Is the traffic bearable when commuting around Atlanta?

Question

I'll be going to school at Kennesaw State and at GA Tech, however most of my time will be at Kennesaw. My wife wants to live closer to her sister in Athens, so we're trying to find a decent half-way point. I don't mind at all driving further than her (especially if she's bringing home the bacon), but I don't want to be in traffic for hours, either. Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Duluth, Norcross are places that seem fine.
Just for a little background, I'm originally from L.A., so I am used to horrible mind numbing traffic...
Thanks in advance for your help!!!

I should add that my wife wants to drop off my kid at her sister's house in Athens, and she'll find a M-F 9-5 out that way. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Halfway between Atlanta and Athens is no problem, as far as finding plenty of affordable housing and land. The nightmare would be driving from this area all the way over to Kennesaw...even if it was only a few times per week. Let me tell you, it would take you a LONG time in the morning, even if you left early. You have to basically go about as far northwest of Atlanta to Kennesaw as you'd be living northeast of Atlanta if you choose to be closer to Athens. Also, getting to downtown Atlanta from that far northeast would take quite some time as well. (well over an hour in traffic and probably closer to two).
If I were you, I would try to be closer to GA400 than on the northeast, simply to be closer to Athens...especially since your wife isn't going to be commuting there for work or on an everyday basis. Somewhere near the Roswell area would put you a lot closer to Kennesaw as well as a straight shot downtown on 400 to i-85 into the city.
I lived in Gainesville and commuted to Atlanta for a couple of years before moving to North Fulton which cut my commute in half, but still took a solid 45 minutes on average per day to be only 9 miles north of the perimeter. Traffic is Atlanta sucks and unless you like to spend 3-4 extra hours a day in your car and away from your family, can be exhausting.

Good luck!
Jas

Answer 2

How about Monroe - looks halfway between Atlanta and Athens but I'm not sure where Monroe would be relative to Kennesaw.

Once you get 10 miles outside the Perimeter, I can't imagine traffic to be that bad - surely nothing compared to LA.

Answer 3

Keep your LA driving habits in tune and you'll be just fine. Yes, the bears of Atlanta exist, and drive unmarked cars just like the CHP. I'd caution you to keep the doors locked around Atlanta because when traffic suddenly stops armed gangs can walk onto Interstate for easy pickings. I'd want 4x4 to scoot away or a carry permit, y'know? Beware of people who look like peace officers but actually aren't; these clowns tried to shake me down for chump change up near the state line. Ask for identification &
be advised Tn won't accept self-defense plea if weapon is used.