Where to live in ATL?
I’m a northeasterner from Jersey pondering a move to Atlanta. I’ve lived in the suburbs of New York my entire life, so I imagine this is going to be quite a switch, but a welcome one. Because of living in the north and making more money than the national average because of the high cost of living here, I’m luckily going to be able to afford a little bit more of a comfortable lifestyle down south.
I’m looking to move to neighborhoods that are highly urbanized but local; somewhat equivalent to New York’s East Village or Philadelphia’s Old City – any suggestions? I’m trying to stay away from real money-money areas, but do not want to live in section 8 areas either.
Any Atlanta natives or transplants that have a good idea? I’m 25, so I’m looking for places surrounded by lots of fun local sports bars within walking distance, too.
Thanks!
Hey(:
Well, I live in Atlanta and I used to live in Jersey, lol.
Some good areas for you to live in would be –
Little Five Points, Dunwoody, Virginia Highlands, Poncey Highlands (same thing almost, they’re really close), or Cabbagetown. All of those are really fun, with that you described as what you wanted. Midtown and Buckhead are swanky, urban and fun too, but also considered the sort of, “gay district” of ATL, and they’re really expensive, so keep that in mind.
Steer clear of these downtown areas -
Bankhead (aka Zone 1):, it’s the hood. Don’t live there unless you’re planning on living in a housing project and getting shot. Has a super high crime rate and lots of gang activity.
SOUTH DeKalb county/South Decatur: parts of DeKalb are nice, like Virginia Highlands, but as you get to the more southern part of the county, you’re getting into East Atlanta Zone 6 gang territory.
Lithonia: It’s suburban enough, but far from the city and kind of ghetto.
Tucker: It’s tiny, has not a lot to do, and there’s some gangs.
Mechanicsville: Yeah…Don’t go there. It’s hood.
College Park: It’s basically on TOP of Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL airport) and it’s a notoriously rough area with lots of trashy strip clubs.
East Point: Less ghetto than Mechanicsville and College Park, but I wouldn’t bother. It’s like 10 minutes from downtown and not the best area either.
Bubble Hockey at Kellys Sports Bar
