Living in Stone Mountain, GA (Atlanta, Buckhead: apartment, to rent, condo)

[Millyb56]

I am new to the city and am considering moving to the Stone Mountain, GA area. I am a single middle-aged African American female, and I would like to start off renting a nice townhome, with attached garage. What areas are suggested that have good shopping, maybe a nice mall, and most of all is reasonably safe for me?

[BenStein843]

Sorry, but most of Stone Mountain is pretty unsafe. I grew up there in the 80's and 90's. It was starting to get bad then and it has really bad since. There are tons of other Atlanta suburbs that are much safer, have better shopping, etc. I would always recommend checking with the county sheriff(in this case Dekalb) for crime statistics before you move somewhere....

[Born 2 Roll]

Originally Posted by Millyb56

I am new to the city and am considering moving to the Stone Mountain, GA area. I am a single middle-aged African American female, and I would like to start off renting a nice townhome, with attached garage. What areas are suggested that have good shopping, maybe a nice mall, and most of all is reasonably safe for me?

For the reasons that BenStein843 mentioned (crime issues, lack of good shopping options, local governing issues, declining schools, etc), Stone Mountain is not necessarily the first place that most Atlantans will recommend to newcomers and relocatees.

Besides, because of how lengthy rush hour and peak-hour commutes can often be if one has to commute over a long distance between home and work in a metro region whose traffic congestion issues are well-documented, it is a very-good idea for a newcomer to know where in the metro area they will be working before they decide on where they should live.

To the OP: Do you yet know where (in which town and/or zip code or mailing area) you will be working?

[dblackga]

Not sure, but I suspect that, after Tuesday MegaMillion lottery, a house at Reserves at Water’s Edge may be coming on the market soon . . .

[Atlanta_BD]

I will second what everyone else says and say "no" to Stone Mountain. I used to live in the area for years and it was unsafe. I moved there with my family in the late 90's and continued to stay in the area after I moved out from them. Stone Mountain was where all blacks wanted to move who relocated here. It started declining when my parents bought their house there. I was prompted to move immediately from Stone Mountain because my apartment was shot into there. I moved into the city proper and have never left. Atlanta's suburbs have a lot of crime, unless you go north. And the north suburbs are more expensive.

Stone Mountain is no longer "the place to be" for middle class and affluent blacks. While many still live there, I just wouldn't recommend it. Also as for shopping, there's nothing there and many businesses started closing up years ago. There's mostly nothing but strip malls with cheap clothing stores and fast food places. You see the types of stores you typically see in poor areas there. The Stone Mountain Village area is decent. At least it used to be. I don't know if it's changed since I haven't lived there in years.

Also, as a single woman, there really is no reason for you to live in the suburbs. I don't recommend any single person, whether they are in their 20's or 40's to live in Atlanta's suburbs, especially if you live an active lifestyle. You will find that you will always have to come into the city to find good things to do, unless you are bowled over by strip malls and eating at chain and fast food restaurants.

I don't know what your budget is but I would try to rent a condo in Buckhead or Midtown if I were you. Trust me when I say you'd be much happier if you did.

[Atlanta_BD]

I forgot to mention earlier:

I would also look into Toco Hills and Brookhaven if I were you. Of course it all depends on your job at the end of the day as far as where to live, but if you want access to good shopping, I'd recommend these areas.

[ElleKaye]

Originally Posted by Atlanta_BD

...Also, as a single woman, there really is no reason for you to live in the suburbs. I don't recommend any single person, whether they are in their 20's or 40's to live in Atlanta's suburbs, especially if you live an active lifestyle. You will find that you will always have to come into the city to find good things to do, unless you are bowled over by strip malls and eating at chain and fast food restaurants...

^^^ Yeah this

[SAAN]

Originally Posted by Millyb56

I am new to the city and am considering moving to the Stone Mountain, GA area. I am a single middle-aged African American female, and I would like to start off renting a nice townhome, with attached garage. What areas are suggested that have good shopping, maybe a nice mall, and most of all is reasonably safe for me?

What specific part of Stn Mtn are you referring to are Stn Mtn area is huge. As for a townhome search, you will probably find what you are looking for more in lithonia or decatur but still have to watch out for much of those areas too.

[Atlanta_BD]

Originally Posted by SAAN

What specific part of Stn Mtn are you referring to are Stn Mtn area is huge. As for a townhome search, you will probably find what you are looking for more in lithonia or decatur but still have to watch out for much of those areas too.

I would avoid those areas completely as a single woman, not just for lifestyle reasons but also safety.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Born 2 Roll

For the reasons that BenStein843 mentioned (crime issues, lack of good shopping options, local governing issues, declining schools, etc), Stone Mountain is not necessarily the first place that most Atlantans will recommend to newcomers and relocatees.

Stone mountain is an attractive area with a great housing stock, so I wonder what it will take to get it back on track. More police? Better teachers and more motivated students? More responsible politicians in office?

Seems like all that should be doable!