Tucker VS Alpharetta (Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Lilburn: new house, neighborhoods, buying)

[Atlanta2006]

We once had an opportunity to buy a new house in the city of Tucker. The house was in a new subdivision at the border of Gwinnett and DeKalb County, but belongs to the Gwinnett. It was also at the school district border of Meadowcreek (a very bad one) and Parkview High School (a pretty good one), but happened to be in Parkview. Both of us were really like the house design (still now). It was more than 3000 sq feet, but cost no more than $300,000. The concern I had at that time was that the majority buyers of this subdivision and neighborhood were black and Hispanic. Even in the nearby Wal-mart, you saw lots of black and Hispanic. I was also afraid of school redistricting may happen some day and my property value will be dramatically impacted.

But since we have not found a house we really like, I start to regret my earlier decision. I figure if people can afford to buy a house more than $200,000, no matter what color or race, they should be reasonably good citizens. Also school districts may not be changed as easily as I thought. So the

My husband and I are currently in the process of buying a new house in Alpharetta area, which will also cost around $300,000. The house is only 2500 sq feet with a less appealing house design. But the schools surrounding the new house are all excellent. The neighborhood is nice. The park is only minutes away from the house. The distances to our workplaces are almost the same. But one from I-85, the other from GA 400. People here mentioned GA400 is even worse than I-85, which makes me a little nerve.

If you were in my shoes, which house would you pick? A good neighborhood or a good house?

Thanks.

[rasmom]

I would go for the neighborhood. It's not an easy decision when you don't know the area, and paying more for a house doesn't guarantee good neighbors.My daughter lives in Lilburn (Parkview and Camp Creek schools) . She likes it...things change over time.We lived in Lawrenceville (Berkmar and Bethesda) Loved it when we moved in, over a course of 5 years things changed. Too much building, area grew too fast, neighborhood started to show decline...we moved further out(Walton County). There is growth here too...not as fast as Gwinnett.Just make sure that you don't pay so much for your house that when you go to sell it, you can at least make something on it. Good Luck to you. I hope this helps.

[xxman777]

Wow, little offensive but I get the point. If you have $300,000 to spend I suggest you get the best house for your money in an area where you will be comfortable. If your neighborhoods can afford a $300,000 house they probably aren’t going to be hoodlums so the fact that most of them are Black or Hispanic shouldn’t matter.

The schools in Alpharetta are probably a little better but because there is a lot more money up there, there is probably a lot more drugs and alcohol in the school. If your kids are looking for trouble they will find it at either school but if they are interested in learning they will excel at either school.

Your commute will be so much nicer down 85, but Gwinnett is still growing at a tremendous rate so who knows how long that will last.

Hope that helps.

[michele]

Take Alpharetta. I've lived in Alpharetta 8 years and love it. Traffic in metro Atlanta is terrible but the schools are great and the income level of the residents is very good. The area has lots to offer.

[Atlanta2006]

Thank you so much for the advice.