Considering relocation (Atlanta, Marietta: section 8, apartments, foreclosure)

[1981RichardP]

So to start this off, I am a 31 yo male originally from PA. Spent the last 10 years in the U.S. Army. Split that time between Ft. Benning GA , Ft. Stewart GA And Iraq... Married and Divorced a pretty and young Marrietta native. So I've got a good grasp on some things... What I am Curious about is a relocation to Atlanta. The Way things are looking I am Considering fulltime College with a part time job or Just Working full time .. Curious about the schools, work, and singles sceen for a fairly above average guy in his early 30's?? any advice or tips? things I should be ready for??

[1981RichardP]

Would like to Know:

average rent for 1 bedroom and utilities cost
average gas price
mainly curious about mechanic type Work

suggestions on what areas to look at it thinking about school full time

and not so much into clubs... smaller bars are more my type of thing.

[cwkimbro]

The rental market is not great for people like you (or myself for that matter).

Ever since the foreclosure crisis... buying is cheap but renting has gotten more expensive, especially to be in town int he funner areas. You'll probably be looking at $1000/month starting w/o utilities.

Now there are cheaper areas in the suburbs, which aren't bad options, but you'll find a greater variety of families with low to low-medium incomes and section 8 renters that leaving the core of town more than previously. You'll also find more immigrants. It kind of kills the singles scene a bit, but towards Peachtree Corners (and I would guess marietta too) the rents seem to drop to closer to $600+ for a 1 bedroom.

[berkeleylake]

Some good colleges in the area are Kennessaw State, Georgia State or 2-year Georgia Perimeter if you are just starting college.

Rentals for a one bedroom in decent sections of towns including utilities will be at least 600-900 a month. Older apartments will most likely have higher utilities costs. I would search out places that have electric only since gas has gotten so expensive over the years.

Most likely, you will have better luck finding a rental from a private individual on Craigslist than with some of the apartment companies since they prefer applicants who have full time jobs. Hopefully you have a lot savings to use while seeking work in Atlanta.

I would look around in Cobb, or Gwinnett counties for work and a place to live. Many other areas are worth checking out as well, just depends on what sections of town you prefer. Since you are looking to date again, I would try to live near 285 (within 15-20 miles of downtown Atlanta) in order to meet singles and not live too far out in the outer suburbs.

[researchnerd]

Be aware that jobs here are still few and far between. If at all possible, I highly recommend finding a job before moving here. Since you're former military you might try Lockheed or the naval air base in Marietta.