In search of culture, schools, and a unique house and neighborhood (Atlanta: real estate, apartment)

[Rockmama]

We could really use the help of some people in the know who aren't real estate agents.

We are 37 and 42 with kids ages 12, 10 and 4 months. We currently live in the Chicago area and ALMOST moved to Oak Park (if anyone is familiar) before learning of this move to Atlanta. My husband is an executive who would be working at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton. We have an indie rock band and we're very active in the Chicago scene. Hubby has tons of tattoos. I have a couple myself. Why is this relevant? Because we would sooooooooo not enjoy a golf course community or one of those planned communities. In fact, we kinda despise the "McMansions" in new subdivisions. Status is not important to us, style is. That said, we'd be entertaining sponsors for the track and need a really AWESOME setting.

We prefer midcentury modern through contemporary 80's architecture. (That said, the house we had under contract was a renovated Victorian, so we're fickle.) We like trees in our yard, we're foodies (we pretend we're gourmets), and we love culture. Hubby grew up in a NYC apartment, so doesn't feel comfortable without neighbors. (We were asked if we'd want an acreage with horses... noooooooooo.) We also love our kids and want them to have a great education. We'd consider private school if it was close enough and NOT a religious school, but would prefer public.

I'm guessing we need to be somewhere between South Atlanta and Hampton. We have a generous price range and keep getting steered to those aforementioned McMansion and golf communities. We've talked about Lake Spivey but I'm hearing bad stuff about that county... I'm not impressed with what my research is turning up on the schools.

I was in Atlanta for business a few years ago, and stumbled on a neighborhood at night. The front yards were filled with those tall Georgia trees, the street was winding and quiet, and the houses were not brand new but were beautiful and full of character. This is what I want. I have no idea where it was.

Can anyone give me some direction?

[lastminutemom]

What kind of commute are you willing to sustain and how close to Hampton (for entertaining purposes) do you have to be?

[IntownHomes247]

Sorry. I'd love to help, but I'm a real estate agent.

[Rockmama]

Haha! Didn't mean to offend. I've been a real estate agent too. It's just that we're getting recommendations from agents and it seems like they're not really listening to us. Maybe we just haven't found the right one? Or they don't work in the areas we'd want, which brings me back to the needing to know WHAT we want. I meant that I want the non-salesperson information. Believe me, your advice would be much appreciated!

As far as a commute, I suppose 30 minutes is reasonable. We need to be able to scout and frequent the wonderful restaurants in the area.

[lastminutemom]

I think this is going to be tough. The cool parts of Metro Atlanta are definitely not close and require a commute that both in miles and traffic might be difficult.

Hampton is kind of out there in the country.

I am bowing out, because I realize that I don't really know much about this part of Metro Atlanta.

It could be that what you are looking for, within your commute parameters, simply doesn't exist. If Lake Spivey fits, then consider Woodward Academy for schooling...

[BobKovacs]

30 minutes from the track doesn't really put you anywhere that'll give you what you want. It sounds like you need something that's got some density, but a 30 minute commute from AMS will put you somewhere south of the airport, and that's not going to suit your needs at all. You may have to consider extending that commute, and then look in areas like Virginia Highland, Inman Park, etc.

[lastminutemom]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

30 minutes from the track doesn't really put you anywhere that'll give you what you want. It sounds like you need something that's got some density, but a 30 minute commute from AMS will put you somewhere south of the airport, and that's not going to suit your needs at all. You may have to consider extending that commute, and then look in areas like Virginia Highland, Inman Park, etc.

But I am not sure that will work if they need to be close enough to entertain sponsors. It makes for a long evening if people are staying by the track and have to come all the way into ATL and then drive back out.

[mmenomen]

You seem to have a bit alternative lifestyle with lots of options, at least from what I am reading. What about Newnan (Coweta County)? That is probably at least 30-40 miles (probably closer to an hour commute) from Hampton and you would use state roads. There are some beautiful old homes there that are not in traditional neighborhoods. I would go to GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community and check out the better public schools in that area (South Side), the selection of good quality private schools on the southside is limited to be quite blunt, given your religious preferences.

You might want to try McDonough or even Locust Grove (Henry County). There are some nice older homes there, too, but the public schools have mixed reviews. Other places: Senoia (Coweta) or maybe Griffin (Spalding County), but the public schools there generally are not considered top notch.

Also, Peachtree City (Fayette County) doesn't sound like your cup of tea at all so I would avoid it given your description. And avoid Clayton County entirely since you are considering public schools as an option.

Personally, I would try to locate the best public schools and work my way finding a nice house revolving around that. Fayette County has the best reputation for the entire South Side. You could try some of the semi-rural areas there, but it is more monied and conservative on the surface.

Given that you are not very familiar with Atlanta, I would explore and I would rent first in case you are not happy with the public schools. You have time and low prices on your side so you have some definite advantages. Most suburbs and exurbs in Atlanta are conservative and typical bedroom communities, not too much to mention in the alternative vein except for City of Decatur, but that would be a very far commute for your husband.

I don't have a real estate agent recommendation for you for the South Side (often dubbed as the Southern Crescent). I used to work with a few, but I would not recommend the ones I know really well. Good luck to you, I only wish I were in your shoes for some great change and opportunity ahead.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

But I am not sure that will work if they need to be close enough to entertain sponsors. It makes for a long evening if people are staying by the track and have to come all the way into ATL and then drive back out.

I'm wondering if the "entertaining sponsors" is going to be as big of a concern as she makes it sound. Most folks who are sponsoring races aren't going to be being "entertained" at someone's house unless we're talking about a multi-million dollar estate. I see most of those meeting happening at restaurants or at the track's facilities, rather than in a private home.

[Rockmama]

We will definitely be entertaining people in our home. Thanks to everyone who provided helpful advice; we will probably end up expanding the commute in order to give us some options. We're looking forward to this!