Can I afford Atlanta area? (Smyrna, Mableton: extended stay, apartment complex, to live)

[chrismikayla]

I currently live in extended stay with my son until we find an apartment. I make only 29, 000 per year and can only afford $650.00 per month. It doesn't seem like you can find a nice AND safe place in this price range. I don't want to expose my son to drugs, prostitutes, etc. I would like to live somewhere that is close to public transit though. Does anyone have any ideas or will I maybe have to share a studio or one bedroom with my son until I get on my feet?

[kagmypts]

You will be tight in that price range, but you can find some decent places. FYI, when you say "close to public transit", do you mean MARTA, or are any of the other county transit systems (only buses) acceptable? If you mean only MARTA, finding a decent place for $650 becomes a lot harder. If not, there are some places in the Smyrna area (South Cobb Drive by I-285) that may fit what you need. The apartment complex that I have in mind is at the corner of South Cobb Drive and the East-West Connentor. It used to be Post Valley, but Post sold it about a year ago (it is now called Valley something... if any of the Smyrna/Mableton posters could come up with the name of the complex, that would be nice). My BIL moved out in June, and while it was not the nicest place (older place w/ 8 foot ceilings), it was definitely a good value (safe, clean, etc.). They paid $770 for a 1,200 square foot unit with 2 bedrooms. They have a workout facility and pool. That complex would be served by CCT (Cobb Community Transit).