Second Alpharetta and N GA area. If looking to be closer to outdoor life (Lanier Lanier and mountains), Cumming has seen steady growth in the last 15 years and insane growth in last 3. Lot of potential upside for return, great schools, and likely better priced homes compared to Alpharetta. Like all others have said though, the drive.... When my dad was flying for Delta (pre covid), normally it would be about 0:50. As of late, during non rush hour times, it seems 1:20-30.

It sounds like you plan to move more than once (since you'll be renting), so I'd recommend somewhere being closer to airport that has more yoing professional things to do (Virginia Highlands, midtown, etc). But if settling down with family, gworing up in Cumming as a kid was great.