Best suburbs for same-sex families (two dads) (Atlanta, North Atlanta: new home, neighborhoods)

[urpilotfriend]

Hey everyone!

I spent some time looking through old posts and really couldn't find anything. I figured I'd ask here and get some fresh, upfront advice from all you Atlantans. So here it goes, what are some great suburban cities in the Atlanta area, as well as neighborhoods in Atlanta itself that are great for families with two same-sex parents? Specifically a couple together for almost 10 years, mid 30's, with 3 young children (7, 5, 2). Great schools are a must, an abundance of outside actives (parks, lakes, camping, roller blading, biking), we'd want a place with nice, "normal" people. We have a very "live and let live" mentality and would wish that of our neighbors. We are an open, and very normal down to earth American family (minus a mommy), but do not flaunt our being gay as some people do. No rainbow flags, etc, etc hanging from our porch. We've done the whole urban lifestyle one before, but now looking to finally settle into a more laid-back suburb with an atmosphere geared more towards families.

Also, I'd be driving into ATL for work. It would only be once or twice a week both ways, so it's not everyday, and the times change each commute in. It's not really a huge deal, but, not having a ridiculous commute would be nice too!

Thanks all for the help!

[George Chong]

I think some additional information is required for us all to give our two cents worth. Price range, number of bedrooms, baths and where will you and your partner be working in Atlanta (it's a big place).

Good luck and welcome!

[aries4118]

Yes, all we need to know is your housing price range, house-size preference, and where exactly in Atlanta you will be working.

You will know where to look soon...good luck!

[plessthanpointohfive]

The good think about Atlanta is that it's urban neighborhoods ain't all that "urban". They can feel like the suburbs of much larger cities. So, perhaps once you know where you'll both be commuting you can come out here and investigate. I know where George and I live a same-sex parent household is common enough that you won't even get the slightest pause in conversation after you introduce your family to your neighbor.

I can't speak directly for the suburbs but I would imagine some of them, especially areas with its own business center, like Alpharetta, would probably be okay, too.

[Great Joy]

I wouldn't recommend Alpharetta as it is a very conservative area as I think most suburbs are around Atlanta. I've heard there are openly gay areas more in the central parts of Atlanta.

[urpilotfriend]

Sorry for not adding that very important information. We're in our mid 30's (so a place with younger families would be great), I'm a pilot for a major airline out of Atlanta and will be commuting to the airport once or twice a week. He works from home. We're looking at around $350,000 to $550,000. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths.

Thanks!

[johnatl]

Okay, now we have more to work with.
City of Decatur
Oak Grove area of DeKalb County
You can't go wrong with either place.

Welcome to ATL!

[George Chong]

Lots of pilots live in the Peachtree City area. They are large homes and have an excellent school system. I know of at least one neighborhood that has a lake in the area. The neighborhood is Southern Shore. I would have to ask my clients of how accepting it is of same sex couples. Here is a link to the area. Peachtree City, GA - Official Website

Like Pless stated, there are many intown neighborhoods that would be very accepting of your family. You could easily take the subway to work too. I live in Inman Park and Pless is in Candler Park. Mary Lin is known to be an excellent elementary school. Mary Lin serves both neighborhoods. It is 11 stops from Inman Park (E3) to the airport and 12 stops from Candler Park(E4). The train literally stops just steps outside the airport terminal. MARTA - Getting There - Rail Schedules & Maps Another client of mine is a flight attendant so she drives and parks in one of the lots for the carrier that she works for.

The other option is the City of Decatur. A client of mine dubbed it where "Mayberry meets Berkley". There are lots of lesbians that live in Decatur and the neighboring area of Avondale Estates. The City of Decatur has an excellent school system too.

Here are some websites for you to investigate:

www.inmanpark.org
Candler Park Neighborhood Organization | Welcome to your in-town hometown
City of Decatur, GA
City Schools of Decatur

I hope that gets you started on your search for your new home!

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by urpilotfriend

Sorry for not adding that very important information. We're in our mid 30's (so a place with younger families would be great), I'm a pilot for a major airline out of Atlanta and will be commuting to the airport once or twice a week. He works from home. We're looking at around $350,000 to $550,000. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths.

Thanks!

OK, at your price (and other criteria) I would look in these areas:

1. City of Decatur (any school)
{So that you know...the schools for the City of Decatur are Oakhurst Elementary, Clairemont Elementary, Winnona Park Elementary, Glennwood Academy, Renfroe Middle, and Decatur High}




2. The E. Rivers Elementary School District in South Buckhead*

3. The Garden Hills Elementary School District in South and Southeast Buckhead*

*both Garden Hills and E. Rivers feed into Sutton Middle and North Atlanta High...good!




4. Mary Lin Elementary School District in Atlanta**

5. Springdale Park Elementary School District in Atlanta**

6. Morningside Elementary School District in Atlanta**

**Mary Lin, Springdale Park, and Morningside all feed into Inman Middle and Grady High...very good/great!




7. Briar Vista Elementary School District in North DeKalb***

8. Fernbank Elementary School District in North DeKalb***

9. Medlock Elementary School District in North DeKalb***

***Briar Vista, Fernbank, and Medlock all feed into Shamrock Middle and Druid Hills High...good!


-> OK, all of the aforementioned areas and school districts are gay-friendly, gay-couple friendly, and gay-family friendly. You will have many options to find the kind of house you desire. The areas above offer the perfect combination of "family-friendly suburbaness" and "urban open-mindedness/let-live." You will also find many couples similar to y'all. The areas/school districts also offer quick access to the airport.


I hope this helps. Good Luck!


P.S. Some of the school districts in the Lakeside High School district may also meet your criteria...another poster may chime in about this.

[johnatl]

^Re: Lakeside High School district - that's why I mentioned Oak Grove.