washington park? (Atlanta: crime, big home, safe area)

[bryantm3]

my family is looking to move intown and we are looking at washington park, directly next to the park. we headed over there last night and it seemed relatively safe. i have walked through the area during the day and felt safe. this seems unusual considering its proximity to 'the bluff' and simpson street, but with the beltline coming in, it seems like it may be a good idea. anyone here live in washington park?

[Born 2 Roll]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

my family is looking to move intown and we are looking at washington park, directly next to the park. we headed over there last night and it seemed relatively safe. i have walked through the area during the day and felt safe. this seems unusual considering its proximity to 'the bluff' and simpson street, but with the beltline coming in, it seems like it may be a good idea. anyone here live in washington park?

You may have walked through the area during the day, but have you visited the area at night?

It's an area that is on the rise over the long-term with lots of young professionals starting to move into the area, the construction of some newer housing taking place, the opening of the Walmart where the Publix grocery store used to be, the close promixity to the Ashby MARTA Station and the historic schools of the Atlanta University Center.

You are making a good assessment that the area has a lot of growth potential with the Beltline slated to be built through the area.

But the area still has some rough edges to it as crime is still a significant concern, despite crime not necessarily being anywhere near as bad as it used to be in years and decades past.

It's definitely an area that's made some great improvements and will continue to improve long-term but it's still definitely an area where one should stay alert and on guard when it comes to the safety of oneself, one's family and one's home and material items.

Like many improving areas in Intown Atlanta, it's still an area that is very urban in nature.

[bryantm3]

we drove over there at like 3 in the morning, got out and took a look at the house; it seemed very quiet.

[cqholt]

Talk to the neighbors about the area.
There are things you can do to protect yourself and family. If you're looking at an investment, it could have a potential large return on investment. Schools are the next concern.

[bryantm3]

no, it wouldn't be an investment— we're not the "investment class" and don't have a lot of loose change to throw around. this would be a permanent move. i know it's going to require a degree of vigilance, just like moving intown anywhere else, but i'm just making sure this isn't a pit bull and security camera type of neighbourhood. that's why i was so surprised when i went through the neighbourhood; it's only a half mile from one of the worst hoods in the country and it looked nicer than a lot of other neighbourhoods in town.

[kferq]

Originally Posted by bryantm3

no, it wouldn't be an investment— we're not the "investment class" and don't have a lot of loose change to throw around. this would be a permanent move. i know it's going to require a degree of vigilance, just like moving intown anywhere else, but i'm just making sure this isn't a pit bull and security camera type of neighbourhood. that's why i was so surprised when i went through the neighbourhood; it's only a half mile from one of the worst hoods in the country and it looked nicer than a lot of other neighbourhoods in town.

It is a very safe area in the day. I use the PATH trail there for cycling and the pool and tennis areas in the Park are a big plus. The houses are mixed in the area. Some are older, small houses, some 50-60s ranch, and some newer development. I think close to the park and to the South is better than a few streets North.

[cqholt]

Get an alarm system, don't leave anything in your cars, double sided dead bolts, motion lights. If you really want to be protected there is always security film on windows to prevent breaking and simple security cameras. The best thing is getting to know your neighbors.

[CashmereEsquire]

I live in near by Vine City, and the area isn't a war zone like they try to make you think, the worst thing about the area are the burnt down and unkept abandoned homes/buildings. Outside of that if you aren't involved in Crime, and live conservative (not too flashy), you`ll be fine. Just invest in an Alarm,Burgler Bars/Secruity Film, and keep around your home well lit at night.

[residinghere2007]

Originally Posted by CashmereEsquire

I live in near by Vine City, and the area isn't a war zone like they try to make you think, the worst thing about the area are the burnt down and unkept abandoned homes/buildings. Outside of that if you aren't involved in Crime, and live conservative (not too flashy), you`ll be fine. Just invest in an Alarm,Burgler Bars/Secruity Film, and keep around your home well lit at night.

This,

Washington Park, especially close to the actual park, is a pretty safe, decent area. The homes are on the small side IMO but if it is just for your parents, they may not want a big home. Most of the inhabitants when we put in an offer on the house in the area were elderly and they kept up their property well.

We were looking to buy a house on Ollie Street, with is up, then down the hill from the park. It is a nice little area and is very convenient to MARTA. The Natatorium at Washington Park is great too, nice staff and workout facilities and it draws a very diverse crowd. The neighborhood is getting more diverse, especially around Lena St. with the newer homes. If they are going to buy, I would stay where you (OP) are speaking of, near the park itself.

FWIW, HGTV's "Curb Appeal" did a show on one of the homes on Ollie Street, two homes down from the house we were looking at buying. You may be able to look it up. We only didn't buy the home because it failed the home inspection - foundation issues. I would have loved living in that area so I was sad that the repairs exceeded what we were willing to pay.