safety in south decatur? commute to downtown? (Atlanta: to rent, houses)

[newlawyer2010]

I'm planning to accept a job offer in Atlanta that will require me to move there on very short notice. I'm looking at areas to rent for about a year while I put my current house on the market and look for some place more permanent. I notice a lot of brick ranch houses in the south part of Decatur, which appear to be outside the actual city limits of Decatur in DeKalb County, which look like they could suit my current needs well, and are inexpensive enough that I could comfortably afford them while still servicing my current mortgage. My main priorities at this point are that the area is relatively safe and not too difficult to commute into downtown. What are your thoughts on this part of town?

[lastminutemom]

Probably not great. Can you share more details, ie street name, neighborhood name etc.

[Rocco Barbosa]

Originally Posted by newlawyer2010

I'm planning to accept a job offer in Atlanta that will require me to move there on very short notice. I'm looking at areas to rent for about a year while I put my current house on the market and look for some place more permanent. I notice a lot of brick ranch houses in the south part of Decatur, which appear to be outside the actual city limits of Decatur in DeKalb County, which look like they could suit my current needs well, and are inexpensive enough that I could comfortably afford them while still servicing my current mortgage. My main priorities at this point are that the area is relatively safe and not too difficult to commute into downtown. What are your thoughts on this part of town?

LovinDecatur would be the best person to ask.

[Clayton white guy]

While there are some pockets south of the city limits of Decatur that have been stable and are full of long time home owners (Forest Hills comes to mind), you really should drive the neighborhood before you rent or buy (and I would even add talk to the neighbors) On the other hand, the commute downtown should be a breeze and would give you the choice of MARTA, I-20, or taking Memorial Drive into the City. Just be vigilant, do your "homework", and make sure you know just what you are getting into. It has been my experience that you can not just blanket statement any community and that many have a street by street, block by block dynamic.

[MilkMachine]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

Probably not great. Can you share more details, ie street name, neighborhood name etc.

That. If you can share the specific street names I may be able to help you. I lived about a mile outside of Decatur on the south side for many years. My particular street had/has some issues, but there are plenty of nice pockets in that area. It is the kind of neighborhood that varies a bit from street to street. I know tons of people who live peacefully and happily in 30032.