Relocation to Atlanta area (Alpharetta, Duluth: home, neighborhood, catholic schools)

[Chrisnola]

Hello all,
I've been reading the forum for a while and have found it incredibly helpful as we begin to plan our relocation. My wife has gotten a promotion that will move us to the area---her office will be in Duluth.
I've been looking at the different areas mentioned here--Alpharetta, Cumming, Suwanee, John's Creek, etc.
I'd like to inquire about a few things that I'm worrying over:

1. Is it correct in that the Gwinnett schools are large and the area is growing fast? Would it be better than to consider the North Fulton area--the Chatahoochie cluster, for example?
2. If we look around Alpharetta, will my wife's commute be absurdly difficult?
3. In New Orleans, my kids attend Private, Catholic, all boy schools. Mostly because we are Catholic, and public schools here are a living nightmare. Are the public schools a better choice than the few catholic elementary schools I've found on the web?
4. We are looking for a home around 250 with 3-4 bedrooms. Additionally, we have 2 dogs. Are fenced yards the norm or will that be an issue with neighborhood associations?

Thanks for all of your help.
c

[forresthills]

North fulton is growing as fast as the Gwinnett area. There are some nice catholic schools in the area(north fulton)I would not like the drive from alpharetta to duluth but it would be average for the metro atlanta area.Good luck(fenced yards are the norm)

[avalugg]

Gwinnett schools are in fact large and the schools are growing fast. The commute from Alpharetta to duluth is not a nice one, but you would be going against the traffic which makes it a little better. I don't think you should rule out Gwinnett just yet. Have you visited both areas?