Brookhaven vs. Dunwoody (Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta: houses, neighborhoods, buy)

[apa1128]

In my previous thread, I inquired about the differences in Roswell and Alpharetta. We are still seriously considering these areas, but I'm curious about Brookhaven and Dunwoody. My husband will be commuting to Norcross. Can anyone provide pros/cons of these areas versus Roswell/Alpharetta? Schools are important, especially elementary. I've heard great things about Sarah Smith, Vanderlyn and Austin. Again, any input would be greatly appreciated.

[lastminutemom]

First, the vast majority of Brookhaven is in DeKalb not the City of Atlanta. Sarah Smith is a City of Atlanta school and is in Buckhead, though there is a tiny part of Brookhaven that is in the city.

All three are fine schools, but it depends on what you are looking for.

All three are very overcrowded, with no relieve in sight for Sarah Smith. Their kindergarten is actually housed in another building two miles away. Redistricting will eventually have to happen, but it seems a while away.

Vanderlyn has nearly 1000 students in a building for about 500. Austin is about 200 students overcrowded and growing. In theory, a new school should open in 2010, but no attendance zone has been announced yet and while I am 75 percent sure the project will proceed, I am not totally confident.


What is your price range for housing? A small three bedroom house in the Sarah Smith district will start at 400,000 easily. Comparitively, Dunwoody is reasonable (which isn't often said). For somewhere around $450,000 you can get a 4 bedroom, two story traditional which will probably need some work.

If you are interested in those schools, I strongly recommend you look at Peachtree Corners near Norcross. I have many friends who love Simpson Elementary -- and it is a great family oriented community. Much easier to find family friendly activities there than in Dunwoody (though we finally got a park last year) and Buckhead.

[apa1128]

Thanks Lastminutemom. We're in the $500-600K range. How would you compare Roswell/Alpharetta to Peachtree Corners? We're coming up this week, and I just don't know how we're going to be able to look at all these places in 4 days.
PS - my school research is coming from greatschools.net, and I had no idea about the overcrowding situation. That's very discouraging.

[lastminutemom]

I cannot compare Peachtree Corners and Roswell/Alpharetta because I don't know Roswell/Alpharetta well enough. I have many close friends in the P'tree Corners area. They all love it. Trader Joes just opened in both Peachtree Corners and Roswell, so I am guessing they are similar in many ways.

Your money won't go very far in Buckhead and your taxes will be far higher than any other area you may look at. I don't know how important what type of house you will end up with is to you. Many people make sacrifices in the housing area to live in Buckhead, but they generally work in Buckhead, midtown or downtown.

What is drawing you to Buckhead/Brookhaven and Dunwoody? Is is the schools, because again, there are really good schools, and in some ways better schools, in both N. Fulton and Peachtree Corners area.

[apa1128]

Actually, we really are leaning towards Roswell/Alpharetta. We just found out last night that our friend's brother and family live in Brookhaven, and used to live in Dunwoody. That's the only reason I really started looking over there.

I just did a search in the Simpson school district, and quite frankly, we really don't feel like having to renovate/update anything. All of those houses need work! We're making a huge move, and I'd rather buy something new in Roswell or Alpharetta that also has a great school.

Thank you so much for all your help. I am sure we'll drive through some of the Peachtree Corners neighborhoods. We'll be staying close by.

[lastminutemom]

Peachtree Corners, especially the part in Simpson, is pretty built out and has been for a while, though I did see the beginnings of a new subdivision last month. I will try and find out for you tomorrow from my friend the name of it.

If the commute is ok, I don't think you can go wrong with Roswell/Alpharetta -- both are very family friendly.

[apa1128]

That would be great! Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it!

[john1963]

i would pick peachtree corners...the area around spaulding drive and holcomb bridge up to peachtree industrial. Look at a subdivision called neely farms...it is very beautiful.

[john1963]

it is off spaulding drive on "frank neely road"

If you search for neely farms norcross you will find some listings on a realty site.

[lastminutemom]

Neely Farm feeds Peachtree Elementary -- not nearly as loved as Simpson --most kids in that subdivision go to private school.