Living in the city, working in the 'burbs---foolish? (Atlanta, Decatur: apartment, to rent)

[dancer84]

I have a great job south of the city, and while the area in which I currently live in Henry County is safe and close to my office, it’s not much ‘fun’ for a single girl in her 20s. I love city living (I lived in Toronto for a while), and since I spend quite a few of my evenings and weekends in Atlanta, I figure that there is no time like the present. A friend and I are thinking of renting a place in Candler Park, an area that I think is really nice and near the shops, music venues, and restaurants that I like to frequent, and (according to google maps) only 30 minutes from my office. Currently, I live about 20 minutes from work, so another 10 is really not that big of a deal.

However, I am a little worried about the morning and evening traffic. Am I naïve in my thinking that I will encounter little traffic problems because I am going against traffic on 75? Thanks.

[Rockmama]

We're going to do the same. We've got a family but like the urban lifestyle. Husband will be working in Hampton. I don't have an answer about traffic, but thought I'd let you know you're not the only crazy one ;-)

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by dancer84

I have a great job south of the city, and while the area in which I currently live in Henry County is safe and close to my office, it’s not much ‘fun’ for a single girl in her 20s. I love city living (I lived in Toronto for a while), and since I spend quite a few of my evenings and weekends in Atlanta, I figure that there is no time like the present. A friend and I are thinking of renting a place in Candler Park, an area that I think is really nice and near the shops, music venues, and restaurants that I like to frequent, and (according to google maps) only 30 minutes from my office. Currently, I live about 20 minutes from work, so another 10 is really not that big of a deal.

However, I am a little worried about the morning and evening traffic. Am I naïve in my thinking that I will encounter little traffic problems because I am going against traffic on 75? Thanks.

I think you will be going against traffic, however, I don't travel that path in the morning. Hopefully someone else will offer their two cents worth about that.

I can comment about the "lifestyle" change. I am sure that you and your friend will enjoy Candler Park and the surrounding area. Here are some websites for you to check out if you haven't already.

Candler Park Neighborhood Organization | Welcome to your intown hometown
WELCOME TO LITTLE FIVE POINTS-ATLANTA
www.inmanpark.org
City of Decatur, GA will be close by too.
Cabbagetown > Home

Do you have any friends in Atlanta? Maybe you could spend the night one Sunday and make the drive into work and check it out on a first hand experience.

[Rockmama]

Thanks George, that's exactly the area we've targeted.

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by Rockmama

Thanks George, that's exactly the area we've targeted.

I hope that you will love the area as much as I do. I live in Inman Park.

[johnnyboy2008]

Sounds like a great idea. It can get boring out in the rural areas. City living can be a lot of fun.

[fman]

You aren't the only crazy one!! My wife and I just bought in the Old Fourth Ward. She will be driving to Suwanee in Gwinnett everyday and I will be driving to Snellville in Gwinnett. It is a reverse commute however even if their was traffic I would still do it. She and I love the city!!

[BobKovacs]

Depends on where you're hitting 75/85, and at what time. The connector can be nasty in both directions during rush hour, but once you get south of the split, you'll be fine.

[Big L]

Your commute probably won't be that bad depending on your work schedule.

I know it is common to tell people to live close to work, but that does not work for everyone for various reasons. Additionally, in today's economy it is not guaranteed that you will still end up working in the same location for several years. You would hate to rent an apartment or buy a home in an area that you aren't thrilled with only to have your next job be 20-40 miles away from your previous job.

[dancer84]

Thanks everyone, especially thank you, George, for those links. If anything, I feel more reassured from everyone's replies about my wanting to move.

I work 8-5, so I know my commute has the potential to be heinous. I have some friends in Buckhead, I have thought about staying there one evening and seeing how it goes from there.