Ready to leave the burbs.... (Marietta, Smyrna: mortgage, budget, apartment)

[britestar202]

Please note that this is not a critisism of the area. I live in Johns Creek and it's beautiful, but prior to moving here 3 years ago I lived in MD and I miss the urban feeling. I'm beginning my search and would like to move closer intown. I thought about the camp creek area because of the proximity to the airport, but since I work on the North end that may be too far.

I really like the decatur / virginia highlands area. My criteria is (1) closer to downtown and the airport, (2) diversity - all types not just race (but that too!), (3) decent schools in the area, (4) $300,000 or lower, (5) single family home if at all possible, (6) an area with a strong neighborhood connection. Thanks!

[plessthanpointohfive]

I think your budget will make it so you can't get into Decatur or Virginia-Highland.

Would you consider buying a house that has an apartment you can rent out. That's what we are doing and it makes a big difference in affordability. I mean, we can swing our whole mortgage without a tenant but WITH a tenant we are very comfortable.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Most of the neighborhoods that fit your description, including Inman Park, Candler Park, Lake Claire, Poncey Highlands, etc, are >300K.

Old Fourth Ward probably has homes that fit your budget. But you have to select carefully. Some of the homes there go to Morningside but others go to other schools and I don't know how good those schools are. Morninside, Mary Lin, Fernbank, Briarvista are all good schools.

Oh, that's an idea...look towards Lavista Park and all that area right north of Emory/CDC.

And Medlock Park, which is unincorporated Dekalb.

[goozer]

I think you will be out of luck trying to find a single family home for under $300k in Viginia Highlands. In Decatur, however, you will have some decent options for around $300k. I would say $300k is at the low-end of prices for a 3-bedroom single family home in Decatur, but they do exist.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Wow, they do? When we were looking we couldn't find any. I figured Decatur was as pricey as anywhere now. But I admit that I don't know the area as well as you probably do.

[goozer]

Originally Posted by plessthanpointohfive

Wow, they do? When we were looking we couldn't find any. I figured Decatur was as pricey as anywhere now. But I admit that I don't know the area as well as you probably do.

Within the City of Decatur, you can find some slightly more affordable areas as you get away from the immediate downtown. Decatur neighborhoods like Oakhurst, Westchester Hills, and Chelsea Heights seem to have a fair share of homes that list in the low 300s. Of course, there are also many houses in those same neighborhoods that run from $400k to $700k. The $300k homes usually will have some "issues" that you may or may not be able to live with, such as being on a major road or being right next to the train tracks. Still, if living in Decatur is a priority, it is nice to have those options for people on a more modest budget.

[britestar202]

Thanks so much for the information. This is a great resource! The idea about having an apartment is one I hadn't considered, and there are certainly benefits to having a rental. I'll check it out as well as the other neighborhoods mentioned. I definitely want to stay within my budget but also live intown.

[JBnC]

I will highly reccommend my neighborhood - Ormwood Park. You can find homes within that range, especially now.

[netdragon]

Camp Creek is suburbs still. Look at Bolton Rd in the North end near Vinings and Bankhead (near where Moore's Mill meets Marietta Pkwy). You'll find homes in your price range and the area is about to take off. It meets all your criteria but schools.

If you want schools too, then look at Cascade Rd, but you'll have a tough time finding a home in your range. You may want to look at Smyrna too. It isn't intown, but it's pretty close and a lot closer to the airport than Johns Creek and the schools are ok.

[cmtiger]

In City of Decatur, you should also check out the College Heights area. It is safe and is districted to Winnona Park, Glennwood Academy, Renfroe Middle and Decatur High - all excellent schools. Parts of this area may be redistricted to Oakhurst Elementary over the next couple of years, but Oakhurst is just as good as Winnona (actually their scores are a little higher than Winnona - but the difference is nominal) so I wouldn't worry about that.

You could find 3 bedrooms for around 300K there if you look hard... and you won't have to live on a busy street or near train tracks.