Life in Atlanta (single male, 6-figure income) (Buckhead: apartment, credit)

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by Tarzanman

I suppose a poorly chosen location for a 12-month lease isn't the end of the world, but when one has a healthy amount of disposable income then it can be difficult to avoid the temptation of throwing extra money at a problem instead of investing extra time & effort. Rents and housing prices in Atlanta are at a multi-year high. While they still aren't at DC's real estate levels, Atlanta doesn't have the density of other major cities, so you may find yourself looking at a larger geographic area for whatever combination of amenities, and lifestyle you end up choosing.

I alluded to this in my earlier post. Many people would find a house or condo in the Poncey Highlands, Inman Park, Oakhurst, or half a dozen other areas preferable to a condo/apt in Buckhead.

I spent some of my childhood right outside of DC (Fairfax Co.)... one of Atlanta's advantages over a DC is the comparatively slower pace and lower stress of everyday life. You might very well decide that a deluxe high rise in the sky (cue Jefferson's theme) isn't the best option for ATL living.

I may be biased, though. I'm not in your income bracket, but we are about the same age. There are like half a dozen high rises going up (or that have gone up) in the past few years here. Personally, I'd grab a house with interesting architecture with a garage, yard, located in a good neighborhood with foot traffic, parks, and MARTA nearby... *especially* if I didn't have to worry about kids and school quality.

As someone who used to travel a lot for work, like the OP, it is very undesirable to maintain a house and yard. With a condo, he can walk out, lock the door, and be on his way, with little worry. Leaving a house for six weeks, on the other hand, involves a lot more preparation. And maintenance.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by arjay57

It's certainly young in my universe.

Ditto

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by Exhibit_B

I am a bit of a jet-setter in that my job requires 25% travel. I not a big party-goer either. I don't think a 12-month lease is too much of a commitment. If I absolutely hate it I can pack up after a year. Hopefully, I find a building where my home life makes the move worthwhile.

.02

There are a few high-rise condos in Buckhead, (I grew up around Atlanta, left over 30 years ago, but have been back occasionally to visit family) that ought to work for you. I would suggest you be within walking distance of MARTA trains, these go right to the airport. You can't beat that train.

I think you will find the Atlanta area to be a good bit cheaper than DC.

Good luck!

[arjay57]

If you want to lease a highrise condo with quick access to the airport I'd look at places like the Grand or the Paramount. Basically walk out your door and get on the southbound train. Pretty reasonable pricing, too.

Paramount at Buckhead Condos for rent or for lease and for sale - Atlanta, GA Georgia

Buckhead Grand Condos for rent or for lease and for sale. Atlanta GA

[Exhibit_B]

Originally Posted by uniquestar06

@Exhibit_B I just moved not to long ago from DC to Atlanta. What part of DC did you like and from that I'll be able to tell what areas would suit you well in Atlanta?

Hey! Thanks for reaching out.

In DC, I like the 14th Street area near Rhode Island up to about V St. I'm not a fan of the super busy areas, but a moderate nightlife with a few lounges and quality restaurants is ideal. If I were purchasing I'd stick to an area like Georgetown, which has quiet back streets but accessible to M St retail stores bars.

The ATL high-rise buildings appear to have better quality finishes than DC apartments of equal size and price (1/1). The Residence Buckhead stood out to me. They seem priced similar to studios or small 1/1's in DC (around the $2200-2600) dollar range.

One thing that I'm noticing about the units I like are the one's largely surrounded by glass windows. My main requirements would be lots of natural light, access to food, shops at my doorstep. Immediate access to MARTA would be a plus, but not a big deal. I'll have a car, and could commute to a train station if needed.

[atltechdude]

Originally Posted by Exhibit_B

I'll have a car, and could commute to a train station if needed.

Keep in mind not all stations have parking.

Here is a map of which ones do.

https://martaguide.com/rail-station-map/

[uniquestar06]

@Exhibit_B I do think Buckhead will be a good area for you. Keep in mind that MARTA is vastly different from Metro. In DC I lived across the street from metro and would walk to the train and take it to DCA, so convenient! MARTA is not the same, but I'm hoping Atlanta will see the worth in Marta and spend the energy and money to make it a real transit system for people that have been accustomed to better systems. In my opinion that's one of the major components holding Atlanta back.

[Tarzanman]

Originally Posted by atltechdude

Keep in mind not all stations have parking.

Here is a map of which ones do.

https://martaguide.com/rail-station-map/

If the OP is a road warrior that flies a lot, then my guess is that the advent of Lyft & Uber has made the practice of parking a car at the airport or a MARTA station expensive and inconvenient.... especially at Atlanta Hartsfield where you can hike the better part of a mile from the economy lot to the check in kiosks.

That is what I do, anyway. I don't miss the days of trying to remember exactly where I parked and trudging my luggage around trying to find the car.

[Tarzanman]

Originally Posted by uniquestar06

@Exhibit_B I do think Buckhead will be a good area for you. Keep in mind that MARTA is vastly different from Metro. In DC I lived across the street from metro and would walk to the train and take it to DCA, so convenient! MARTA is not the same, but I'm hoping Atlanta will see the worth in Marta and spend the energy and money to make it a real transit system for people that have been accustomed to better systems. In my opinion that's one of the major components holding Atlanta back.

I'll bite. How is the MARTA train less convenient to the airport than the metro is to DCA? MARTA spits you out about a 3-4 minute walk from the security gate. With the right credentials (Clear/Precheck/online check-in) you can be at your departure gate within 15 minutes of getting off of the train.

How many mass transit systems in the USA can make the same claim?

[Tarzanman]

Here i go again, breaking with convention. Here is a place for rent that I would opt for over a high-rise.
701 Penn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308