Is VA-Highland, Morningside, Druid Hills worth the premium? (Atlanta, Decatur: houses, neighborhoods)

[WannaBeinBoston]

I was there this past week and got a great sense of the neighborhoods. As a matter of fact, loved it. Seriously, who wouldn't. Should I be searching other areas too, like Adams Crossing, Dupont Commons, Decatur/North Decatur? I know that schools are good in the Highlands, Druid Hills, Decatur area

Budget up to $600k to purchase a home but would rather not push it. Would like to get at least a 3-br on the same level. This appears challenging given that alot of the bungalows/craftmans in my price range in these neighborhoods are split with 1/2 bedrooms up or down. It appears that I can get a bit more for the $ in Decatur but my concern is the lack of east/west connector and ultimately traffic from Decatur to the Atlanta Station area.

Would love to get opinions of people who are familiar with the commute from Decatur west in the am and east in the pm. Would also like opinions from those who live intown and had considered other areas outside of the VA-Highland, Morningside, Druid Hills neighborhoods. Thanks in advance

[kaabye]

I live in morningside and have for the last four years. I think it is a great area even though it is a bit expensive. It also depends what you are looking for. Morningside is expensive but also diverse. You have a mixture of liberal and conservative young and old. The school (morningside elementry) is a great school with many families walking kids to school on nice days.

You can get more house for your money in other areas but in my opinion not the charm.

If you have any specific questions I would be happy to help.

[kaabye]

Also, many people still lump VA Highlands and Morningside together but as of last year they split the two for schools VA goes to SPARK Morningside to MES....if you want MES make sure you are in MES district.

[WannaBeinBoston]

Thank you kaabye. I have heard great things about Morningside Elementary. Drove by it and saw the "We Love Our Teachers" banner across the front. Met a nice couple who also moved into the area not too long ago and they really like it as well. In your opinion, are there any particular streets/areas within Morningside to avoid?

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by kaabye

Also, many people still lump VA Highlands and Morningside together but as of last year they split the two for schools VA goes to SPARK Morningside to MES....if you want MES make sure you are in MES district.

But keep in mind, Springdale Park Elementary (SPARK) is also a great school.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by kaabye

Also, many people still lump VA Highlands and Morningside together but as of last year they split the two for schools VA goes to SPARK Morningside to MES....if you want MES make sure you are in MES district.

Virginia-Highland.

[IntownHomes247]

If you're looking for homes with bedrooms on the main level, you might want to consider Oak Grove or the Victoria Estates neighborhood adjacent to Emory. Personally, Druid Hills is my favorite neighborhood in the city, and there are some ranches, etc. in the Fernbank part of Druid Hills that might work. But you'll find bungalows overwhelmingly in Va-Hi and most of Morningside (although Lenox Park has some ranches).

Adams Crossing and Dupont Commons have NOTHING like the vibe of Virginia-Highland, Morningside or Druid Hills -- very industrial, much newer residential development. Decatur is wonderful but you'll mostly have the same problem with the houses being the wrong layout, although it's certainly worth looking.

[lastminutemom]

I can't tell if you have children, but if you do, I would stay out of DeKalb. Things just seem to get worse and even the good schools are starting to really feel it. The optimist in me wants to believe that we have hit bottom.... but instead it seems like quick sand.

The Grady High School cluster is awesome.

[msh0146]

Originally Posted by WannaBeinBoston

Thank you kaabye. I have heard great things about Morningside Elementary. Drove by it and saw the "We Love Our Teachers" banner across the front. Met a nice couple who also moved into the area not too long ago and they really like it as well. In your opinion, are there any particular streets/areas within Morningside to avoid?

There are no streets or areas in Morningside to avoid. Great neighborhood, particularly if you don't measure your self-worth by the square footage of your home.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by msh0146

There are no streets or areas in Morningside to avoid. Great neighborhood, particularly if you don't measure your self-worth by the square footage of your home.

What's wrong with that???