Awesome intown safe, walkable neighborhood within reasonable commuting distance to Duluth? (Atlanta: to rent, low crime)

[sccap]

Hello all,
My family is being relocated to Duluth and we really want to live in/ right next to Atlanta. We are looking for a really safe and fun intown neighborhood where we can walk to shops, restaurants, parks, etc. I have lived my whole life in the 'burbs and am ready to try out city life. While I am trying to be adventurous, I guess I truly wouldn't be happy in a place I don't feel safe- so I guess low crime is pretty important to us. Since we are moving in from out of state, we will be making decisions mostly based on what you are all saying in this forum . Because of this, we are looking to rent first. I heard good things about the city of Decatur and Virginia Highlands. Are there any other places that would be neat to live? My children aren't in school yet, so if we are going to be renting, the schools don't matter right now. Also, if at all possible, it would be unbelievably helpful if you can tell me what you think the differences are between these different neighborhoods. Ideally, we were looking to spend under 1600 a month rent for a 3 bedroom. Thanks in advance for any help!

[10scoachrick]

Well, I'm surprised no one has jumped on this thread. No matter what they tell you, Atlanta(or Decatur) to Duluth is not a 'reverse commute'. First, you must get out of town, then head up Peachtree Ind. or I-85 to get to Duluth...depending on where in Duluth, the east-west roads may take quite a bit of time. In other words, unless the commute schedule is WAY off 'peak', that daily drive will be a pretty price to pay for living in the 'city'. I agree that both areas you mentioned are very attractive(I used to bike through those areas 2-3 times a week) but that commute would give me pause. Good luck with your search(and the renting first approach is an excellent idea, BTW).

[sccap]

Thank you for your response. How long do you think it would take to get from Decatur to Duluth?

[IntownHomes247]

Here are some resources for you:

Both DeKalb County and the City of Decatur have new crime reporting tools you can access online to stay aware of crime in the area.
To access DeKalb county data, go to:
Crime Mapping - Map

For City of Decatur data, go to:
Search CrimeReports.com

City of Atlanta also has a crime reporting system but I don't have that link handy.

Also, for figuring commute times, Google Maps is typically fairly accurate (at least during non-rush hour). Here's a map showing the commute from Decatur to Duluth:

from: 30030 to: Duluth, GA - Google Maps

[sccap]

It's a bit scary to much how much crime there is in a week in an area that is the supposed to be really safe. I'm glad they have a crime map like that, but it makes me nervous too see how much crime is happening.