Living in North Fulton vs North Gwinnett (and lets throw in South Forsyth) (Atlanta: houses, high school)

[OhioNative]

One thing to remember that is different about metro Atlanta is that in the Northeast (or where I'm from in Ohio, as well), a metro area usually consists of city after city with clearly defined borders and often very distinct character and populations. This past experience of northern transplant is reflected in questions like "what is the difference between Alpharetta and Johns Creek," when in reality they just blend into each other (and more confusingly, some areas in Johns Creek have an Alpharetta mailing address!!!). Here, the areas tend to blend into each other, without readily indetifiable boundaries, often with very nice areas intermingled with pockets of not-as-nice areas - this is because until recently, many of the now suburbs were rural and consisted of unincorporated areas rather than cities. This has changed as new cities have been formed in North Fulton, but most of what is called "Suwanee" is not actually in the city of Suwanee; it is actually in unincorporated Gwinnett or Forsyth county. Oftentimes, people with discuss their area in terms of a mall or a school district, rather than a city label (e.g. the "Collins Hill area" or the "Mall of Georgia area"). Really, you have to come down here and map out the area that is most convenient to work and see it for yourself, as it can be hard to picture and the layout of the roads tends to be confusing. Hope that was not too confusing; just trying to help!

[EastCoast2GA]

In general, from a county perspective, which is better- Fulton or Gwinnett? I wonder if Atlanta and South Fulton weigh down North Fulton or does each area/city generally hold its own against the county?

[ericsonga]

There are a lot of factors that go into making one place 'better' than the other. North Fulton has been traditionally more affluent. However, the quality of life in both areas is virtually identical. You really need to decide that for yourself.

[Iconographer]

Yes, there is not really a lot of distinction between the specific areas that you target. These are all quite nice areas that you are talking about.

[ericsonga]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

Yes, there is not really a lot of distinction between the specific areas that you target. These are all quite nice areas that you are talking about.

So nice to hear something positive! Thanks Lovin!

[roxyrn]

I would recommend starting the selling process now. There are a lot of great houses in the areas of Atlanta for sale but you need to sell first before you know how much you will have, and when. (Take it from me, the asking price on my house in New York is nearly $300,000 lower than the value we are paying taxes on). Our first offer in May fell through (I suspect mortgage problems) and our second offer in September was $110,000 below our asking price. Also, some interested parties do not want to take possession of a new house until the end of the school year.

[Radley]

The tensions that you mentioned were a long time ago. Forsyth has changed since the 1970s. Has been one of the fastest growing counties in the country over the past 10 years or so. Wouldn't worry about that at all.

During those racial tensions, that's where Oprah Winfrey got her first start. She was a Reporter covering it back then. Her first glimpse of fame.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Radley

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During those racial tensions, that's where Oprah Winfrey got her first start. She was a Reporter covering it back then. Her first glimpse of fame.

Actually, no. Oprah already had her show by then (the major conflict took place in 1986) and was already famous (with an Oscar nomination). What she did was conduct her show in Forsyth County.

[ATL4U]

Did you ever say where your work was (sorry if I missed it)?

To be "close" to 85, none of the areas under discussion in this thread really qualify. I live off Hwy 20 3 miles from GA400 in S Forsyth County and though 85 is technically only about 11 miles from me, I would not want to drive it, pretty much ever, due to traffic and two lane roads, etc.

Also, Lambert is brand new and probably like 95% white. I doubt there are already "racial tensions" unless it's against the 5% and that's hard to imagine. This is not a rural area any longer, as another poster pointed out.

What part of 85 do you need to be near, Sugarloaf, JCB, 285, Hamilton Mill?

Thanks, Rob

[EastCoast2GA]

I may have jumped the gun on the highway proximity. It looks like the type of professional (finance, acctg, IT etc) jobs we would be looking for have a high concentration in the Alpharetta area.

So I guess knowing that, what areas are good for families and have good schoools and also of course an easy commute to the Alpharetta area?

Originally Posted by ATL4U

Did you ever say where your work was (sorry if I missed it)?

To be "close" to 85, none of the areas under discussion in this thread really qualify. I live off Hwy 20 3 miles from GA400 in S Forsyth County and though 85 is technically only about 11 miles from me, I would not want to drive it, pretty much ever, due to traffic and two lane roads, etc.

Also, Lambert is brand new and probably like 95% white. I doubt there are already "racial tensions" unless it's against the 5% and that's hard to imagine. This is not a rural area any longer, as another poster pointed out.

What part of 85 do you need to be near, Sugarloaf, JCB, 285, Hamilton Mill?

Thanks, Rob