Just a small town girl... moving to Atlanta NW 'burbs. Realistic expectations? (Roswell: hardwood floors)

[Group Hug]

My husband is likely to get a job transfer to Dunwoody and we have always lived in a smaller city (pop. 150,000+). I am excited about the move, but at the same time, I've never lived in the 'burbs before and am wondering if my expectations are realistic or if I would be in for a rude awakening. At this point, we could still "stop the ride" and nix the transfer, so any input you can give me is much appreciated.

Our home budget is no more than $350k and we would like to find a nice home with yard, near shopping and parks, with a good school district. Our current home has 10 ft ceilings throughout, hardwood floors, newer, 4-5 bedroom, and we would like to find a similar level of home. Basically, I would like a nice home in a safe area, where I could for the most part have my "small town lifestyle" with most of our most common activities no more than 15 minutes away (i.e. grocery shopping, swimming pools, tennis lessons for the kids, dance, gymnastics, restaurants, movie theater). My husband needs a commute that is do-able, which for him means 30 minutes drive time or less. Does this sound possible to you at our budget level?

For any of you who have made such a change from small city to suburbs, was there anything that really surprised you or that you wished someone had told you?

And a further question. Do most homes have basements in GA? We currently live near tornado alley and I can't imagine not having a basement, since I hear Atlanta gets tornadoes.

Thank you in advance for helping me think this through!

[gerrythesnake]

http://i.imwx.com/web/2013/tornadoes...c-980x1268.jpg

Here is the link of a tornado map.

As far as communities to look at, you can look at any community North, West or East of Dunwoody and you should be able to find what you are looking for. (East Cobb, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, etc)

[lastminutemom]

By Dunwoody, do you mean Perimeter Center and will your husband work a traditional work schedule? And could you define "newer"?

[Group Hug]

Yes, Perimiter Center. Husband usually works 7-4:30is, so pretty traditional. We don't know yet if the new office would be open to a flexible schedule or not. Our current home is an '01. I don't mind a little older if the ceilings are high and it is a bright home with an open floor plan.

[lastminutemom]

If he shots for 7 or so, you would have lots of options. I would add Peachtree Corners to gerrythesnake's list, particularly neighborhoods in the Simpson Elementary district.