College student seeking safe neighborhood (Atlanta, Marietta: apartments, rentals, condo)

[tytolbert]

HI, I need help finding a one bedroom apartment, preferably. My boyfriend and I are looking for something that seems impossible. I attend Georgia State, but work near Austell. I'm looking for something sort of in between downtown atlanta and austell. Rent no more than $600. Gated or controlled access preferred. I must stress that I am looking for a SAFE neighborhood. I know Atlanta has a high crime rate, but I want to live in an area that has very little break ins. I am looking to move in by the beginning of June. Any recommendations? I need an easy commute. It doesn't have to be close to Marta since we do not utilize Marta services.

[K-SawDude]

Talk to promove and tell them exactly what you're looking for:

Apartments for Rent - Apartment Locator Service | PROMOVE.com

$600 is a tight budget. Geographically, you may want to explore the stretch south of Vinings/Smyrna along South Atlanta Rd and Marietta Blvd. heading into downtown. But do your homework and visit first: there's a mix of really nice and not-so-nice there. Promove can really help you locate the safer complexes. Just be clear in making that request to them.

[Mal93]

With graduation around the corner there are usually some decent move in specials (free/reduced rent) that might offset a $700-$800 apartment in a nicer complex that has amenities like gated parking/secure entry. You can also check out condo rentals around Atlantic Station/Howell Mill/Huff Rd area. We have seen some surprisingly cheap rentals in the Fairlie-Popular/Centennial Park area in some of the older condo developments there.

Also, you may be aware of this but just because a complex has a gated deck or concierge access doesn't mean you will be crime-free. I would never leave anything visible in my car or my front door unlocked. Being on a higher floor (3+) helps...its crazy how often people will scale porch columns to steal a bike off a 2nd story porch (this happened all the time to folks when we lived near piedmont park, despite security cameras and lighting).

No need to live in fear, just live smart and realize that even people who are not career criminals may be tempted if they see an easy opportunity.

[JeanneMarie56]

A gated community for $600 a month in Atlanta? I don't know of one that exists.

My son recently moved out of Post Collier Hills. He had a 2 Bedroom/2 Bath for $1200 month, plus utilities.

Good luck!