Nice Atlanta suburbs for family- I filled in the needed info! (Alpharetta: for sale, houses)

[Mattie]

We're in Milton, but I think there's a lot of sense in looking a bit north in Forsyth with your price point. One thing I've noticed in the 9 years we've been here, is that the older neighborhoods often have older residents. Not retirees per se, but older kids. There is so much new construction that the older homes aren't selling as quickly. If I was moving here with young children, I'd want to make sure to find a neighborhood full of them.

As far as east or west of 400, that's usually more of a consideration for commuting than quality of schools.

[ahope1980]

Roswell would beperfect for you based on your criteria but the price range in the better school zones might limit you.As far as Forsyth, most addresses are Cumming but you have some Suwanee and Alpharetta. I would try to find site that searches by school (I think Harry Norman does) and look for homes in South or West Forsyth high school clusters. Btw we love Roswell and actually go to church there and eat in the downtown area for date nights. It's about thirty minutes away but we are really happy we bought in Forsyth. Lower taxes, better schools and still everything you need except Trader Joe's unfortunately.

[roxyrn]

Lots of new construction in north Roswell, Milton and Alpharetta area. One new subdivision in your price point is on Rucker Road near the Crabapple intersection (west side of 400 with very good schools). Sorry but I don't remember the name....

[HannahD]

Thanks again everyone for your input! I wanted to resurrect this thread because our home search and reading through some recent threads from others has me concerned regarding pricing! As I stated, our max budget is $400k though we'd like to keep in lower if possible. We are considering Roswell, Alpharetta and East Cobb. We don't mind getting an older home that needs updating. But even then is a budget of up to $400k is not considered high enough for a decent home in a nice neighborhood with very good schools? I thought the "median" home price in the Alpharetta/Roswell areas was $300k. Is $350k-$400k still not getting that nice of a home? I just want to be sure we are making the right decision here. We absolutely love the area and have the opportunity to move (husband can xfer with his job, but isn't required to). Out of the many reasons we want to make this move, a lower housing cost (for still having a nice standard of living) is at the top of the list!

[atlanta28]

In Johns Creek, I wholly recommend the Chattahoochee HS feeder zone; you'll find stable neighborhoods, good homes on wooded lots (under your budget) friendly families of all backgrounds & schools that are well rounded. The families I know are all happy with their decision to plant roots here.

[chimama1]

If you like East Cobb, but aren't finding much inventory in your price range, try looking specifically at the Lassiter High School district. It is farther north than the other East Cobb school districts, so it can be a challenging location for people working in the city, but since you don't have a commute that's not an issue for you

Being farther out, prices are significantly cheaper. You will still be looking at older homes, but typically well maintained and in nice, friendly neighborhoods. There are a ton of subdivisions--off the top of my head, take a look at:
Hedgerow V
Beacon Hill
Woodbine Station
Jefferson Townships (very large wooded lots)
Westchester
Chattsworth
Windsor Oaks
Arbor Bridge (?)

Search 30062 zip code. Use the Harry Norman real estate site and search by school (Lassiter High School)

Part of the issue may be simply low inventory this time of year. Things should pick up in early/mid March.

[Mattie]

I think people have a misconception about housing prices in the suburbs closer in to the city. You will pay a premium for your wants, of a large tree lot, swim/tennis and excellent schools. They are all available, but if you find a house under $400,000 that meets all the criteria, it will need updating, and even so, will probably sell quickly.

[Khg203]

I live in East Cobb (Pope) and I love it here. We have been here for ten years. We are close to all the stores you mentioned. Schools are good. But what I really love are the people. I have lived in a lot of cities (Denver, Minneapolis, Dallas) but I love this area the most. If I had it to do over I might look in West Roswell....right over the border from East Cobb. Lassiter district in East cobb is nice too. Good luck with your search.

[deacongirl]

I think you should be able to find something in East Cobb.

[funkyjd]

You could, with some patience and flexibility, get a 15-20 year old, 4/3, basement home in swim/tennis in Alpharetta or even into Milton city limits with fantastic schools. Check out Providence Oaks subdivision in Alpharetta/Milton. Also the elementary school zones feeding into Hopewell middle/Cambridge high (summit hill elementary, Coburn woods elementary, Alpharetta elementary). Even crabapple crossing elementary might offer some options in your price range (crabapple chase subdivision, Brierfield....).