Robert and Laura Kimble's move to Avonley Creek in Sugar Hill shortened commutes and gave the couple and their 9-year-old son, Alex, more space. Laura, who teaches at Sycamore Elementary, chatted about their new home, which has a basement.

Q: When did you move in and where were you moving from?

CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO/Special (ENLARGE)

Robert and Laura Kimble and son Alex wanted a bigger home and a basement and found both at Avonley Creek.

Getting there Take I-85 north to Exit 111 (Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road), turn left. Go approximately 6.5 miles, turn right on Cumming Highway/Ga. 20. Go 1/2 mile and turn left on Old Cumming Road. Avonley Creek is on the left.

A: The end of August. Dacula.

Q: What prompted the move?

A: I got a new job, and our other house was very small. We've been wanting a bigger house for a few years.

Q: How did you go about the search?

A: I work at the elementary school that this neighborhood feeds into. We went around to neighborhood after neighborhood on weekends. Pulte's standard features are way above what I saw in [neighborhoods by] other builders. Many people in my family own Pulte homes as well. We came here first, then I looked around, then I came here again.

Q: What kind of space did you need?

A: We had to have at least four bedrooms and a basement.

Q: What did you like about the floor plan?

A: The kitchen is very open with the family room. Pretty much, the kitchen sold us — black granite countertops, the cabinets have a cherry finish.

Q: Did your commute drop, too?

A: It's less than a song. It's got to be three minutes. It shortened my husband's commute by a good 30 minutes. Our quality of life is a lot better. He was spending two hours in the car. It just grinds on you after a while.

Q: Were you able to take advantage of the slow housing market and get a deal?

A: Definitely yes. It kind of prompted us to kick up our plans a year.

Avonley Creek in Sugar Hill

Address: 622 Old Cumming Road, Sugar Hill 30518

County: Gwinnett

Information: 770-831-8552, Pulte Homes

Price range: low $200,000s-$300,000s

Homes: 101

Square footage: 2,500-2,900

Lot sizes: about one-fifth of an acre

Standard features: GE appliances, island, desk and eating area in kitchen, two-story foyers, separate garden tub and shower in master bath, fireplaces with gas logs and mantel

Amenities: pool, cabana, tot lot, sidewalks

Homeowners fees: $650 annually ($500 initiation fee)

Developer/builder: Pulte Homes

Schools: Sycamore Elementary, Lanier Middle, North Gwinnett High

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