Looking for Atlanta, Georgia info, opinions, etc.

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

My husband was contacted today about a job opportunity in Atlanta. Strangely, this unsolicited opportunity came the day after he found out that the small family owned company we currently work for lost hundreds of thousands of dollars last year and if they can't get their ducks in a row soon, the company will be out of business in a year. Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone had any info about cost of living, good schools (daughter is 9 years old), best moderate income neighborhoods/suburbs, housing prices, fun things to do and any other info you think a possible newcomer would want to know. Also would like to know any bad things. Thanks!

[Katie and Sophie]

We are on the east side of Orlando in the Waterford Lakes area.  Where were you?  Did you ever go to the Fleet Peeples dog park?  My girls love to go swimming there!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We were in Waterford Lakes as well (Carrington Lakes, the next to the last mini subdivision within Waterford, almost all the way to the end of Lake Underhill).  We never went to that dog park because we didn't have the doodles when we lived there.

[Katie and Sophie]

Oh wow, you were really close to where we are then!  We are in the subdivision on the corner of Lake Underhill and Alafaya.  The one on that big pond with the walking trail.  

[Katie and Sophie]

oops!  the first part of this post was supposed be on the post where she said she is from TC!  lol

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Now hey there ladies - I'm from South West Michigan (Saint Joseph, South Haven, New Buffalo) and THAT area of southern MI is beautiful!!!!!  White sand beach looking towards Chicago across the lake, local wineries, local fruit - ahhhh.  Makes me homesice.  So just saying - don't bash all of southern MI.  :)

[Katie and Sophie]

Your right, that area is very beautiful too!  You can't go wrong when you're by the coast!  

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

My daughter (27) moved to Marietta a year ago for her work and she loves it.  She moved from Saint Joseph, Michigan and would tell you that the cost of living is higher although housing costs tend to be lower in the south but everything else is more.  There is so much more to do, parks, concert, shopping, etc.  The traffic is a problem for work but otherwise doesn't impact her much.  I love to visit there and wish we would move there too!!!!  Traverse City is so beautiful but you have to go where you can support yourselves, plus it can be your vacation spot.  Go for it and good luck!

[Sayde]

I live in east Cobb (Marietta). We moved here 6 years ago. We choose the location for schools. Best high schools are Walton or Lassiter. Walton is closer to Atlanta but cost of house is much more for the size of house. We live in Lassiter school zone. Lots of great neighborhoods and great deals on houses. Best dog park located by sweat mountain. I also have lived in lots of places. I lived in Charlotte for 3 years. I went back to work when we moved to Marietta. I teach First grade at the school 1 mile from our house. I would be glad to share more information, just let me know.

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

Thanks so much for the info and the offer of additional info if needed.  I swear we literally change our minds every 5 minutes.....stay in Michigan, go to Georgia......stay, go, stay, go, stay, go.  It's making me crazy already and we are only at the very beginning of the decision making process.  

I love the fact that you are a teacher.  The stress about (and fear of not) finding the right school is one of our biggest issues with moving.  Our daughter is in 4th grade and we all love the charter school she attends here.  Like I said before, her school and the fact that we'd have to go throught the hassle of selling the house in a bad real estate market are about the only things keeping us here.  But if we stay and are out of jobs within the next year,we'll have way bigger things to stress about. 

If only I had a crystal ball and psychic powers.

[Jo and Beamer]

Jennifer, I live north of Atlanta in Alpharetta. We have been here 14 years now. Our local schools are very good just do your research. The traffic is a mess no doubt about it. I figured out that if it's a great place to live you are going to have traffic. 

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

Thanks for the schoo info and the offer for job info.  Our biggest concern is finding a great school for our daughter so if all works out, I may be contacting you.

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

Crazy, we were in Taverse City in September.  Beautiful area but I couldn't handle the winters.  I live 100 miles outside of Atlanta in  the Applachian Mts.  Wouldn't live anywhere else.  My sister has lived in Atlanta for 40 years and loves it.  she and I much prefer the intown neighborhoods such as Grant Park, Piedmont Park etc to the suburbs where the traffic can be terrible.  It is all a personal choice.  Real estate prices have never been better.  Good luck!