CA woman possibly relocating to Atlanta (schools, living in, cost of)

[netdragon]

Find the job, then look for the home in that area. Or choose a target area based on some criteria then look for jobs there then choose a home after you've found a job. :-) People generally work close to where they live or rip their hair out on the worst commute times in the nation.

[butterfly11]

I just moved back after splitting up with my fiance we moved from
CA to Norththern Illinois and then to Alpharetta GA, which is in northern Atlanta. I would say it will be a culture shock, I would move back due to the cost of living in CA although you will have a hard time dealing with the heavy traffic, very rude drivers and the heat and humidity. There are nice areas, I would advise staying at an Extended stay and really looking around before settling there. There are jobs there but the pay is lousy. I was not impressed with the downtown area, but if you are single there is a lot to do. There is a shortage of straight single men in Atlanta and the men have a field day and the women there are desperate and will take any man who has a decent job. My fiance left me for a younger woman so if you're married be careful if you are single don't get your expectations high on finding a husband there.

[jaeidiaz]

Originally Posted by butterfly11

I just moved back after splitting up with my fiance we moved from
CA to Norththern Illinois and then to Alpharetta GA, which is in northern Atlanta. I would say it will be a culture shock, I would move back due to the cost of living in CA although you will have a hard time dealing with the heavy traffic, very rude drivers and the heat and humidity. There are nice areas, I would advise staying at an Extended stay and really looking around before settling there. There are jobs there but the pay is lousy. I was not impressed with the downtown area, but if you are single there is a lot to do. There is a shortage of straight single men in Atlanta and the men have a field day and the women there are desperate and will take any man who has a decent job. My fiance left me for a younger woman so if you're married be careful if you are single don't get your expectations high on finding a husband there.

Butterfly - you rock! I'm sorry to hear about the ex. GIRL, you don't need 'em!! Thanks for the info, I truly appreciate it.

I have read about the traffic, but nothing is worse than the I-5 or 405 freeway in L.A. If it's any better than that, I can handle it. Hahaha b/c that puppy SUCKS!!!!!!!!

I will say that the women in ATL do concern me just a little, but you know my hubby and I have been together a long time and I think we'll be okay. But girl, don't think I don't have one eye open! haha

Thanks for the advice though. I haven't stayed in ATL long enough to decide indefinitely if it's the place to move permanently, but I will definitely take your advice and do an extended stay before purchasing some real estate.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Standard advise - get the job then draw a 10 mile circle around it on a map. Make a list of needs, then wants, and narrow it down.

Be advised that in some APS and Fulton County, Dekalk County, Decatur City districts the home prices would be out of range for any single man/woman who is a teacher.

Well, if you're coming in with some sort of tenure then you might find a condo/townhouse/cottage. My tenant (I own a duplex, only way I can afford to live in the city) is a teacher with Fulton County. She's been with them for 17 years and makes 75K (she's got an MS in Fine Arts). She could probably afford a nice townhouse or a small cottage. The only reason she doesn't is because she's planning on moving to San Fran after she makes 20 years.

So, when choosing a job rememnber that. Also, in those above counties, with the exception of Decatur City schools, there is a really big range in the quality of the actual school - some areas of town are real poor and those schools are typically underperforming (and underserved). Other areas in the same county are enormously wealthy. I'm not sure if you get to pick...

Good luck!

[JayRockTeam]

There are alot of great posts here...

I grew up in Los Angeles and have also lived in the northeast as well. The hardest thing for anyone to get used to here is the pace of life. My advice is to live close to what is most important to you. If work is most important live close to work, if its family then live close to them, if its entertainment and a life outside of work then find something close to that. Honestly, traffic in ATL is a constant and there really isn't any way around it, but if you are going to have to deal with it then you might as well be close to the things that are important to you.

I'm also a Realtor here in ATL, so if you have more "area specific" questions feel free to ask.

P.S.: There are still a few good men out here.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Check out the Westview/West End thread. A teacher could certainly afford a house there and I'm pretty sure it's Fulton County. It's in southwest Atlanta but still in the city and it looks like a real up an coming place for young people.

[teacher30004]

Why are many people from CA moving across the country? I've never been to CA, but from what I know, it's exciting out there. That's a big move.

[JayRockTeam]

Originally Posted by teacher30004

Why are many people from CA moving across the country? I've never been to CA, but from what I know, it's exciting out there. That's a big move.

The skyrocketing cost of living there has made living in CA difficult for many people, NTM the traffic.

.

[irvm]

Originally Posted by teacher30004

Why are many people from CA moving across the country? I've never been to CA, but from what I know, it's exciting out there. That's a big move.

The California dream either died or left town years ago. Californians are just now noticing this.

[netdragon]

Originally Posted by jaeidiaz

I have read about the traffic, but nothing is worse than the I-5 or 405 freeway in L.A. If it's any better than that, I can handle it.

You haven't seen anything :-) The traffic between LAX and San Fernando Valley on 405 is tame, for instance. :-)