DC to ATL (Atlanta, Marietta, Lenox: loft, condominiums, homes)

[RelocateSherri]

I will be a single empty nester at age 41 when I move from the MD/DC in 2009.

Atlanta is one of 5 cities on my list…

What is the one thing about this city that I must know before making a final decision?

What is the best place to live, for walking to restaurants, shopping and conveniences?

I know I will be looking for condominiums b/c I am not one for exterior maintenance, where are the newer ones being buil

[irvm]

Originally Posted by RelocateSherri

What is the best place to live, for walking to restaurants, shopping and conveniences?

Atlanta shouldn't be on your list, if that is one criteria.
Atlanta's most famous and beloved author, Margaret Mitchell, was run over and killed while crossing the street. What chance do you think YOU have?

[atlantagreg30127]

Aside from the fact that Atlanta now has something like the second worst traffic in the U.S., you need to know that it is definately a car city - much like L.A. Our transit system (MARTA) is not as efficient or as extensive as the DC rail system, and we have no commuter rails.

As far as areas where you can walk to things...

Intown near Midtown is a neighborhood known as "Virginia Highlands". Like a small village atmosphere with lots of individually owned restaurants and boutique type shops. Homes cost $$$ but there are more affordable condos in the area. Web: Virginia Highland :: Home

Next to Midtown is "Atlantic Station". New, and a somewhat generic homogenized vision of an intown village, but for some, it's "the place". There is an IKEA store there, grocery, and other shops and stuff. Web: Atlantic Station® - Life Happens here.

In the burbs is the city of Marietta, and their town square filled with lots of restaurants and stores. Some of the neighborhoods around the square can be dicey so you'll have to ask a realtor the what/who/where of it to get a good spot. Web: Marietta

While there will be a few others that some may suggest, those would be my picks.

[Mrs. Garrison]

Also in the city is Inman Park...very nice walkable neighborhood next to Little Five Points. Inman Park

Within Midtown there are nice neighborhoods too...Morningside, Ansley Park, Lenox Park, Piedmont Heights, Loring Heights and Woodland Hills.

Castleberry Hill is a great loft community of historic industrial buildings in Downtown Atlanta. Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association