another sucker future Atlanta resident
A gentleman sent me the following query via email:
I have some familiarity with Atlanta (about 6 years ago my brother lived in Virginia Highlands but has since moved to the ‘burbs) but it’s been a while and it would be nice to hear another perspective. I’ve read East Atlanta is hip? Areas in and around Midtown? Is Midtown good for approximating city life (I know a car in Atlanta is a must but are there neighborhoods with a more Northeastern, walking feel with neighborhood bars and restaurants and shops)? Are any of the downtown areas worth checking out or are they pretty much deserted at night / on weekends?
Any impressions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I told him that Va-Hi was still probably his best bet, and that he would probably prefer Midtown and East Atlanta/Inman Park to downtown, but he gave me permission to post his query here, so y’all are free to offer your own advice. Y’all know everything I know: he didn’t tell me if he was looking to rent or buy. Assume rent.
I agree that Inman Park is great, as long as you work in that area or downtown. In my opinion, Atlanta traffic is such a pain in the a*$# that where you live is important and what kind of traffic will you drive through to get to work. This fellow should tell us where his office is then we can tell him where to live.
The bar scene is very spread out at this time, with Virginia Highlands the only remaining place where you can live and walk to many shops and bars regularly. Living in Virginia Highlands is expensive for purchase and rent. Homes are 450 and up for a very little place and renting an apartment is at least 800 for a 1 bedroom without washer/dryer connections of your own.
There’s lots of options in Atlanta and tell your friend to check out
* East Atlanta
* Inman Park
* Candler Park
* Brookhaven (sorry I’m biased since I live there!)
* Midtown
* Downtown if you’re looking for an old loft building to live in, but going out is very limited
I was going to add Brookhaven also – though, it’s more on the 30-35 side of that range. Also, maybe Decatur – again, on the quieter side of that…
And, Lisa, though it may be expensive to live in Va-Hi it is so, so worth it…
He’s moving from DC – prices in VaHi are going to seem like a bargain to him!
He might like L5P. I’d equate it to Adams Morgan in DC.
I’m an East Atlanta resident, so I will always pimp my neighborhood. Other potentials are Kirkwood and Oakhurst.
I’ll agree that there’s not enough information for a good recommendation (except to steer him away from Brookhaven – all the benefits of high prices, bad traffic and suburban-type neighbors without having to worry about being able to walk to bars and shops!).
I’d pimp up East Atlanta, but I know it’s not for everyone. If he’s into a high-energy, tons-of-people bar scene, Va-Hi would probably still be the ticket. Personally, I look for a more laid-back vibe with fewer people migrating from Buckhead at night.
I still have a hard time recommending Decatur because of traffic. Again, depending on where’s he’s working and all that.
Just don’t let him move OTP!