moving to atlanta from nyc (Sandy Springs, Alpharetta: real estate, condos, townhomes)

[mmm28]

We are thinking of moving to Atlanta after living NYC for over 15 years. We would enroll our one child (9) in private school. My question would be what is the the best area to live in? We want a beautiful town but close to the action of the city. Our home budget would be from 1 to 2.5 million. My other priority would be that the town has strong resale history. I have of heard of Buckhead, but are there any others we should consider?

[mg83]

Live in Buckhead, send the kid to Westminster. There you go, your life is set.

[mbarnes11]

SAVE YOURSELF STAY IN NYC... NO ATLANTA PLEASE... I am trying to get up there one day. I can't not stand Atlanta. it is a fake city. too many edge cities and sprawl. everything is outside of the city. buckhead is nice, but if you don't have money it is no use. sorry, you are better off in NYC (although living is cheaper here)

[lastminutemom]

Actually the public schools in Buckhead aren't bad, actually pretty good.

The good private schools are very competitive to get into. If you think you are moving by this fall, you had better jump on it. Does your child attend a prestigious private school in NYC? If so, you need to speak to the headmaster/mistress about what connections he/she may have here.

Ansley Park is also a beautiful area, but very urban.

[moving123]

Are you looking for a new home or an older one with character? There are several areas around the city that will cater to your requirements. Buckhead is one choice, Dunwoody another. Please be move specific and I will be glad to help.

[sweettea1]

Sure, look at Ansley Park, Druid Hills and Garden Hills. Buckhead has pockets of unique neighborhoods so an agent who specializes in upscale intown properties may be your best bet.
If you're interested in living in the 'burbs, you'll find plenty of land out in Alpharetta or Duluth with lots of upscale neighborhoods. All depends on the environment you're looking for.

[mmm28]

We would be looking for a new home or one that has been renovated - no big projects. Also, we have no interest in having a huge yard.
My daughter attends a all girls private school in the city - education is important.
Lastly, does anyone know of a good real estate agency with a good website?

[IntownHomes247]

There's a good bit of new construction in the 30327 zip code that might suit your needs (Buckhead) and that's where many of the most prestigious private schools in the city are located.

While Druid Hills and Ansley Park are the city's finest historic neighborhoods and have gorgeous homes, there are relatively few new homes in either neighborhood (although there are some). Also, you will find at that most homes in that price range sit on large lots.

Of course, there are some wonderful high end communities outside the perimeter as well.

You'll find that Atlanta is strongly divided between ITP (inside the perimeter) and OTP (outside the perimeter) -- the perimeter being I-285, which rings the city. Because of the horrifying traffic, there has been a tremendous move inside the perimeter over the past 5-10 years. Some historic neighborhoods have regentrified, while others that never suffered a decline have had prices rise astronomically.

Still, $1 - 2.5 million is a big number in Atlanta and will buy you an excellent home regardless of whether you are intown or out in the 'burbs.

[IntownHomes247]

Originally Posted by mmm28

Lastly, does anyone know of a good real estate agency with a good website?

Don't depend on any particular agency's web site. Have your agent create a custom internet gateway for you. These web sites update every night and will provide you with listings that meet your specific criteria. It's a much more efficient method of searching than slogging through every listing.

[netdragon]

I suggest also looking at Vinings (zip code 30339), which actually borders Buckhead (other end of Paces Ferry from downtown Buckhead):
* You'll get more house for the money than in Buckhead for a home. Your price range won't get you much in Buckhead in kid-friendly areas.
* Taxes will be less than Fulton county since it's in Cobb County.
* I personally believe Vinings has a lot more room for home value growth, especially with with all the highrise development planned for Cumberland (also adjoining Vinings).
* Many townhomes, homes, and condos in Vinings have a skyline view.
* Actually closer to Westminster private schools than many parts of Buckhead

The average Vinings home, townhome, or condo is in the $600k to $1.5M range depending on size with the most expensive I see listed right now at $3.75M for a 5br 5.5 bath home (Buckhead goes all the way up to $19M). Vinings is mostly inside the perimeter, just 3 or 4 miles down Paces Ferry from the center of Buckhead (Lenox square).

Also, check out Sandy Springs, along with the Druid Hills area of Decatur.