Areas to live near Century Center (Atlanta, North Druid Hills: apartment complexes, rentals, houses)

[SunnyCoast]

We are moving to Atlanta for my work, which will be at the Century Center (I-85/Clairmont). We are considering the Gables apartments at the Century Center, mainly because of convenience to work (walk to work).

Can anyone tell us any info about that area (Safety etc)?

We have two elementary age children so we have looked up schools in the Century Center area. If we live at Gables the school would be Montclair, however according to Greatschools.com it is not too good. Can anyone provide information/feedback on that school.

The next closest school is Sagamore Hills, which has a much better rating and more ethnic diversity. Sagamore Hills is only 0.9m away but because it is on the other side of the 85 it is not in the Century Center school area. Do you know if we can ask to go to Sagamore Hills, even though it is not 'officially' in our area.

Alternatively we are also looking at rental properties in the Sagamore Hills/Druid Hills/Oak Grove areas, but house rentals are more expensive than apartment rentals - which is totally understandable because those areas are nice. We would also consider Oak Grove school if we could find a house to rent. But like I said, houses in that area are expensive to rent. Our budget is about $1500/m

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[Iconographer]

Stay south of I-85. Sagamore, Oak Grove, Briarlake Elementary Schools.

[VJP]

^ agree with LD. Don't get into that area right there, move further south on Clairmont to decatur or to druid hills. The traffic may seem bad, but in actuality its only a few minutes worth of a commute with the short distance. Watch for criminal activity in areas closer to and west of century center (I used to work at 1900 century blvd for some time).

[lastminutemom]

You won't get permission to get out of that school district. Administrative transfers in DeKalb have been tightened and will be further tightened.

You need to make a housing choice based on the school. Walking to work will not be an option, unfortunately.

[TakeAhike]

I responded in a previous thread but definitely concur with those who advise you to stay south of Clairmont.

I don't know how large a home you would like but about 5 minutes from Clairmont/Briarcliff there are older subdivisions with renovated 50's/60's homes that rent for $1200-1500/month. I see a good number of signs if it is possible for you to drive through the area. There are a number of apartment complexes in this area Clairmont-Briarcliff-North Druid Hills-LaVista.

You might also look at the Medlock Park area about 2 miles south on Clairmont from Century Center. Older homes, a good community recreation area and many young families.

[SunnyCoast]

Thank you all for your information.

TakeAhike, I found your response to my other thread and read over it again, thanks for all your great information (I had forgotten about my earlier thread!).