South Forsyth/North Fulton property values in 5 years? (Atlanta: house, school district)

[denemante]

Hey all,

We're still in our house hunt, looking in South Forsyth and North Fulton.

All things considered and all things remaining relatively equal, would you all assume that property values and appreciation (we hope things don't depreciate) would remain constant across this whole area over the next 2-5 years?

We're looking at single family homes in nice subdivisions. We're starting to nit-pick and evaluate certain deeper aspects of a few homes we're considering.

The homes are basically the same. But one is in an area that's a bit more built out. Others are in areas with new (retail) development and room for more. Generally, they are all about the same commute time to Atlanta, North Point Mall, etc.

All things said, I figure that regardless of what happens, assuming the house is purchased at perhaps $350K - sure - one may appreciate a little more than another due to various factors.

But I'm thinking it could only be a difference of perhaps $5-$10K - not really worth worrying about. I figure one isn't going to depreciate, while the other goes up $50K in value.

What I'm really trying to figure out is if we even need to worry about this...if the boats are basically all on the same lake at the tide comes in, they'll all float up about the same.

I realize that some unknown factor like a natural disaster, a new unplanned highway, or even a massive new mall or new park could increase/decrease the values of homes nearby. But those are pure unknowns and nothing we're aware of.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by denemante

What I'm really trying to figure out is if we even need to worry about this....

No.
Just a certainty on employment.

[FromGA]

Personally, I would choose North Fulton, and live as close to State Bridge Road (road going east-west, a.k.a Old Milton Rd) as possible. Which North-South road will you be closest to: 400 or Medlock Bridge?

More than anything, my reasons have more to do with unnecessary additional miles into the sprawl, than anything else. I feel every additional mile counts, but that is just me, and I am not much into addl sq ft.

[BobKovacs]

I'd say you're probably fairly safe in any part of that area, as long as you're in a decent school district. One thing you may want to avoid, however, would be subdivisions that are far from completed, as it could take years to build them out- if they get finished at all.