I want to relocate to Atlanta no later than 2015 (Sandy Springs: apartments, rental)

[Atlanta-Bound234]

I plan to relocate from the East Coast to Atlanta by 2015. I'm trying to determine where I should reside. I've lived mostly in urban areas so I'd love to live in a close-in suburb. I am a recent college graduate, looking to teach special education. I will be applying to the Atlanta teaching fellows program very soon. Based on the information provided on the website, the fellowship program pays 34-35K per year, so this will definitely be enough for me to live on my own.

The rental rates in NYC are astronomical so clearly I can't afford to stay here on a NYC teaching fellows salary, which is the same amount paid to Atlanta Teaching fellows.

Ok, given my expected salary, which neighborhoods should I target? Some people will say, wait until you land the job and choose a location close to the school, but I have 8K in savings and I plan to use it until I'm able to secure the Atlanta Teaching Fellowship.

[MathmanMathman]

The better areas are in North Atlanta. You might try the area around North Springs MARTA station as there are a lot of apartments there and MARTA rail can get you into downtown or the airport very easily.

[dblackga]

Do you have a car? That's an important issue with Atlanta -- we lack the same kind of transportation system that NYC has, and very, very few of the Atlanta schools are within easy walking distance to MARTA, so MathmanMathman's suggestion of Dunwoody/Sandy Springs/Perimeter only makes sense if you have your own transportation. The chances of the school you will be at being near a MARTA station is probably pretty slim (especially if you are counting on it!)

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to suggest places. How much money have you set aside for rent? That will help us make suggestions. There's a huge difference between $800-900 a month and $1200 a month in terms of location, safety, distance, etc. I could estimate, given your proposed salary, but without knowing your other obligations (student loans, etc.), it'd be easier if you'd just give us a round number. :-)

[Atlanta-Bound234]

I don't have a car or a license at this time, but I'm getting ready to take my road test in March. After I get my license, I will get a car.

My budget for rent will be $1000-$1100.

[ecuresident]

Based on your budget, there are a lot of places you could live- Vinings, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, or even in the city- Buckhead, Midtown, etc. Midtown and Buckhead will be more city oriented, with a younger crowd. Brookhaven and Dunwoody are the hot places to be if you want to be a little removed from living in the city, but still very close. Vinings is similar but a little farther out.

[Kgreenel]

Perimeter - Sandy Springs, Dunwoody area! I lived in College Park my first year and it was ok. 15mins from downtown but very suburby. I've lived in Sandy Springs for the past few years and I love it. Lots of young professionals. Also regular families.
Parking isn't a pain in butt like downtown. 15-20 mins from Downtown. Has more of a city vibe especially. There's lots of nightlife in the Perimeter area also Coffee Shops, Bars, Sports Bars tons of restaurants, a few nightclubs (if your about that life) I'm very content here. I'm sure I could be content in other parts but I like the vibe here.
I'm also a native New Yorker From Long Island. We sound around the same age range, feel free to message me with questions.
That's a good budget! I don't want to say where I live exactly but my rent is in the mid 700's and I have a really nice large apartment where I feel secure.
My first apartment sucked but my rent was in the $500's so you get what you pay for!
MARTA is accessible but I don't use it. I work in Alpharetta and it doesn't come up this far. I have used it on occasion to go to events downtown