single mom, moving from cali to ATL (Atlanta, Peachtree City: rent, amusement parks)

[denn]

Hello everyone one, I'm looking to move to the ATL with grade school age child, by June. I've yet to find a job ( I'm a child and family therapist and I'm currently looking).
The things that are most important to me are the following...


1. A central area (w/ a low crime rate)
2. a good / challenging school ( I have a little Einstein on my hands)
3. rent -around $ $1000 or so (eventally I would like to by a home, once I get my feet wet in the City)
4. A decent commute

I hear that Peachtree City is the best area, butI still don't know much about it or any other location. Any insight would be welcomed.

This is a huge move for me and my child, so I want to make the best decisions possible.

Thanks in advance.

[atlantagreg30127]

If you don't have a job yet, it doesn't really make much sense for us to tell you where to live. You'll find that having the second most congested traffic second only to L.A. doesn't make Atlanta the type of city that you want to be in if you live in "point A" and find a job in "point D".

You mentioned Peachtree City, but on your list you have "centrally located". Peachtree City is a Southern suburb of Atlanta and is not centrally located. Yes, it's a nice area, but it's not a super quick commute to Atlanta. If you moved there only to find a job in the Northern section (perimeter area) then you'd have a one-hour commute, each way, every day. Longer on bad days.

Once you get to the point where you have job offers coming in, then you can specify what areas the jobs are located in and folks will be able to create a short list of decent places within easier commutes of the job locations.

[denn]

Thanks, your point is well taken. The Jobs that I will be applying for are all non profits and appear to be in the down town area, but I plan to visist next month. Hopefully airfare is cheap*smiling*

[sweettea1]

Job is key so once you land that you'll be able to look around. The good thing here is that housing is very affordable so you'll have your pick once you make your decision on where you'll be working. And there are lots of resources for little Einstein as well.

[RainyRainyDay]

Originally Posted by denn

Thanks, your point is well taken. The Jobs that I will be applying for are all non profits and appear to be in the down town area, but I plan to visist next month. Hopefully airfare is cheap*smiling*

Just wondering if by "down town" you mean the area known as downtown Atlanta, or just "not suburbs". If the latter, then you might actually be applying for a job or two someplace like midtown, which is north of downtown. It will make a difference when figuring out where to live.

[ATLbaby]

NO NO not Peachtree City! If you are moving from CA, you are going to be kind of, well, totally freaked out in Peachtree City. Its so far away its not even really part of Atlanta. Candler Park/Inman Park and Grant Park are intown areas with great private schools (I don't know about the public ones, sorry). The cost of living is a little higher but will be an easier adjustment to you and your child. Good luck!

[tbowens]

Peachcity is good, or the buckhead area, if you are wanting a great school, the school districts that are excellent to me is, schools in the Buckhead area fulton county, .....my kids are in Gwinnette county, which is a very large district,.......I too moved, relocated here to look for a job, was getting more interviews here than anywhere, I am in the healthcare business side of my career, was layed off last year as a Project Director........being that you are a counselor, try these companies, Davita, Value Options, United Behavioral Health.......good luck to you, my personal email address is [EMAIL="tnikkibowens@yahoo.com"]tnikkibowens@yahoo.com[/EMAIL]. I am also a singer, songwriter, God wants me to start my own recording studio, so I have my work ahead of me. I will keep you in my prayers, you do the same. My purpose for coming on this site was too seek out single moms who are in need, meaning a hand UP, not a hand out.........this is my ministry. God Bless, and good luck to you.

[denn]

Thanks for all of your feedback. In my haste to "make that leap" I put the cart before the horse

I've been looking like crazy for youth and family driven social programs to apply for as a therapist or supervisor. Does anyone know of any programs?

Maybe I should creat a Thread for that specifically. I would really like to move by June.

Last question...


HOw similiar is Atl to L.A.? (activites, restaurants amusement parks, night life, the arts etc...) As a single parent I really want to make some good connections as it relates to people and places. I don't want to be in a situation where there nothing for us to do expect work and school.

I plan to visit next month to check things out.

Thanks, Again