Lake Claire / Candler Park - Dekalb Ave NE - good for families? (Atlanta: crime, how much)

[hbake]

Hi, my husband and I are looking for a new home and have always loved the Lake Claire/Candler Park area. We have a 2 year old now and are worried about crime in the neighborhood because we don't know the area well. If you have any information it would be helpful. We have homes saved all over the area, but there are a few on Dekalb Ave (Mary Lin Elementary) that we really like, just ant to gather more data about the area. Any input is welcomed. Thank you!

[back2atl]

I've got friends with a 3yr old and a newborn that are very happy there and hope to stay for a long time. I almost bought there in 2007, would've been a great investment. That's about all I've got - the crime stats are indeed a little high, depends on how much you worry about probabilities I guess. Hope that helps!

[Burquebinder]

^Crime? That area is mostly families with young kids these days, and typically in homes that start at a half mil and up. Not saying there's no crime, but it's in high demand for a reason. None of the neighborhoods immediately to the south have major crime issues these days either, and are a fair bit more affordable.

[red92s]

I would not want to live ON Deklab when there other great streets with less traffic noise, and trains, but the area in general is very family friendly and safe. You'll pay dearly for even a modest home, but Lin is a great elementary school.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by hbake

Hi, my husband and I are looking for a new home and have always loved the Lake Claire/Candler Park area. We have a 2 year old now and are worried about crime in the neighborhood because we don't know the area well. If you have any information it would be helpful. We have homes saved all over the area, but there are a few on Dekalb Ave (Mary Lin Elementary) that we really like, just ant to gather more data about the area. Any input is welcomed. Thank you!

Depends on your threshold for crime. Look at the stats. Personally I wouldn't avoid the area because of the crime. Its not bad for Atlanta, but things do happen there.

[hbake]

The stats are why I posted, but it is mostly theft (looks like car break-ins) which I can tolerate (happens where we are now too). We are looking at a few houses in Lake Claire some are on Dekalb Ave and some are right off Dekalb.

I really appreciate the feedback! We love the area and the houses that we are looking at, but not living in the area we just want to make sure that we wouldnt have any regrets. Thank you!!

[JPD]

That area is family central. Keep your car cleaned out and you'll be fine.

[cqholt]

Do know that DeKalb Ave will be transformed into a Complete Street in the coming years, which will reduce vehicle speeds and make the street safer for all modes of transportation.
http://renewatlantabond.com/wp-conte...ion-Packet.pdf

[bu2]

Originally Posted by hbake

The stats are why I posted, but it is mostly theft (looks like car break-ins) which I can tolerate (happens where we are now too). We are looking at a few houses in Lake Claire some are on Dekalb Ave and some are right off Dekalb.

I really appreciate the feedback! We love the area and the houses that we are looking at, but not living in the area we just want to make sure that we wouldnt have any regrets. Thank you!!

There have been several rapes/attempted rapes in the last couple of years. I think they caught the one guy who was responsible for 2 of the cases. There's also a homeless population along Freedom/Candler Park, which seem harmless, but you never know. You have to be alert, especially later at night. I regularly read about armed robberies of pedestrians, generally after midnight, in Virginia Highlands, which is viewed as "safe." I wouldn't hesitate to live in Virginia Highlands, but its not like living in a small town.

[jeoff]

Other than the heavily traveled streets (Clifton, Dekalb, McClendon, etc.), kids are playing outside and on the streets all the time, especially on the dead-end streets (I don't always agree with other parents comfort with this, but then my wife and I don't always agree either). We have had one unsecured bicycle stolen in 3 years, and one of our neighbor's car's is apparently a magnet for break-ins. Occasionally we have folks asking for work, and stuff--I have seen police ask them questions when they see them. Once we gave a guy work, and he did a good job, and he found work with a neighbor as well. Personally, I think that the chance for crime decreases the further you are from the heavily traveled streets. There is a bit of variation with how folks keep their yards, some manicured, some very natural, some stuffed with vegetables. We get a good bit of use of the CP public pool and playground, and there are quite a few other parks and green-space around that are great for kids. Mary-Lin has been a very good school for us, and has been the warmest of the 3 highly rated public elementary schools that we have sent our kids to.