In-Country Experts - British Expat Forum

Hi Folks

I am new to the forum and not yet an Expat so forgive me if I am preempting. I will be leaving the UK in December to move to Atlanta with my family. We are looking in the Dunwoody and Sandy Springs area to buy a house/rent. Would you recommend buying or renting initially. Are these good areas to live?
and within easy commuting distance of Marietta and Atlanta. I look forward to receiving a reply.

Dunwoody and Sandy Springs are indeed good areas to live, as for the commute well the bad news is it is S.... real bad no matter what your location I live in Woodstock NW Georgia and just getting to the freeway can take 30 mins, nature of the beast I am afraid.

My wife and I moved 3 years since and rented for two of them it helps build your credit IF the landlord reports it ?? And allows you to build your credit score that is all important in the US. And you will be better acquainted with the area before you commit to buying. Have you spoken with a Realtor yet I have one we used both for the rental and the one we bought, when you get hear you might want to drop us a line as it is nice to know someone at least and we run a pub night not to far from your intended location.

Talk soon............

hi Vanlaw,

I agree with Tony, Dunwoody and Sandy springs are good areas to look at. I live in dunwoody and I love it, A lot of dunwoody is quite new and there are some lovely places to shop or to go out and eat. rent prices are ok if you let me know what you are looking for i can see what price ranges you are looking at. we rent and with no credit score yet we had to pay a deposit of an extra months rent.
I have found that i lot of things you normally need credit for you can get if you make a deposit. e.g. mobile phone contracts, renting appliances or even credit cards.
Again I agree with Tony about the freeways that does seem to be a big problem around Atlanta no matter were you live.

Credit Credit... You will hear this a lot more when you get here, trust me you will become obsessed with it for the first 2 years or so, It can be manipulated or done right, we can talk about that prior to your arrival as it is very important.

My local friend in Dunwoody is correct you can indeed buy anything in the US with enough money and deposits will be required for everything form water to gas and cell phone to a car in most cities around Atlanta.

Dunwoody why have we not seen you at one of our pub nights? Prince of Wales this Friday near piedmont park. 7.30pm

Thank you for all your replies my family and I have visited Atlanta now and decided where we want to live so we are OK with the housing situation.

My question at the moment is about getting the children into elementary school. Does anyone know the process for getting a child into school. I know there are certain forms you need for Ear, Eye and Dental Screening
but are you obliged to submit them before your child can attend.

Thanks for the invitation to your pub Tony we will most definitely get in touch and drop in.