Possibly moving to Alpharetta area (Atlanta, Roswell: loan, how much, houses)

[fireman]

I may be moving my family into that area. It'll be me, my wife, one 1st grade boy, one kindergarten girl, two dogs, two cats, and a ferret...... Can anyone give good suggestions on reasonable towns to live in around there. I grew up with plenty of space, so I'd like to see more rural areas if possible. Also any info on avg. utility costs and other living costs, schools, recreational areas, traffic problems (due to a possible commute), ect. All info is certainly appreciated.

[bbuch]

well, Alpharetta kinda is the town, but I guess there are plenty of subdivisions to look at depending on how much you want to spend on a house. The heart of Alpharetta is between exit 8 and exit 10 off of I-400. I have some friends that Live off of exit 12 and that is starting to get more rural. As you go south towards exit 6 you get into Roswell and Fulton County which is also a nice area.

When you talk about commute, will you be commuting into Atlanta? That is one of the worst commutes in town if thats the case.

As far as schools, my wife has taught for 6 years. Mostly in Dekalb, currently in Fulton, and we live in Cobb. She is not that familiar with the Forsyth schools, but this is what I got out of her.

Top Elementary Schools:
Settles Bridge
Big Creek
Vickery Creek
Sharon

Top Middle Schools:
South Forsyth
Otwell
Vivkery Creek
Liberty
North Forsyth

Top High Schools:
South Forsyth
North Forsyth
Forsyth Central

Hope that helps!! Let me know if you have any more questions.

B

[fireman]

The commute would be into Alparetta. Looks like more to the north of there is where I should be looking for a home. That is if the move happens....

[bbuch]

ah, I see...hmmm...If you wanted to live somewhere in the N.GA montains, you could look at places like dalohnega. I get up that way to mountain bike sometimes, but I don't really know the area. Good luck!!!

[luv2fish]

Fireman,
If you are working in Alpharetta you would want to stay close becuase Atlanta traffic is a bear! I would suggest South Forsyth county as taxes are low, schools are pretty good and you get some acres with your home.
[moderator CUT]

[caitlingurl]

well, I might plan to relocate for high school in the next 3 years but this is what i know about Alpharetta. It is basically only one way into the A, which is GA400. It is in North Fulton County and Atlanta isnt very far. Other areas you may want to check out is Duluth or somewhere in DeKalb, like Lithonia. Cobb is a little ways from Alpharetta. Cobb is ok, but places like Acworth are dull, if u ever consider moving to Cobb, your best bet is Marietta or Austell.

[chartreuse]

Fireman, I am speaking with experience living in Alpharetta all the way up to Dahlonega; I can tell you Alpharetta is beautiful and worth the extra expense if you can afford a higher priced lifestyle. If you love Country and peaceful life with a trip VERY close to Alpharetta the place is most definately at the farthest north, beautiful Dahlonega. Dahlonega was the first Gold Rush of the U.S. back in the 1830's, there is lots of historical qualities throughout Georgia though. 13 years ago my husband and I had a 1 BR apt. in Alpharetta for a bit over 800/mo. and houses there don't come cheap; the general cost of a 3BR home in the fastest growing rural counties in N. GA, (Dawson being below us, and Lumpkin the County of Dahlonega) I'd bank on finding expansion up here, and a possible future working for the County around the block from ME!! HAPPY HUNTING!!

[brian_2]

Alpharetta? Good heavens the traffic! I sometimes think we humans acclimate to living our lives in a crowded, unhealthy, and aggressive community because it's all we know, we have no choice, or we sacrifice our peace of mind for the pursuit of the almighty dollar. We moved to Roswell/Alpharetta in 1972 (I left in 1980), and since then I've visited friends and family who stayed there, and I'm always amazed people over 45 can put up with that crowding, traffic and consumerism. If you can swing the north GA mountains do it - you can always drive down to Alpharetta/other areas for shopping during off-peak (do they exist?) traffic times.

[michele]

Hi
There are many great Atlanta suburbs to choose from. If possible, you will want to live close to where you work because the traffic is terrible. Some of the best schools are in North Fulton (Alpharetta and Roswell) and East Cobb (Marietta and also Roswell), there are also a number of good private schools. The cost of living, in comparison to other metro cities, is very reasonable, especially housing. If you are a fireman (or policeman or teacher for that matter) there are special loan programs available for people in these service industry careers, if you're considering purchasing a house. Also, depending on where you move from, there may even be relocation funds available to assist you with costs.
[moderator CUT]