with arts and crafts stuff, hiking, biking, camping etc too - so if you like the outdoors it's a good deal. The husband might hit it lucky and get a job in that area as well. If not, it's a straight shot down GA400 into the city (though the traffic is bad, but it shouldn't bug you much being from the metro L.A. area).