Working near CNN building - best place for family for commute and schools? (Atlanta: real estate)

[swimchick001]

Hi everyone!

I might be getting a job that's right near CNN and was wondering if you could tell me which areas we would want to look at that would give me a commute under 30 minutes, plus have a strong school district (our little guy is almost 5, but absolutely loves, loves to learn and is thriving here).

We're coming from the Philly burbs and though I've been to Atlanta only once (for the interview), I was so impressed with the people and the area in general.

Our budget is around the $350-375k, but on the lower side would be nice, of course...

Ok, so quick confession...I honestly have no idea if this area is considered "downtown" or "midtown, " that's how much of a newbie I am when it comes to the area! And does "MARTA" (is that right?) have routes near the CNN/Aquarium area?

Thanks so much - I learn so much from this board and you are all VERY helpful!!!

[deacongirl]

I would consider City of Decatur. Reminds me of Haddonfield, NJ. I am not sure if your budget would quite cut it but others will chime in. If you can make that work I think it is worth it.

[ATLTJL]

CNN Center/Philips Arena is on MARTA.

You actually have two choices.

1) The actual Philips Arena MARTA stop is right there. It's on the east/west line, and only one miniscule stop away from Five Points, which is the MARTA hub where all lines converge. Therefore, if you are already on the east/west line, using the Philips Arena stop makes a lot of sense. However, most people ride one of the north/south lines, and it doesn't make much sense to change trains at Five Points just for a 30 second train ride to another stop. So.....

2) The Five Points station is just a couple of blocks away. There's a "secret" stairway you can use to easily access it from the CNN Center parking deck, so you don't have to walk all the way around to Marietta Street. Just get use the Forsyth Street exit from Marta, walk down Alabama for a block, and it pretty much dead-ends into a staircase that takes you to the CNN Center deck. The only caveat? This can be quite creepy at night. Five Points is not a good area. However, during the day, it's fine.

[midtown mile girl]

CNN is in the downtown area.

[swimchick001]

Thanks for the info - especially about MARTA.

We've heard nice things about Decatur and like what we've seen so far; however, sometimes the schools aren't getting a decent rating. Can anyone shed some light as to why, and the difference between North Decatur and Decatur for housing listings?

[noah]

You'll find as you research there is a big difference between Decatur city schools (essentially a small charter school system that is top notch) and Dekalb county schools in north Decatur where the school system is not doing well and the real estate prices reflect that. You need zip 30030 for Decatur city schools and even than not all of that zip code is zoned to the city. You'll also see taxes are higher for the city of Decatur.

Originally Posted by swimchick001

Thanks for the info - especially about MARTA.

We've heard nice things about Decatur and like what we've seen so far; however, sometimes the schools aren't getting a decent rating. Can anyone shed some light as to why, and the difference between North Decatur and Decatur for housing listings?

[red92s]

Originally Posted by swimchick001

Thanks for the info - especially about MARTA.

We've heard nice things about Decatur and like what we've seen so far; however, sometimes the schools aren't getting a decent rating. Can anyone shed some light as to why, and the difference between North Decatur and Decatur for housing listings?

"City of Decatur" has excellent schools. Some of the better-rated public schools in the state. There is always confusion about the schools for home-seekers coming from out of state, as portions of unincorporated Dekalb County have "Decatur" mailing addresses. Decatur High School is the only high school in the Decatur system . . . some MLS search sites will let you restrict things based on that. Using the zip code of 30030 is a good starting point, although there are pockets of other zip codes inside the city limits as well. $375k does not go far inside Decatur. There has been a huge run-up in property values in the last couple years. In 2012 that could get you a pretty nicely updated 4 bedroom home. Today, you will be fighting 5 other bidders for a 3/2 . . . or fighting developers who want to build a $900k 6/4.5 on the lot.