Possible move to Georgia? Please help.

[jenn0911]

My DH has been looking for a position in or near Marietta, because his brother and fmily are going to be moving there. I was wondering if anyone had opinions, information, etc on that area.

[dzil]

My husband is a native of Marietta and I lived there a few years myself. We've spent about four years away but we're moving back at the end of the year. Obviously we like the area a lot. If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer them.

[jenn0911]

I am wondering about crime, bugs, schools, people, the weather, pretty much everything. Are you glad to be moving back there? I have lived in Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts and New York. I want to make sure we move to a good place (neighborhood, school district). Any thoughts?

[Atlanta_eBride]

I live in Cobb County now (but currently looking to move back into the city of Atlanta). I'd stay out of the Smyrna/Vinings are because it is going through some transition right now. Almost anything east of I-75 (typically known as East Cobb) is a great place to live, nice neighborhoods and good schools. Cobb has some of the best metropolitain public schools around.

Crime is not rampant in this area and actually quite safe. You'll still get the occassional break-in but you don't have armed robberies and crack dealers on the street corners. :p

Bugs, well if you lived in Florida then you won't mind our Palmetto bugs here (a.k.a "Roaches" but these things are huge, and during certain times of the year can fly - true roaches are not big). I HATE them. Typically, if you keep the ivy and kudzu off your house you'll be beating the odds. But like rats, I don't think these things die.

As for weather, The summer is hot (today is around 97) and in the winter you will need a coat. However, coming from Rochester you may have some slight entertainment during our "snow storms". The people here DO NOT know how to drive in storms. Allthough if there is ice on the road then no one really can. We get "dustings" and the occasional couple of inches. The city comes to a complete hault and there is no bread, eggs, or milk left in the store. My ony conclussion is that there is a lot of french toast being made because it's the only thing I can think of to m,ake with those ingredients.

I'm actually an Atlanta native so feel free to ask away - we are on the verge of being extinct. If I haven't lived in the city I have always lived in Cobb County.

[dzil]

We are ecstatic about moving back, actually. We really like the area because of the weather, the landscape, the housing market, etc.

Atlanta_eBride mentioned East Cobb, which is probably where we will buy our house. But otherwise our entire experience is with West Cobb, which also has some very nice areas. I think you can get a little more house for your money in West Cobb as well, although it's probably not a very big difference.

The Atlanta area is different from the rest of the South and I really think it has a culture of its own. People are friendly. Restaurants will always serve sweet tea but you'll be limited in the number of Southern accents you hear. There are bugs but nothing worse than what's in Florida. I think the weather is great - hot summers and winters that are just cold enough to remind you of what it's like up north. There is always something to do (personally, I really enjoy all the great hiking). I can't say a whole lot about the schools, though I did go to high school in Cobb County.

What is your timeframe for moving? Will you be able to take a trip and visit before you move?

[jenn0911]

If my husband gets offered the position we will definately visit before committing. The bonus for us is that his brother and sister in-law will also be moving there soon.(Which is one of the reasons we decided to apply for work there).

[graciebella]

I lived in Marietta (and actually East Cobb) until a few months ago and have a school age child, so if you have any questions about particular school districts, I could probably help you.

[JRPAGV]

I personally like the Vinings area. DH and I lived there for a year (moved this past May). Housing is more expensive, but it's so convenient to everything and seems newer and cleaner than parts of Marietta. Parts of Marietta, like other cities, are nicer than others. My brother/SIL live in Marietta and love it. If you have family moving to Marietta and you'd like to live close to them, you should also consider Kennesaw (my grandfather lives there and loves it). Kennesaw has experienced a lot of growth. It has tons of restaurants and stores, etc.

[KrissyCat7]

My cousin lives in Marietta. He loves it. From what Ive seen the housing costs are very reasonable.