Neighborhoods for young family, commuting to Perimeter Center (Dunwoody, Chamblee: rental, homes)

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by SouthTraveler

When you talk about rental communities, do you mean apartments? That's one thing we have ruled out. We don't need a big yard of our own, but we live in an apartment right now and we miss at least having a little piece of grass or a patio where we can at least grill out or enjoy a nice evening.

Renting before buying is the best advice. That way you can get an understanding of the metro and where you'd like to live. I started out renting in Perimeter center and bought a house in Kirkwood.

[SouthTraveler]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Renting before buying is the best advice. That way you can get an understanding of the metro and where you'd like to live. I started out renting in Perimeter center and bought a house in Kirkwood.

We plan to rent. We just don't plan to rent an apartment.

[netdragon]

Originally Posted by SouthTraveler

We plan to rent. We just don't plan to rent an apartment.

Are older townhomes also an option for rent?

[SouthTraveler]

Originally Posted by netdragon

Are older townhomes also an option for rent?

My wife would prefer a single family residence, but we'd do a townhome if the location were superior to the other options.

[lastminutemom]

You should be able to find a single family home in your price point in lots of good areas. One challenge you may face though is that the rental home market is hot here right now and what you see available today may not be available tomorrow.

when exactly do you plan to move?

[SouthTraveler]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

You should be able to find a single family home in your price point in lots of good areas. One challenge you may face though is that the rental home market is hot here right now and what you see available today may not be available tomorrow.

when exactly do you plan to move?

It should be roughly September 1st. I hope to be able to visit for a week around mid-July, so I'm just narrowing things down for now and will check things out in person during the visit.

[netdragon]

Originally Posted by SouthTraveler

My wife would prefer a single family residence, but we'd do a townhome if the location were superior to the other options.

Smyrna, Sandy Springs and the general area has a ton of townhomes. You get more house for the money that way, obviously at the expense of yard size. Older townhomes typically have larger back yards than newer ones. So, I'd consider it.

[AnsleyPark]

Speaking of families, happy Fathers Day to you all!

[skoller]

SouthTraveler, I would consider renting in the Austin or Vanderlyn Elementary districts, if you can find any rental homes there. Single-family homes for rent in desirable school districts always go very quickly, so be prepared to act right away if you find one.

Despite (mostly) not having sidewalks in the subdivisions themselves, the main roads in Dunwoody (Chamblee-Dunwoody, Roberts, Tilly Mill, Ashford Dunwoody, and Mt Vernon) do have sidewalks. There are homes in the Austin and Vanderlyn districts within walking distance of Dunwoody Village (shopping/gyms/restaurants/medical services). In the Austin district, you should also be within walking distance of Dunwoody Nature Center, which has trails and a playground. If you're only concerned with elementary and preschools, Dunwoody should be a fine choice, despite being in Dekalb county. There is a YMCA nearby. The Jewish community center has a gym and pool, is open to the public for membership, and provides childcare while you work out.

I would avoid commutes requiring 400 or 285, since construction on the new 400/285 interchange will begin soon and will last several years.

[netdragon]

I'd look at Vinings too.