College Grad relocating to ATL_need help picking town with energetic lifestyle (Atlanta: for sale)

[jaybay86]

Hi everyone!

I just graduated college and I'm moving to ATL from Florida. My office is located right outside the perimeter, in Marietta (Wildwood Parkway).

I'm looking to find a house that is within a 15-20 min commute to Marietta, with a town that has a younger, more vibrant atmosphere with good entertainment and energy. Looking for something that's a notch or two more mature than college life but not too formal -- perfect for young professionals. Preferably within walking distance to some nice bars/restaurants and in between midtown and Marietta. Ideally, Buckhead would be great but I'm looking for a 4 or 5 bedroom house below $200k and I'm afraid that would be difficult to find, plus I have a feeling the commute would be pretty long. Also, if it's possible to be close to a MARTA line, that would be an additional bonus.

If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

Justin

[TakeAhike]

Vinings might meet these criteria>>>
<I'm looking to find a house that is within a 15-20 min commute to Marietta, with a town that has a younger, more vibrant atmosphere with good entertainment and energy. Looking for something that's a notch or two more mature than college life but not too formal -- perfect for young professionals. Preferably within walking distance to some nice bars/restaurants and in between midtown and Marietta.>
It's SW of Marietta and I75 is one of the more direct routes to the city.

As for finding a 4/5 bedroom house for around $200,000 I think you would have to look much further outside the perimeter.

There really isn't a 'town' between Marietta and Midtown--just metro Atlanta.

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by jaybay86

I'm looking for a 4 or 5 bedroom house below $200k and I'm afraid that would be difficult to find, plus I have a feeling the commute would be pretty long. Also, if it's possible to be close to a MARTA line, that would be an additional bonus.

If you find a 4-5 bedroom house near MARTA anywhere NEAR midtown or Marietta for under $200k, please let us know. I've been looking for that for years. I don't think you are going to find that kind of living in any energetic, vibrant area around here, or anywhere near the middle of town.

[Mishap]

I find the trip to Windy Hill/Wildwood Parkway from Midtown to be about 15-20 minutes max. It'd be ideal for a younger professional outside of the 4/5bdr requirement. Any reason you want a home for a decent sized family unless you have a family? Under 200k will find you a good 1bdr condo in a nice building or a mediocre 2bdr in an older building in Midtown or even in Buckhead. There may be some 3/4 story 2bdr townhomes near peachtree that are close to 200k but I think they were a fair amt over the last time I checked and only have 1 room per story.

[BobKovacs]

Good luck with that 4/5 br for under $200k- you'll be an hour outside 285 or in a crack den.....lol

[jaybay86]

Thanks for all the replies! I'll be moving to ATL with some friends and we were looking to all get a house together. The Vinings area sounds pretty good, anyone know the area well and could recommend some places to focus on? Where are the popular hangout spots?

[floyd242]

Vinings is not really a "happening" place IMO. I live in Adam's Crossing (corner of Marietta Blvd and Bolton Rd.) which is just south of Vinings and I hardly ever go up that way. It's not really a walking community and is mostly made up of condos/townhouses. It's clean and it's a nice community though. Definintely way above the college life.

There are some 3/4br houses around Adam's Crossing that are for sale in the low to mid 300s, there's absolutely nothing within walking distance though. It's fairly close to midtown/buckhead/downtown by back roads. They're supposed to be tearing down an old strip mall to put up a mixed use area right there but I wouldn't count on it.

You could probably find a 4+br around the windy hill/south cobb drive/atlanta rd area, but the neighborhood would not be the greatest. There's some pretty eclectic shopping up there though....

If you find somewhere that fits your description let me know too heh. I'm looking at places around East Atlanta or maybe a loft in Castleberry. I work in Dunwoody, but HATE the burbs. I want to live within walking/moped distance of some fun hangouts. There's a marta station right next to where I work so it shouldn't be too bad.

Cheap/Good Location/Safe pick 2

[bizchick86]

You will only get 4 BR 200k in South Fulton, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, or a suburb outside the perimeter, as someone else mentioned. None of these places would offer what you're looking for.

If you could stretch your budget a bit, Virgnia-Highlands, Lindbergh, Little 5 Points and other parts of East Atlanta, and midtown would be the best. Midtown, Lindbergh, and Little 5 are more "happening," many parts of East Atlanta are more residential. Buckhead is more luxe nowadays, and the club scene has pretty much died out there. For the total package-- MARTA friendly, happening, close to Marietta, relatively inexpensive (compared to other major cities), I'd say midtown.

If you do some research and look into foreclosures, don't mind a fixer-upper or can opt for a condo, you can find a property in the type of neighborhood you want at a decent price (300-400k). Hardly anywhere in the city of Atlanta or even within the perimeter (the 285 highway that separates the urban areas of Atlanta from the suburbs, in case you are unfamiliar) will get you 4BR at 200k with the neighborhood features you want.