Newly Wed First Time Home Buyers... please help! (Buford, Norcross: rent, neighborhoods)

[skyybird]

First time home buyers in Atl. We grew up in the suburbs and are looking for a more cosmopolitan area in comparison. We currently rent in Brookhaven which is approx 18 min commute to work. We love having the reverse commute. We fell in love with Virginia Highlands and Morningside Lenox (who does't?). But are wondering what other neighborhoods people might suggest especially given our commute to norcross for work. We would like the 'neighborhood' feel.

1. Budget $350,000- $425,000 (and under naturally) 3 bd+/2+ bath preferred.
2. Only looking for a single detached house.
3.Employement: Commuting to Norcross (office is off Buford Hwy) at least 4 days a week.
4. No kids. We have a dog though, so a backyard is a must. We are also avid gardeners.
5. Urban/ Suburban mix lifestyle. We like small restaurants, hole in the wall dive bars and quirky natural foods store. We prefer pubs to clubs and trees to steel but still would like to be close enough to experience the city.
6. Public transit is not important (although local parks are nice)
7. Demographics- clean, safe, neighborhood feel, professionals, and families
8. Walk Score- walking/ biking to stores/ shops/ parks is a major plus
9. Priorities: nice big/modern kitchen (or priced low enough to rip it out and remodel ourselves) and decent size backyard and lots of windows.

Any suggestions for neighborhoods? Or listings?

Thank you!!!

[cqholt]

Brookhaven.