Help! Need Someone's Advice (Atlanta, Vinings: apartment, lease, homes)

[sncollns]

I've been offered a job at GSU but I don't know if I should take it. Salary is $36,000. I'm a mother of 2 yr old twins. I don't know if I should take it or just wait it out in Memphis to see what else comes up. GSU is holding the position for me until I finish grad school in May. What would you suggest i do? I really think I would love the job and I want to move to Atlanta. The pay sucks though. Do you think I would be able to make it? Would I be able to find a decent apartment close enough to the school (and two bdrm $850) so that it wouldn't take me forever getting to work in the morning? Would it be worth it?

[ffej]

IMO, if you really wish to move and you think you'd like the job then go ahead and go for it! You are fortunate in that you have an offer in you hip pocket to fall back on while you continue to look for a better paying position. Try to find an apartment with a shorter term lease so that you have some flexibility and you're good to go.

Good luck!

[momof2kids]

It might be difficult to find a 2 bd apartment close in for 850.00 a month. We lived in a 2 bd apartment @ 5 years ago in the Vinings area and we paid right at 1000.00. I am not sure what to going rate is now. Hope it all works out!

[sweettea1]

If you do take it, you can try and rent someone's apartment through Craigslist which usually has better deals than the big complexes. Some stuff in Midtown will usually fit your price.

[plessthanpointohfive]

Will GSU provide childcare for you or have you figured that out?

One positive thing to consider is that once you're in the system at GSU you will have access to a lot of other oppotunities within the university and other schools.

I'd take it and live a little lean and keep your eye open for a better opportunity.

I do think it's a little low, the salary, but think of it this way...by yourself you'll be making a little under the household medium income.

And take sweettea's advice - use craigslist to find your place. You don't have the budget for an amenities in the city but you can get a nice 2/1 apartment.

Or maybe even a house. Check this out: 2nd Chance Homes Presents.............. (broken link)

Candler Park/Lake Claire (broken link)

Large apartment in triplex behind Candler Park Golf Course (broken link)

See, you can find something. And, those places are good Atlanta neighborhoods (Candler Park and Inman Park) where the schools are good for when your twins get to that age (Mary Lin Elementary/Inman Middle/Grady High).

AND, it's on the east-west MARTA line so you can take MARTA to GSU...stops right at the school.

Good luck!

[gumboula]

I work at GSU and can give you info on childcare at GSU (cost, waitlist, etc.). Feel free to direct message me with questions.