If You Are Looking For Info On Schools (homes, buy)

[jillmaican]

I found a couple of websites that were helpful in reviewing schools:

www.greatschools.com
www. publicschoolreview.com

Since I'm looking in Cobb county I went on the district page downloaded the map of their schools and started there.

Also... I'm looking for an area very similar to where I'm leaving (only more affordable obviously). I decided to do a couple of quick searches of local Whole Food Stores and Starbucks. I know it sounds weird but it gave me a general "feel" for the areas. I wrote down the zip codes and I'm basically narrowing my search to homes in close by zips. Not too suprisingly the areas that I saw and hated are no where near a Whole Foods or Starbucks. The ones that I liked.... less than 10 minutes away.

If anyone else has some tips of narrowing your search from afar please let me know. Unfortunately my past trip this weekend is it for me for a couple of months.

[nrgpill]

Although not very scientific in the approach, I think one can do okay over time if you follow the expansion plan of certain retailers and buy a home near it. I am thinking of Whole Foods and Trader Joe's as an example. The real question is - do these retailers chase after the desired demographics or do they establish the store first and let the surrounding areas develop? It is probably safe to say that the home prices around these retailers will not be cheap to begin with.