Alpharetta, East Pointe, Jonesboro (Atlanta, College Park: for sale, houses, crime)

[Like a Rolling Stone]

Hello Everyone,

Just wondering what people have to say about Alpharetta, East Pointe & Jonesboro. My husband and I are looking for a place where it's quiet but also has some night life (more than 1 restaurant and bar/pub in the town!), a few cafes, independantly owned stores (not a millon McDonalds, Walmarts, ect..).
We've seen houses for sale in these areas that are beautiful, just wondering what the actual areas are like. Also, how far roughly is the commute to Atlanta and how is the crime? I know I can google the stats, but I'd like to hear what someone has to say from pesonal experience rather than #'s on a computer screen. Thanks for any help!

[Go Blue 99]

I currently live in Alpharetta so I can comment on that for you.

Cafes: if you are thinking of the traditional city street-side cafe, there aren't really any (as this is total suburbia). A lot of restaurants do have outdoor seating though, if that's what you are looking for.

Nightlife: no decent nightlife at all. The closest you'll come is the bar area of a restaurant.

Independent shops: Alpharetta is mostly chain stores and restaurants. Some strip malls do have indie stores but they are not the norm. There are actually some family-owned restaurants that I really like though.

Crime: hardly any crime. I feel very safe here.

Commute: On 400 during rush hour- about an hour each way. 90 min each way if there is rain or an accident. Of course this depends on the exact destination also.

Hope this helps.

[VirtualM]

I live in East Point. Been here for over 3 years now, living in an older area just outside of the Atlanta city limits near downtown East Point. There are a few small restaurants and cafes in downtown East Point, but I'm not sure I'd call it a booming nightlife. Then again, I have a toddler, so I don't ever go out at night! There are also great restaurants just down the road in Historic College Park, with the Brake Pad having some of the best outdoor seating in the Atlanta area, IMHO. There are small shops in downtown, but for small, independent stores, we usually drive to other neighborhoods intown, although a 'by the pound' vintage clothing store just opened up in downtown East Point, and it's pretty cool
As far as safety goes, East Point gets a bit of a bad rap on this forum, but it's not a crime-ridden pit. The police have a strong presence and an excellent response time. I've seen vast improvements in my neighborhood in the past couple of years as far as crime and things seem to be going up even from there. We take general precautions (security system, watchful neighbors, etc.), but I don't worry when I'm outside alone and I walk around my neighborhood all the time.
Good luck; I hope you find something that fits your needs nicely!