G.G.
I live in Cumming, just north of Alpharetta... we have been living here for almost 3 years and absolutely love it.... we've made amazing friends, so beautiful ppl, since you can still find alot of the families that started Cumming a few generations ago.
Ppl here are very welcoming and loving, and as a matter of fact, a lot of ppl from Alpahretta who are tired of the noise and fast paced, move up to Cumming, for they find alot of their shopping and commuting needs, within the "small town" peace that is forever lost in the cities, with still a great taste for the country mixed with the amenities of a city. ATL downtown is about a 30-45 minute commute on non-rush hours...
If you travel Ga 400 north, which passes from Buckhead, then Roswell ( Sandy Springs and Marietta are at a spit neighboring), then Alpahretta, and right around exit 12 you'll find where Alpharetta meets Cumming, and Cumming goes all the way up to exit 17 and then some.. We live right off exit 16, in a rather new subd ( about 5-6 years old homes).
There is an apatment complex on Freedom Pkwy, which is right between exit 16 and exit 17, I think it is called The Columns at Pilgrim Mill with all the amenities you search for... but I'll give you some advice when it comes to apts.: the cost of a 3 bedroom apt. here in North Ga can be equivalent to the cost of renting a 3 bedroom house, within a nice subd with all the amenities .... a 3 bdrm apt can rent anywhere from $1,100- $1,300, unless you find a move in special and a desperate need to rent from the complex.... a house with those same characterisitcs can rent for the same price, except you'll have more room, a garage, possibly a basement. The cons: you'll have to mow a lawn, and you MIGT have 2 utility bills to cover ( electric and gas), while all apts. run soley on electric
The pros... more room for the same or better price.
Last tip: homeowners who rent their properties are desperate to get tenants... they really need the income to cover the mortgages!
I.E. you may google Ansley at Pilgrim Mill subd... there are several houses up for rent.... the schools are really good here in Forsyth County.. I have 3 kids attending the public school system