What are some good areas for a single woman first time homebuyer who is new to Atlanta? (Dunwoody: for sale)

[missneversettle]

Greetings All,

I am a 26 yr old single woman with no children looking to find a nice area to buy my first home in. I am looking to stay within the 75K-90K range, but need some ideas of some cities/counties that would have a decent price range, decent taxes and not so high crime. Any counties NOT to move to would be appreciated as well! I currently work in dunwoody, but is not a factor because i am looking for a new job anyway!


Thanks in Advance!

[wxjay]

For 75-90K, you're not leaving yourself open to lots of "nice" areas in metro Atlanta proper.

[neil0311]

You might be better off renting for a while and saving money to allow you to raise your budget, or thinking more about a small condo. For the money you have to spend, your choices are very limited, and you might have to settle for a fixer-upper in a so-so area.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by missneversettle

Greetings All,

I am a 26 yr old single woman with no children looking to find a nice area to buy my first home in. I am looking to stay within the 75K-90K range, but need some ideas of some cities/counties that would have a decent price range, decent taxes and not so high crime. Any counties NOT to move to would be appreciated as well! I currently work in dunwoody, but is not a factor because i am looking for a new job anyway!


Thanks in Advance!

If you are in Dunwoody--take a look at the Chamblee area. Specifically Clairmont Hills. Nothing in your price range to buy-but you could find a rental and perhaps do a lease to own.

Try Square One Realty--Jonathan.

I do not know much/anything about them but they seem to work with people who are responsible but just don't have a lot of $.

Also, look at Tucker, Ga/DeKalb County. Not a terrible commute from Dunwoody. Cofer Park is particularly nice--older homes, safe and 'JPD' can tell you all you need to know about Tucker.

hth

I saw some nice older homes around Flowers Rd/DeKalb County--??Doraville I think--often said to be 'transitional' but the neighborhoods I looked at were safe and friendly. ??Chesnut Elementary'--something like that along Tilly Mill Rd/Peachtree Industrial.

Some good deals around Norcross/Peachtree Corners/Holcomb Bridge Rd./Gwinnett county--on the 'backside' of Dunwoody. The 'Seven' community is incredible--might try to talk to them. Cluster homes--there are new communities being built all around Norcross and you might find some sort of 'deal'.

If I can sort through my collection of brochures--just returned from a house hunting expedition all the way to Flowery Branch/Oakwood, GA--northern Gwinnett/Forsyth county--I will post what I found. You could live in those areas and probably find a house to buy--others would have to tell you what the commute is like. There are back roads--just depends on what your priorities are.

It takes some time and you just have to keep going to 'Look' but you can find what you want here.

[j0ja]

For the price range you mention, 75K-90K range, there is almost nothing to buy near where you work (Dunwoody) except some studio (efficiency or 1 BR) condos at most. I know of some condos in Dunwoody near the 90K price range. Right now, there are soo many condos on the market, you *could* pick up a deal.

If I were you and I really wanted to own something, I would check my credit to see if it is over 700 before prequalifying for a loan. Also hopefully you have been in your career for at least 2 years. Most loan officers look at that when people prequalify for a loan.

Also, I would talk to a realtor who specialized in Condos/townhomes. The unfortunate thing is condos tend not resale that well. As you know with the market slowdown, Atlanta is flooded with condos for sale. You might could get one at a very discounted price.

If you want to venture into some dicier intown neighborhoods, you would get a fixer upper. I don't recommend that unless you are very handy and can do a bit of the work yourself.

If your price range was a bit higher, say 120K, you could get a larger condo, 2 bedrooms in many areas near intown. Honestly, most anything (like a house) in the range you mention would be located in areas not deemed "safe."

If you wanted to live far out, suburbia areas for that price range, for a relatively safe area, I still believe you are most limited to condos or townhomes. Some areas in Gwinnett have modestly priced townhomes: check out Lawrenceville.

Let us know more about what you want, it might get you more feedback and good luck.