Alpharetta GA vs Chantilly VA (new house, job market, schools)

[DM14]

We are currently trying to decide whether to move to Alpharetta GA or Chantilly VA. We have offices there, so can choose between these 2 cities. Currently live in Alabama, so its super cheap living costs wise. We want to move mainly because of schooling. Any inputs will be very appreciated especially in the schooling, cost of living, cost to own a house, job market, weather etc areas.

[biscuit_head]

Former resident of Atlanta; current resident of the DC area. I used to contract with a company in Alpharetta and currently work in Chantilly/Fairfax.

COL will definitely be lower in Alpharetta/North Atlanta Suburbs in general than Northern Viriginia. More than likely, you'll commute from Centreville, Ashburn, Haymarket, Gainesville, or Leesburg just so you can find a cheaper house. Traffic in Northern Virginia is far worse than traffic in the Atlanta area. Average cost of homes in NOVA are at least $500K, and that's not typically for a new house with all the bells and whistles. You could probably get a fabulous home in Alpharetta, South Forsyth County, Johns Creek, or Milton for about 1/2-3/4 of that amount.

Job Market? What line of work are you in? Alpharetta is mostly tech companies; Chantilly has a lot of tech companies, but most of them are tied into the Federal Government and defense contractors. Salaries are typically lower in the Metro Atlanta area than they are in DC, but the DC area is much more expensive.

Fairfax County Schools are better than Fulton County's schools, although Alpharetta area schools are certainly no slouch.

Atlanta actually has slightly more pleasant summers than DC, which can get pretty humid due to its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, while Atlanta is in the foothills of the Appalachians. Winters in DC are consistently colder than ATL, but it shuts down over snow almost as much as Metro Atlanta would. People do NOT move to DC for its weather, believe that.

Are you a native of Alabama? If so, Georgia will be much less of a culture shock than Northern Virginia will be to you. It's even more transient/transplant heavy than Metro Atlanta, and has an obviously less southern feel to it compared to Metro Atlanta or other parts of Virginia for that matter.

[DM14]

I work in IT. Well I kept moving all life, so really cannot call any state my home. California and Alabama are closest to home if any. Thanks for all that information. I was leaning towards VA just because of proximity to NY and such, but after I read your reply, looks like Alpharetta might be the better one of the two choices.

[kyle19125]

I agree with the previous assessment and also feel Alpharetta is a better option as a former DC resident, and as someone who has extensively researched the northern suburbs of Atlanta.