Possible relocation in Alpharetta, from Belgium! (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: for rent, credit card, day care)

[abongiov]

Hi, my wife and me are expecting a relocation offer from our company in Alpharetta or Atlanta. This forum has already given us some very nice infos but as we are European we have difficulties understanding what will be our life level around there. We expect around 160k$ to 180k$ total annual income. We would like to rent a house in Alpharetta (4 bedrooms), of course in a nice area and with good schools has our children will be around 4 years and 10 month. My wife is gonna work in Alpharetta but I'll probably be near GeorgiaTech. Considering all the bad threats on traffic I'm thinking of riding a scooter to get in Atlanta.
But the real tricks is the difference between Belgium and US taxes. I don't understand how much will be getting after taxes and is that enough to rent a big house in a nice area and pay for the kids school and everything else.
Can someone help us please ?

[BobKovacs]

I can't fathom riding a scooter from Alpharetta to Atlanta- the drivers around here would run you over.

Regarding the taxes on income, depending on your deductions, you'd likely bring home around $9-10,000/month at $160k/year.

[abongiov]

Thanks a lot, don't know about deductions, we have 2 kids and we want to rent a house.
It seems that for 2000$/month it's possible to find a house meetings our requirement, I have seen around 1000$ for the nursery. So that's leaves us with 6000 to 7000$/month to pay 2 cars, a maid ...etc, is it enough in regards to american standards ?
How long does it take from Alpharetta to Atlanta at rush hour ?

[lastminutemom]

You might consider either Dunwoody or Sandy Springs as well. Both have pretty substantial ex-pat communities and would put you both at an even commute. Your wife's commute would mostly be against traffic.

Depending on where you are going to be working by GA Tech, you may be able to take MARTA, our subway system.

You should be fine financially.

Nurseries (or day care centers) as they are called here have seen a drop in enrollment since the economy has tanked. You shouldn't have a problem finding space in a good one, once you find where you will be living.

[Shagbark Hickory]

You are going to LIVE LIKE A KING with that kind of income.
You'll be in one of the higher tax brackets but you have nothing to worry about.
Don't bother with a scooter. In alpharetta, the vehicle of choice is the Minivan or Cadillac Escalade or Chevy Tahoe. With your salaries, you can get one of each and afford a house with a 3 car garage to house them all.

[pellur]

Originally Posted by abongiov

Thanks a lot, don't know about deductions, we have 2 kids and we want to rent a house.
It seems that for 2000$/month it's possible to find a house meetings our requirement, I have seen around 1000$ for the nursery. So that's leaves us with 6000 to 7000$/month to pay 2 cars, a maid ...etc, is it enough in regards to american standards ?
How long does it take from Alpharetta to Atlanta at rush hour ?

Unlike European/Asian countries, Live in maid's are not common in US. Its likely to be around $40/hr if you hire them on a hourly basis. With so many people out of work, day care is getting cheaper. In alpharetta where I live, I saw a business offering fixed rate ( $15 or $20) per day for a child of any age.

Scooters are impossible to drive on interstates. Assuming you don't have any credit history in america, getting credit for two new vehicles will be difficult and rates would be super high. I suggest you buy used vehicles with cash or pay with low APR credit cards. Also open bank accounts with US banks as soon as possible and get their Debit cards and secured credit card to build your credit profile as soon as you can.

If one of you is working downtown and other in Alpharetta, I suggest you to live in Alpharetta. One of the houses in our subdivision is for rent. PM me if you want more details.

Good luck with your move.