Single professional mom looking to relocate to atlanta (Marietta, Smyrna: rent, condos)

[butterflycricket]

Hello all,
as the title suggests, I am a single mom to a 13yr old and I'm looking to relocate from Boston to Atlanta. I would prefer purchasing a home up to 300k. I would prefer an area that is mostly professional/middle class African American. I have no connections to ATL so I need an area that is welcoming and has plenty to do for myself and child. I will be working remote, so not concerned about the future of commuting.

can anyone suggest an ideal area.

Thanks!

[futureATLien]

Maybe SW Atlanta or Camp Creek?
This area predominantly African American, as in the schools will be over 90% black. Also try Marietta, maybe Henry County, Fayetteville, some parts of Gwinnett County as well. But SW Atlanta and South Fulton are your best bet.

[butterflycricket]

Originally Posted by futureATLien

Maybe SW Atlanta or Camp Creek?
This area predominantly African American, as in the schools will be over 90% black. Also try Marietta, maybe Henry County, Fayetteville, some parts of Gwinnett County as well. But SW Atlanta and South Fulton are your best bet.

Thanks!!

Are these surburan areas with professionals?

[Atlwarrior]

I would try the Camp Creek Area, Fayetteville, Fairburn, and East Point. Being that you are coming from Boston, Gwinnett and Fayette County will have the stronger school systems.

[MisterNY]

Originally Posted by butterflycricket

Thanks!!

Are these surburan areas with professionals?

Yes, mostly. My wife and I know a few people (Mostly professionals) that live (and lived) in the Camp Creek Area, and some north of it (Cascade Area). I know someone (AA)Dentist) that lived there a few years back, but he didn't have kids at the time. He moved closer to town, but never complained about the area when he lived there.

Those areas are well kept till this day, for the most part from what we can tell. Some people put their kids in private schools, some in PS.

There's just about everything one would need in the area (Shopping, Gyms, easy access to the airport, downtown etc). Keep an eye out for excessive apt complexes (Versus Condos). They tend to bring a rotation of people. Makes areas transient. Not being anti-renter or anything. Just saying. Keep that in mind. The Camp Creek Marketplace is considered East Point, so be vigilant. It's no war zone (don't let people scare you). But you just have to apply wisdom (as you should everywhere). You wouldn't leave your purse in plain view in your car, while downtown..why do it in the suburbs? Just don't make yourself a target.

I cannot comment on the schools, since I don't have kids there (or live there), but from my wife's friends' experiences, they weren't and still aren't unhappy with the elementary school (I think it's Randolph or Rudolph Elem). I'll ask her. You can look it up and ask questions as well.

Best bet would be to take a trip when things settle, and look at the area yourself. But disregard anyone telling you it's like the South Bronx or Roxbury. You have people that would make you think certain places are war zones, because they don't check all their boxes. Just apply wisdom, and inspect it yourself. No amount of posts here can match your personal experience or visit. Better yet, rent first and if you like the place, you'll know what to do. Do a home search in the 30331 zip code. You can get an idea of what the houses are like, etc.

Best of Luck.

[wasel]

I agree that Cascade is a nice area and has beautiful neighborhoods but it doesn’t have quite the same breadth of amenities as other areas of the metro.

I have personally known a few African American professionals who live in the Smyrna area.

[futureATLien]

I really enjoy living in the Smyrna area! I believe it's perfect for families and diverse. I have a few friends raising kids here and there aren't many complaints. Although her housing budget may steer towards a townhome and not a SFH. Also, Smyrna is a lot closer to better shopping and the airport is about 20-30 minutes away. I would personally choose Smyrna over Camp Creek, SW Atlanta, Fairburn etc.

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by futureATLien

I really enjoy living in the Smyrna area! I believe it's perfect for families and diverse. I have a few friends raising kids here and there aren't many complaints. Although her housing budget may steer towards a townhome and not a SFH. Also, Smyrna is a lot closer to better shopping and the airport is about 20-30 minutes away. I would personally choose Smyrna over Camp Creek, SW Atlanta, Fairburn etc.

Just curious if you would pick Smyrna still since the op doesn’t want diversity but rather majority African American ? I agree that overall I like Smyrna best too.

[futureATLien]

Definitely! Smyrna has a decent sized number of black professionals. I don't feel out of place here, compared to Johns Creek or Alpharetta. I lived/worked in that area for a few months and it is nice, but I feel more at home here in Smyrna/Vinings.

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by futureATLien

Definitely! Smyrna has a decent sized number of black professionals. I don't feel out of place here, compared to Johns Creek or Alpharetta. I lived/worked in that area for a few months and it is nice, but I feel more at home here in Smyrna/Vinings.

I think of all the places listed so far Smyrna is the best if the op can get past it’s not majority African American, but enough to feel comfortable as you do. I’ve been through the area myself and like it.