Sailingfun is making some good points. Schools are very good in East Cobb and the typical drive to the Atlanta Airport is about 30 to 35 minutes. I give myself an hour and have never been late; even on those inevitable days when a passport or ID gets someplace it isn't supposed to be.

Schools are all 9+ ... Cobb County is well managed, has reasonable taxes, good quality of life and is kinda in the middle of the stuff to do (lakes, mountains, city, shopping, new Braves stadium, etc...) Prices run $250k for "meh" to $500k for "wow, what a house!" The good deals are pretty much gone. The area is a stable and appreciating market.

As a junior guy I might not try to live in Tennessee, but I hear a lot of good things about life along the river from Knoxville to Chattanooga.