Relocating to Atlanta and looking for insight on neighborhoods (Smyrna: sale, houses)

[sk8nut]

My husband is interviewing for a position that would require us to relocate from the DC metro to Atlanta. I've started looking at houses online but I'm at a loss as to what neighborhoods we'd actually want to live in. I've never been to Atlanta so I'm really going at this blindly but I'd like to have some target neighborhoods to check out on our first visit.

My husband's main concern is his commute so we'll start with that - what are safe neighborhoods with short commutes (less than 20 minutes) to the airport area?

Beyond that we are looking for a single family home, good schools preferably public but willing to do private if necessary (large variety of programs, high test scores/high graduation rates, and high academic standards). We are interested in either an urban or suburban setting.

Any insight you can provide either on neighborhoods or the best commutes to the airport are would be greatly appreciated.

[sweettea1]

If you would do public for elementary and then switch to private, I highly recommend Smyrna/Vinings. Fantastic family neighborhoods 20 minutes to the airport (lots of pilots and flight attendants live here) and great access to the city. Teasley Elem is great but the middle schools aren't. Most kids in our neighborhood go to Teasley and then transfer to Westminster, Lovett or Whitefield (if they get in). If this is a model you would emulate, you should definitely put Smyrna on your list.

[lastminutemom]

What is your price range?

Will your husband's job be at the airport or nearby? Because MARTA goes to the airport and that opens some options for him in terms of commute.

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by sk8nut

My husband is interviewing for a position that would require us to relocate from the DC metro to Atlanta. I've started looking at houses online but I'm at a loss as to what neighborhoods we'd actually want to live in. I've never been to Atlanta so I'm really going at this blindly but I'd like to have some target neighborhoods to check out on our first visit.

My husband's main concern is his commute so we'll start with that - what are safe neighborhoods with short commutes (less than 20 minutes) to the airport area?

Beyond that we are looking for a single family home, good schools preferably public but willing to do private if necessary (large variety of programs, high test scores/high graduation rates, and high academic standards). We are interested in either an urban or suburban setting.

Any insight you can provide either on neighborhoods or the best commutes to the airport are would be greatly appreciated.

I would also suggest you looking into the City of Decatur. It has an excellent school system and would meet his commuting requirements.

Check out the following websites:

City of Decatur, GA
City Schools of Decatur

The City of Decatur has been described as "where Mayberry meets Berkley".

Good luck!

[sk8nut]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

What is your price range?

Will your husband's job be at the airport or nearby? Because MARTA goes to the airport and that opens some options for him in terms of commute.

I'm told it is on the outskirts of the airport on the Hapeville side.

We'd like to stay under $300k if possible since we will lose a lot of money on the sale of our home here.

[lastminutemom]

Perhaps Peachtree City I suspect both Vinings/Smyrna and Decatur will be tough in your price range even with the slow down.

[TerpsicoreOlympus]

Sk8nut,

Thank you for writing this question - we too may be transferring down to the Atlanta area from Washington, DC. Although, my husband would be posted at Fort Gillem. I look forward to hearing what others write.

Thanks for asking the question.

[McDee14]

Peachtree Corners is an ideal spot for many reasons:

You are very near 141 which leads quickly to 285 or 85 south. It is also a good location if your husband or you will work in technology park, Lenox (buckhead), or the Perimeter area.

They have an excellent elementary school (Simpson) but it gets a little tricky (depending who you speak with) at the Junior High level.

I would suggest considering Private elementary through eighth, then off to Norcross High, which is a pretty solid all-around HS. My suggestion, if you're going this route is Cornerstone Christian Academy, which is one of the fastest growing Gwinnett County Christian Schools. It is growing fairly quickly, so it's constantly adding new sports and academic opportunities to its already solid curriculum. It has grown from approximately 72 students in 2005-06 school year to 143 this year. So, it's probably one of the fastest growing private schools in Atlanta.

As far as tuition, it is more than Perimeter in Duluth, yet less than Wesleyan.

The area is also great for shopping with the Forum shopping center, and easy access to 400, 285, 85, etc.

Good luck with your search!

[DeaconJ]

Peachtree Corners would be a horrible commute for someone working at the airport. There are a hundred much better locations in and around Atlanta.

[sk8nut]

Originally Posted by DeaconJ

Peachtree Corners would be a horrible commute for someone working at the airport. There are a hundred much better locations in and around Atlanta.

Could you suggest some? We've been concentrating our search mainly in the Decatur area, including Oakhurst and Kirkwood. Also, if suggesting private schools we prefer non-religious based because we are a mixed religion family.