First Time Buyer in Cascade (Atlanta, Fairburn: lease, crime rates, townhome)

[dlyles0816]

There's an existing community in the Cascade/Fairburn Mays area that I'm strongly considering purchasing a 3 story 3/4bdrm 3.5bath in. However, I am torn. I'm a single black woman who will be living alone and while this will not be my first time living in the hood as I did attend school in the AUC and I am licensed to carry... owning, I can't just up and break a lease if I don't like it.

I'm thinking beyond just how things are now, I'm thinking long term. I am only 24 y/o and plan to live in the townhome for 3-5 years then I plan on renting it out for residual income. I think the closeness to the airport, college and universities, and downtown overall makes for a good investment when it comes to renting, whether that be to nurses, flight attendants, students etc. Plus I want to invest in a black community instead of taking my money elsewhere to invest in someone else's community.

I'm from Oakland, Ca and many people have told me cascade area is "old money", so can someone tell me of any developments they have planned for this area. I know there's a "project housing" right around the corner I believe is called the providence of cascade that needs to be demolished( please don't judge me) but I've drove through there several times to get an idea of the area and it's just time for it to be gone. I feel like the area has so much potential being near a kroger, walmart, publix, and starbuck, but when you make that right on fair burn its just sadness.

Please help me!!

[arjay57]

I can't speak to crime in the area but have been in the Publix and the Home Depot several times. They seem very nice to me.

[Clayton white guy]

Cascade Heights southward down Casade to and past 285 has one of the lowest crime rates in the city, really lower than many of the swanky eastside neighborhoods.

[johnscd71]

If you like it, I'd say buy it, especially if you plan to stay awhile. I bought my first home in the "hood" in Atlanta many years ago. At that point, the projects were still open a couple of miles away. I stayed in the home for years before renting it out. The neighborhood has developed greatly since I bought it. If the neighborhood has potential and you can wait it out, do it. I still own that home - I now rent it out.

[seussie]

I recommend attending an NPU-I meeting and the NPU-T meeting. The first will tell you about businesses they're trying to support. I think Cascade's getting a new black-owned coffee shop for example, but NPU-I's info is best accessible in person than on their FB group. Being a homeowner in the area might definitely give you some leverage to achieve those social changes you desire.

[dlyles0816]

Originally Posted by seussie

I recommend attending an NPU-I meeting and the NPU-T meeting. The first will tell you about businesses they're trying to support. I think Cascade's getting a new black-owned coffee shop for example, but NPU-I's info is best accessible in person than on their FB group. Being a homeowner in the area might definitely give you some leverage to achieve those social changes you desire.

Thank you! I definitely want to get involved in the community, so this information was very helpful.

[pit2atl]

if the house is outside 285 on cascade road buy it! i love that area. especially around the risky lake are of cascade.