Moving from NJ to GA - Your Thoughts Are Appreciated (Atlanta: homes, employment)

[Here-N-There]

Hey there,

My husband and I are considering a move to GA in the next year or two. You know, slower pace, warmer climate, less taxes, yadda-yadda-yadda. He would transfer from his current job to one in the same company in Alpharetta so finding employment is not the issue. Here comes our problem - where to move to! We currently live in Hutnerdon County, NJ in a rural town where we have a mixture of farms, older homes and (for lack of a better term) mansions. We live on 3 acres and love the privacy but would like a community setting for our two kids. Still love to find something with 1.5 to 2 acres if that is possible and not too congested. Good schools are a must. I know, we want the world. I hear traffic is a beast in GA so I would like to avoid that for Dear Hubby if possible. He currently drives 40 miles (1hr) ea morning so if we could cut that down that would be fabulous.

Does anyone have any towns to suggest? DH is flying to Atlanta next week for business and if I could give him some towns to drive through that would be a huge step in our search.

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.

[TakeAhike]

A previous discussion on NJ to Alpharetta>>>
http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...j-atlanta.html

I scanned the thread and Cumming/Forsyth county was mentioned several times. Cumming is located on/near Lake Lanier.

Here's another thread 'Commuting from Buford/Sugar Hill to Alpharetta'>>>
http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlan...lpharetta.html

Buford should go on the list of places to see.
Cherokee County and South Forsyth county were suggested.

hth

[BobKovacs]

You can look in Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, or Forsyth County and find everything you want (though alot will depend on your price range, too). Depending on where in Alpharetta his job is, some of these could actually end up being reverse commutes as well. We moved from Middlesex County last year, so I've got an idea of what you're looking to replace, and those areas would work well.

[Here-N-There]

TakeAHike and Bob,

Thank you both for responding. I will map out some routes based on your suggestions.


Bob - Thanks for the NJ to GA weigh-in as far as knowing what I am looking to replace. When I tell people Hunterdon County or Tewksbury I sometimes get glazed eyes so I try to describe the setting. Hubby's job will be around the Windward Parkway area. Not sure if that changes things. Was it a big adjustment moving to GA from NJ?

[BobKovacs]

Widnward Parkway is far enough North on 400 that you've got two choices- you can look at areas South of there and have an OK reverse-commute, or you can stay in that area or North and still avoid the major traffic jams (you'll never get far enough South to get into them). I think if you're looking for something more rural, you should probably focus more North, but make sure you stay in an area with decent schools- too far North and they get a little crummy. One area that gets good reviews is the Vickery school zone up in Cumming, and there's some great homes up there as well.

The adjustment to GA has been fairly easy for us, but we came here looking to embrace a change. If you're going to be unhappy because you can't find good pizza and delis on every corner (and tell everyone you see about it.....), it'll be harder for you. The northerners who get grief are the ones who are constantly saying "well, in NJ they do so-and-so". I'd bet you'll do fine.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by Here-N-There

TakeAHike and Bob,

Thank you both for responding. I will map out some routes based on your suggestions.


Bob - Thanks for the NJ to GA weigh-in as far as knowing what I am looking to replace. When I tell people Hunterdon County or Tewksbury I sometimes get glazed eyes so I try to describe the setting. Hubby's job will be around the Windward Parkway area. Not sure if that changes things. Was it a big adjustment moving to GA from NJ?

The description helped. I picture Hunterdon County as somewhat similar to northern Gwinnett, Forsyth, Cherokee, Bartow counties. 20 years ago southern Gwinnett county was also underdeveloped and you would pass many working farms within 30 minutes of Atlanta. Not true today at all.
Milton County is supposed to be very nice.
http://www.accessmilton.com/