Best affordable areas outside Metro ATL (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: apartment, to rent, house)

[VirtualErik]

Hey guys!

So I am a Georgia native, but raised in a small town, Washington, Ga to be exact, anyways I've only actually been to Atlanta a handful of time, and currently I am in Seattle, WA.
I want to go somewhere with a lower cost of living as it's too expensive here as well as be back closer to family, from Atlanta it's about a 2.5hr drive, which is better than a 6hr flight.

Anyways I am considering transferring to the Atlanta airport, I currently am looking at areas, and since I don't know the areas that well, where to avoid, where to focus, ect.

I'm looking to be somewhere within a decent drive to the MARTA as I plan to take the red line into the airport for my commute, I plan to rent an apartment, at least at first.

I want to stay lower than $800/mo if I can help it.

That being said, that's where I need some suggestions on areas to focus my search on.

Marietta? Alpheretta, Sandy Springs, ect.
and places to avoid.

It'll just be me, no kids, no spouse, no pets.

Anyways, thanks in advance!

[citidata18]

Marietta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, etc. are all very pricey.

I would suggest looking in Newnan in the southern suburbs as well. You should have no problem finding an apartment within your price range there. A ton of Delta / airport employees live there too because of its relatively close proximity (straight shot up/down I-85).

Only thing is, you will need a car.

[VirtualErik]

Originally Posted by citidata18

Marietta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, etc. are all very pricey.

I would suggest looking in Newnan in the southern suburbs as well. You should have no problem finding an apartment within your price range there. A ton of Delta / airport employees live there too because of its relatively close proximity (straight shot up/down I-85).

Only thing is, you will need a car.

I'll check that out, I have a car, just trying to avoid that Atlanta traffic lol

[citidata18]

Originally Posted by VirtualErik

I'll check that out, I have a car, just trying to avoid that Atlanta traffic lol

If that's the case, then I would strongly recommend Newnan for sure.

The SW Metro is the least traffic-congested portion of the region. I-85 south doesn't really see back ups like the interstates / freeways on the north side of Atlanta. The length of your daily commute would likely be 20 to 30 minutes at the most.

[hilltop180]

I like Newnan as well. If you are going to work at the airport, there are a lot of rural-type areas that are accessible to the aiport like Senoia and Chattahoochee Hills. You can probably get a really nice house down in Newnan for a pretty good price. Cool you went from Washington, GA to Seattle, WA. My folks have a house over in Washington, GA that my grandparents and great-grandparents owned.