Moving from Philly to ATL (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: apartments, for rent, house)

[Tarah24]

I'm planning to move to Atlanta from Philly in April 2008 and I'm sooo excited. Currently I'm researching homes for rent (not ready to make a purchase; have to fill the city out first) in ATL.
The problem is...although I found a ton of listings--Eastpoint, Duluth, Austell, Douglasville, Covington...there are just too many counties, cities, sections and towns down there to choose from.
I'm planning to come down in February to do some more research but I would like to know which neighborhoods to target. To give you an idea of what I'm looking for...I'm a 26 y.o. professional, very social, outgoing...definitely not a home body. I'm coming down with 2 friends who are equally the same. Although the city life is what we're use to..we're looking to stay maybe 15-20 minutes outside of the hustle and bustle of it. I'm open to all suggestions

[nyxmike]

Look into Decatur, Sandy Springs/Doraville/Dunwoody/Perimeter area. These all have MARTA train stations so you have easy access around Atlanta without driving (the malls/Buckhead), downtown/midtown, and the airport). Vinings is also a really nice area in Cobb County but no train service. If I were you I wouldn't go too far out - even though it is developed, there is a lot more traffic.

[lane421]

You'll love Atlanta. I am a transplant from Philly too! As a young professional - you'll want to be in the mix of things - so I would stay in areas "ITP" meaning "Inside the Perimeter". If you want to be in a house as opposed to an apartment I would look in areas just east inside the city - Virginia Highlands/Inman Park/Grant Park. With roommates all those places are affordable. But know where you are working first, as you'll want to be close to that so you don't spend half your life in traffic.

[sweettea1]

You've got to come to the Making It in in the City LIVE Atlanta event on March 28th at the Woodruff. It's a professional conference for young newcomers. One of the morning panels is called 'Navigating Life in the ATL' and will feature top realtors as panelists discussing the hottest areas for both buying and renting. If you're serious about coming to Atlanta, you should try to make it for this event and you'll get everything you need to know. Info and conference outline is online at Events : Making It In The City, Dream Big. Pay The Rent..
Good luck with your move!

[Tarah24]

Thanks so much for your input!!!! Are you familiar with the following areas? Dunwoody, Deluth, Alpharetta, Austell, Roswell? I found a couple of places to stay in those areas. How are they in your opinion?

[Tarah24]

Thanks for the information. You guys down there are so proactive! That's what I'm talking about. I am definitely interested in attending.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Hi Tarah24,

The areas you're talking about are fairly suburban. I don't recommend them for people your age. Traffic from anywhere outside the city is a nightmare.

Take lan421's advice and move into the city. It's not a fast city by any means.

First question, where will you and your roommates be working?

Without knowing that I recommend Midtown, Little 5 Points, Cabbagetown, and Decatur. Virginia-Highland, too.

[sweettea1]

Yes, the hot areas for young professionals and singles include:
Midtown, Virginia Highland, Brookhaven, Buckhead, and then the more 'up and coming' (read: transitional but good investments) include Midtown West and the Marietta Street area. Personally, as a single female, I'd find a roommate and stick to the first few choices on the list. If you want to stay near the action but not 'in' the action, also look into Smyrna and the Vinings/Cumberland area. I actually live in this area and notice a lot of singles in some of the developments. It's very safe and very convenient to all. good luck!

[sahara18]

Originally Posted by sweettea1

Yes, the hot areas for young professionals and singles include:
Midtown, Virginia Highland, Brookhaven, Buckhead, and then the more 'up and coming' (read: transitional but good investments) include Midtown West and the Marietta Street area. Personally, as a single female, I'd find a roommate and stick to the first few choices on the list. If you want to stay near the action but not 'in' the action, also look into Smyrna and the Vinings/Cumberland area. I actually live in this area and notice a lot of singles in some of the developments. It's very safe and very convenient to all. good luck!

Sweetea1, would you recommend any specific properties or property management groups to look at? I'm flying down to Atlanta this week to look at apartments. I'm more interested in safety, amenities, and relative quiet than a cheaper place. Thanks!

[sweettea1]

I'd look at these:
Magnolia at Vinings (in the Cumberland/Vinings area...very nice place!) and Post Riverside
in the same area
If you want more working professional...also look at Amli Perimeter Place. Perimeter Mall area is hot for young professionals but it doesn't have that 'intown' feel.

These areas are very safe and may offer a little more quiet than the intown choices. Good luck!