Most Urban Neighborhood Options in Atlanta (Auburn, Washington: apartment, for rent, townhomes)

[LLLG4E]

I may be moving to Atlanta for work from Washington D.C. and need some advice about urban neighborhoods to live in. I will not have time to come an explore prior to moving so I would love to get some insight if possible. I would be working downtown. Are there any neighborhoods in Atlanta similar to Columbia Heights, Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, U Street, or Adams Morgan in D.C.? If so, which ones would you recommend?

-I'm looking to rent.
-Can afford up to $2,000 for an apartment.
-I do not own a car here in D.C. and would like to continue living car free.
-Would like to be walking distance to restaurants (other than chains).
-Walking distance to a grocery store, cleaners, gym, and parks if possible.
-Walking distance to a MARTA station.


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[jsvh]

I have been out in some of those neighborhoods in DC, fun areas!

We don't have as many walk-ups / older townhomes like those areas. However I think you will be able to find something to fit what you are looking for in neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown. Good news is your budget will go pretty far here.

[LLLG4E]

Originally Posted by jsvh

I have been out in some of those neighborhoods in DC, fun areas!

We don't have as many walk-ups / older townhomes like those areas. However I think you will be able to find something to fit what you are looking for in neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown. Good news is your budget will go pretty far here.

Thank you for your quick reply. Which of those areas would you say is the most urban (retail under buildings etc.) and vibrant? I hate using google maps because it doesn't give a realistic feel for a neighborhood.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by LLLG4E

Thank you for your quick reply. Which of those areas would you say is the most urban (retail under buildings etc.) and vibrant? I hate using google maps because it doesn't give a realistic feel for a neighborhood.

The most urban feeling of those 3 is Sweet Auburn, but it has no grocery store, gym, cleaners etc. It does have streetcar, bus, and subway service.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by LLLG4E

Thank you for your quick reply. Which of those areas would you say is the most urban (retail under buildings etc.) and vibrant? I hate using google maps because it doesn't give a realistic feel for a neighborhood.

I would say Midtown myself. However, it is more "new urban" style. A lot of high-rises which DC doesn't have.

Sweet Auburn is probably closer in "feel" to the areas you are referencing. And still vibrant. Edgewood Ave in the center of the neighborhood is a popular destination for going out.

[LLLG4E]

Originally Posted by jsvh

I would say Midtown myself. However, it is more "new urban". A lot of high-rises which DC doesn't have.

Sweet Auburn is probably closer in "feel" to the areas you are referencing. And still very vibrant. Edgewood Ave in the center of the neighborhood is a popular destination for going out.

I have actually been to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta a couple times for work. Midtown and Downtown lacked the retail and vibrancy I would be looking for in a neighborhood. There wasn't much retail along the streets and they seemed to get pretty dead outside business hours. I lived in Gallery Place here in D.C. before and it was very convenient and busy 24 hours a day. If I could find that in Atlanta, I would definitely consider it but I have spent quite a bit of time in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta already.

I have never ventured out into the other neighborhoods people actually live in throughout Atlanta though. I'm sure the residential neighborhoods of Atlanta offer a more vibrant atmosphere which is why I came here for suggestions.

Would you suggest Sweet Auburn also? Are there a lot of nice buildings there? I will look into that neighborhood and see what I can find.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by LLLG4E

I have actually been to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta a couple times for work. Midtown and Downtown lacked the retail and vibrancy I would be looking for in a neighborhood. There wasn't much retail along the streets and they seemed to get pretty dead outside business hours. I lived in Gallery Place here in D.C. before and it was very convenient and busy 24 hours a day. If I could find that in Atlanta, I would definitely consider it but I have spent quite a bit of time in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta already.

I have never ventured out into the other neighborhoods people actually live in throughout Atlanta though. I'm sure the residential neighborhoods of Atlanta offer a more vibrant atmosphere which is why I came here for suggestions.

Would you suggest Sweet Auburn also? Are there a lot of nice buildings there? I will look into that neighborhood and see what I can find.

No, there is not a lot of nice buildings there, but it is urban. You'll need to provide a price point, because Inman Park and O4W are expensive, as they are very desirable places.

[LLLG4E]

Originally Posted by cqholt

No, there is not a lot of nice buildings there, but it is urban. You'll need to provide a price point, because Inman Park and O4W are expensive, as they are very desirable places.

I can afford up to $2,000 for rent. I just did a quick search and you're right, there weren't many buildings with units to rent. I will look into Inman Park and O4W. Thanks so much for being helpful.

[fieldm]

Midtown

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by LLLG4E

I can afford up to $2,000 for rent. I just did a quick search and you're right, there weren't many buildings with units to rent. I will look into Inman Park and O4W. Thanks so much for being helpful.

Inman Park has subway service, O4W at this time only has bus service, but may get LRT/Streetcar service in the future.