Seeking the straight dope on Atlanta; not seeking dope. (Dunwoody: crime, dorms)

[Alphabetadada]

George Chong: Yeah, see I grew up in an area and have, with the exception of now, always lived in places where you would NEVER either leave your door unlocked, or anything of value visible in your car. That's all deeply ingrained in me to the point of being a DUH! issue. Very good to hear that Atlanta is livable if you've got that down.

On the point of residential break-ins, as a renter in the various places that I've mentioned, can I reasonably expect to find a place with security a la solid doors, window bars, good locks, security, etc? Are renters at a disadvantage in this regard. I know that's a very broad question--just looking for impressions here.

Also, I was wondering if insurance rates (auto, renter's) are excessively high due to the number of property crimes.

Thanks for your response.

[gt6974a]

Insurance rates are higher in the city than outside, don't know by how much though.

Guy at work here bought one of the refurb'd areas by the stadium. He's been broken into 4 times in last year, even after installing bars on the windows and a security alarm.

It's pretty obvious to him that his neighbors are just watching his home and know when he and his roommate are not there.

They walk across the street, dip in and out really fast. Not much he can do except try to sell at this point.

[Alphabetadada]

gt697a: RE: your friend near the stadium, forgive my ignorance, but where exactly is that? I think you might be talking about (roughly) the area west of Grant Park, but I'm not sure.

[spacelord75]

Originally Posted by Alphabetadada

spacelord75: Very good to know. I made the mistake of using the crime-mapping on the APD website and it just looked like WOW! Any given 2 week period reveals a downtown area saturated with crime... i.e., you can't avoid it. But what you say makes a lot of sense and I appreciate it.

Can I ask, what are the "rougher elements" neighborhood wise? I've read time and time again that south of 20 gets a bit touch and go, but what about north towards Ponce de Leon, and heading east towards Mooreland/L5P? Basically, are there identifiable hot (as in bad) spots within all of the safer areas, or is it more like a commuter-crime situation where Atlanta's auto-heavy motivity leads inevitably to the dispersion far and wide of crime.

It's been a while since I lived inside town, so others might have more in-depth info, but generally the guideline of anything south of 20 is correct. Also some areas to the west of town (like along Bankhead Hwy/aka, Hollowell Pkwy, Hollywood Rd., etc.), and some parts around Grant Park (although that area has come a long way). Strecthes along Moreland can feel pretty sketchy. Ponce is okay, but you get some interesting traffic on the road (and side streets) at night. Atlanta is weird in that there are random pockets around that can be bad, surrounding a good neighborhood.

If I were you, based on what you are looking for, I would consider renting something around Va-Hi, Candler Park, or Inman Park. All seem to have a cool, laid back neighborhood feel and are close-knit.

[gt6974a]

Originally Posted by Alphabetadada

gt697a: RE: your friend near the stadium, forgive my ignorance, but where exactly is that? I think you might be talking about (roughly) the area west of Grant Park, but I'm not sure.

That's the area. Not associated with his home, but we also got our window broken out one night during a Braves game when we parked back in the n-hood rather than paying in the lot. They stole a bunch of stupid crap. Haven't done that again.

Living in Centennial Place, we got broken into twice, Section 8 kids kicking the door in.

Living in Home Park, serveral residents had cars broken into.

Back in the ghetto days, I got mugged, car-jacked, kid-knapped in Buckhead one glorious evening. My police report is posted on here somewhere.

You couldn't pay me to live anywhere South of I-20, nor along, around 20 itself.

[georgiaguy08]

When u say u wouldnt live anywhere along or south of I-20, you're talking about inside the city right ?

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by Alphabetadada

George Chong: Yeah, see I grew up in an area and have, with the exception of now, always lived in places where you would NEVER either leave your door unlocked, or anything of value visible in your car. That's all deeply ingrained in me to the point of being a DUH! issue. Very good to hear that Atlanta is livable if you've got that down.

On the point of residential break-ins, as a renter in the various places that I've mentioned, can I reasonably expect to find a place with security a la solid doors, window bars, good locks, security, etc? Are renters at a disadvantage in this regard. I know that's a very broad question--just looking for impressions here.

Also, I was wondering if insurance rates (auto, renter's) are excessively high due to the number of property crimes.

Thanks for your response.

In terms of security as a renter, I would look at "secured" buildings rather than a single family home. A building that has limited access and or parking behind a gate would be great. I doubt that many landlords have the type of security that you would want available to you. Any of the newer apartment communities would have the security that you desire. However, it depends on your budget.

[Alphabetadada]

gt6974a: First of all, I'm really sorry to hear about your experiences in Buckhead. That place seems like a conundrum--on the one hand, the Nieman Marcus crowd, and on the other hand I have heard countless people say they would never go there due to the rise in crime. I'm confused, but given the above can't imagine why I would ever go there myself.

And the other info you gave me confirms what I have heard about the west side being a not so great place, generally, and the same of the 20 area. But one of the people I know down there does actually disagree. He lives in East Atlanta Village now and formerly spent 8 years in Grant Park--he recently referred to both as Mecca--by which I think he meant they were rad places with everything an urban pilgrim might want.

Cheers.

[gt6974a]

Originally Posted by georgiaguy08

When u say u wouldnt live anywhere along or south of I-20, you're talking about inside the city right ?

yeah

[davesm]

Alphabetadada: I would agree with your friend. There are plenty of great n-hoods south of I-20. You named a couple. Basically, it comes down to a lifestyle choice. This may shock some, but many people would rather live in Grant Park (South of I-20) then Brookhaven, or prefer the vibe of EAV (South of I-20) over Va-Hi. The South of I-20 = Evil reasoning has been fading for a long time now amongst those familiar with intown. Are there bad areas South of I-20? Heck Yeah!!! But on the other hand some of Atlanta's nicest (and coolest) n-hoods are South of I-20. Same thing applies to the Westside. Some people don't want to let the stigma go, because its simpler to hang onto a "rule" (Like don't wear white after Labor day).

If I were you I'd rely a lot more on your friend's perspective then the folks here. You don't seem like you're cityphobic, or would run to mama if you saw a homeless person. Plan a trip and take a driving/marta/walking tour.

gt6974a: If I had been victimized by crime as much as you I would have passed the suburbs and moved to the country. You're a survivor dude.