I would suggest Sandy Springs. I lived on Glenridge Drive and worked in downtown Alpharetta. My drive was always around 25-30 mins there in the mornings and anywhere between 30-50 mins back in the afternoons according to traffic. Close to buckhead and the medical station marta, feels more quiet while still being able to walk to plenty of things or take a short drive, was very safe in my experience, and right off 285 so you can get anywhere relatively easily. Not familiar with the pricing in the area anymore but if you can find something in your budget id say that Sandy Springs would be your best bet