Moving in August, looking for walkable, safe neighborhood ITP ATL (Atlanta: apartments, rental)

[jbrizzle]

To answer the "sticky" questions: Under $1400 for a 2BR apartment. I am an attorney (the do-gooder, no money kind) and fiancee is getting doctorate at GT. No kids, prefer an urban lifestyle and access to MARTA and highways.

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Hi there! I am moving to Atlanta in August because my boo is starting a doctorate program at GT. I am an attorney (no ATL job lined up yet). I lived in NYC for three years in the East Village, and loved my lifestyle there. I've been to ATL a few times, but almost a decade ago. I really have no concept of what life is like there, other than the Real Housewives of Atlanta ... yeah, I know. We have a small, active rescue dog (min pin mix), and I would like to be close to a dog park.

For me, the most crucial element of life is walkability. I really like being able to walk (safely) to bars and restaurants. I do love to walk to the grocery store and farmers' markets, but those aren't as crucial. I was looking at some Atlantic Station apartments, but they seem to be really sterile. They are walkable, but I don't really want to walk to Old Navy or California Pizza Kitchen. Anyone have experience living there? I'm also looking around Inman Park and Virginia Highlands. Va-Hi seems to be far from the MARTA line, but Inman looks right there. I know NOTHING about the neighborhoods in Atlanta. My sister used to live there, but she lived in Buckhead off a highway, and although she loved it, I know I would be miserable.

Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you so much!

Julia

[cqholt]

I live in Kirkwood. It is an intown neighborhood served by 2 stations along the east-west MARTA line. The neighborhood is safe and convenient to retail, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood is very diverse, both racial and economically. Police precinct and Fire department within the neighborhood. Friendly neighbors that look out for each other and an active neighborhood association. The Edgewood Retail district has all the big-box retail and its a short 1 mile walk. Downtown Kirkwood has several small restaurants, retail store, and a couple of bars. There are 5 parks within the 2 square mile neighborhood. The architecture in the neighborhood range from Victoria homes, Craftsman Bungalows, and new construction. Prices are cheaper than Inman Park, Candler Park, or Virginia-Highland. Zip Code 30317.

[afonega1]

Originally Posted by jbrizzle

To answer the "sticky" questions: Under $1400 for a 2BR apartment. I am an attorney (the do-gooder, no money kind) and fiancee is getting doctorate at GT. No kids, prefer an urban lifestyle and access to MARTA and highways.

---
Hi there! I am moving to Atlanta in August because my boo is starting a doctorate program at GT. I am an attorney (no ATL job lined up yet). I lived in NYC for three years in the East Village, and loved my lifestyle there. I've been to ATL a few times, but almost a decade ago. I really have no concept of what life is like there, other than the Real Housewives of Atlanta ... yeah, I know. We have a small, active rescue dog (min pin mix), and I would like to be close to a dog park.

For me, the most crucial element of life is walkability. I really like being able to walk (safely) to bars and restaurants. I do love to walk to the grocery store and farmers' markets, but those aren't as crucial. I was looking at some Atlantic Station apartments, but they seem to be really sterile. They are walkable, but I don't really want to walk to Old Navy or California Pizza Kitchen. Anyone have experience living there? I'm also looking around Inman Park and Virginia Highlands. Va-Hi seems to be far from the MARTA line, but Inman looks right there. I know NOTHING about the neighborhoods in Atlanta. My sister used to live there, but she lived in Buckhead off a highway, and although she loved it, I know I would be miserable.

Any help would be very appreciated. Thank you so much!

Julia

Try Cabbagetown.The Stacks Lofts are nearby and cool (if you can find a rental).
Stacks Lofts
Also there are some cool new apartments across from the MLK Jr Marta Station off Dekalb Ave.

[LovinDecatur]

Here's a link to a management company that specializes in vintage apt buildings located in Atlanta's more walkable neighborhoods:

Braden Fellman

[sith]

i think inman park would be perfect for what you describe if you can find something available in your price range in that time frame. check craigslist perhaps for a condo. you may have to pay your max of 1400 for a 2 bedroom that allows pets.

[red92s]

What's your significant others limit on commuting to the GT campus? Is she looking to take public transportation, willing to drive (how far/long), etc?

Inman Park and Virginia Highlands are probably right in your wheelhouse, although walking to a grocery store might be a stretch. Most grocers in the Atlanta area are the Big Box variety, and consequently off major arterial roads . . . not tucked back within residential areas.

[jbrizzle]

Thanks so much for the input, everyone! He is going to be driving to GT, since he'll be researching in a lab a little off campus near the Coca-Cola factory. They have a parking lot for him. We wouldn't want more than a 10-15 minute drive for him, though, since he'll be getting home late and probably going in on weekends. From what I'm hearing, Inman Park sounds pretty ideal. I don't want to glamorize walking to the grocery store. I never ate soup in NYC because it was just too heavy, and I often had to choose between beer and milk (guess which won).

[cqholt]

Any of the neighborhoods east of Downtown and Midtown will fit your budget and requirements.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by afonega1

Try Cabbagetown.The Stacks Lofts are nearby and cool (if you can find a rental).
Stacks Lofts

I live in Cabbagetown and have seen a few rental houses that have recently become available. Not sure if they're 2br, though.

As for walkability, my wife and I were trying to guess how many restaurants are within walking distance, so I started a list. My list is up to 38, and it's not a complete list.

[cqholt]

I live in Cabbagetown and have seen a few rental houses that have recently become available.

Such an awesome neighborhood.