ITP vs OTP (Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell: house, theater, schools)

[equinox63]

If job location was not an issue, do you feel it would be better to live ITP or OTP and tell us why?

[BobKovacs]

"Better" in what way? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to your question.

[atlantamoi]

Definitely no size fits all. However, I've lived here almost 20 years and could be happy in either location. I chose ITP to be close to work. If I were to magically be able to retire I'd probably consider moving out in the burbs simply to gain a bigger house for the money.

[LovinDecatur]

Originally Posted by atlantamoi

Definitely no size fits all. However, I've lived here almost 20 years and could be happy in either location. I chose ITP to be close to work. If I were to magically be able to retire I'd probably consider moving out in the burbs simply to gain a bigger house for the money.

Steak or Lobster?
I could make a case for ITP, but that would coming from my point of view; I'm sure an equally compelling case from an OTP'er would come along right behind me.
One thing I will assert is that this forum serves to break down old stereotypes about who lives where, ie "more liberal, educated people live ITP", or "more conservative, God-fearing people live OTP."

[DeaconJ]

I would advocate living inside 285, simply to be closer to more amenities like live theater and music performances, professional and college sports, Marta stations, restaurants and bars, etc...plus more walkable communities are inside the perimeter. But this scenario isn't for everyone - these things only matter to some people...others don't want to be closer to amenities.

[JPD]

I live about one mile OTP (Tucker). I'm much closer to restaurants, bars, groceries, schools, libraries, general shopping, etc. than I was when I lived ITP (just west of West End). There are plenty of places inside and outside the perimeter that are undesirable for one reason or another.

[mannino]

I think there needs to be a distinction between certian OTP areas. Atlanta has grown so much that on the Northside, being in OTP areas like Sandy Springs and Dunwoody really has more of a northern ITP feel to it. They are just so close to everything, and as Atlanta continues to sprawl northward, they will become considered even more "intown". I think there should be a distinction using the river as a dividing line: "North of the River", or NTR, would include Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Duluth, South Forsyth, East Cobb, etc. "South of the River", or STR would include Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners, Tucker, and other "inner suburbs".

Also, do not forget that a lot of Sandy Springs extends ITP, and Brookhaven, Chamblee, and parts of Doraville are also ITP.

[matt8325]

Originally Posted by mannino

I think there needs to be a distinction between certian OTP areas. Atlanta has grown so much that on the Northside, being in OTP areas like Sandy Springs and Dunwoody really has more of a northern ITP feel to it. They are just so close to everything, and as Atlanta continues to sprawl northward, they will become considered even more "intown". I think there should be a distinction using the river as a dividing line: "North of the River", or NTR, would include Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Duluth, South Forsyth, East Cobb, etc. "South of the River", or STR would include Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners, Tucker, and other "inner suburbs".

Also, do not forget that a lot of Sandy Springs extends ITP, and Brookhaven, Chamblee, and parts of Doraville are also ITP.

North of the River also includes Marietta, Cartersville, Canton, Woodstock.

[CMMom]

Originally Posted by mannino

I think there needs to be a distinction between certian OTP areas. Atlanta has grown so much that on the Northside, being in OTP areas like Sandy Springs and Dunwoody really has more of a northern ITP feel to it. They are just so close to everything, and as Atlanta continues to sprawl northward, they will become considered even more "intown". I think there should be a distinction using the river as a dividing line: "North of the River", or NTR, would include Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Duluth, South Forsyth, East Cobb, etc. "South of the River", or STR would include Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners, Tucker, and other "inner suburbs".

Also, do not forget that a lot of Sandy Springs extends ITP, and Brookhaven, Chamblee, and parts of Doraville are also ITP.

I agree with this. I live on the border of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. It takes me just as long to get to a friend's house in Johns Creek as it does to get to a restaurant in Midtown. I feel like I have the best of both worlds. There is so much going on in the Perimeter Mall area that I don't really need to venture out very far unless I just want to.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by mannino

I think there needs to be a distinction between certian OTP areas. Atlanta has grown so much that on the Northside, being in OTP areas like Sandy Springs and Dunwoody really has more of a northern ITP feel to it. They are just so close to everything, and as Atlanta continues to sprawl northward, they will become considered even more "intown". I think there should be a distinction using the river as a dividing line: "North of the River", or NTR, would include Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Duluth, South Forsyth, East Cobb, etc. "South of the River", or STR would include Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners, Tucker, and other "inner suburbs".

Also, do not forget that a lot of Sandy Springs extends ITP, and Brookhaven, Chamblee, and parts of Doraville are also ITP.

I was thinking the exact same thing, mannino. People need to remember that the Perimeter was built when Atlanta was way smaller...and they had no idea it was going to get as big or as populated as it now is!

Besides the "STR" area you mentioned, here are other "OTP" areas that I really think have a more "ITP" feel:

1. Tucker*
2. Clarkston*
3. Smyrna/Mableton/Vinings*
4. Forest Park/Conley
5. Sandtown/West Cascade/Camp Creek (well, maybe)

* = particulary these areas!