New job in Smyrna (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: fit in, best towns, crime)

[katieghill]

My husband just got a new job in Smyrna, GA. We are looking at the surrounding areas for a place to live. Im sure you all get this a lot but I was looking for opinion on the best towns/neighborhood to live in.

We have a 1 year old, so schools will eventually be important. Mostly, we are looking for very family friendly neighborhoods/towns, preferably with town events, nearby parks, preschools, activities for kids, and a close hospital with a good maternity wing (for our growing family). We are looking to spend between 200-250 for a house.

My husband is open to a 20-30 min commute to/from work but we werent sure how long communtes would be rush hour traffic.

Which towns/areas/communities would you recommend for a young family?

[lorilove]

You can start with Smyrna as one option. It will fit into your budget and offers the local activities you desire. There are some excellent elementary schools. Right now middle/high school would be in the good not great category but I expect they will only continue to improve over the next 10+ years with the growth in average incomes in the area. Three options on hospitals including Kennestone, Northside and Piedmont - all within 5-10 miles.

You can also look in West Cobb or north to Kennesaw. Schools will be stronger, I will let others comment on community activities. These options will put in in the back yard of Kennestone East Cobb and Sandy Springs will be out of your budget range.

[katieghill]

What about Marrietta, Ga? Is that in commuting distance? I read their schools were very good

[lorilove]

East Cobb (unicorporated Cobb County) has a Marietta address. Often when someone says that Marietta has great schools they are referring to East Cobb which is part of the Cobb County School System.

The City of Marietta has their own school system which has improved over the years. Based on recent test scores I would say they are good not great.

I am sure there are some areas that are part of the Cobb County school system with a Marietta address that can fit in your budget but they will be limited. Others will need to respond as to specific areas.

[ecuresident]

Yes East Cobb would be driving distance, and has some of the best schools in the state and even the nation. But, because of that you are also looking at paying a lot more for housing as prices have not decreased much there. So it really depends on what you are looking for in a house.

[JoeTarheel]

I would recommend Smyrna or Vinings to limit your commute...both have some beautiful neighborhoods and good schools. Vinings is just a bit closer to Atlanta, but not by much.

[MRFLASHPORT]

Don't write off Mableton or Austell either. You aren't but 15 minutes away, lots of great housing at great prices now, it's indeed a buyers market.

I would advise staying in the unincorporated county, no city taxes, and Cobb county government sets the standard compared to other metro counties with the quality of life, and low taxes. Fire and police protection are some of the best in the metro area, and crime stats show this.

I live in unincorporated Cobb, Smyrna address, county comission dist 2, CCPD zone 2 18 beat. It's a nice quiet 1977 era subdivision and a great place to live. Can be on South Cobb drive with a short walk. Airport is 20 min away, downtown ATL 15 min away.