I am planning to move to the Atlanta region soon and my office will be in Mcdonough in Henry county. My initial research indicates that the desirable locations are in within the norther arc of atlanta (alpharetta,sandy springs, suwanee, etc), but this would make for an impratical commute. I am also aware of peachtree city which has good schools but I feel that this city is too removed from the city. My wife and I are in our mid 30s with one 2 year old son. We enjoy the suburn life with could access to the city. Our price range would be in the low 300s or high 200s for hopefully a 2700 -3000 sf house. I would like to know if there are any good options in henry county, perhaps eagles landing in stockbridge; or any options in gwinett with a reasonable commute within 40 miles. Your advice is greatly appreciated, this is a great forum and everybody appears so intelligent and helpful. thanks, sorry for rambling

As a former resident of Atlanta, that's a tough one. In general, any intown neighborhoods (inside I-285) south of I-20 are either very undesirable (even dangerous) or way out of your price range. I would think anything decent in Gwinnett would be too far of a commute (any route which puts you on I-285 will be awful). And I agree that commuting from any of the northern suburbs would be insane (doesn't mean that people don't do it though).

McDonough is a good distance from Atlanta (30 miles from d/t), so I'd strongly suggest you look to suburban areas south of the city like you've mentioned. You don't want to end up in your car for 2-3 hours each day - I'm sure you'd rather spend that time with your family.

Perhaps someone else is more familiar with the southern suburbs. Good luck.

Eagles Landing would be perfect for you. Henry County schools are good. There are a lot of new subdivisions in the area. Don't even think about moving elsewhere and commuting every day - traffic is horrible. The only exception to that would be if you wanted to live "in town" and commute out. That would be doable but not in your price range.

Don't even think about the northern arc or a 40 mile commute otherwise you will only see your 2 year old whne he is sleeping. Live as close to your job as you can afford, in an area with a good elementary school. Eagle's Landing would be a great choice. There are lots of new subdivisions in Henry with young families. You should be able to find something quite nice in your price range.

I'm going to echo what the others have told you. When looking at a commute in Atlanta, it's best to ask the average time it takes to get from point A to B, not how many miles. ie My husband has a 25mi. commute and spends at least 2hrs/day in the car...sometimes more like tonight b/c there is a 20something car pileup on 285. He left work 2hrs ago and still isn't home. (We live in Alpharetta which makes no sense for you--or maybe my DH since his job is right off I20)

I don't know anything about Eagle's Landing but it has a good rep.

Thank you for your wonderful suggestions. I am definately leaning toward eagles landing in stockbridge because of good, although not overwhemingly great schools. It also appears that I can get a 3000 sf house for a price in the low 300s. Equally important there is decent access to the city (buckhead 30mins, turner field 25 mins, etc). I am looking for a suburban community that does not have that rural insulated small town feel to it; at the risk of sounding snobby which I assure you I am not. I am looking for a somewhat yuppie community where I can order a lactose free coffee from starbucks without strange looks (haha,) somewhat like the communities in north fulton or peachtree city. I am aware that henry county is approx 10 years behind north fulton at best in terms of culture, but if they are going in the right direction I will be patient. In light of my cultural concerns which may turn out to be totally inaccurate once I visit henry county, I plan to at least consider communting to lilburn in gwinett which has great access to north atlanta with good schools. At first glance the commute seems insane, but I wonder if this is possible for someone who has flexible office hours as I do (medical professional). Just brainstorming here, but I could start my office in late am 9:30- 10am and end early evening 6pm and perhaps miss peak hours of traffic, or perhaps this is just a pipe dream and you are laughing as you read this. Dekalb county is certainly not an option because of the schools and prices of houses for truly desirable neighborhoods, the same is true of clayton county. In reference to your thoughtful response it sounds like I should do eagles landing. Any additional input for this new england transplant would be greatly appreciated, thanks

NO.
In short, "no" to your answer to commuting between Henry County and Gwinnett County.

I drive metro Atlanta (in all directions) virtually every day and there is no way you will keep your sanity with that commute.

One option in DeKalb would be Decatur City Schools and commute "out" - but I think you would be much happier settling in the Eagles Landing area. You will find yourself happily ensconced in yuppies!

Good luck afo! My other family is in Fayetteville & that is nice but probably too S for you.
My brother-in-law is in Alpharetta & dreads the thought of being transferred into Atlanta because of the commute.He loves Alpharetta though.

One, since you live in Alpharetta can you tell me where he can meet some under 30s that are interested in music & something other than the bar scene? He has only been there 3 months & is still learning his way around.

I grew up in Fayetteville, which is about 30 minutes west of Eagles Landings.

I have to add my agreement with the others here that unless you want to live in your car, you DO NOT want to work in Henry County and live up in Alpharetta or Gwinnett. You just don't. Traffic starts up before 7 a.m. and doesn't end until 10 a.m. The commute in the afternoon heats up around 3:30 and doesn't end until 7 p.m. It can be utter hell at times. Trust me, I've done it.

One thing I'd like to share is that once upon a time, North Fulton was pretty rural and undeveloped. I lived there in 1996 when it was just starting to take off. Henry County is going through something very similar now.

Eagles Landing is indeed very nice and has a lot to offer. It may not have the golf cart paths that Peachtree City has, but in Henry County the amount of house/land you get for your money is a lot more than you can get there.

Your best bet is to come down and see for yourself to get a good feel for the lay of the land.

Benj--
My friends and I thought the best places to meet guys were through organizations, ie Atlanta Club Sports, tennis, church/synagogue singles organizations and stuff like that. I'm not exactly the most athletic person but ACS is fun and would give him a way to meet people and get a social life going...incidently, my friends and I were never really Buckhead people unless it was a 'hang-outy' type bar and a bunch of us went out together. (I know hangouty is not a word but you know what I mean!) I've had fun at Smith's Olde Bar and Eddie's Attic in Decatur and have heard some really good music at both places but he will have to go intown...In Alpharetta, any of the Taco Macs is an ok hangout, not sure about Meehan's but ya gotta remember that Alpharetta is not the singles mecca of the Atlanta metro area

Benj, also tell your brother to grab a Creative Loafing and check that out.

Hope this helps!!
OWJ

Oh and Benj--what about you guys coming to the Atlanta GTG at Maggiano's in Buckhead on Sept. 17th...One girl emailed me and wants her single sister to come...maybe we can hook up your brother. LOL

One,
Thanks for the advice. I'll pass it along. I live out of Ga but will suggest he go to the GTG.