Moving to Atlanta soon(late Aug/Early Sept) (Marietta, Smyrna: rental, condo)

[mistermarc]

Just found out that I'm going to be stationed in Atlanta area. I will be working out of Douglasville and my wife will be looking for a job in the downtown/financial district area of Atlanta. I've asked a few friends and got different answers about traffic and quality of life. My wife and I are trying to live inbetween the two just having some difficulty settling somewhere with good schools. Here's my needs:

1. Budget (150k-200K)
2. House/Condo/Townhome? No preference
3. Employment Status- I will have a job, wife is already doing phone interviews so hopefully she will have one soon
4. Children(public school vs. private) no preference, just want a good quality middle school with good advance learning program.
5. Suburban or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of the two, no preference
6. Easy access to public transit, important or not? We both have vehicles, just don't want to do a ridiculous commute.
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood.
No preference

So far I've been told Smyrna and Marietta are not bad, I was looking in the Fair Oaks area. Input would be greatly appreciated.

[mistermarc]

any input would be nice...lol dont be shy

[IntownHomes247]

I'm sure some of the west-siders will chime in soon.

[testa50]

I'd say Vinings and Smyrna would be your go-to. Nothing ITP ("in the perimeter") along I-20 will fit your needs, I'm afraid. Living OTP on the west side will be a bit of a hike to downtown--not sure how Mableton is these days, that would be a doable commute for both of you.

[mistermarc]

I wanted to buy but, probably going to rent first, so you can throw that into the equation. Thanks for the input testa.

[lastminutemom]

You should rent where you can afford to buy so that your child doesn't have to change schools. (Unless you don't like the school, then it doesn't matter.) You need to be careful, because sprinkled throughout metro Atlanta are communities where renting is fairly affordable but buying is not. When you are looking, make sure you look at both the rental prices and the purchase prices.

School has now started in every system in the metro area. Any chance you or your wife could get down here to actually visit schools and get a feel for which you like?

I am not familiar with that side of Atlanta, but wanted to make that point.

[mistermarc]

I wish she could but due to the nature of the move we will all be down here together at once, I have about a week to find housing and look at schools when I get here.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by testa50

I'd say Vinings and Smyrna would be your go-to. Nothing ITP ("in the perimeter") along I-20 will fit your needs, I'm afraid. Living OTP on the west side will be a bit of a hike to downtown--not sure how Mableton is these days, that would be a doable commute for both of you.

The good areas of Mableton north of Veterans Memorial Highway are largely unchanged, as is the southern part of Smyrna. Of course, schools depend on specific location.

[lorilove]

Smyrna or Mableton would both work. I love the proximity of Smyrna. I have friends all over Atlanta and yet we seem to meet up in Smyrna more often as it is always seems to be the midpoint.

The price range would work for you. Your challenge is going to be the middle school. Smyrna and Mableton are still hit and miss on schools. There are very good elementery schools and the high schools have greatly improved over the years. Not sure why the middle schools seem to be the week link.

[mistermarc]

That's the problem I'm having, Mableton and Smyrna seem to have below average middle schools, was looking in southern Marietta....