Accessibility to North Augusta, SC from the Atlanta area? (Sandy Springs: home, best schools)

[Nanseev]

I've been doing some research (and reading lots of posts) to try to figure out what area of suburbia-Atlanta I'd like to end up in...and I realized I needed some additional information that I was hoping someone could answer.

We're Bostonians-at-heart who have lived in Southern California for 5 years. We have two kids, so schools are important. We've primarily been looking in the East Cobb area because of the schools, but have been considering other surrounding areas with good schools as well.

We have family in North Augusta, SC, and I'm wondering if there's a big difference in the travel to this area depending on where we live? I know with certain cities, if you have to commute "through" the city to get somewhere, that will add on an extra hour+ to the commute.

I anticipate having to make thetrip to North Augusta, SC frequently, so if there is a big difference in the commute time, maybe that will help make the final decision for us.

Thanks!

[lastminutemom]

Unlike So. California from what I have heard, traffic patterns are fairly predictable here --with the exception of wrecks and the occassional person trying to jump off a bridge, we have rush hour and non-rush hour. That said, in my opinion, Fridays are always terrible -- always -- and it seems to be getting worse. Use to be you could leave before say 2 Pm and miss the rush, but now it is necessary to leave earlier and earlier.

So if you anticipate alot of needing to wait until school is getting out and then hitting the road immediately, then traffic matters a bit more.

That said, I am not sure you will find better schools than East Cobb that are more convienient. Alot of the I-20 corridore is not home to the best schools in the area.

[Figment 07]

I anticipate having to make thetrip to North Augusta, SC frequently

Weekends and off-peak travel hours, I hope. You'd be okay in East Cobb or Sandy Springs/Dunwoody if that is the case.

Lastminutemom is right about the I-20 corridor, though. How close-in to Atlanta do you need to be for work?