roommate or alone (Atlanta, Dunwoody, Decatur: cheap apartments, lease, crime)

[countrygirl307]

I am trying for a new position and if hired will need to move very quickly to Atlanta. Job located in Brookhaven.
I am single, 41, professional, female and looking for somewhere safe to live. Would like to stay at $1000 or less a month including all utilities. To help with money my first thought is to find someone looking for a roommate.
I did think of apartments. All I really need is a studio or 1 bedroom. But it is so hard looking at all those apartment search sites. They all look nice but have horrible reviews.
I know I would need to find something very close to my work area. Within 10-15 minute drive distance.
Any suggestions.

[atltechdude]

For $1000/mo including all utilities and safe area 10-15 from Brookhaven I would say you definitely should be looking for a roommate. You are going to need to pay more than that NOT including utilities for most 1 bed apts in these areas.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by atltechdude

For $1000/mo including all utilities and safe area 10-15 from Brookhaven I would say you definitely should be looking for a roommate. You are going to need to pay more than that NOT including utilities for most 1 bed apts in these areas.

I dunno; there are quite a few decent apartments along the Buford Highway, Clairemont and North Druid Hill corridors where she should be able to find a decent enough studio or 1 BR around $1000. I'd be willing to pay just a little bit more just for the peace and privacy. A 41 yo single woman moving to a new city and trying to find a compatible roommate who's not a total nut job scares me.

[atltechdude]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

I dunno; there are quite a few decent apartments along the Buford Highway, Clairemont and North Druid Hill corridors where she should be able to find a decent enough studio or 1 BR around $1000.

I wouldn't really consider the cheap apartments on Buford Hwy to be a completely safe area. There is a fair amount of crime in that area.

Originally Posted by Newsboy

I'd be willing to pay just a little bit more just for the peace and privacy. A 41 yo single woman moving to a new city and trying to find a compatible roommate who's not a total nut job scares me.

Completely agree. If she's willing to pay a little more for her own place in a good area it totally makes sense to do so. Personally I outgrew roommates after college.

[Atlwarrior]

I would try the Chamblee area near the Marta station a lot of neat new stuff around there. Dunwoody is good area that may work for you also. There are some staff cheaper apartments near Charles Stanley church.

[fieldm]

Look between Druid Hill Rd and Shallowford Rd east of 85

[Iconographer]

I would check into one of the properties managed by Kenco.

-fits your budget
-although older, the units are well-maintained and updated
-the properties are concentrated in NE Atlanta, close to Brookhaven.

KENCO Apartment Communities | Atlanta, GA Home Page

I don't blame you for your reluctance to take on a roommate at age 41. I'm 61 and can barely tolerate living with my husband.

[ATLTJL]

I'd up my budget enough to get a good 1 bedroom by myself. Or suck it up and commute more than I'd want to. Maybe just sign a 6 month lease so you can have some time to look for and vet a proper roommate. Pretty tough to do remotely.

[JMatl]

You should check out the link that LovinDecatur thoughtfully provided.

It shows a couple of one bedrooms available at Dresden Forest for $900. This is a nice older complex that is well maintained, in an almost perfect location.

This is a very nice, safe area within walking distance of Brookhaven Village. There's a train station down the street for trips into the city or Airport, and all of the shopping you could ever need practically around the corner.

I would personally jump on it. Good luck!