Anyone here live in Peoplestown? (Atlanta: low income, real estate, crime)

[jms123]

Has the neighborhood improved in the past year in terms of crime? I have driven around the area a lot and I feel safer there than driving around in Adair Park/West End (I compare to those two areas because all are proposed as up and coming).

I have heard from a couple real estate agents that the area is being bought up by investors, is that true? I want to buy my first home in the area and am wondering if I stand a chance if that's true that the area is being bought up by experienced investors. As a first time home buyer I find it intimidating to go knocking on doors asking if any neighbors are selling (that was the advice given by one real estate agent).

Last question, would Peoplestown be too difficult to buy in for a first time home buyer? I mean that in the sense of having to seriously fix up a place. I don't have much experience in terms of home issues and knowing how much they cost or knowing what contractors to work with etc. I am very much willing to put in the extra work and learn if there is a deal to be had though. My fear would be buying a house and getting in over my head with extra costs to fix everything or things that could be beyond fixable.

[Forhall]

Peoplestown is currently still peoplestown. There is a ton of blight, a high population of low income people, and higher crime than average. If you look at recent crime stats there have been some homicides in the neighborhood in the last year. It's definitely not a place I'd be comfortable living.

That said, if you can handle it and get a ton of security I think it's one of the best investments in the city. As grant Park expands and becomes more desirable, that gentrfication will spread around it, including to peoplestown which is only a few blocks to the west. In addition, a huge chunk of peoplestown was the Turner stadium but that has been sold to Georgia State and they have some interesting plans to turn it into a mixed use development with retail and housing, so that will be a huge catalyst. Even sooner the Beacon Atlanta will be opening soon right on the peoplestown and grant park border which has many interesting shops and will likely be another big gentrfication catalyst. So, it's a smart buy most likely if you can wait, but you will have to wait.

[cqholt]

Peoplestown is getting a lot of investment to reduce the amount of flooding during heavy rain events.
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[bryan alan]

I live in Summerhill which is right next door to Peoplestown. A lot of old homes are being torn down and a lot of brand new homes are being built. The area is changing rapidly with all that's going on regarding the Turner Field redevelopment.

I feel very safe in Summerhill, however, I will say that the closer you get to Turner Field and into Peoplestown, it's not very nice. At least not right now. I imagine a lot is going to change over the next 5 years.

If you're going to buy in this area, now is the time to do it.

If you don't have experience with contractors and home renovations or don't have a whole lot of extra cash in your pocket, maybe look for an older home that's been recently renovated. I lucked out on my house. It was being sold by a developer. We low-balled him and he took our first offer. Now we're putting even more work and money into the house and having a great time doing it.

Good luck on your search!

[jms123]

Thank you all for the input. Anyone have a realtor that specializes in summerhill/peoplestown area?

[Josh-T]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I was just curious to see how things turned out for you! Did you end up buying in Peoplestown or elsewhere? Did you come across any good realtors/contractors along the way?

(I'm looking into Summerhill)