advice on relocating to atl from the bay area (Atlanta: real estate, foreclosure)

[msBRIELLARD]

Hi,

i am a 25 year old single parent of one 3 yr old boy who is looking for a better life in atl. i am relocating due to all the nonsense going on out here, not just in the ghetto but in the govt/finances/jobs.

I have never moved outta state, although i have visited places incl ATL, and just need some advice on finding a job from Cali, setting things up, etc.

In cali, i currently pay $1200-1500/mo incl utilities for a 2 bedroom and would like to buy a home but i am looking to rent and get settled in first. Any information/advice on childcares, jobs, renting, etc would be great..ty all and have a blessed day

[atlantagreg30127]

You didn't exactly go into details as to what "all the nonsense" is regarding ghettos, and government and finance jobs out there, but you need to keep in mind that Atlanta has it's share of ghettos as well, and there is a lack of certain jobs here as well. It's not Utopia - we're in a recession, too.

1) If you don't already have a job lined up, find one here first. The job market here isn't a ton better than anywhere else in the U.S. right now unless you wish to settle for lower income jobs. If you can transfer from where you work now to a branch in Atlanta, even if you hate the company you work for, take advantage of that to get here and have an income coming in, then look for a new job once here.

2) Where you work should determine where you live, as our traffic is famous. Find the job, then find a place close to that job, or you'll spend hours a day commuting from the wrong areas.

3) Use promove.com for rental offerings. They have a solid reputation among locals here for matching people up with the right places based on their list of needs vs. price.

[B Wagner]

You can also look for rentals on your on at www.Rentlist.com; www.AJCHomfinder.com or look to a property management company such as www.SolidSourcePM.com for rental homes. Good Luck.

[lastminutemom]

Georgia's unemployment just hit a nearly record high.

Georgia unemployment rate hits 8.1%; 26-year high | ajc.com (http://www.ajc.com/news/content/business/stories/2009/01/22/georgia_unemployment.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_new stab - broken link)

Social services stink now, they will get worse as the state is literally broke. There is no safety net -- you absolutely must have a job before you move here unless you have a year's savings.

Where your job is should determine your housing options because some commutes are nearly impossible. Get the job first, figure out everything else later.

[bayarea-girl]

To the OP, I moved to GA in July from the Bay area. This is not the time to be moving anywhere unless you have a job lined up with a stable company (preferably a job transfer where you have a history with a company). GA is a wonderful place to raise a family and you would be just fine in comparison to the cost of living in the Bay area. GA is kid friendly and very family oriented. But GA is not a place where one can easily re-invent oneself. You need to know people. GA is not the type of place you want to be if you don't have a job (REALLY). When we moved to GA when we did get interviews people couldn't understand why we would be moving from CA, they are not very comfortable with hiring outsiders unless you have been there for a while. You better have good credit too, as most situations whether it be for utilties to getting a job check your credit.

I love GA but after recently moving and staying for about 7 months I returned to the Bay. Jobs are easier to come by in the Bay. If you can wait a few years and or if you have a lot of money where you don't have to work for a year or more and or you just aren't worried about money then I would strongly recommend GA.

Good luck to you.

[msBRIELLARD]

Thanks everyone for your input it was very useful. I did consider all those options..just deciding the best route would be tha hardest part. Does anyone know how real estate is? I am going to be certified as a Professional Home Stager (Interior ReDesigner)? Anyone have any information on the hiring market for that profession? ty

[Sweet Atlanta Peach]

Originally Posted by msBRIELLARD

Thanks everyone for your input it was very useful. I did consider all those options..just deciding the best route would be tha hardest part. Does anyone know how real estate is? I am going to be certified as a Professional Home Stager (Interior ReDesigner)? Anyone have any information on the hiring market for that profession? ty

Many of my friends who are in Real Estate have been trying to find other jobs, some of whom have been in Real Estate at least 10 years. They tell me it is awful. However, I am sure there are some agents on this forum who may be able to tell you something more on the positive side.

I don't know if I'd do anything in Real Estate full-time; I'd start of part-time (doing it on the side) to see how much better the housing market is going to get. Since the foreclosure rate is so high and the banks are so sticky on qualifying home loans for buyers, I don't know if Professional Home Stagers are in demand here right now.