Why Not Peachtree City? (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: real estate, townhouse, buying)

[pomartini]

I am just curious...with my research on real estate, schools, amenities and in talking with realtors, Fayette County Chamber, etc. it seems to me the PTC is an excellent choice when deciding on a community in the Atlanta area. From what I can gather, the schools are excellent (exceed state scores, small class sizes), the housing is reasonable - ranging from $200s - millions with large or small lots with great resale, little traffic, family friendly, wide range of outdoor activities offered, etc. Reasonably expected amenities in terms of shopping and restaurants but for more upscale and diverse selections - a drive up north is typically 30 - 45 minutes.

Based on my observations on this forum, PTC is not typically recommended unless one is specifically looking down south. Why is that? As one who has not yet experienced the Atlanta traffic, I would *assume* that living in PTC and driving north is against the typical traffic patterns? Or is the geographic location so inconvenient to those working in the city that places such as Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta are much more convenient despite the horrid traffic I keep reading about?

Thanks in advance for any input!

[xxman777]

I think there are couple of reasons PT City is left off the list. The first is location. Downtown Atlanta is really about 40 minutes with no traffic so a rush hour drive up would not be fun. If your going to Midtown add 10 extra minutes, Buckhead another 15. I don't really have an estimate for a commute to the perimeter but I'm sure it would be long. If you already have a job at the airport or on the southside then it's a good place to be but points north are a little far.

The second is shopping. This doesn't actually matter to me but I know it's very important to a lot of people. Shopping options are improving but there ist still a lot more on the north side.

Schools are excellent, traffic's much better and it's affordable, but it it's far away.

[jxu66]

PTC is convenient if you work in airport. Driving north is not against traffic since a lot of people who will try to drive from PTC to downtown for work as well. Furthermore, Most job centers in Atlanta is in northern side of downtown (midtown, buckhead, Alpharatta, Marietta and Dunwoody).

Shopping is not as good as in the north side. Trader's Joe, whole's Food and other speciality stores are mainly located north of downtown.

[xxman777]

Good point jxu, as of right now there aren't any Trader Joe's or Whole Food's on the southside (the closest is in Atlanta, just east of downtown). As someone who does the majority of my shopping at these stores for health reasons PTC would almost not even be an option. I don't know what people down there do for an alternative to the main stream super markets.

[pomartini]

Thanks for your input! Having never lived by a Trader Joe's, I will have to check out what I am missing. Luckily, my local Kroger carries most of my organics so I very rarely need to go to lmy local alternative grocery.

I will just plan monthly trips into the city for my *special* shopping needs as it seems (again just from my research) that most of my needs will be met in PTC.

[jjordan]

If you don't work north of, say, Midtown PTC is a great suggestion.That said, I grew up there and I'd have to say I'm not sure where you're finding these homes for $200K unless it's a townhouse or in Wynnemeade. PTC is quite expensive, and in fact, Fayette County had the highest median home price in the metro until Forsyth overtook it. Schools are great (again, some of the best in the entire area) but it's true that shopping does leave something to be desired. The reason it lacks shopping now is because there are only about 110k people in the county. That said, Fayette Pavillion, in Fayetteville, (which is surprisingly far) is a giant shopping center with everything you'd need with any regularity.There is an Avenue shopping center in PTC which is quite nice and there used to be a Harry's Farmers Market there. I'd imagine that when Whole Foods or Trader Joe's comes south of I-20 Fayette County will be at the top of their list. The incomes in the area are certainly high enough to support them. The density just isn't there yet.

[gottaGetOut]

Originally Posted by pomartini

I am just curious...with my research on real estate, schools, amenities and in talking with realtors, Fayette County Chamber, etc. it seems to me the PTC is an excellent choice when deciding on a community in the Atlanta area.


--- PTC is exactly that. Maybe the Exclusivity Mafia is making sure the word doesn't get out so they can protect their little enclave.


Based on my observations on this forum, PTC is not typically recommended unless one is specifically looking down south. Why is that? As one who has not yet experienced the Atlanta traffic, I would *assume* that living in PTC and driving north is against the typical traffic patterns?

-- True, it is different, but people live everywhere and commute everywhere, so unless you work unconventional hours in Metro Atlanta, or work in your own county, you're sucked into the traffic vortex.


Or is the geographic location so inconvenient to those working in the city that places such as Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta are much more convenient despite the horrid traffic I keep reading about?

Not necessarily. Just depends on your destination. Gas, somehow, though, seems to be frequently cheaper north of the city . . . ?

[Forsyth-Online]

On another topic besides work commute, it would be more difficult to access parts of the city for recreation/pleasure. Say you want an upscale dinner or theatre. Most are located north. And you would be commuting through South Atlanta. If it's no big deal and you have no desire to access the north parts of the city, (shopping, events and restaurants) then this would not affect you.

[RichCapeCod]

My wife and I are looking for a warmer place to hide during the winter months than is afforded on Cape Cod. One such option we’re interested in is a new +55 development called Sun-City Peachtree. It’s a Del Webb community, being built on 1,700 acres and incorporating 3,400 homes. All kinds of amenities to keep us older folks happy…

Any way, I’ve seen many (many) lovely homes on the market within Peachtree City for prices ranging from the low $200s to whatever. I suspect a home in Sun-City will run over $300k and wonder if any folks out there have an opinion as to whether buying into the new development is a wise decision.

Thanks,


Rich