Fighting move to Atlanta

[BabyMine]

Since we were notified DH would be laid off July 31st we have been in job finding mode. The company that will be taking over the work from his current employer asked if he would work for them. Problem is they are in Atlanta.

Current company really want DH to stay with them and offered him a promotion but we would have to move to.... yep Atlanta.

The problem is I am disabled, have a variety of Drs and on Social Security Disability. We just found M a new psychiatrist and a wonderful play therapist that he has bonded with.

He is definitely not going to take the offer from his current employer. That would mean he would loose his nice severance package.

So the area we maybe looking at is 30346. I have been to Atlanta many times and my sister lived in Norcross for 4 years. My question is what would you do?

DH doesn't understand how good he really is in his field. He has actually been contacted by many recruiters for jobs where we live but he has low self-esteem and thinks that people will catch on that he really doesn't know anything. That's another story. He is focusing on these jobs because it's the same thing he has been doing.

[swrc00]

We were relocated to Atlanta after turning down several other options. DH actually works in that zip code, but we live in 30004. The commute is not bad because DH is at work by 7:30 and is home by 5. I have a chronic illness and have found the best drs since we moved to the ATL. On the other hand I panic with the thought of moving away from her and having to find others.

If you prefer to stay in your current location I would encourage DH to explore the other opportunities. Since he has interest and there is a severance package I wouldn't rush to take the ATL job.

[BabyMine]

Originally Posted by swrc00

We were relocated to Atlanta after turning down several other options. DH actually works in that zip code, but we live in 30004. The commute is not bad because DH is at work by 7:30 and is home by 5. I have a chronic illness and have found the best drs since we moved to the ATL. On the other hand I panic with the thought of moving away from her and having to find others.

If you prefer to stay in your current location I would encourage DH to explore the other opportunities. Since he has interest and there is a severance package I wouldn't rush to take the ATL job.

How is the weather? We live in Florida so it's either hot or not as hot. How are the schools where you live? Where we live know everything is literally down the street or 5 to 10 minutes away. When we visited Atlanta everything seemed so distant.

[swrc00]

The weather varies from year to year. Rarely do we get winter weather that would result in school closings. The temperature is rarely freezing. I feel like there are two seasons winter and summer.
The schools vary but Fulton County has a great school system with nationally ranked highschools. I live in a area where I have a Target, Kohl's, and Walmart within five minutes from my house. There are not many things I cant get to in 10 minutes. I live north of the city. To sort of get a feel for homes and communites look up Milton, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, and Roswell. These are all cities located in North Fulton County.

I know some others on the board can chime in about living in the city of Atlanta and south of the zip code you mentioned.

[BabyMine]

Originally Posted by swrc00

The weather varies from year to year. Rarely do we get winter weather that would result in school closings. The temperature is rarely freezing. I feel like there are two seasons winter and summer.
The schools vary but Fulton County has a great school system with nationally ranked highschools. I live in a area where I have a Target, Kohl's, and Walmart within five minutes from my house. There are not many things I cant get to in 10 minutes. I live north of the city. To sort of get a feel for homes and communites look up Milton, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, and Roswell. These are all cities located in North Fulton County.

I know some others on the board can chime in about living in the city of Atlanta and south of the zip code you mentioned.

Thank you so much for the information. We are going this weekend to check out the areas you mentioned. I'm still not sold on the idea of moving but I might be starting to warm up to it.

[swrc00]

Feel free to PM me if you have anymore questions. I teach in Fulton County, so I probably can give you a feel for specific schools.

[MamaSnoo]

I have been in Atlanta since 1999. We love it here. 30346 is Dunwoody, just outside the perimeter ("OTP"). I work in Dunwoody, but just "ITP." We live just a few miles east of there.

Dunwoody is a nice area. You should at least think about it and learn more. Lots of good schools public and private in that area. I would also look at Brookhaven given your DHs job location.

I think there are 2 kinds of Atlantans...people who want more suburban living, bigger/newer real estate, and who do not mind driving lots. These people tend to live furher north of the city and commute in. Then, there are those who do not want to sit in traffic and like the intown lifestyle, and are willing to have a smaller or older home in trade for that. There are lots of nice ITP neighborhoods for them. Not a knock on either approach, but you need to figure out your personality and what suits your family.

As for the weather, I grew up in South AL (just a couple mi north of the FL panhandle), and I have lived in Mobile, AL and in Houston, TX before moving here. Summer is hot, but not as hot as LA, Mobile or Houston. Humidity is not as bad either. To me, Atlanta feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other places farther south where I have lived. Fall and spring are really nice. Winters are colder, but still mild compared to the NE (DH is from Philly). Ice and snow occur, but not often.

Good luck to your DH on his job hunt whether you come to ATL or not!

[Melbel]

I have lived the majority of my life in Florida, but also lived in Atlanta (Brookhaven) for a couple years. I loved Atlanta, and think you would too if you give it a chance. We have very close friends who moved from NE Florida to Woodstock (north of perimeter near Alpharetta) and have been very happy. Their children were in private school here, but are attending highly rated public schools in Georgia.

I grew up in SE Florida with practically tropical weather, but really enjoyed the changes of seasons in Atlanta.

Good luck on your possible move!

[BabyMine]

Thank you all so much. After reading all your responses I feel much better if we do end up moving. I will update our decision after we visit this weekend.

[babychi]

I live in the city of Atlanta, the Buckhead neighborhood, and we absolutely love it here. DD won't go there for a couple of years, but our elementary school district is nationally ranked and top-notch. DH and I both work in the city and have a 5 minute commute, everything we need is within a mile or so away. Traffic can be bad, but if you choose to live close to work you will be fine. I love the weather here...summers won't be an issue for you (they are HOT) since you are from Florida, and I absolutely love our mild fall and winter seasons.

Feel free to PM specific questions if you have any.