Relocating couple working downtown & Buckhead - looking for advice on safe neighboorhood to live and walk dogs (Atlanta: real estate, to rent)

[treegirl75]

My husband and I are relocating to Atlanta for work. I will be working downtown near the CNN Center, and he will be working in Buckhead. We will be renting (would rather rent a house than apts), w/ a budget of 900-1100, and need advice on a safe neighboorhood. We have two dogs, and I don't want to feel unsafe when I take them outside at night. We have been looking at Midtown/VA Highlands, Decatur, or Dunwoody. Any thoughts on these areas? We would like to stay inside the perimeter in order to utilize public transportation as much as possible. Any help or advice is really appreciated!

[sweettea1]

I'd pick VA/Hi (no train), Peachtree Hills (also no train) or Dectaur (there is a train). Midtown isn't the safest at night though some may disagree with me. Dunwoody has a much different feel and is extremely safe and family oriented, but the train isn't walkable either.

[treegirl75]

Thanks for the info. We will probably narrow it down to either Decatur or Dunwoody. I know the commute to downtown from either is going to be pretty bad, but that's okay.

[JPD]

The commute from Decatur to downtown is a breeze.

[cmtiger]

I'd go for Decatur if you love dogs. They have at least three dog parks (Adair, Oakhurst and Glenlake) within four square miles. No matter where you live in the city you can walk to a dog park. They also have several "doggie daycares" in the area if you want to give pooch some play time while you are at work. We also have two MARTA stations - one downtown and one on the SE side (Eastlake station). Both are very safe as MARTA stations go. You can walk to one of them from most areas in Decatur.

Decatur, particularly Oakhurst, is a very dog oriented community, you can go to any number of restaurants and see several dogs sitting outside with their owners while the owners enjoy a meal. Many restaurants even provide water stations for dogs.

Decatur to downtown is no problem - you just zip down DeKalb Avenue - takes about 15 minutes in traffic. Or you get on the West MARTA line - and it's a straight shot - no train changes. Buckhead is a little more difficult though, but it would be somewhat against traffic so it is probably doable.

Dunwoody to downtown or Buckhead would be very tough b/c you would have to get on the connector or 285 with traffic. It could be very bad - particularly to Buckhead.

[treegirl75]

Thank you guys! You have just made my decision for me - Decatur it is! My doggies thank you too!

[JPD]

"Decatur" and "City of Decatur" are not the same thing. Try to get a place in the city, or as close as possible. There are some pretty far flung and very undesirable places that call themselves Decatur.

[treegirl75]

I'll keep that in mind - thanks. Can anyone recommend either a property management or real estate company in the "City of Decatur" that might be able to help us locate a house to rent?

[sweettea1]

I'd start with Craiglist and be very specific when responding to ads as to ask the poster where exactly the property is located. Many homes are rented by owner in this area.

[fil]

BTW, Piedmont dog park is the best. Check it out from 9-11 AM on Saturdays.