Relocating from Minneapolis to ATL-Guidance on Neighborhoods/Apartment Complexes Needed! (Atlanta: rental, condo)

[MinnyToATL]

I'm going to be making a move down to Atlanta from Minneapolis in May. My boyfriend has already relocated from MN and has been here for about a year. He lives in the Lindbergh area (bordering Brookhaven/Buckhead; he is at Arbor Gates if anyone is familiar with that apt complex). Not crazy about this area as I want a little bit more walkability. We are in our mid-to-late 20's, so not directly out of college/looking to do the Buckhead scene, but would like to live in a fun/younger area.

Ideally, we would love to be in an area that is walkable. I.e. we can walk to the grocery store, to the local watering hole, a restaurant, etc. We are very active and would like to get out and really explore our neighborhood. Where I live in Minneapolis, it's a 5-10 min. walk to Whole Foods, coffee, and some restaurants/shops, as well as walking paths.

Needing guidance on neighborhoods and even apartment complexes that can accomplish this while also being safe! (Understanding that this is Atlanta, and always need to be cognizant of what time of day I might be walking alone)

1. Budget: Ideally under $1800 for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment
2. House/Condo/Townhome? Open to anything, but it appears that the housing rental scene is pretty slim pickin' (please correct me if I am wrong!). We've mostly been looking at apartments for this reason.
3. Employment Status(commute/work from home) Boyfriend will be working from home (with a commute to Norcross once a week), and for now, I will be working in Sandy Springs. I'm hoping this won't be long-term (I'm moving down with my current company which has a location in Sandy Springs, but hoping to network and find a different job)... Thus, this is not the biggest deciding factor for me.
4. Children(public school vs. private): N/A - no children
5. Suburban or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of the two: We're looking to probably be closer to the city for the first year or two, and then eventually move to a more suburban area. Our biggest concern about city living is safety, and then traffic.
6. Easy access to public transit, important or not? Not important.
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood. No preference. As long as the area is safe.
8. Renting or Buying? Renting.
9. Airport access, important or not? A nice to have, not a need to have.


Thank you in advance for your help!

[Tarzanman]

Walkable is a relative term for Atlanta. Midtown/Poncey Highland would fit your needs if you want to walk to the grocery store.

So would certain areas near Howell Mill, or parts of Buckhead, or areas near Lenox Mall.