Where would you live (Dunwoody, Tucker: rent, house, neighborhood)

[StillThinking]

If your wife worked in Forest Park and you work in Dunwoody? I'm looking for the a house in the 250k-300k price range. I need 4-5 bedrooms and a nice environment. I have 4 children under 8 years old so school are important too. I"m also interested in renting too.

[jeffreda30238]

I would definitely look in the Decatur, Tucker area. I think it's a happy medium for the both of you. They both have their really nice and stay away areas....when I name those areas, I mean Decatur and Tucker INSIDE 285. You should hopefully have some luck there.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by jeffreda30238

I would definitely look in the Decatur, Tucker area. I think it's a happy medium for the both of you. They both have their really nice and stay away areas....when I name those areas, I mean Decatur and Tucker INSIDE 285. You should hopefully have some luck there.

Ditto on Tucker, and I agree with jeffreda that you want to keep access to I-285 in mind when you're shopping. Only a very small part of Tucker is inside the Perimeter, but the part that is just outside is perfectly fine.
As for Decatur, it's going to be a bit more difficult to find what you want in your price than in Tucker.

[RoslynHolcomb]

Last year when I was looking at Tucker, I found plenty of older ranches well in that price range. I was concerned about schools as well and focused on Midvale, Livsey and Brockett Elementary schools. We found the deal of a lifetime in Dunwoody, but Tucker was our next best choice. For your kids, my son plays soccer with the Tucker Youth Soccer Association. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better-run organization. They're a machine and we've enjoyed them tremendously. My husband coaches with them as well, and loves it.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by RoslynHolcomb

Last year when I was looking at Tucker, I found plenty of older ranches well in that price range. I was concerned about schools as well and focused on Midvale, Livsey and Brockett Elementary schools. We found the deal of a lifetime in Dunwoody, but Tucker was our next best choice. For your kids, my son plays soccer with the Tucker Youth Soccer Association. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better-run organization. They're a machine and we've enjoyed them tremendously. My husband coaches with them as well, and loves it.

Although not 'Tucker proper', the Doraville 30340 area would be another spot to consider. Most of it is within the Evansdale Elem/Henderson Middle/Lakeside High cluster (one of the better clusters in DeKalb). Check out listings in the Wembley Forest subdivision (off Chamblee-Tucker Rd). A great family neighborhood and a great value IMO.

[lastminutemom]

I realize that the original posters' children are young.. but they grow up fast.

Lakeside High School is really struggling.

A friend just emailed the latest Great School Comments and while I am not generally a big fan of that site... I think it is important to understand that LHS is losing some of its shine and not that slowly.

They are about to get their third new principal in less than 5 years and I hope that this person can restore the school to its former glory.

I think you would be priced out of the better parts of the Lakeside district anyway.

If I had that many children, I would avoid DeKalb County schools just because you have a lot of years in front of you to rely on a system that is truly struggling.

[lastminutemom]

Are you looking to live there or simply rent it out?