Going to Grad School. Nice, safe areas in ATL. (Atlanta: apartments, rent) - City-Data Forum

movinggirlwind · 04-28-2012, 03:25 PM

I am in my late 20's and will be moving to Atlanta to attend grad school at Clark Atlanta University. No kids. My sister and I will room together, along with our dog. Can you give me good suggestions on safe neighborhood that suit our budget/needs? We are looking for an apartment. THANKS!

1. $850 BUDGET, but we will go up to $900. Ideally looking for somewhere 20-25 minutes from the school.
2. Looking for a 2B apartment in a nice area that has a suburban/urban vibe (but not urban as in dangerous). (not income restricted with professional neighbors). A Marta line is a plus but not a necessity.
3. I will be commuting to Clark Atlanta. I hear the area around the school isn't safe, so I don't want to live there--although I considered it.
4. We prefer a quiet area close to shopping, nightlife and dining. I was looking at the Castleberry Hills area, but I'm not sure if it's overrun with partying college students.
5. I DON'T want to live in an income restricted area where vouchers are taken. A clean area is nice with easy access to shops, attractions and more. Thank you in advance.

movinggirlwind · 04-30-2012, 09:11 AM

Pushing up. Is my budget too low or should I move it up to $950-1,000. Suggestions needed on areas. Thanks! We'd love to live in a nice diverse area with friendly neighbors. Race is not important. Thanks.

residinghere2007 · 04-30-2012, 09:44 AM

I would consider Castleberry Hill but that area is close to downtown and to the neighborhoods surrounding CAU which many do not feel are safe. I love that neighborhood though. I don't think it is run over by college kids and it seems pretty quiet over there. I do know there used to be some lounges that had a lot of traffic that way on weekends a couple years ago, don't know if they are still around.

You may want to consider Midtown. There is a lot of traffic there but you could get to CAU within 20-25 minutes by car from Midtown. Also there are sometimes apartments in VA Highlands on craigslist in your price range. It is a little farther away but you can still have an easy commute to CAU from that location.

movinggirlwind · 04-30-2012, 09:58 AM

Thanks for the suggestions! I have looked at Decatur, Smyrna and Vinings, but I've read that sometimes they are too far away from the city. I love the Buckhead/Midtown area and the shops so ideally, I'd like to be 20 mins away if possible.

I will look into the areas mentioned. Right now I have looked into Druid Hills, Buckhead (everything seems too high), Midtown, and the Brookhaven/Briarcliff area. But these places with pet rent are killing me! ;-)

residinghere2007 · 04-30-2012, 01:30 PM

I actually lived for a year in Buckhead when I was an undergrad at CAU so it is doable. I didn't have a car either but MARTA would get me there in 45 minutes. With a car, you can take side streets and even the freeway during non-rush hour traffic time and get there pretty quickly. I didn't stay in the "good" part of Buckhead though but it was a nice area and I had a lot of entertainment/shopping/dining options. I lived off Lenox Rd near Cheshire Bridge Rd in an older apartment.

I also lived in Smyrna for about 2 years, one of which I was in school. It was very nice and quiet and I actually lived there until I moved back to the city after having kids and getting married and getting sick of being in traffic so much. I now know of a quick way though to get to Smyrna/Vinings without so much traffic and could pass it along if you decide to move there.

I actually think that Decatur would be doable. There are surface streets you can take from there and it is one of my favorite areas in metro Atlanta.

researchnerd · 04-30-2012, 01:45 PM

Usually cqholt beats me to this suggestion, but you might consider Kirkwood. Closer and less expensive than Decatur, on the MARTA line, neighborhood shops and parks that are dog-friendly.

cqholt · 04-30-2012, 01:45 PM

Check out Kirkwood. Adjacent to Decatur, but more affordable. Easy access to Memorial Drive and I-20. Served by 2 MARTA Stations. Neighborhood is safe and very welcoming to all people. Lots of young professional people. Downtown Kirkwood has small boutiques and restaurants within walking distance. Edgewood Retail District offers big-box retail within walking distance. 5 parks within the neighborhood and a bike trail.

cqholt · 04-30-2012, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Usually cqholt beats me to this suggestion.

You beat me to it today.

ATLTJL · 04-30-2012, 03:12 PM

You might check out the area around the Lindbergh MARTA station, for the sake of having easy access to transit and very close access to every shop, restaurant, etc. that you can imagine.

I'm not sure what they are renting for around there, though.

movinggirlwind · 04-30-2012, 05:10 PM

Thank you all for your suggestions! Is the Kirkwood area close to Clark Atlanta University or can the Marta get me to the school? I don't mind riding the Marta if it beats traffic. I've heard that Smyrna is a nice area. I looked at the Briarcliff/Brookhaven area and I liked it, but it was a tad pricey. Ideally, I'm hoping to stay within a $850 budget although I'm willing to go up to $1,000. About to look into Kirkwood now.

Also, am I being totally unrealistic with my budget to get away from rude, nasty neighbors?