commuting time from 400
 

Exit 7 (Holcomb Brige) - right at the highway entrance to Glenridge Connector?
Anyone do this daily? How long does it take at 8 am?
Am struggling with a relocation decision and want to get honest opinions. Thanks!!

I'd repost if I were you and mention Atlanta in your heading. It should be about a 15 - 25 minute drive (Holcomb Bridge to Glenridge via 400).

thanx Jack. Did a repost. Tho I'm kinda laughing at the key word in your response: SHOULD!
:)

I've driven 400 many times at all hours and have never experienced more than about 20 minutes elapsed time. Even in the worst case of heavy traffic, and assuming there is no disaster like a major accident on the road, it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. For most people I know, that would be a pretty easy commute. Good luck.

They are doing construction on 400 now, though not during the rush hours. I'd say it would take between 20-30min. on average from the time you get on 400 til you exit. The area around the hospitals gets pretty congested so figure that into the equation. The good thing is it's only about 6 miles and you can take back roads too.

It usually takes an hour to go from McFarland (exit 12) to 285/ Glenridge Connector. Based on that I'd say the above estimates are right on target.

OWJ is right too. Back roads are options too. Consider that when you make your housing choice.

Syd1,
Are you relocating to the Alpharetta area? My brother-in-law is too & we were wondering about apartments in the area. If you are looking at that area have you heard anything good or bad about apartments?

Benj,
There are tons of apartments to choose from in Alpharetta--lots are brand new and look really nice from the outside. I work up there and see them all along main roads. Post Properties have a great reputation and a large presence in Atlanta but there are others equally nice.

When I moved here 9yrs ago, I contacted a apartment finder--like a realtor for apartments. She took me around and it really helped b/c I didn't know the area. Their commission is paid for by the complexes, not the renter.

One warning about picking a place to live: I suggest if your BIL works east of 400, that he live on that side of Alpharetta--or if he works west of there, live west...Going east-west can be more of a hassle than going into the city.

Thanks for the info, One. I'm not sure where he's working (which side) but I'll ask. He was looking at the Alara Park Bridge. His problem is he can't make a trip there before he moves. We're trying to avoid a potential rent disaster.
I'll suggest the rental finder.

The Amli properties in Alpharetta are very nice.

Thanks for the advice everyone. You're all certainly more positive than the couple we encountered while looking at a house over the weekend at exit 7! With a toddler and a baby on the way, a little more space would do us good. We came from NYC hoping to find in-town living something worth sticking with but we're just not happy with some of the things that have gone on in our area. 20-30 minutes doesn't really sound too bad at all, especially after navigating the Deegan Expressway (UGH!). Thanks again!

Syd,
Someone suggested Virginia Highlands for my brother-in-law. I checked out that area online & it seemed really nice. Sort of a village feel with shops & restaurants in walking distance. Don't know if that is anywhere in your travel area but thought I'd mention it.

Syd,
As a transplant from NY, I understand wanting to avoid traffic and live intown...BTW, I love it here and now consider this home (although I'll always be a NYer in my heart).

If you're not worried about schools, b/c the kids are so little and still want to think about being inside the perimeter, I suggest you check out Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Sandy Springs (around Chastain) or Brookhaven. I love those areas. I probably don't have to warn you that houses intown are smaller for more money compared to Alpharetta. Dunwoody is also a great area closer in. (As far as public schools though you're better off in Alpharetta.)

Let me know if there is anything else you need.
OWJ

Benj--is Alara Park Bridge right off State Bridge Rd.? I know I've passed it and if it's the place I'm thinking of, it looks nice.

kids are likely going to go to school near Chastain park so that's why I was asking about the commute from 400. Guess we need to decide if new house is worth commute or if older home is worth convenience! But even the land in-town is so pricey, it's hard to make an equal comparison. Appreciate all, as always --

Hi One,
I don't know much except the Alara is on Shiloh off McFarland, if that means anything. He will be working on Parkview Ln but again that means nothing to my sense of direction. Any of that familiar?
Thanks for trying to help.

Syd, you'll really enjoy that area if you can learn to accept the southern attitude. My PA relatives have learned to love our GA habits & now say the south has the most welcoming people. We're in Louisiana now but can't wait to visit BIL in Alpharetta & get some of those GA peaches!

Already love the Southern way -- I grew up here but it's been a very long time...Once a Southerner, always a Southerner! Despite 12+ years in NYC, ain't nothing takin' me away from those (make that them) biscuits and sweet tea!
What's so funny to me tho is that Alpharetta to me was a daytrip out to the lake and now it's a bedroom community! Gotta love change...

Well, the old saying is true- ya can take the fella out of the South but there just ain't a way to lose the South that's in ya! My husband is from PA & he has been down South since 1977. We still give him Yankee fits every now & then. I am amazed at the growth around Atlanta. My family is in Dacula & Fayetteville now. I can't wait to see how much that area has grown.

Good luck with the move!

Hey Benj--
Well if those Alara apt's are off McFarland, then I'm way off. I don't know S. Forsyth Co. well at all so don't want to tell you the wrong thing.

I'll try to remember to ask some of my coworkers who live up that way if they know about that complex. If I learn anything worthwhile, I'll post again!

OWJ

First of all, my apologies if I don't have this straight and answer accordingly, but...

If they are considering an apartment/home off McFarland, which is exit 12 - then the commute will be one hour from that exit to 285/ Glenridge Connector area

Did I understand correctly that the kids will be going to school near Chastain Park? If so, that should be a "no" on two counts. One, the commute would be unbearable and two, the schools in that area (South Forsyth) are excellent.

I'm on my second glass of champagne so I may not have this correct...but the commute from Exit 12 to 285 is one of the worst in the Atlanta area.

Although 400 can be backed up any time of day, the commute in the morning is better heading north than south. So, if the kids are going to school near Chastain Park, then buy/rent as close as possible to that area.

Hey Starrsville--
Benj's BIL is moving to Alpharetta possibly to those Alara apts off Exit 12...and Syd is the one w/kids who's considering living off Exit 7 and wanted to know about the commute to Glenridge...Two different posters on the same thread ;-)

You're right about commuting from S. Forsyth--that's h-ll!

Save me a sip of that champagne, ok? hehehe
OWJ