Relocating from Wake Forest, NC to Suburbs of ATL (Atlanta: real estate, apartment)

[ddm2k]

"East Cobb, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek. Our budget is $450k."

Asking the audience here...

Can $450k buy much anymore in these areas? I'm thinking Acworth... Allatoona HS. (Harder finding a good HS than elementary or middle)

[Citykid3785]

Yes, $450k buys a lot in Acworth, and probably 2,800 sqft in a 4 bed 3 bath house with good updates in all the others with maybe the exception of Dunwoody. Below 450K you can still find plenty, but you start to make totally livable compromises (slanted backyard, older, slab basement, tuck under garage, on a busy road, etc.)

[Citykid3785]

Smyrna and vinings are actually considered "south Cobb"

[ddm2k]

Originally Posted by Citykid3785

Yes, $450k buys a lot in Acworth, and probably 2,800 sqft in a 4 bed 3 bath house with good updates in all the others with maybe the exception of Dunwoody. Below 450K you can still find plenty, but you start to make totally livable compromises (slanted backyard, older, slab basement, tuck under garage, on a busy road, etc.)

I was working with an agent (Norm Kennedy) and he informed me empty lots in East Cobb are going for $100k. And I know you don't build a $150-250k house on a $100k lot...

[Flipfit]

I’ve actually seen a lot of homes in East Cobb-Walton, Pope and Lassister school district in the 450k and under range. We are willing to do some renovations if the price is right. We could go up to the high 400’s but would like to stay 450 and under. I saw a few around 450k that were renovated. We will definitely have to comprise with housing which is hard because we have a new home with some nice features we won’t be getting in Atlanta. 🙁

[Flipfit]

Originally Posted by PTC Dad

I'd also consider Peachtree City. From the north side of Peachtree City to Midtown is not that bad of a commute. Peachtree City has outstanding schools, low crime, and tons of amenities for families. Not to mention the 100 miles of golf cart paths.

East Cobb is also a great choice, but you may have fewer options at that price point, especially in the Walton, Pope, Lassiter districts. McIntosh High school in Peachtree City is very comparable to East Cobb schools.

48. Peachtree City, GA | TIME

https://www.ajc.com/news/local/peach...mRC6pREr41OyK/

I did look in this area too online but wasn’t sure the schools were as good. I’ll definitely have to check it out and see if we like it. We would love to have an acre or so but seems the schools do go down outside of Peachtree City.

[Flipfit]

Decatur is also another option.[/quote]


I wish! You can’t find anything in our price range in the Decatur City school district unless it’s a tear down.

[AtlJan]

Originally Posted by ddm2k

I was working with an agent (Norm Kennedy) and he informed me empty lots in East Cobb are going for $100k. And I know you don't build a $150-250k house on a $100k lot...

You're always going to pay a premium for new construction, especially in East Cobb where some of the housing is getting long in the tooth. And besides, where are there lots in East Cobb? It's pretty well built out in all but the farthest to reach areas.

[AtlJan]

Originally Posted by Flipfit

Decatur is also another option.

I wish! You can’t find anything in our price range in the Decatur City school district unless it’s a tear down.[/quote]

Personally I think the schools are better in East Cobb--more bells and whistles. Decatur has the very progressive vibe going on, though, so it is preferable if that feel adds a lot of value for you.

[citidata18]

Originally Posted by Flipfit

Decatur is also another option.

I wish! You can’t find anything in our price range in the Decatur City school district unless it’s a tear down.

To be perfectly honest, your options are going to be limited if you're looking for a home in a top school district with a $450K budget. As others said earlier, you may have to compromise on either commute or housing.

Someone mentioned PTC, but even it's pricey. Anything within your budget will either be small or older and require a lot of work. And I personally wouldn't recommend it for anyone commuting north of downtown. Once you hit the traffic jam on the I-75/I-85 connector, your drive time will increase exponentially.

There's also future job flexibility to keep in mind. Outside of downtown, most of the corporate jobs are north of the city. PTC is a fine community, but it caters specifically to people who work for Delta / the Airport. Thus, potential employment opportunities would be limited.