Help me pick some neighborhoods (Atlanta, Decatur: apartments, loft, condos) - Georgia (GA) - City-Data Forum

ddurkee75 · 08-31-2007, 07:23 PM

Greetings,

It looks like I am being transfered from Nashville to Atlanta. I've been there to visit a few times, but don't really know the neighborhoods. I know I'm one of a million people looking for advice, so I will try to give as much information as possible as to what I am looking for in a neighborhood.

I am a 32 year old single male that lives in the Hillsboro Village/Belmont neighborhood in Nashville. I love it here and im looking for a neighborhood in ATL with similar characteristics. I'm definately not a suburbs guy. My ideal neighborhood would be very walkable and bikeable. Access to a greenway or public transportation would be cool. I often go days without driving my car because I can walk to stores, restaurants, bars, etc. It should be relatively young and vibrant. I would like a decent number of bar and restaurant options. Live music venues are a plus. It should have a little character but also be relatively safe. I dont mind a little bit of crime, but I dont want to live in fear either. I should be realtively affordable, as I will be making my first home/condo/townhome purchase. I'm not used to sitting in traffic, but I understand it's something I will have to learn to do in ATL. Still, I wouldn't mind an easy commute (I will be working in Vinnings). I'd sacrafice the easy commute for all of the other characteristics I am looking for.

Any help y'all can give me is greatly appreciated.

atlantagreg30127 · 08-31-2007, 08:09 PM

Virginia Highlands.

Virginia Highland :: Home

The closest really that Atlanta has to an older established "village" type of look and feel. Numerous bars and restaurants, some with live entertainment, within walking distance. Somewhat on the expensive side, but you gave no budget (homes are $$$ but condos and apartments are within reach). Within walking distance to Piedmont Park (Atlanta's version of Central Park) where there are numerous festivals through the year. Crime is average for an inner city area - not Mayberry, but not overly bad. There are a couple of MARTA bus routes in the area and it's about a mile or so from the MARTA rail system (not quite walking distance, but close).

Added: I guess I should add that many people like this area so long as you're tolerant of the gay community. While there are a lot of younger single people (straight) in the VaHi area, it also has one of the largest gay communities in the Southeast as well. For some this isn't an issue - for others it may be. Just pointing this out in case you have any mental hiccups about that kind of thing.

jcowens2000 · 09-02-2007, 10:07 PM

My advice: avoid south of highway I-20. Anything north of that would be a good place to start looking.

Nero · 09-03-2007, 10:59 AM

you should consider looking at dupont commons on the westside if you are looking for a house or townhouse. lots of young professionals - pool community. cant walk to retail, but you are so close to so much and the area is changing dramatically.

Britishintown · 09-04-2007, 01:59 AM

Spam Alert!

sweettea1 · 09-04-2007, 07:32 AM

Nah, I think this is a legitimate recommendation for a community that is up and coming but wedged in between some questionable areas. For pioneers, it's worth checking out.

btrfly414 · 09-04-2007, 07:23 PM

Might I suggest that you check out the Vinings area. I remember it being a good area to work and play. Buckhead/Lindberg area has some of what you are asking about. Most of the bar hopping would be in Buckhead. Also Decatur. There are a mix of people in downtown Decatur. Young singles and young familes both gay and straight (for that possible mental hiccup agregg so noted)

pinetreelover · 09-05-2007, 07:52 AM

Except there are no more bars to hop in Buckhead anymore!

nibseysgirl · 09-05-2007, 09:35 PM

Does anyone have any suggestions or info on Dacula. Schools are good and house prices seem fair. What is it like in town and is it a family friendly area?
Thanks...any help will be appreciated and welcome
Lisa

bonnie23 · 09-06-2007, 01:54 PM

It sounds like you would like East Atlanta , downtown Decatur, or Oakhurst.

East Atlanta has the most crime of the three, but is more affordable. You could get a cute renovated bungalow for around $250k probably. Some streets are nicer than others though. There is a great village with restaurants, bars, and music venues. There is a farmers market once a week May - October. Its a Very young and vibrant area IMO. Its close to I-20 but on opposite side of town from Vinings.
East Atlanta Community Association - Welcome

Decatur has lots of new condos and loft conversions. I'm not sure of the price range. Its less edgy than east Atlanta , more family friendly (bot lots of young families in east atlanta too(. You could walk to Marta rail, as well as lots of shops, bars, restaurants. Might not be an easy commute to Vinings.

Oakhurst is close to Decatur with great schools and a very small business district with bars and restaurants. Its a popular and charming intown neighborhood. Nice renovated bungalows are probably over $300k.

You could also check out Howell Station on the west side of town - for an easier communte to Vinings. Its a charming older neighborhood, but not much to walk to.

Good luck!