Decent apartment complexes? (Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta: apartment complex, lease, condo)

[meenesotahhEH]

So I've recently been looking into moving to Atlanta... along with other places... but for some reason ever since I was a kid I've wanted to live in Atlanta. I'd be renting a two bedroom with my best friend, and need somewhere under 800 a month with most or all utilities paid, as well as a few other minor things. Craigslist has tons of listings of apartments that fit our needs and in many different areas close to the city but what the hell is up with all these "roaches thugs and drugs" reviews? Using apartmentratings.com I am able to type in the names of any complex in Atlanta and almost every single one has such negative reviews about the maintenance, the customer service, the staff, or even worse: drug dealers trying to sell drugs to the residents, trash everywhere, COCKROACHES IN THE BUILDINGS!

Now I'm not looking for a grand palace by any means, but c'mon, there has to be ONE complex that is safe for me and my best friend (were both young females) to live in without feeling distressed about our cars getting broken into or our neighbor being a coke dealer. I've just been looking for days and days and every building I look into that seems nice on the outside and good rates has such negative reviews.

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong area of Atlanta? Can anyone help?

[TakeAhike]

There are quite a few apartment complexes in/around Emory University--from Decatur to Toco Hill/Executive Park.

Sheridan Rd, Briarcliff Rd, North Druid Hills, Clairmont and LaVista Rds are good areas to search.

Several posters have suggested the area around the MARTA station at Lindbergh as a good location for young professionals. Others recommend Perimeter Mall/Dunwoody.

ProMove is an apt locator service that is often mentioned.

There are plenty of apartments that would meet your criteria but a lengthy commute may be involved. If you will be working, for example, in Marietta or Alpharetta and you find a great apartment near Emory or Decatur you will have a 45 min-to over an hour commute. Post properties are good, Gables, AMLI and so many others--some of the older properties have been well-maintained.

ETA: In general I believe it is rare to find apartments with utilities included in the rent. There would be 2 BDR's in your price range/$800/mo but you would need to budget another $100/200 for electricity and/or gas. Water is generally included.

[Crazy Virgo Child]

I would say if you are not trying to spend upwards of $1000, or live way far out, you should look at renting someones condo. I wouldnt live in an apartment complex here, apartment complex breezeways are the Atlanta version of street corners and project lobbies up north. Even in some of the nicer areas, the apartment complex's can get sketchy. I would look and see about renting a condo first, you would be suprised what you could rent one for now. Whatever you do dont rent any apartment west of Northside Dr or south of Marietta Blvd!!!!!!

[Crazy Virgo Child]

Originally Posted by TakeAhike

There are quite a few apartment complexes in/around Emory University--from Decatur to Toco Hill/Executive Park.

Sheridan Rd, Briarcliff Rd, North Druid Hills, Clairmont and LaVista Rds are good areas to search.

Several posters have suggested the area around the MARTA station at Lindbergh as a good location for young professionals. Others reccomend Perimeter Mall/Dunwoody.

ProMove is an apt locator service that is often mentioned.

There are plenty of apartments that would meet your criteria but a lengthy commute may be involved. If you will be working, for example, in Marietta or Alpharetta and you find a great apartment near Emory or Decatur you will have a 45 min-to over an hour commute. Post properties are good, Gables, AMLI and so many others--some of the older properties have been well-maintained.

ETA: In general I believe it is rare to find apartments with utilities included in the rent. There would be 2 BDR's in your price range/$800/mo but you would need to budget another $100/200 for electricity and/or gas. Water is generally included.

Actually I forgot about that area, there are some cheap, safe, and clean apartments in that area. I was talking from a West Midtown, Downtown, near Westside perspective. Thats where the OP should look

[Legs1357]

Originally Posted by TakeAhike

There are quite a few apartment complexes in/around Emory University--from Decatur to Toco Hill/Executive Park.
Post properties are good, Gables, AMLI and so many others--some of the older properties have been well-maintained.

Good luck finding a 2 br around Emory and more specifically at these complexes for 800/month. The only one I can think of is Longwood and it's verging on sketchy. A ONE bedroom at gables montclair or rock springs will run you at least 800, same with post briarcliff and calibre woods.

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by meenesotahhEH

So I've recently been looking into moving to Atlanta... along with other places... but for some reason ever since I was a kid I've wanted to live in Atlanta. I'd be renting a two bedroom with my best friend, and need somewhere under 800 a month with most or all utilities paid, as well as a few other minor things. Craigslist has tons of listings of apartments that fit our needs and in many different areas close to the city but what the hell is up with all these "roaches thugs and drugs" reviews? Using apartmentratings.com I am able to type in the names of any complex in Atlanta and almost every single one has such negative reviews about the maintenance, the customer service, the staff, or even worse: drug dealers trying to sell drugs to the residents, trash everywhere, COCKROACHES IN THE BUILDINGS!

Now I'm not looking for a grand palace by any means, but c'mon, there has to be ONE complex that is safe for me and my best friend (were both young females) to live in without feeling distressed about our cars getting broken into or our neighbor being a coke dealer. I've just been looking for days and days and every building I look into that seems nice on the outside and good rates has such negative reviews.

Maybe I'm looking in the wrong area of Atlanta? Can anyone help?

The fact that every apartment complex you enter has the same comments might tell the story...there are a lot of bitter and vindictive people that don't like their former or current complex for one reason or another - and those people will publish any kind of negative information they can think of. I've seen it...I've been unhappy with complexes I've lived in before, but normally over lease stuff or because they weren't allowing me to do something that I wanted to do.

I really don't think I would put much stock in a bunch of online comments from anonymous folks - this forum has a lot of that same element...

[KittyAtlanta]

After being run out of my neighborhood (and home of 35 years) by thugs kicking down my doors, I looked at 21 apartment complexes north of I-20. Finally settled on Regency Square in Chamblee. Been there 5 months and all is well. However, for what you're willing to spend, you and your friend would have to share a one bedroom. Apartments in Atlanta are currently expensive. Some unsolicited advice...try another city. I wouldn't be living here if I weren't on a 15-year long job. Good luck.

[lorilove]

You do realize y'all are responding to a thread that is 5 years old! I assume the OP has found a place by now

[KittyAtlanta]

Sure, I realize that, but people are still looking for apartments. When I was looking, it was nice to have current info, so I'm sharing current. BTW, why are you reading this old post??? LOL

[BKNomad]

Thanks for the info KittyAtlanta!! I'm definitely looking! Keep the info coming folks...