Although, this isn't directly related to "travel", I need help locating a great neighborhood to relocate to in the coming months. We will be visiting the area soon to check on/visit these neighborhoods to pick one or more that would work best for our family. We have middle-school aged kids so we need an active nieghborhood that has social events for that age group. Schools are very important. Outdoor offerings are important too. Because of work, the neighborhoods need to be in the Swuanee, Duluth or Eastside(of 400)Alpharetta area. All recommendations will be appreciated. THANKS ahead of time!

My girlfriend really enjoys her Dunwoody location even though they use a private school on the other side of town. Good mall shopping and tons of places to eat in the area. Not sure if that is too far from the areas you suggested. I know it is north but can't recall its relationship to Alpharetta.

But it would probably help to hear from someone that actually lives there and can give you specifics and has CHILDREN!

Jayne - the locations you have listed are VERY far out suburbs(as in 1-2 hours or more from downtown depending on traffic) The problem is you are so far out it is hard to get into the city to do anything. If I were you you, I don't think I would live downtown or even anywhere within the city limits, but I wouldn't live that far out either, maybe somewhere halfway in between. Ironically, the location Alise mentions is perfect. The Dunwoody area is great for families but very near the Perimeter Mall and within 30-40 min. of downtown as well as about 30 min from the locations you have mentioned. Alpharetta is straight north of Atlanta on the toll road and Dunwoody is about halfway up to Alpharetta. Going east, the Norcross are is a good location as well. I lived in Sandy Springs for a while which was wonderfule however it is about as far north as Dunwoody only it is directly west of Ga. 400 (Dunwoody is just east of Ga. 400.)

IHi Jayne, I used to live in Nesbit Lakes in Roswell(now live in SW Fl), east of 400 off of Holcombe Bridge road. Great swim & tennis neighborhood, very close to schools, shopping, and restaurants. Check out that area. Judy

Thank you for your replies. The reason we have to live so far out is because the workplace is located there. I would rather live close to work and have to drive into the city (which I will most likly visit on weekends anyway when traffic to there is not that much of a problem.). At least, being that far north will also get us closer to the N. GA mountain/lake areas. We are looking for a large neighborhood that has a master planned feel - We have lived in other parts of the Atlanta area before and do love many intown areas, although at this stage, the big suburban neighborhood works well for us. Also being close to a good youth year-round swim team is important. We need a place to settle into for the middle and high school years. Thanks!

Look at the Falls of Autrey Mill, Country Club of the South, St. Ives, St. Marlo, Medlock Bridge, Parsons Run and Laurel Springs. These are all large neighborhoods w/ swim/tennis and clubs in the Alpharetta, Duluth, Suwanee area.
I live in the area and love it although the traffic can be horrendous!