Lebanese and Potentially Moving to Atlanta: Looking For Areas to Live (Sandy Springs: transfer, public schools)

[Khoury24]

Hi everyone,
My wife, three children (ages 4, 10, and 16), and I are possibly moving to Atlanta for a transfer at work from Beirut, Lebanon, and we frankly have no idea about anything regarding the areas and school situation. We can spend up to $950,000, and are looking for a community that is has a Lebanese presence (it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, just there), is around 30 minutes or less from the Maronite Catholic Church which I believe is located in a city called Sandy Springs, has good public schools (my children all speak English), and will be accepting our Arab ethnicity and culture. We would like to be in an area that is fairly diverse and one where my children would not be the only Arabs at their school. Any help regarding areas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
-Samir

[markjames68]

I’d think that Sandy Springs would be a good place for you. Near your church, great schools and Lebanese restaurants and market.

[cflame1]

where's the job located?

[vtecluder617]

There is really no particular area that has a high concentration of Lebanese/Arabs per se, unlike the Northeastern states. They tend to be sprinkled around North Metro Atlanta. A good way to tell where Arabs reside around here is the location of the Arab grocery stores. A quick google map search shows a bunch, mostly around the Marietta, Kennesaw, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Decatur, Norcross, Doraville areas.

A lot also depends on where you'll be commuting to and if your kids will be going to public schools. I personally think Roswell would be a good fit. Nice suburb, not too far from downtown, great public schools, and also one of the more diverse northern suburbs.

[DreamerD]

Originally Posted by vtecluder617

There is really no particular area that has a high concentration of Lebanese/Arabs per se, unlike the Northeastern states. They tend to be sprinkled around North Metro Atlanta. A good way to tell where Arabs reside around here is the location of the Arab grocery stores. A quick google map search shows a bunch, mostly around the Marietta, Kennesaw, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Decatur, Norcross, Doraville areas.

A lot also depends on where you'll be commuting to and if your kids will be going to public schools. I personally think Roswell would be a good fit. Nice suburb, not too far from downtown, great public schools, and also one of the more diverse northern suburbs.

Agreed. When I think Arab presence, the Northeast and Midwest are first to come to mind. I want to also say states like Texas and California also have a presence. Yes, they are sprinkled around North Metro Atlanta.


Bolded: Good idea. Gotta find those halal stores.



Acceptance: You are more likely to be tolerated, not accepted.

[Saskia Calico]

You are right, there is a Maronite Catholic church in Sandy Springs.

St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church

I would suggest you also e-mail the church and ask them about good areas to live in, schools, etc., as well as any recommendations you get here.

[lethalhipster9]

If i were in your situation, i’d just move to Sandy Springs.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by DreamerD

Agreed. When I think Arab presence, the Northeast and Midwest are first to come to mind. I want to also say states like Texas and California also have a presence. Yes, they are sprinkled around North Metro Atlanta.


Bolded: Good idea. Gotta find those halal stores.



Acceptance: You are more likely to be tolerated, not accepted.

Just as a friendly FYI - there are as many Christians in Lebanon as Muslims. They are members of a Christian church so halal is not necessary (although may be appreciated.) Lebanon is not a typical middle eastern country.

[vtecluder617]

Originally Posted by markjames68

Just as a friendly FYI - there are as many Christians in Lebanon as Muslims. They are members of a Christian church so halal is not necessary (although may be appreciated.) Lebanon is not a typical middle eastern country.

Having lived in Lebanon myself, this is very true. Its a religiously diverse Middle Eastern country.

[anthony_c55]

Yes, there are a lot of Lebanese Catholics, among other faiths.