Close to Train (Atlanta, Decatur, Dawson: crime, houses, neighborhoods)

[rb7706]

I'll be working downtown in Atlanta and hope to be able to commute by train. I'm looking for a new or almost new 3 or 4 bdrm. Is there a nice area with nice houses, close to marta for under 300k? I was looking at Decatur...i heard you should only stay within its city limits though is that true?

[Ryan Ward]

It depends. The MARTA (trains) basically run either east/west and north/south. The east/west line is notorious for being in higher crime areas so there is more trouble on that line. It also happens to be where Decatur is located on the east side of the city.

[rb7706]

Do you have any suggestions then for where i should be looking? Thanks!

[backfist]

I ride MARTA everyday to and from work in Buckhead. Although the people who ride MARTA don't look like they come from Dawson's Creek or 90210, the only "trouble" I've had with MARTA is the occasional delay.

Now, there are stations in neighborhoods with very nice homes. But for under $300K, you're not going to have any luck. Atlanta is like any other big city: expensive. For a nice home under $300K, you're going to have to look in south Atlanta or in the outer suburbs. Yes, Decatur (city of) is very nice, but if you follow the advice you were given in terms of where and where not to live, you're going to spend more than $300K.

For what you want, you'll probably have to get used to the idea of commuting.