Possibly working in Atlanta... (Sandy Springs, Alpharetta: rent, condos, house)

[ebuch]

Hey all, how you doing. First time posting in the Georgia forum. Well it looks like I am coming down in a few weeks to test with the Atlanta Police Department. This will be my first real time in the city and I was wondering if guys/gals could recommend a few locations to look at housing and apts. My price range would be around 200k, however I will probably rent for the first year.

What are some of the nicer areas of the city to live in? How's the commute itself in Atlanta? Anything like LA's traffic. Thanks for any tips and advice. Also feel free to recommend some nice spots to visit while I am down there, thanks.

[Archan]

It really depends on your interests. There are a lot of great areas in the Atlanta area with their own personalities. Let us know about how you like to spend your free time and what is important to you and you will get some good responses. I moved here 4 years ago and I think it's great.

[ebuch]

I like neighborhood bars/sportbars, outdoor activities, motorcycles, atvs, but I also want to be near shopping centers, more fast pace type life style. But safety definitely matters, doesn't have to be the house on the hill, but definitely don't want to be near slums either.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by ebuch

I like neighborhood bars/sportbars, outdoor activities, motorcycles, atvs, but I also want to be near shopping centers, more fast pace type life style. But safety definitely matters, doesn't have to be the house on the hill, but definitely don't want to be near slums either.

Does the Atlanta PD require employees to live in Fulton County--which covers a lot of ground, FWIW.

You might consider renting for a year to identify areas that interest you.
It sounds like you would enjoy Midtown or Decatur but purchasing in these areas would be more expensive.

[Archan]

Midtown and Virginia Highlands are good for restaurants and bars. If you like more of a surburban feel I would look north, to Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, etc... Places like Brookhaven might be worth a look too. The traffic here is bad in spots and for a much shorter time than LA. I know people here think that they have it bad, but they have never driven in LA where traffic seems to go on forever.

[ebuch]

Thanks for the tips. I don't think Atlanta PD has a residency requirement but I will have to check into that. Yeah renting probably is the best thing to do first to get my foot in the door and see what Atlanta is all about. Are homes in midtown pretty pricey now still?

[Archan]

I live in Midtown. The prices for condos have really dropped. I too lived in California (Bay Area) and the housing prices are no where near what they are out west. It would cost me at least twice as much to live the same lifestyle in San Francisco, LA or San Diego.

[ebuch]

Yeah I will check out the prices in the midtown section. Midtown feel pretty safe for the most part? And how is parking?

[Archan]

Midtown is really changing. 20 years ago it was not all that great, today it is really the place to be in the Atlanta area. Most of the buildings have their own parking garages. Midtown is very walkable, so you probably won't need to drive your car to get around. You can usually find street parking pretty easily if you need it, but you should be able to walk to 30-40 restaurants or bars if you are anywhere near the midtown mile.

Check out Midtownmile.org to see the vision for the midtown area.

[ebuch]

Thanks for the info, midtown definitely seems very promising!