Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Atlanta area (Decatur, Avondale Estates: to rent, low crime)

[sweettea1]

Personally, I just don't feel safe downtown. That's just me. So I'd stay away from those areas in terms of living. Emory Hospital is right near Midtown. Lots of options there too but few with parking and land. Looks like the one you found is in Ormewood Park. I really can't comment on that area. Maybe Moderator can.
I still think Emory Campus area is the way to go. Maybe you can offer lower rent for something you like, especially if its a house by owner.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by sweettea1

I would rent in Virginia Highland, Morningside, Toco Hills, Oak Grove, or Druid Hills. Look on Craigslist and then write us back if you find anything that looks good. There's always a deal or two in these nice areas. And, just as an FYI, it's Emory, not Emery!

Agreed. Those are closer to where that job area is, though sometimes rents can be pretty high.

You won't have to worry about nosy neighbors intown. People are as social, or not, as you want them to be. However, the "not caring about how high the grass gets" part could be an issue. Even if you're not in a suburban subdivision of homes, many intown neighborhoods DO have neighborhood associations. If you allow the grass to grow up to your knees, chances are that yes, there will be an issue. Either you could be fined by the city or they'll contact the owner of the home if you're renting, and threaten to fine them (not a good scene). This is pretty much the rule in most places. Subdivisions have rules about lawn maintanance - neighborhoods do, and if not, then the actual town/city or county may. You have to own a 50+ acre farm to get around that. So rule - mow your grass to avoid crap from neighbors.

If you choose the Marietta route then as xxman said, CCT (bus) is mostly your only option. The Georgia Regional Transit Agency DOES have "express" bus routes with some stops in that area though, but you're limited to only a few bus runs in the AM and a few in the PM hours. The web site if you wanna see the map is: Xpress System Map (broken link)

[xxman777]

The Emory Campus area is great, almost everywhere around it is going to be nice.

I really like the area where Prospect Ave is. Its a rapidly gentrifying, very cool neighborhood with a lot of character and about 15-20 minutes from your work. I'm not sure how much land you would have there though. Traffic wouldn't be as bad as around Emory either.

I'm not really familiar with the one on Rockbridge, from what I've heard that is a nice area but a really far ways from downtown Atlanta.

[shortcut2k]

Originally Posted by xxman777

Yes this would be the perfect place for you. You would be looking at a ranch but it would have a little more character (trees), you can probably find a garage and a 15-20 minute drive to work. You asked about parking, there is lots of parking in downtown and midtown. Both garage and surface lot parking is available. Prices will depend on where you are, I have seen stuff in a garage for as little as $3 a day but it is probably more expensive around Emory Hospital. You can always get a monthly pass which will save you some money.

When you say Emory, is there a town named Emory as well as an Emory University and Emory Hospital? It looks like when I put "Emory" in a search in Craigslist, I get homes in the Oxford/Covington area. Is this area safe?

[xxman777]

Originally Posted by shortcut2k

When you say Emory, is there a town named Emory as well as an Emory University and Emory Hospital? It looks like when I put "Emory" in a search in Craigslist, I get homes in the Oxford/Covington area. Is this area safe?

Usually when somebody says Emory they are referring to near Emory University. Most of the stuff on craigslist that says Emory will be near the university campus, not one of the hospitals. In my post that you quoted I was referring to the downtown hospital (Crawford Long). Sorry, I should have been more specific. There are actually six hospitals around the region that carry the Emory name plus numerous clinics. There is not town called Emory, in fact Emory is not in a town. Some people would say it is in Atlanta, some would say it is in Decatur, some would say it is in North Decatur and some would say it is in Druid Hills (North Decatur and Druid Hills aren't towns either, just areas). The Emory area is very safe, Oxford Rd is very nice. I'm not sure where they mean when they say Covington; Covington is a town much farther east. There is a Conventry which is very nice.

[shortcut2k]

Originally Posted by xxman777

Yes this would be the perfect place for you. You would be looking at a ranch but it would have a little more character (trees), you can probably find a garage and a 15-20 minute drive to work. You asked about parking, there is lots of parking in downtown and midtown. Both garage and surface lot parking is available. Prices will depend on where you are, I have seen stuff in a garage for as little as $3 a day but it is probably more expensive around Emory Hospital. You can always get a monthly pass which will save you some money.

The area I was recently looking is Avondale Estates. Does anyone have any information about Avondale Estates? Commute, crime, etc.? I am looking to rent a single family home with a garage.

[TakeAhike]

AE website>>>
City of Avondale Estates || Home

You can contact the Avondale PD for crime stats. Avondale is in the process of rejuvenation--next door to Decatur--also upgrading.

There are some beautiful older homes--??20's-70's--if I had to guess. Some are quite expensive. It is a very lovely neighborhood--there's a park and a lake.

From Wikipedia>>>
Avondale Estates, Georgia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and part of Avondale really went down during the past 3/4 decades--specifically the Columbia Mall area--the old mall was torn down last winter and a new Walmart is under construction--also some new types of housing--certain to be updates on this on the Avondale website.

Try Craig's List and Google for available properties.

sls

[judy smith]

I moved here in 1982 and only stayed because I had a good job. I'd have moved back to Indiana years ago, or preferably to Michigan if I could have. Here in the Atlanta area, there is sooooooooo much crime. And it goes from hot to cold to hot and so on. In Michigan, you have all 4 seasons. The only reason I stay here now is because of my husband who wouldn't move if someone paid him a million dollars to relocate. He has no idea theres a whole world out there. Anyway, I don't like it here and never will and it's not because I haven't given it a chance!!!!!

[Mrs. Garrison]

It's too bad that judy smith has been a victim of so much crime here in Atlanta...the likelihood of that happening is very low. In living here for 15 years I have never had any problem, so that's two experiences on the opposite end of the spectrum for you.

Atlanta has 4 BEAUTIFUL seasons. The best thing about them is the long stretch of nice (not too hot, not too cold) weather between February-May and September-November. June-July-August can be very hot...while December-January-early February are kinda cold, but coming from Michigan you will be pleasantly surprised at how NOT COLD winter will be. But the extra-long Fall and Spring in Atlanta is magnificent...you'll love it.

Renting a decent house w/ garage in a nice area is not going to be easy. Any area around a university usually has more rentals, so Emory and/or Georgia Tech areas might have more to offer. You might get lucky and find something for rent in a nice area, but not for $1,100...unless you go way out in the burbs. But keep looking...you never know.

[macmd2009]

Do not listen to anyone saying Decatur, Clarkston. East Point, Tucker, Downtown, or College PArk.(very high crime rate) The best places to go are, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, the Perimeter Area, Alpharetta, or Roswell. and kennesaw is beautiful,small, quiet and has the lowest crime rate in the state. and it's not far,about 15-20 minutes from crawford long hospital. marrietta is closer but some parts are full of crime. and whoever says there's plenty of parking downtown is lying.. your best bet is the train (MARTA).