Relocation to Atlanta/Metro area July 2010 (Lithonia: apartment, to rent, houses)

[summergal29]

Hello. I am moving to Atlanta Georgia in 3 months with a set of twin girls, and a 3 year old daughter.Based off this helpful list below, I answered these questions in hopes to receive the information I am looking for. Thanks.

1. My budget for a house or a apartment to rent is $700.
2. I am looking for a house, or apartment to rent for right now. Not ready to buy just yet.
3. I will be working at Grady Medical Center.
4. I have twin girls age 9, and a toddler age 3. Seeking areas that have a great elementary and preschool system.
5. I am seeking a mixed Surburban and Urban lifestyle
6. Easy access to public transportation, I do drive but depending on the commute, public transportation would be nice.
7. Demographics in a neighborhood would be something similar to the Lithonia area, or areas that have a southern charm to it. I love houses that have porches of nice back yards for the kids to play.

I hope this helps. I know for some of the things that I am looking for, that I may need to bring up the price I am willing to spend on rent. I am a widowed mother who is looking for areas that are in the best interest of my girls, and some place that is upbeat, great dating scence, and access to dowtown Atlanta. Thanks again. And I look forward to seeing you all soon. Thanks

[ericsonga]

Originally Posted by summergal29

Hello. I am moving to Atlanta Georgia in 3 months with a set of twin girls, and a 3 year old daughter.Based off this helpful list below, I answered these questions in hopes to receive the information I am looking for. Thanks.

1. My budget for a house or a apartment to rent is $700.
2. I am looking for a house, or apartment to rent for right now. Not ready to buy just yet.
3. I will be working at Grady Medical Center.
4. I have twin girls age 9, and a toddler age 3. Seeking areas that have a great elementary and preschool system.
5. I am seeking a mixed Surburban and Urban lifestyle
6. Easy access to public transportation, I do drive but depending on the commute, public transportation would be nice.
7. Demographics in a neighborhood would be something similar to the Lithonia area, or areas that have a southern charm to it. I love houses that have porches of nice back yards for the kids to play.

I hope this helps. I know for some of the things that I am looking for, that I may need to bring up the price I am willing to spend on rent. I am a widowed mother who is looking for areas that are in the best interest of my girls, and some place that is upbeat, great dating scence, and access to dowtown Atlanta. Thanks again. And I look forward to seeing you all soon. Thanks

$700 a month?? For what I would assume to be a 3 bedroom house/apartment?? Atlanta is cheap, but I think that you should be realistic. If you do find something in that price range, it is going to be in the diciest of areas.

[bikefrontier]

I have to agree with ericsonga. $700 is going to get you a shell of a house in a pretty rough area.

Im not really sure what the demographics of Lithonia are, but I think your best bet might be an inner city neighborhood. That could drop your cost of commute, and raise your budget for a house. In areas like kirkwood/east lake/oakhurst (which have fairly good schools), you could get a 3br/1ba house for around $1000. They would be smaller houses (~1000 sq ft), and have small yards, but many of the houses in these neighborhoods do have fences, and public parks are close by. Very short commute to Grady from there (about 5 miles). And there are public transportation stops everywhere.

For instance, I own a 3br/1ba house in east lake, across the street from the elementary school. It has a completely fenced yard, there is a MARTA bus stop across the street, and the MARTA train stop is about 1.5 miles away (with parking). I will be renting it for $1000 (once we finish the rehab), which is what I see other similar sized/quality homes renting for in the area.

[summergal29]

Thanks for all the responses. @Obanks, thanks for the helpful information. I do own a truck and its in good condition, so I will be using this method mostly to get around. But unforseen circumstances may occur, and I need a back up plan. But, thanks for all the info and I will read up on your information.