ATL Metro Commute/Neighborhood advice (Atlanta, Duluth: real estate, high crime, homes)

[PineSt]

Hi All,

First time poster, long-time reader. I recently accepted a job in Duluth, GA, and my wife and I will be relocating from WI to the Atlanta metro next month.

We are young, ambitious, enjoy metro areas, and in relocating from WI we would really like to "soak" up as much of the city life as possible in our venture to ATL.

In reading through posts on the forum, along w/additional research on the metro area I understand that traffic can be trying to say the least. However, it sounds like if we were to live intown (Buckhead, Va-Hi, Midtown areas), that I maybe against the flow of traffic, and may not be as bad of a commute.

To summarize: is a commute from intown to Duluth reasonable? Note, I don't mind leaving a little earlier in the morning to beat the rush.

Secondly, we seem to have our sights set on the Midtown, Midtown West, Buckhead, and/or Va-Hi neighborhoods. Any parts of these neighborhoods we want to stay away from or any other neighborhoods we should consider?

Any advice/suggestions is welcomed and appreciated!

[lorilove]

You should be fine going north against traffic. Can you give us a little more detail as to what side of Duluth - closer to I-85 or near Johns Creek?

[IntownHomes247]

The Midtown West neighborhood is much more recently redeveloped than the others on your list. Much of that area was warehouse/industrial until pretty recently (the train tracks are a major feature on the westside). Both "Midtown" and "Buckhead" are used pretty amorphously, both by residents, visitors, and real estate agents. Buckhead is particularly difficult to pin down exactly what is Buckhead and what isn't Buckhead. Midtown is actually a very well-defined neighborhood (according to the Midtown Neighbors Association), but many people will call areas "Midtown" that are really, really not Midtown. You'll do well to check out each of these areas in person (both during the day and during the evening). See whether you like the vibe and also see what kind of amenities most appeal to you.

[PineSt]

I again thank you for the responses. In response to the first reply; i will be working just off of Hwy. 120 in Duluth, it appears to be halfway between Duluth and Johns Creek.

Overall (in your opinion), is Midtown or Buckhead a more fun/safe neighborhood?

Thanks again!

[lorilove]

I would take Midtown over Buckhead - I tend to think about Buckhead as more upscale shopping and restaurants, Midtown has great restaurants and the arts with Downtown and Ansley/Piedmont Park just next door.

[wxjay]

I agree with Midtown over Buckhead in terms of "fun" (arts, restaurants, etc.). The area near Piedmont Park is your best bet for that. I would avoid places on Ponce De Leon (or the immediate block off of it). West Midtown is just "OK" for me at least. Quite industrial, so you have to decide if that is your style. Howell Mill Rd. isn't exactly the prettiest area either. Also, avoid Home Park (neighborhood just north of Georgia Tech). Lots of college students, scattered poor homes, and high crime.

However, if you choose Midtown, consider this - the traffic coming back into the city from I-85 will be tough. I-85 S is fine up to about N Druid Hills. After that, with the merge from GA 400 and into the Downtown Connector, traffic is a nightmare. And Buford Hwy is no better. On Fridays/bad weather day, you can double that.

[plessthanpointohfive]

For fast access to the interstate (if you're headed up 85) I would live close to Freedom Parkway...so, VaHi close to Ponce or Inman Park, etc.

Your commute to Duluth should be fine. And these areas are fun and safe.

Anyone else have advise on easy freeway access for commuting up that way?