Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Atlanta area (Marietta, Kennesaw: rental homes, crime rate) - Georgia (GA) - City-Data Forum

shortcut2k · 06-12-2007, 09:14 PM

I am moving to the Atlanta area from Michigan due to an exciting employment opportunity downtown. I plan to move in late July. Emery Crawford Long Hospital is very close to where I will be working.

Because I only traveled to Atlanta once before in my life, I have no idea what the neighborhoods are like. I need to know what areas/zip codes I should be looking for a home to rent. The other issue is I need a home with a garage because my boyfriend has a motorcycle

I enjoy being outdoors but keep to myself, so I don't want to live in a "planned community" where nosy neighbors are everywhere and there are rules about how long your grass can be I also don't want to live in a new development-like subdivision with no mature trees ("Unless there's a huge garage," he says)

I heard that Marietta is beautiful but what is the commute like everyday? I can't imagine sitting in my car/in traffic for two hours a day. Is it preferable to take the freeway or is it possible to travel using MARTA?

I was looking in Decatur but I don't think the areas where I was looking was a desirable one. I am moving from east of Ann Arbor, so the crime rate is higher here than in Ann Arbor but I would like to move to a very safe neighborhod that is ethnically-sensitive (I am hispanic/white) and close to work.

Any suggestions will be appreciated!! Thanks!!

Twinkletoes · 06-14-2007, 08:30 AM

The commute from Marietta will be horrendous. The desireable areas of Decatur are pricey and the undersirable ones can be scary. Don't worry too much about the ethnically sensitive part. There are a lot of hispanics in the Atlanta area.

Anywhere desirable inside the perimeter (I-285 circle) is going to be more expensive, but will cut your commute time.

xxman777 · 06-14-2007, 08:39 AM

From Marietta your commute options are driving or taking Cobb Community Transit. CCT is bus only and won't really save you any time, just stress. If you live far enough east (not actually Marietta but Marietta mailing address) you can drive to GA400 and take Marta from there but again it isn't going to save you any time. Most of the older neighborhoods are intown although some of the older stand alone towns have some older housing stock such as Marietta or Decatur, so you are on the right track. However, any of the older stuff is going to be expensive.

shortcut2k · 06-14-2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinkletoes

The commute from Marietta will be horrendous. The desireable areas of Decatur are pricey and the undersirable ones can be scary. Don't worry too much about the ethnically sensitive part. There are a lot of hispanics in the Atlanta area.

Anywhere desirable inside the perimeter (I-285 circle) is going to be more expensive, but will cut your commute time.

Are there any specific areas/zip codes where I do NOT want to live? I will be living with my boyfriend but there will be times when I will be home alone and I don't know in which areas the crime is higher. This has become a huge problem in trying to find a home to rent--not being familiar with the area is a little scary.

(Any suggestions on how to find a rental home in a safe area would be GREAT!!)

shortcut2k · 06-14-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxman777

From Marietta your commute options are driving or taking Cobb Community Transit. CCT is bus only and won't really save you any time, just stress. If you live far enough east (not actually Marietta but Marietta mailing address) you can drive to GA400 and take Marta from there but again it isn't going to save you any time. Most of the older neighborhoods are intown although some of the older stand alone towns have some older housing stock such as Marietta or Decatur, so you are on the right track. However, any of the older stuff is going to be expensive.

What are the area codes in the desirable areas of either Decatur OR Marietta. When I keep looking at the rental homes, there doesn't seem to be much in Marietta unless it's the south or southeast side of Marietta. Is this an OK area to live?

Also, I am looking for some input on where people PARK once they get to work?

It's a scary undertaking to move to such a large city without knowing the area

sweettea1 · 06-14-2007, 06:27 PM

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!

shortcut2k · 06-14-2007, 08:00 PM

Quote:

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!

I looked in the areas you mentioned but there was nothing available (as of yet). How does: 3146 at Bay Street in Scottdale look? I have heard that Clarkston is not a desirable area and quite dangerous.

Do you know much about Marietta? I was looking in Kennesaw but I think that's a very long drive...

sweettea1 · 06-14-2007, 08:28 PM

No, you really don't want to do Marietta or Kennesaw. Waaaaayyyy too far. What is your budget if you don't mind my asking? Clarkston wouldn't be my first choice. Did you find anything in the Toco Hills/Emory University area? I just typed in Emory in Craigslist and found some deals under $1300 for ranch homes (usually means lots of land) right around the Morningside area around Johnson and Briarcliff. This is very convenient to everything. Try this and see what comes up.

shortcut2k · 06-14-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweettea1

No, you really don't want to do Marietta or Kennesaw. Waaaaayyyy too far. What is your budget if you don't mind my asking? Clarkston wouldn't be my first choice. Did you find anything in the Toco Hills/Emory University area? I just typed in Emory in Craigslist and found some deals under $1300 for ranch homes (usually means lots of land) right around the Morningside area around Johnson and Briarcliff. This is very convenient to everything. Try this and see what comes up.

Thanks a lot for all the help -- I really need it!!

The only thing is that I'm not sure I can afford $1300. I was thinking right around $1,000 to $1,100 but I will run a search in the areas you mentioned.

So Emory is a good area? Is everywhere in Emory safe?

I saw this one and it says it's very safe. It seems to be close to downtown.

I did a search. What do you think:
951 Prospect Ave., Atlanta, Ga
3438 Rockbridge Road at Northern Avenue, Decatur City/Avondale Estates
Oakham Place at Windsor Terrace, Avondale Estates

xxman777 · 06-14-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweettea1

No, you really don't want to do Marietta or Kennesaw. Waaaaayyyy too far. What is your budget if you don't mind my asking? Clarkston wouldn't be my first choice. Did you find anything in the Toco Hills/Emory University area? I just typed in Emory in Craigslist and found some deals under $1300 for ranch homes (usually means lots of land) right around the Morningside area around Johnson and Briarcliff. This is very convenient to everything. Try this and see what comes up.

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.