good neighborhoods for single professional woman? (Atlanta, East Point: apartment complexes, renters, crimes)

[singleprof]

I'm moving to ATL this summer, narrowing my rental search to Decatur, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, East Point/College Park/Hapeville. I will work in Morrow. What are some recommended neighborhoods for a single, 40ish, straight (but not narrow!), liberal/progressive, professional woman? I would like to rent an apartment/house for less than 1000/month. I will try to carve out a social life in or past the neighborhood, but I would like to have to feel comfortable with and have at least something in common with neighborhoods.

Suggestions?
Thanks!

[avr284]

I would suggest Midtown, Inman Park or Virginia Highland. You will be doing a reverse commute, so living in the city, you wouldn't have to fight too much traffic. I live in Midtown and absolutely love it. You will, however, have a hard time finding something under $1000/month if you choose to live in Midtown. I pay about 900/month for a 630 square foot efficiency studio (I like to call it a glorified studio). But, I have great location and a view of the city. Downtown and West Midtown is also an option!

[cityhopper]

Originally Posted by avr284

... You will be doing a reverse commute, so living in the city, you wouldn't have to fight too much traffic.....

At one point I would fully agree; however, on my recent assignment, I have to travel Southbound on the connector and I found the traffic to be relatively troublesome until one passes the southbound I-20 exits on the Connector.

I would think VaHi would be looking at an average 45 minute commute. Certain parts of Decatur, one may opt to take 285 to 75-S. Certainly the traffic pattern is still better south bound vs. north bound but still plan accordingly from any of the Northern aforementioned neighborhoods. As the warmer weather comes closer, expect longer commutes in the evening.

Now, from a social aspect, I would 100% recommend you NOT live in Clayton County. Nothing about the county will match with a young professional who wants a social life and the safety factor is less than desirable (IMHO).

Not sure where you are relocating from but expect to spend money to get a desirable place to live. If you want safety, amenities, location, expect it at a high cost and low square footage. Visit at least 5 complexes per city you are scouting just so you have an idea what 750 is worth versus 1,000 in Atlanta. Trust me you will thank me later. Drive by the complexes you like most at night to see who really lives there.

As far as gated communities, unless a security guard is monitoring the gate expect at some point for that gate to be inoperable, for whatever reason.

Don't mistrust popular neighborhoods/communities/cities as 100% full-proof safety. It is these areas that will likely draw culprits who think there is something have value for the takings.

Visit the local police department to investigate the number of crimes/call to a certain area.

Bigger apartment complexes doesn't always mean better. Find out the age of the unit. How many FT maintenance staff. Office hours. Flexibility of when rent is due (1st, 3rd, or 5th). Method to pay rent (office, drop box, online, check, credit card). Consider terms of lease (will they let you break for job relocation purposes or do rates change base on the length of term of the lease). What external costs exist (trash, water and sewage, electricity, gas, alarm surveillance, parking or garage et al)? Those costs can take $1,000 rent to $1300+.

More generic things to consider. Do you want to live in a walkable area? Do you expect to use Marta frequently? Since you will have a commute, consider how close/far you want to live to the highways.

I have lived in several cities (large and small) and Atlanta leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to a renters lifestyle. Bottom line, you have to pay to get what you want.

Best of luck on your search. Hope I didn't over load you but there is so much I wish I had done ahead of time on my first move.

[singleprof]

Thanks so much!