Longtime OTP trying to move ITP: Help! (Atlanta, Dunwoody: apartments, lofts)

[dldoehd]

Hi all,

I've been a Georgia resident for about 10 years. I recently decided to move closer to my work but I realized I'm not very knowledgeable about the different parts of town in Atlanta. I am looking for a 2-3 bedroom apartment or condo inside the perimeter. Here are my criteria (in the order of decreasing importance)

1. Location: I would like to live close to I-285 East. Due to the nature of my job, I frequently commute up and down the highway from the intersection of I-85 and I-20.
2. Safety: Having lived in a quiet suburb for most of my time here, I want to continue living in a safe neighborhood.
3. Budget: I am fairly open on the budget.
4. School/children: It is not a consideration--they're old enough to be own their own..

Thank you for all your help!

[CCATL]

Originally Posted by dldoehd

Hi all,

I've been a Georgia resident for about 10 years. I recently decided to move closer to my work but I realized I'm not very knowledgeable about the different parts of town in Atlanta. I am looking for a 2-3 bedroom apartment or condo inside the perimeter. Here are my criteria (in the order of decreasing importance)

1. Location: I would like to live close to I-285 East. Due to the nature of my job, I frequently commute up and down the highway from the intersection of I-85 and I-20.
2. Safety: Having lived in a quiet suburb for most of my time here, I want to continue living in a safe neighborhood.
3. Budget: I am fairly open on the budget.
4. School/children: It is not a consideration--they're old enough to be own their own..

Thank you for all your help!

Based on your criteria for living close to 285 on the eastside, I think the most obvious choice for safety, walkability, and transit access without budget constraints would be Decatur. You probably have the most options for condos and apartments there. However, make sure you stay in the CITY of Decatur limits (I think zipcode 30030). Do not look in the parts of Decatur that are actually in unincorporated DeKalb County. Within Decatur, the neighborhood of Oakhurst might be the most convenient for your commute.

Another good option would be Kirkwood, generally north of Hosea (the addresses that end in NE). I'm sure others will chime in with other areas, but those would be a good start. Good luck!

[dldoehd]

Thanks for the quick response. Between Brookhaven and Decatur, which neighborhood fares better in terms of safety?

[vince217]

how about the lofts / condos around the Chamblee MARTA station?

[dldoehd]

Interesting suggestion-- I hadn't thought of that area. I will definitely check them out!

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by dldoehd

Thanks for the quick response. Between Brookhaven and Decatur, which neighborhood fares better in terms of safety?

I think Decatur proper might be a little safer. But there are areas with just a Decatur address in unincorporated DeKalb that are less safe than Brookhaven for sure. So if you do Decatur, make sure you are in the Decatur city limits.

[CCATL]

Originally Posted by jsvh

I think Decatur proper might be a little safer. But there are areas with just a Decatur address in unincorporated DeKalb that are less safe than Brookhaven for sure. So if you do Decatur, make sure you are in the Decatur city limits.

Yes, agreed. Both are very safe neighborhoods though - I wouldn't have concern in those neighborhoods at all. However, according to your map of frequent travel on 285, Decatur will be much more convenient.

[noah]

Or North Decatur zip 30033 would be fine as well.

Originally Posted by jsvh

I think Decatur proper might be a little safer. But there are areas with just a Decatur address in unincorporated DeKalb that are less safe than Brookhaven for sure. So if you do Decatur, make sure you are in the Decatur city limits.

[ElleKaye]

Originally Posted by dldoehd

Thanks for the quick response. Between Brookhaven and Decatur, which neighborhood fares better in terms of safety?

I think it's kind of a toss up. There are parts of both I like and dislike.

There is a nice complex off Peachtree in what I assume is Brookhaven. Can't recall the name of it right this minute, but there's a Publix, Costco, and Marshall's among many restaurants and shops surrounding it. I have never encountered what I'd consider traffic congestion (like in Cobb) over there so it should not be hard getting to 285. At any rate, it's near Oglethorpe which could be an issue, but I don't think many college students live there.

My gym is down the street off Ashford-Dunwoody Rd. Maybe I just never visited the part of Chamblee that people love so much but a lot of the native Atlantans really seem to love it. That could be a good choice as well; they must like it for some reason.

If I personally wanted to have somewhat of a suburbs feel and have easy access to 285E, I'd likely go with the a place near Perimeter Mall.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by ElleKaye

If I personally wanted to have somewhat of a suburbs feel and have easy access to 285E, I'd likely go with the a place near Perimeter Mall.

Traffic is terrible up that way however. Plus you are technically OTP if the OP is looking to cross that boundary to ITP.