Looking for starter home in Atlanta (w/reasonable commute to downtown/midtown) (Decatur: real estate market)

[Atlantasearch]

I'm a 26 year old single woman w/ no children who works in downtown/midtown atlanta. I'm looking to purchase a home in the next 6-12 months. My price range is in the low $100s, no more than $160,000. I would like to find a place that will not have an extremely long commute and SAFETY is #1. Any suggestions?????

[Atlantasfinest]

With your price range you should try Westview or West End if your looking for a single family home. If your open to condos you can find resale condos/lofts in your price range in many areas of Atlanta which would place you in areas considered safer by many. You will not find a single-family home East of 75/85 and North of I-20 in your price range(The areas within those borders are considered the best in Atlanta City limits). You will have to search in the West Atlanta Neighborhoods.

[Steven2149]

Well, if safety is a big concern, you really should look outside of the city. Start by looking in the close in suburbs. You can find some places in Dekalb, but safety would still be a concern imho. Basically, it depends on what you mean when you say reasonable commute. Aside from condo's, which there is a pretty nice supply in your price range there isn't much. A condo may be a terrific alternative for you. If you plan to keep it for a few years, it could be a terrific investment because many people predict that once the real estate market picks up again the demand for intown housing (condos, higher density) will continue to increase. As a single lady, you will also be surprised by all the amenities that the newer buildings are offering. Further, you can find a condo dt/ mt and be a walk or very short drive to work. You would be the envy of your co-workers. My .02

[cocopuffy]

There are people in my office who have bought houses in Decatur (and fixer uppers in Oakhurst) in your price range. We work downtown and they have a 15 minute commute to work.

I'm in your position (28 single no kids) and your price range and I decided on a condo in Midtown. In the end it was a little more expensive (because of HOAs) then a house OTP would have been but I didn't want to commute and I didn't feel comfortable being in a single family house by myself in the areas that I could afford. I already live in Midtown so I didn't feel that I would be giving up anything. It might be different for you in you already live in the burbs.