Recently moved from Boston, looking for apartment in $700-900/mo range (Atlanta: apartment complex, lease)

[lakesideview]

(I did a search but did not see all my questions covered. I apologize if I did not go far enough into the archives.)

I recently moved from Boston to Sandy Springs, GA. The economy has hit my job situation and I need to downgrade my living situation. Here are the details:

a) I am looking to rent a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment North and East of Atlanta.
b) Anything between $700-$900 a month is within my budget.
c) I am interested in Dunwoody, Norcross, Decatur, and, perhaps, Roswell.
d) I commute to Stone Mountain/Clarkston for work.

I have been looking at various sites and charts, but have difficultly navigating a couple of issues:

1. What is crime like in these areas? I have a young daughter and want to make sure she is safe. Which of these areas is safest?

2. What are your thoughts on renting a home as compared with renting an apartment in these areas specifically?

3. Will I hit the Atlanta-area congestion when commuting from any of these areas to Stone Mountain and back each day? (I have difficulty finding useful information about traffic congestion. Any help would be appreciated.)

4. I am transitioning into the IT field (basic computer repair and maintenance). Does anyone here know if the market for such work is decent in the Atlanta area? (Might be too difficult to address here, but I figure I'd ask to supplement my own research.)

[TakeAhike]

There are a number of apt complexes north of Decatur that would be in your price range and give you a 30 minute commute to Stone Mt/Clarkston. North Druid Hills/Clairmont/LaVista roads.

You might find homes to rent in this price range closer to Tucker/Northlake Mall.

What is the area around Emory University like?

[DeaconJ]

A useful site for Atlanta traffic information: Georgia Navigator :: Home

I would rule out Roswell...it's further than the others. Decatur or Tucker would be your best bets for a more pleasant commute.

Crime is generally not a major issue in the overall areas you mentioned, but those suburbs cover an expansive area with dozens of different neighborhoods. The level of crime won't be consistent throughout Decatur, Stone Mountain, or Norcross...some areas will be safer, some will be less safe.

When I was renting, I never found it an easy task to locate a house to rent that was in decent shape. I rented a couple of different condos, but both times the owners ended up wanting to sell after I lived there for a year - so I had to move out. That's one big drawback, IMO, of renting a house or condo. You don't have that same worry with an apartment...plus you have on-site maintenance in an apartment community.

[atlantagreg30127]

You also want to try promove.com

Lots of people on here have used them and rant about how good (and informative) they are in matching people up to the right areas.

[tonygeorgia]

Atlanta Apartments for Rent - Equity Apartments

[pellur]

I use to live in Sandy Springs and liked victoria heights Condos. They used to be a apartment complex until they teared down and built new condos in 2004-05. Most of the people are owner with a few investor units that are being rented out.

Since it is right opposite Sandy Springs school, your daughter might benefit from that. For a 2-bd room with 12 month lease you could get it for $900.

Edit : Also use promove. They are really helpful in nailing down your choices and you dont have to spend a dime.

[lakesideview]

Thanks everyone for your useful and helpful posts. I will consider all of the replies here as I continue my search.