I need some help: A DUer is moving to Atlanta

[CatWoman]

DUer Ovidsen is moving to Atlanta, and needs some tips on good areas to live.

He and his wife are looking for something quiet, more or less middle class, racially mixed, and fairly close to MARTA.

No crack dens or ostentatioualy wealthy fru-fru allowed :)

Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated :)

He has limited computer access right now, but I will keep him appraised of your input.

Thanks in advance!! :)

[Rosemary2205]

1. I offer up Clayton County, especially Morrow.

The crime in Morrow is lower, it is a racially mixed stable bedroom community with a very mature and stable city government. There is bus service that connects to Marta. Shopping wise, there is about anything anyone could want but this is not a "Starbucks" or "Saks 5th Ave" kind of community. Apartments are much cheaper in this area than other suburbs of Atlanta and homes are still somewhat undervalued (affordable). Clayton county schools and county government are struggling with growing pains and power grabs within the government but they will work it out soon enough. In general, Clayton county is seen as the armpit of Atlanta, but Morrow is definately a good place to live within the see of misery.

Another area I can recommend is Decatur. It is also racially mixed and affordable, though more expensive than Morrow. They also have bus service that connects to Marta. Dekalb county government is also having it's growing pains but they are managing to do a decent job running the county.

Most of the decent places to live are north of the city in North Fulton or North Dekalb county. They are more expensive and have more of a "froo froo" style. The traffic is worse and more aggressive but the crime is generally lower and people keep their property better (because they have higher incomes).

And up and coming area is near the Carter Center. People are beginning to buy up the old bungalows and restore them. One house at a time people are taking a gamble. The neighborhood has picked up and a the developer has built a really nice shopping area on Rt 42, Moreland Ave, not far from Freedom Parkway/Carter Center in Dekalb county. This may be an opportunity for your friend. - There is marta bus service in that area.

Hope this helps.

[Debau2005]

2. Alpharetta

I live in Alpharetta, just a mile or so from the little square. I am in a town home community, that is mainly mid 30's to 40's, most of us single, most of us with dogs and cats, and in my building, all of us blue! I do admit to having a pro-Bush sticker on the car across the parking lot from me, but they just sold!! ;-)

I am only a few miles from the North Springs Marta station. I am not in the snobby upper crust area of Alpharetta. We are all middle class, working stiffs, that enjoy getting together to socialize. We are a racially mixed community.

There are a few townhomes that are for sell in my community. They range from $139,000 to $149,000.

If they are looking for a little more upscale, there are brand new townhomes around the corner, with garages, starting at $200,000.

Oh and we are right around the corner from the new Atlanta Symphony ampitheater that will be completed in 2008.
http://www.accessatlanta.com/arts/content/arts/stories/2007/01/24/0124encoreparkweb.html

[RebelOne]

3. I live in Woodstock in Cherokee County, just northwest of Atlanta.

I love it here. It's a nice area, especially around Towne Lake. It is middle class, but mostly Republican. I have learned to live with that. There is plenty of shopping and restaurants. Unfortunately, there is no close access to Marta. The closest connection is the bus line at Towne Center in Kennesaw, which goes to Atlanta.

[RubyDuby in GA]

4. Covington! Please god please let some more democrats move to Covington!!!

please....I'm begging you...

Actually, Covington is a lovely place and many seem to think so as Newton County is the 8th fastest growing county in the nation (we've fallen from 3rd place thank goodness!). As we are technically outside the metro area, our property taxes are cheaper and we do not have to emmission our cars. Our school system is on par with the rest of the metro area. Overcrowded and understaffed, but doing a decent job. Covington is mostly a bedroom community. I myself work in downtown Atlanta, but still live where I grew up. :)

And I'm the chair of my local democratic party, so you know it's all good now.

[Debau2005]

5. Hey...no fair mentioning your local party!!!

I am a member for the North Fulton Democrats...:kick:
We are a great group!
:hi:

[RubyDuby in GA]

6. I know lots of you NF Dems

Yep. You guys are a great group.

:hi:

[Papagoose]

7. I'm moving to GA in June

A bit apprehensive coming from the blue Philadelphia suburbs, but we're going to make the best of it.

After two house hunting trips, my family has decided on Rockmart in Polk County. It's a bit far from work in the Marietta area, but it's quiet, secluded and looks to stay so for the near future.

Any DU'ers out there yet?

[Laelth]

11. Rockmart?

That town undoubtedly needs more Democrats.

Welcome to DU, and Georgia too! :patriot:

-Laelth

[Truthseeker013]

8. I need some help: A DUer is moving to Atlanta

I live in Lithonia, just east of Atlanta, and I'd recommend Decatur, particularly the incorporated section near Agnes Scott College. It's quiet, good location to MARTA (train station nearby) and friendly people.

[conscious evolution]

9. East Atlanta

Intown.
Marta service.Only a couple of miles to Inman Park station.
Quiet.
Racially mixed.
Wide ranges of income.Rich,poor and everyone in between.

[Casper]

10. SW Atlanta & West Endq

We live in Southwest Atlanta (Cascade Area). It's racially mixed, though premdominantly African American. Good schools. Great homes for reasonable prices. Quick drive or bus ride to Holmes Marta station. The homes are 1950's & 60's ranches and some older bungalows. We love it here - much slower pace than Decatur, Candler Park, Inman Park. Close to supermarkets and other shopping. Easy airport access.

West End is up and coming too. The area near just off Abernathy (South Gordon, Ontario, Westwood) seems to be getting cleaned up - lots of home for sale.