Where to buy? Grant, Peoplestown, Blvd heights, EAV etc

[AndyInAtlanta]

Originally Posted by travbo

While the Georgia State development will for sure have an impact on the surrounding areas and will likely be a major driver for development, you're talking 6-7 years down the road. It's going to be a huge project in scope and size. The westside neighborhoods in my opinion are likely to see much more movement on the upside in the short term, 3-4 years due to the beltline coming on board very soon.

I would agree with this. I wouldn't imagine Georgia State has the funding available currently for both the Turner Field retrofit and the new baseball field. On top of that all the student housing, apartments, and retail won't likely start for quite some time. It's a very ambitious project.

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by travbo

While the Georgia State development will for sure have an impact on the surrounding areas and will likely be a major driver for development, you're talking 6-7 years down the road. It's going to be a huge project in scope and size. The westside neighborhoods in my opinion are likely to see much more movement on the upside in the short term, 3-4 years due to the beltline coming on board very soon.

Really the best thing that the west side has going for it, is that the east side is so darn expensive. If you like where it is right now, and want to live in the city-it is a great place to live--and maybe you can use the money you save on housing to invest in something else, or just enjoy not being house-poor. But there is nothing on the west side to help it weather even a mild recession. It got pummeled during the last crash (although a lot of that was mortgage fraud, I believe). You can see where the money is on the east side, and have a good idea of where it is going--and even in a downturn, you can expect most of those projects to go forward.

[tissle]

What about West Midtown/Blandtown/Westtown/Underwood Hills?
You can get great deals there.

[jms123]

Originally Posted by tissle

What about West Midtown/Blandtown/Westtown/Underwood Hills?
You can get great deals there.

Unfortunately it would be a crappy commute from those areas... I work in Peachtree City

[jms123]

Originally Posted by jeoff

Really the best thing that the west side has going for it, is that the east side is so darn expensive. If you like where it is right now, and want to live in the city-it is a great place to live--and maybe you can use the money you save on housing to invest in something else, or just enjoy not being house-poor. But there is nothing on the west side to help it weather even a mild recession. It got pummeled during the last crash (although a lot of that was mortgage fraud, I believe). You can see where the money is on the east side, and have a good idea of where it is going--and even in a downturn, you can expect most of those projects to go forward.

Yes, that is an option too. I am just feeling that pressure as I approach 30 to stop "throwing away" money on rent. I have read many arguments for both sides and realize housing may end up costing more than rent in many cases, but there is still the nagging thought of feeling like I SHOULD be buying.

[wasel]

My advice -- if this is primarily about feeling like you "should be buying," I would advise staying put for the time being if you like where you live. Don't buy a home unless you feel 100% certain you want to live in a particular house and neighborhood. Don't select a place based on investment appreciation potential either. Buy a place based on where you want to live, liking the neighborhood, fits your lifestyle (commuting requirements) etc. All those neighborhoods mentioned have their own merits but it sounds like you really aren't sure what you want (that's not a criticism), and if that's the case you're better off not making the commitment yet.

You mentioned a fiance, which implies wedding is being planned. That is stressful enough, just get through the wedding and then refocus on the housing after you're settled as a married couple.

[bryan alan]

Just bought a house in Summerhill. Really hope that area stays on the uprise!

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by bryan alan

Just bought a house in Summerhill. Really hope that area stays on the uprise!

Congratulations and good luck!

[East Lake Wants You]

Chosewood park has a section i think is going to be the next big area. There is a hill that overlooks Atlanta with unbelivable views. Multi-Million dollar views. With I knew exactly where to tell you to go there but just look for the highest land then head up and turn around when you get to the top and you will see.

[st3mpy]

My rental is being sold here in Historic midtown, so we are being kicked out.

I'm looking to buy on the West side myself. Rent continues to rise on the East side (A friend of mine had his rent rise $400/mo a few months ago). I won't praise it too much right now (don't want the prices to go up). I will say that, don't make yourself house poor trying to stay afloat on the East side. And don't forget to think in absolutes either. A 50% decrease in value of a $150k home is still less than a 25% decrease in value of a $400k home.