Cockroaches/Crime (Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta: apartment complex, rental, condos)

[Tallulah94]

My husband and I are thinking of relocating from CA to GA but we are concerned now. We have heard that crime and cockraches are really bad. We are looking to move to Sandy Springs,Dunwoody,Norcross or Doraville. My husbad would be working in Norcross. Any help would be great because we have never been to GA and know nothing. Thanks

[sweettea1]

Which is of greater concern? Or are you talking about crime among cockroaches? Just kidding. But you did put out the bait...

Here's the thing: Atlanta's climate makes it perfect for cockroaches, especially in the summer. It's just too darn hot and humid for them to go anywhere else. But, a regular exterminator will take care of everything. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.

As far as crime, that depends on where you live. The areas you have mentioned are all safe and family oriented areas. Of course they have their own pockets of crime and you need to really be careful with apartment complexes. It can definitely be unnerving moving somewhere where you don't know anyone but the more research you do ahead of time the more comfortable you'll feel. If you're able to take a trip and visit some of these areas you will surely feel better about your move.

[Tallulah94]

Hi sweettea1,

Thanks for the reply. We are going to be moving to an apartment complex to start so what area would be the best? So you only see cockroaches in summer and how bad are they? Do you rent that you would know how they are in complexes? I am really concerned about them because I am a huge bug hater..I also heard that crime is really bad in all of Atlanta areas.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by Tallulah94

My husband and I are thinking of relocating from CA to GA but we are concerned now. We have heard that crime and cockraches are really bad. We are looking to move to Sandy Springs,Dunwoody,Norcross or Doraville. My husbad would be working in Norcross. Any help would be great because we have never been to GA and know nothing. Thanks

Cockroaches are everywhere in GA. I would be very careful/ I live in an apartment in northen Cobb County and I often see roaches, after I have cleaned the apartment many times. The thing is that roaches are very common in apartment complexes, even when you clean them because they are coming from somwhere and going somewhere else. If you don't want cockroaches, don't stay in apartment complexes.

As for crime, that is everywhere. I would be cautious everywhere. I was mugged in Kennesaw, one of the safest places in metro Atlanta. I would exercise caution everywhere in Atlanta. While most of the crime is to the southern parts of the metro Atlanta, crime is know to occur everywhere in the area. It happens, sometimes people don't notice it because Atlanta isn't a Rust Belt city. The metro area is booming and people are moving here in droves everyday and most of the persons moving here are coming from more expensive places like NYC, california, Florida,etc and find the relatively cheap cost of living attractive. Jobs bring people here. For that, crime can often go unnoticed mainly because many people can easily escape seeing poverty and inner city elements. All of that is here in the metro Atlanta. The difference is that you could easily find a nice area. Go down Franklin Rd, or Delk Road in Marietta. Those are bad areas in Marietta. The thing is many residents never go there and they are far removed from it.

[Tallulah94]

pirate_lafitte,

If we shouldnt go to rental complexes because of the roaches how do we go about renting homes/condos? Why are they only bad in apartment complexes? and are they bad all year?

[greg_atlanta]

I doubt the crime is any worse than California. Same advice applies anywhere: don't make yourself a target.

[Tallulah94]

I live in the safest city in the USA(that was in an article in the paper a month or so ago) right now so crime is not really here..That is why I am asking for help with crime info and roach info..

[askelly728]

Seriously...I can understand asking about crime. Coming from the safest city in America will definitely be a transition...but I've been told NOT to live in Norcross (unless its in the Peachtree Corners area). Out of those places I would choose Dunwoody.
Side note: I've been researching cities/complexes, etc for months in prep for my move next May, so I'm just relaying info to you.

As for being scared to move b/c of cockroaches..that's funny. I'm a college student and have been living in dorms/apt complexes for the last 4 years. They ARE everywhere in GA...regardless. But to keep them out of your home just get an exterminator to come and spray monthly. That's not uncommon either...its just a fact of life down here. Just like paying power/water. If you dont want to pay a company to come over, just get a can of roach spray and spray the baseboards all around the perimeter of your home.

[ATLienGirl]

Originally Posted by Tallulah94

I live in the safest city in the USA(that was in an article in the paper a month or so ago) right now so crime is not really here..That is why I am asking for help with crime info and roach info..

I wish metro Atlanta did fall into that category as being one of the safest places...but, it is not. Even in the best areas, crime happens occasionally...as a native, the best advice I can give you is to just be aware and not be naive about the fact that ANY where in Metro Atlanta (including the most well to do places) is COMPLETELY safe. That's just not realistic.

As far as cockroaches, yes, they are here. Just get an exterminator and you will be fine; I have been fortunate not to have either roaches nor cockroaches, but, they love filth. Georgia has many crazy insects because of the weather. Just expect both and move on. Again, I think it is unrealistic for someone to say that there is exactly "no crime and roach" info.

If you do not desire an apartment complex, you can get a rental; just go on craigslist.com.

[atlantagreg30127]

Stick to the Dunwoody and Sandy Springs area over Norcross. Exactly where I can't tell you as I'm not up on the apartment complexes.

Atlanta has high crime, period. Some areas worse than others, but it's generally spread out. Don't be an obvious victim waiting to happen. Keep doors and windows locked and not up and open at night, keep outside lights on at night, don't leave gizmos in plain view in your car and keep your car doors locked while driving and when parked. You can avoid 95% of it by just being observant and using common sense. The other 5% of random and can happen to anyone, anywhere, in the metro area - just chance.

Apartment complexes spray. Many with success, some with less so. Go to Costco and get the home bug stuff in a jug and spray yourself once a month - it works very well. Roaches? HAHAHAHAAAA... roaches are a joke... just wait until you get a "Palmetto Bug" in your house... HAAAHAAAAAAA.... http://www.anthonyzierhut.com/blog/j...ngWaterbug.jpg