South - Possibly moving to Atlanta - best places to live?

Hey everyone,

I might be accepting a job in Atlanta in the coming weeks, and just to be on the safe side, I've started looking for places to live. I've been to ATL quite a few times, but never as a means of looking to settle down, meaning that I don't know the good neighborhoods from the bad. I know Buckhead is real nice (and real $$$), so that is out. I'll be working near the ATL airport. I've had Vinings, Smyrna, and Virginia Highlands recommended to me.

What are your thoughts? I'd prefer a (relatively) easy commute, fairly cheap rent, and a nice location with places (food, shopping, grocery stores) close by. That's probably asking too much, but anyways, haha....

Thanks for your help!

I would check out the Brookhaven neighborhood (I was living there until I moved recently). It is a great neighborhood, adjacent to Buckhead going north on Peachtree Rd, so it's very close to everything, but a lot less $$. It's also very safe and well inside the perimeter.

Buckhead seems the place to be.

Thanks Scotty, I will check out Brookhaven. I will also keep Buckhead in mind. Keep the recommendations coming. :)

I live in Virginia Highlands and love it. I don't know if you're looking to rent or buy -- but there are some great old condos with hardwood floors in the area. Great for running / walking the dog, etc etc. Will be a 20-25 minute commute to the ATL airport from here.

Matt

Thanks Matt. Someone else recommended Virginia Highlands as well. I'd be looking to rent an apartment for the time being.

Do you want to be in Atlanta or near the airport? The above suggestions are great. However, if you are interested in a more suburban area, many people who commute to the airport area live south or SW of ATL (Peachtree City / Fayette County area).

I'd probably vote for Atlanta over ATL. A short commute would obviously be ideal, but i'd rather live near the city than out in the boonies.
Do you want to be in Atlanta or near the airport? The above suggestions are great. However, if you are interested in a more suburban area, many people who commute to the airport area live south or SW of ATL (Peachtree City / Fayette County area).

...out in the boonies.:eek:

I'll be sure to let my brother know he works in the boonies. ;)

I'd recommend Newnan/Peachtree City areas. Many people for a number of years working at ATL airport have lived in that area. That is Coweta County and you'll not have to deal with the traffic thru downtown from Buckhead, Vinings, etc. If you are really looking for cheaper places, being a little way out, you can find that too. I would much rather live off I 85 than make the drive thru the 75/85 downtown corridor every day. Almost everything you'll need is available in Newnan and there is still somewhat of a small town atmosphere there.Plus when needed you can drive to North Atlanta/Buckhead area also pretty easily (at times). Fayetteville, Fayette County, as already mentioned is similar.

I live in Dunwoody now but lived in Brookhaven for a good while and I would not want to drive from there through downtown every day. Yuk. I worked Midtown and that was bad enough. But, it depends on your working hours. Normal 9-5?

Kind of a hard call. Personally, I wouldn't want to live too far out but the commute in Atlanta can be brutal. You may want to actually take a look at the areas and see what fits for you. I have friends who live in Peachtree City and they seem to like it but its pretty far from me. I love my area. 10-15 minutes from anything. Well, except the airport. Buuuuut.... the trains from Brookhaven or Buckhead are a breeze. When I lived in Brookhaven I never drove to the airport. The station has plenty of parking and the train drops you right in the airport. Will you be working in the airport itself? Maybe you can use public transport and avoid the awful commute all together.

Consider College Park. 5 minutes from the airport and MARTA is an easy way to get there and to downtown and other main areas. Rugby Avenue specifically would be my choice. Check out the Rugby Valley Apartments. The mayor of CP lives on Rugby so you can be sure those apartments are held to the highest standards. I lived there for 2 years in the late 90's and my wife and I loved it. Great little park one block up the hill, beautiful old homes and plenty of boutique little cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Ok, I will check out the Rugby Valley apartments. I havent heard the best things about CP, to be honest with you. Is it a sketchy neighborhood?

Ok, I will check out the Rugby Valley apartments. I havent heard the best things about CP, to be honest with you. Is it a sketchy neighborhood?

DiscoPapa...you have a PM!