Where's the best COMMUNITY in Atlanta? (Smyrna, Mableton: crime, townhomes, neighborhoods)

[FreeMama]

I've moved to the Smyrna/Mableton area 5 years ago to a brand new development in a relatively industrial area after living in Buckhead for a few years. We bought at the height of the market and never expected to be in this house this long. That said, my neighbors are nice, but I'm just not happy. It's time to move.

I originally moved to Atlanta from New Orleans, if that gives any indication of what I'm looking for (minus the crime and bad public schools)... everyone knows everyone, everyone is friendly, you can ride your bikes with the kids, the local mom&pop store down the street is in walking/biking distance, lots of shady green space, and no huge roads with lots of traffic. I may be asking too much, but I figured this would be the best place to ask. Where oh where in Atlanta can I find such a place for under $500k?!

[George Chong]

Decatur, GA (City of Decatur)

City of Decatur : Home

[IntownHomes247]

Yep. I second Decatur. City of Decatur : Tourism

They have a true courthouse square which is the site of concerts and frequent festivals (from book festivals to beer festivals and even a beach party where they truck in sand). There are parks all over the tiny city. It's got a great school system. It's strongly influenced by Emory University (just outside the city) and Agnes Scott College (inside the city). It has strong neighborhoods, great restaurants, cute shops. And you the the real sense that the city government is actively working to constantly improve the city (and succeeding!). Very refreshing.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by IntownHomes247

Yep. I second Decatur. City of Decatur : Tourism

They have a true courthouse square which is the site of concerts and frequent festivals (from book festivals to beer festivals and even a beach party where they truck in sand). There are parks all over the tiny city. It's got a great school system. It's strongly influenced by Emory University (just outside the city) and Agnes Scott College (inside the city). It has strong neighborhoods, great restaurants, cute shops. And you the the real sense that the city government is actively working to constantly improve the city (and succeeding!). Very refreshing.

Could not have said it better myself. Decatur has a very strong sense of community, and it's evidenced all over my neighborhood: The playground on Nelson Ferry, the Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, Pastries a Go-Go are all full of communing locals.

[oakhurstlauren]

Yup Decatur. Resident here and couldn't be happier. You should be able to get a nice home (perhaps even new construction) for around 450-500k.

[koko339]

Hate to sound like a broken record, but Decatur's got the community thing down pat.