Starting to regret moving here. (Atlanta: property taxes, cost of living, shop)

[society619]

Originally Posted by SEAandATL

However, San Diego's MTS is not much better than Atlanta's MARTA and the other metro area networks (CCT, Gwinett, GRTA). San Diego may have a better bus system, but when it comes to rail, light rail just cannot compete with heavy rail. If you live within walking distance or a short bus ride to a MARTA station, I'd say Atlanta's PT is more convenient. If you live out in the outer suburbs, like say Cherokee or Spaulding County versus North County San Diego, then the latter would be better off since there are two commuter rail lines.

we can argue light rail v heavy rail for days but San Diego runs one of the best light rail systems in the nation. they recently started plans to expand and upgrade and rail service towards the north county area. My beef with MARTA is it seems like no one on state level cares enough to let MARTA grow. Plus with CTran and Xpress's failures along with the big MARTA cuts taking place next month, it wouldn't surprise me if MARTA falls under soon.

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by society619

we can argue light rail v heavy rail for days but San Diego runs one of the best light rail systems in the nation. they recently started plans to expand and upgrade and rail service towards the north county area. My beef with MARTA is it seems like no one on state level cares enough to let MARTA grow. Plus with CTran and Xpress's failures along with the big MARTA cuts taking place next month, it wouldn't surprise me if MARTA falls under soon.

MARTA is too well-used to "fall under soon"...if it comes to that point, something will be done to save it. There are too many people who depend on it and use it regularly.

[billl]

I can't believe someone dredged up this old thread!

Originally Posted by society619

My beef with MARTA is it seems like no one on state level cares enough to let MARTA grow. Plus with CTran and Xpress's failures along with the big MARTA cuts taking place next month, it wouldn't surprise me if MARTA falls under soon.

Part of MARTAs growth problems stem from the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitude from both Cobb and Gwinnett counties, and to some extent North Fulton.

Local politicians didn't want MARTA there (because their constituents said "no") and the state politicians didn't have the guts to override them.

[MaggieZ]

best thing to do is to make the best of it, till you can move away...not every county, state, country is for everyone....

[architect77]

After growing up and graduating from college in NC in '91, I came to Atlanta for 7 years, then went to LA for 4 years, followed by a year in Boston and 10 years in NYC.

I'm now back in Atlanta, because despite it's miss-steps and faux-pas in acting like a true big city, the canopy of trees, warm weather, and low cost of living are all acceptable tradeoffs.

For me, a gay 41 yr old man, it's ultimately the best compromise for my situation. I probably won't ever stop missing NYC though, as life is happening there at its most heightened state surrounded by go-getter types who are direct, no-nonsense, and actually very polite and willing to help a stranger. Once you get used to everybody interacting this way, you'll never stop making comparisons with other places.

Atlanta's first and foremost purpose is to be the mecca of the south, and with that you'll have different tastes and different standards. Just appreciate it for what it is, and hope that the state of Georgia catches up with, even, its neighboring states in terms of planning, education, government, roads, etc.

[cityKING28]

Originally Posted by ericsonga

...Bye?

I know thats right!!!

[cityKING28]

Originally Posted by DeaconJ

A couple of photos from the Old Fourth Ward "ghetto":


For sale: My loft at 572 Edgewood Ave #105, Atlanta, GA 30312 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimday1982/3476949017/in/photostream/ - broken link)



Vertical Modern, Old Fourth Ward on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnnyurban/3740326072/ - broken link)



Danneman's Store Front on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcknight/2584839193/ - broken link)



Art deco condos in Old Fourth Ward on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/amberlrhea/3649345402/ - broken link)



577 Auburn on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcknight/2304287210/ - broken link)

yeah that really looks like a bad neighborhood.... These people are rediculous

[WriterDawg85]

Originally Posted by cityKING28

yeah that really looks like a bad neighborhood.... These people are rediculous

These people have never been to an ACTUAL bad neighborhood.

[MisterNY]

Originally Posted by WriterDawg85

These people have never been to an ACTUAL bad neighborhood.

You're right. So true.

I get a kick out of people who never leave their backyards and talk about areas they've never been to, and want to be the authoritative voice on how bad these areas are.

[DTL3000]

Originally Posted by architect77

I probably won't ever stop missing NYC though, as life is happening there at its most heightened state surrounded by go-getter types who are direct, no-nonsense, and actually very polite and willing to help a stranger. Once you get used to everybody interacting this way, you'll never stop making comparisons with other places.

I feel this way quite often since I moved back about a year ago. I miss the intellectual stimulation and the vibe of living in one of the world's most important cities. I also miss trading smiles on the streets and the subway with some of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen. A lot of Atlanta women have always seemed stuck up to me for some reason. It's unfair to compare Atlanta to NYC but I can't help it.

The unrelenting heat and the general rudeness of a lot of Atlantans don't help matters any.