Tell me about ATL (Atlanta, Jersey: allergies, live in, suburbs)

[Stechkin]

Originally Posted by testa50

Rents have gone kind of crazy in recent years, especially in Midtown. The key is finding a private rental--for example, a landlord who is renting out an upstairs unit.

One thing about people who move to Atlanta is they not only expect to pay less, but get a huge upgrade in housing compared to NYC/SF/etc. They hear about $800 apartments and come here expecting things like a secured onsite parking deck, swimming pool, and gym, all in recent construction. You won't find that for $800; more like $1,200+ in a prime area. Of course, in NYC/SF/etc, you'd be looking at $2,000 easily, or more.

If you just need ~1970s construction with on-street parking and not much in the way of amenities (ie, a normal apartment in NYC that would cost $1,500), there are lots of options well under $1k. My friend lives within walking distance of Midtown and pays under $800 for a 1BR with parking onsite, for instance. Poke around on craigslist for a few hours.

Unless you live in Midtown and tolerate public transport, you'll need a car. So keep that in mind.

Regarding neighborhoods, one thing you'll notice is that everyone has their neighborhood and seems fiercely loyal to it. For instance, I live in Midtown and can't imagine why anyone who can afford it wouldn't do the same. But many others choose different places and enjoy them very much.

Midtown, Inman Park, Decatur, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, Poncey Highland, Virginia Highland, Candler Park, Cabbagetown, Kirkwood are all legit places to live. Some people like Buckhead, too.

kul, good info
the thing tho, wat do u mean by on site parking? for example, right now i park my car on the street wherever i can find a spot and then i have to move it twice a week for street cleaning
in regards to what i expect, like i said, for sure i would want w/d in unit and parking in the complex or someth, prolly most apts there have that cuz they are not prewar like here, i dont need to be in a prime or a happening area, just someth decent, prolly in a suburb cuz i think it will be cheaper
i realize atl might be more expensive than before, like many other places, but its still dirt cheap comparing to here cuz prices here keep going up as well

[Stechkin]

Originally Posted by arjay57

I'm not suggesting you aren't smart!

Spring and fall here are glorious. The summer gets hot but you just learn to stay close to AC. Winters are generally mild -- I've played golf in January many a time.

lol well, i meant that i already saw the averages and can google it too
im thinkin how it compares to here cuz like here basically 5 months out of a yr i feel the annoying heat and humidity and have to use the ac (may-sept), i prefer colder weather and no humidity, but what u gon do, almost all the cities in america have that
but im thinking then in atl, its like what 7 months a yr that its hot enough to use the ac?

[Stechkin]

Do most people that work downtown use transit or drive?

[Interwebs]

Atlanta is ridiculously hot and humid. Spring and fall weather doesn't last long. Winters are very mild, and then it gets hot again.

It's known as the 'black Mecca' so you'll have no problem meeting black women. If you don't care for rednecks (who does?) you'll just have to learn to ignore/avoid them.

[Stechkin]

Originally Posted by Interwebs

Atlanta is ridiculously hot and humid. Spring and fall weather doesn't last long. Winters are very mild, and then it gets hot again.

It's known as the 'black Mecca' so you'll have no problem meeting black women. If you don't care for rednecks (who does?) you'll just have to learn to ignore/avoid them.

so how many months a yr would u say its hot?

[Stechkin]

any more input

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by Stechkin

so how many months a yr would u say its hot?

Mid -June to Mid September. Usually there is a late August break. I dont know why people that don't live here make such a big deal about it.

[Stechkin]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

Mid -June to Mid September. Usually there is a late August break. I dont know why people that don't live here make such a big deal about it.

well, because im in NJ, and its already hot/humid enough

[AnsleyPark]

It's been a lovely spring here. A few days in the low to mid 80s, but hasn't been really humid.

[futureATLien]

Originally Posted by Stechkin

well, because im in NJ, and its already hot/humid enough

It gets as hot or hotter here for days on end in the summer. My friends in the nj/nyc area tell me it has been outrageous lately. normally that's how it is here. but mostof the time, you'll be at work anyway and only have the weekends to enjoy it. it's not a big deal. it sure does beat shoveling snow