IN Flowery Branch, want to move closer to the city-HELP!! (Atlanta: rent, insurance)

[demixo]

Hello All,

I just moved from Miami to Flowery Branch/ Sterling on the Lake with my parents and boyfriend.
While I love SOTL, I dont like that there is nothing around us. Im use to going out different places to eat, walk and shop. We have to drive 2 exits down to the Mall of GA area and it's nothing but a lot of chain restaurants. My boyfriend and I love Atlantic Station in Atl but keep hearing/ reading that although it is beautiful, the area is bad with lots of crime? I love Buckhead, of course. Drove through Alpharetta and liked that area too. But since I literally just moved here, I dont know what we can afford and what area's are "good" areas.

I am 23 and he is 25 (no kids, just 1 little dog). He works at Encompass, off Pleasantdale Rd. We would Rent if it was in Atl or buy if its in the suburbs somewhere. I love Sterling on the Lake but I wish it was closer to Atlanta, its 45 min away without traffic...

Are there any new communities that are affordable and in a more developed area closer to Atlanta? If we are going to buy, we want it under 240k, rent under 1300.

[demixo]

maybe Smyrna, Sandy Springs?

[MattCW]

Pretty much along the GA-400 corridor (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta) is good, and they all have good access to transit so you wouldn't have to drive into Atlanta. Not sure about price range though, if you'd be able to find something in those areas for your range.

[B Wagner]

If you're still not moved, there are a few things that you may need to know. A house around 240K the payments would be close to 1600 to 1800 a month or more depending on insurance and taxes, so if you are looking at being able to afford 1300 you would need to look at smaller homes.

You have plenty of nice areas and communities down near the I285 loop. You need to feel lucky if you can be within 30 minutes of downtown with traffic.