inside the perimeter vs. outside the perimeter (Atlanta, Decatur: big home, neighborhoods)

[ohdeverdad]

I may or may not be moving to atlanta in the near future for graduate school at GSU. I've read some posts on here about how it is better for young people to live inside the perimeter. What is the difference between living inside the perimeter vs. outside the perimeter? And what is the perimeter in relation to Georgia State University?

Also, any other advice/tips/help you may have regarding GSU and Atlanta for a single female in her early 20s would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Shagbark Hickory]

Because of the heavy traffic in that area it really is best if you live near the uni and that uni is smack dab in the middle of the perimeter.
A lot of what you get outside the perimeter is families that are settled down. The younger single people without kids that are more concerned with things to do and nightlife as opposed to which elementary schools are the best, live ITP as there is no nightlife to be had outside the perimeter. There are a few single people but they are spread apart, atlanta sprawl takes its toll on social lives- especially with high gas prices and no transit. So if you don't really need peace and quiet but rather decent, affordable, close to college and things to do, then do yourself a favor... find somewhere in town.

[BlueLuce]

For your situation I agree w/ the post above regarding living ITP. However, I am late 20s and I choose to live OTP. I never have been a fan of living where I party. :O)

[yankeegirl73]

Perimeter=I285. Basically, it is considered the dividing line between the burbs and "in town." However, a lot of "intown" Atlanta looks like the burbs versus other cities. If you are going to GSU, I would recommend living ITP (inside 285) for the commute. Or near a Marta line, because GSU has its own Marta stop.

[Shagbark Hickory]

Originally Posted by BlueLuce

For your situation I agree w/ the post above regarding living ITP. However, I am late 20s and I choose to live OTP. I never have been a fan of living where I party. :O)

I chose to live OTP too.
I like peace and quiet, shopping centers and nice big homes on big lots. I should have convinced the OP to move OTP because we need more single people out here!

[LovinDecatur]

Here are my suggestions for a would-be grad student at GSU (other than downtown):

Midtown*
Grant Park
Old Fourth Ward (practically next to campus)
Inman Park*
Poncey-Highland
Candler Park*
Decatur(city)*
Midtown*
Virginia-Highland

*These neighborhoods afford the best access to the MARTA rail line

[atlantagreg30127]

And ohdeverdad, just so you'll be up on the local slang as folks tend to use it here: "ITP" means "inside the perimeter, and "OTP" means "outside the perimeter.

[ohdeverdad]

Originally Posted by Shagbark Hickory

I chose to live OTP too.
I like peace and quiet, shopping centers and nice big homes on big lots. I should have convinced the OP to move OTP because we need more single people out here!

haha nooo, why would a single girl like myself want to be surrounded by happy couples and families when im all alone ;D maybe one day i'll be able to make my OTP