Questions on Alpharetta & ATL (Atlanta: leasing, buying, place to live)

[FLGAL_1]

Hello:

Is there public transportation that will get you from Alpharetta into Atlanta (primarily the downtown area)?
Also, how far is it from point A to point B.
Does Alpharetta have its own city transportation?

I do drive but am trying to get away from doing anymore than necessary as I am deaf and it is getting harder and with such a large city like ATL, I am afraid it might be a bit overwhelming.

Also, is it realistic finacially and safety wise to live in downtown (I would be looking at leasing a place not buying) where I could maybe get around better without having to depend on driving at all?

Do you feel like the city is "friendly" when it comes to those of us with less than perfect capabilities, such as in my case?

I thank everyone in advance for any help or tips you can provide for me.

[BobKovacs]

MARTA has a few bus routes that run into Alpharetta, but unless you live extremely close to the major roads that they run on, they're not going to be very convenient. The overall distance from Alpharetta to downtown is +/- 25 miles, depending on where in Alpharetta you're starting from. Overall, if you've got to be downtown and don't want to drive, Alpharetta is probably not your best bet.

[pellur]

I commute daily from Alpharetta to Midtown.

There are three routes starting from Alpharetta to North Springs MARTA station. During rush hours they have non-stop service.

I typically take Route 143 (Windward Pkwy to NorthSprings MARTA station-every 20 minutes) starting at 6:10AM . I reach
train station around 6:25-6:30AM. There is a south bound train every ten minutes from this station. I reach Midtown in about 20 minutes. So door-to-door it takes me about 55-60 minutes.

Evenings also I take the same bus and amounts to 60 minutes door to door. I sincerely encourage you to take public transportation and make atlanta/alpharetta a better place to live.

Good luck.