I have spent a fair amount of time in Atlanta the last two years on special projects for my company. I can't tell you where to live as I am a Dallas girl these days. My friends who live in the Alpharetta/Roswell area. I can recommend some fun places to go and a few good restaurants.

Smith's Olde Bar is a good choice. They have live music nearly every night of the week.
www.smithsoldebar.com

Fado Irish Pub is a fun place to go, they also have live music.
http://www.fadoirishpub.com/atlanta/

Andrews Upstairs in Buckhead, younger scene.

The Virginia Highlands has quite few a bars and restaurants.
www.viginiahighland.com will give you a list of all clubs and restaurants there.

Limerick Junction in the Virginia Highlands also has live music; Limerick’s is an Irish Pub, very fun atmosphere.

Panita Thai restaurant right down the street from Limerick; I really enjoyed their Thai food.

If you want to go to something a little different go to the original Spondivits by ATL on Virginia Ave (different Virginia than the Virginia Highlands). This place has crab legs, shrimp and plenty of beer. They also make a great beer butter or garlic butter to dip your seafood in. They are open until 4:00 AM; don’t ask how I know that. There is always a line for this place, OK maybe not at 3:00 AM, but they are a busy busy place. Don’t dress up because you are likely to get butter on you or beer sloshed on you. People sitting at the bar will talk to anyone, it’s a friendly place.
http://www.spondivits.net/

Vinny's on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta has very good food.