[mamamaris]

Thanks for reading since it seems you all get one of these every few days. We just found out we'll be moving to the area in about 4 weeks (yikes-major stress!)

I have read over and over about the long commutes so we have a fairly specific area in mind. It looks like we will be on the NW side. Maybe Marietta because of East Cobb schools, but then a friend just told us about Powder Springs. It looks like a few of the schools are impressive with their test scores- I am a former teacher so I know that's not everything-just a good place to start when you're 1500 miles away. So here's my question, finally. What is the community of Powder Springs like? Does it still have a small town feel, close community? We could not believe the house you can get there for the money. Pretty much twice the house we have now for a LOT less (we're coming from Boulder, CO) It looks like there are plans to expand the trail system and there are several parks nearby. Are there many other family resources or are we going to be driving constantly to Marietta or wherever for outings?

Also, any ideas for things to do while we are in temp housing for the first month or so(I don't want to rush in and get a house in one weekend. I want to really get a feel for the area and schools and then find a house)

I am very sad to leave Boulder

but think this move will be good for the long run, we'll be able to stay in one place for a long time and really put down roots for the boys. BTW, I have 2 ds who will be turning 2 & 5 in the next few months and would love to find some playgroups when we get to town.
Thanks for any thoughts you might have

Maris

 

[mamamaris]

Anyone out there??? Any thoughts on good places to live if working in Vinings area, also, my husband will be going to the airport about once a week-so not too far north . Thanks!!!

 

[Mommabelle]

I'm not that familiar with that area, but one of my very good friends lives just outside of vinings in the Smyrna area, but still really close to Vinings. They opted for private school, even though they were definetly going to go public when they first moved there. I used to live near Powder Springs as a child...that was in the 70's so I have no idea what it's like now. Is your husband going to be working in Marietta? Marietta is a really nice town..it's old (not burned in Civil war) and it is really family friendly. They have a restaurants, neat shops and a real theater (not movies!) I live North of town but we do go down to Marietta occasionaly because there is an Australian bakery there and my husband is an Aussie. I would definetly live close to where ever your husband is working. I'm not much help, but fwiw. Hope your move is successful.

 

[mamamaris]

Thanks Mommabelle! East Cobb is definitely on our short list. My hubbie will be working off of 285 and Paces Ferry Rd. I think that is near the Vinings area but am just going off what his coworkers have said. We don't want the big commute since he'll be at the office all day. We want to see him asap, not 1.5 hours later! Thanks for your input.

 

[Jennie143]

We live in East Cobb. I can't say much for Powder Springs, but we love our elemetary school. My son goes to Rocky Mount and is in the Lassiter HS cluster. Not only are the test scores good, but we just love our school and community.

 

[Mommabelle]

The area where your husband works is exactly where my friend lives..just outside the perimeter on the Atlanta Rd. It's getting expensive in that area. Anyway once you move and want some contacts maybe I can introduce you to her. She's a lively woman and does alot..so she will be a good reference. She lived in CO before moving to ATL...although she's from Penn.

 

[atlanta hope]

I don't think Powder Springs has a lot to offer besides cheaper housing. My co-worker lives out there and is planning to move to East Cobb so he can take his kids out of private school and put them into public...

 

[CathToria]

For school age children, I woudl think that East Cobb would be a better choice. Your dh will be working in teh Vinings area, so Cobb county would be a good location, though he will still have a decent commute from Marietta or East Cobb.

I live in SForstyh county, and the commute to Vinings and the airport is pretty bad from Cumming, Alpharetta and Roswell as opposed to Cobb county. But we love living here and have good schools too

.

 

[mamamaris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by atlanta hope I don't think Powder Springs has a lot to offer besides cheaper housing. My co-worker lives out there and is planning to move to East Cobb so he can take his kids out of private school and put them into public...

Interesting... Very good to know. Not to get too nosy, do you know if your friend was in the Powder Springs city proper? We were looking to the north, really almost SW Kennesaw. It looks like Vaughan, Still, & Kemp elementaries had good test scores.

We are going to fly out Wed-Fri of next week and check out a few areas. Probably won't make it to the schools this trip b/c it's the first week and who knows what craziness will be happening! I am starting to get excited about this move.

Maybe I'll get to meet some of you helpful ladies in the future!

Are there any great neighborhoods in East Cobb that we should swing by? Any elem. schools that really stand out to anyone?

Thank you all, it is so good to hear everything- I feel like I revise our plan daily from the input!
Maris

 

[atlanta hope]

Sorry - I don't know any particulars... I think that there's a book published that I've seen at Barnes & Noble in the "local interest" section that rates all our public schools. You may want to check that out when you're in town.

 

[Mamm2]

*

 

[touting]

Welcome to Georgia!!!

I am a native. I currently reside in Kennesaw. Our first choice was East Cobb but unfortunately, we could not afford the prices at the time. Now, we have sort of settled in here in Kennesaw and are considering purchasing land to build our dream home.

Some parts of Powder Springs are great. I would stay closer to Dallas Highway area if I were you. Acworth and Kennesaw also have pretty good schools, but not as good as East Cobb. Please pm or post here if you have anymore questions.

 

[nfpmom]

If you are living near Kennesaw, that city has a lot to offer. I always thought the reason why powder springs was so cheap is because there was nothing out there.

 

[kodamama]

mamamaris, we are moving the same weekend as you it looks like. we will be in Marietta with family until our house sells. Powder Springs is one place we are looking at settling but also Holly Springs, Sandy Springs and the Roswell area. My hubby really like Alpharetta but that may be too far for the commute.

 

[mamamaris]

Hi Kodamama, good luck with the move. That is so great you can stay with family while you are looking. DH's company is putting us up in a 2 bed apt. for a few months until we find what we want. I think I'll start looking at the schools first and then figure out what neighborhood from there. It becomes so much harder to move when little ones are involved.

We went to ATL last week to look at some neighborhoods and OMG, I had forgotten what humidity felt like after being gone from the southeast for many years (super dry in Colorado).

Saw some beautiful neighborhoods in Powder Springs off of hwy 120 to the west of Marietta, I just don't want to feel too isolated. As nfpmom stated, there really is nothing in Powder Springs but thankfully all of the newer neighborhoods are very far north, really close to Kennesaw and Marietta. We have several homes in E. Cobb we're looking at as well. Of course they are all older and will need some loving care b/c the new construction is ridiculously priced.

Thanks for the input all of you great ladies!!