Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > October > 29 > Entry

Best neighborhood for a young, single woman?

Just getting back to work after a few days out of town and while I was gone, commenter lcurtis asked a good question.

“I will be graduating college and moving to Atlanta for work at the end of this year. It would be great if there could be a discussion about what the safest and most affordable neighborhoods for a single, young girl are. Thanks!”

Ooh, that’s a tough one. Safe and affordable are two on a long list of defining characteristics for a good place to live, and there are always exceptions.

My take: this depends a lot on your definition of safe and affordable. It depends, too, on whether you’re renting or buying. As a renter who loathes the idea of a long commute, I sorted through the wildly expensive and uncomfortably dumpy places around Candler Park/Inman Park/Edgewood/Reynoldstown/Cabbagetown/East Atlanta, and found rental I really love. Could I afford to buy? Yeeeeeaaaaahhhhh…no.

And like any neighborhood, some of those areas have more crime than others - not so much that I wouldn’t live there as a young, single gal, but not so little that I’d go into much detail about it in conversation with my dad. (“Hi dad!…Yeah, I’m great…Weather’s finally cooling down…Nope, everything here is fine…”)

One way to handle this, I think, is to consider what you really want. My list: a short commute; an apartment, not a single-family home, but not a giant complex, either; something close to a grocery store and a few convenient businesses; an outside entrance, not just a door that opened up to my living room; neighbors I can see, meet and talk with.

Adding all that up, I asked around and found the neighborhoods where that seemed possible, and focused my search there almost entirely.

Here’s a post my co-worker wrote about buying a house in Atlanta. And here’s another where some people talked about their favorite neighborhoods and ZIP codes.

So what do you say, readers? Where would you recommend a young, single woman look for something safe and affordable?

Permalink | Comments (52) | Post your comment | Categories: Moving

Comments

By maryland

October 29, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

I agree that a lot has to do with how you define “affordable” and “safe.” Especially “affordable.”

Some of this has to do with where you’re coming from. If you’re coming from Boston, San Francisco, NYC — you’re in luck! Everything’s affordable in Atlanta. If you’re coming from Peoria, everything’s expensive. Sorry.

Some might suggest you move outside the perimeter and commute into your new job — the burbs are considered safer, I think, with some exceptions. But I would argue the commute is probably statistically more dangerous. And it’s not as fun for the single girl — again, with some exceptions.

The Druid Hills / Emory area is very safe, although fairly expensive. There might be a bargain there somewhere, though.

Decatur might be a good choice. Not all of Decatur is super “safe,” and it’s certainly pricey overall, but there are bargains and it is a family-friendly area. It’s also a convenient location to most intown spots, has its own pubs / restaurants, and has a lot of young people living around.

I live in Decatur off of Lawrenceville Highway … a less exciting place than downtown Decatur, to be sure, but I’ve always felt very safe and you cannot beat the location.

Midtown is, of course, where a lot of single folks live. Lots of night life, very happening location … not particularly cheap. It can be pretty safe depending on your living situation.

These are some of the more obvious options … hopefully somebody will be able to come up with some more interesting ideas.

By Crimebuster

October 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

The safest place is anywhere. Quit worrying. Women spend 99% of their time and energy fretting about the anonymous rapist/mugger, when they’re really in the most danger from nutcase guys from relationships. Just ask Jennifer Hudson’s family.

By Mrs. Warren

October 29, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I felt pretty comfortable living in the Perimeter Mall area when I was single. But in that area, you get what you pay for. If you choose the cheapest complex off Ashford Dunwoody Road (like I did the first time around) you are going to regret it because you will constantly be disturbed by people. (Cough, behind Chili’s, Cough) I chose to move to a more pricey complex and never had any problems with noise. And for once I had real neighbors. And yes, they did party sometimes but I was either with them or if I was at home, I couldn’t hear them. I think because it had a mix of townhomes and apartments, there was a nice mixture of people. If you are wondering, Gables Metropolitan.

By AMI

October 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I believe the safest is Buckhead and Sandy Springs. I have lived in both of these areas. You can get a really nice one-bedroom apartment for just under $1000. I recommend 1050 Lenox Park Apartmetns (404-869-1000), Post Gardens and Post Lenox Park (I lived in the 1st two for a combined 3 years). Of course you should never let your guard down, but the worst I ever heard about at either of these were car break-ins. Post Gardens has a security guard at the gate and they have cameras in the parking decks (which are level w/ the apts so no stairs!)!

By SZ

October 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

The Vinings is in a very hip area that is safe and not too far from the city. If you want to be closer to the city there are plenty of new high rises in Midtown or Buckhead with secure parking and nice ammenities. If you have enough $ you can also look into renting something in the Virginia Highlands area. If you plan on working in North Atlanta I would definately recommend the Perimeter Mall area. Traffic is terrible everywhere in Atlanta and unless you live close to work you can count on spending 2-3 hours per day in traffic.

Regards, Rollin

By Decaturguy

October 29, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I would highly suggest Decatur - the city is very safe (4 square miles, their own police and fire departments, always people out walking). While purchasing real estate can be high, rents can be very comparable to other areas, and you can’t beat the ambience, convenience, variety of places to eat and drink, etc.

By ATL Gator

October 29, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

I moved here from Florida last year and opted for Northwest Buckhead/Vinings - Post Riverside on Northside Drive. My morning commute to Midtown is only 15 minutes, i’m close to Buckhead shopping/restaurants, and there is plenty in Vinings in terms of restaurants, groceries, and even some of my favorite specialty shops (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor). Feels very safe and somewhat removed from the traffic, crime, etc. you see elsewhere in the metro area.

By Lil Miss ITP

October 29, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

I lived in Midtown across the street from piedmont Park for two years, no problem. Just moved to Ansley area, and my car insurance went down significantly.

Vinings is great too! I checked out 30339 on the GBI sex offender list years a go prior to moving into the city and there were none registered in Vinings.

I would stay away from VA-Hi. The crackies are starting to hang out there in force, and we all know it will take some god awful violent act for the city to take notice or care. Also stay away from Buckhood (didn’t get that nickname out of the thin air).

WhenI get married I plan to move to Dunwoody for family raising. Dunwoody is awesome for singles too. Shopping, restuanrats, etc…

By Milltown Loft owner

October 29, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

If you want to be inside the perimeter (prefereble for most single people due to the number of other singles), I’d check out Inman Park - there are several new apartments and condos along Highland Avenue that are secured, and there are a bunch of shops and restaurants there now. I live a gated condo community in nearby Reynoldstown and love it.

As a single female, I would not live in a single family home in this area (Candler Park, Edgewood, Cabbagetown, East Atlanta etc.) as there are frequent break-ins (for example the one in Grant Park that was published on this website yesterday).

I wouldn’t consider anyplace to be inherintly safe, including the suburbs.

By kar

October 29, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Wherever you go, you do some simple checking. If you’re looking at an apartment complex, they’re obligated by law to inform you of any break-in’s or reported crimes in their complex.

You can also check with local police precinct in terms of crime in the area. They may be a bit blunter in terms of what’s going on in their area and what areas have been problems in the past.

Also, check if there have been crimes in the apartment/house that you are lookng at! If there’s been a meth lab, the chemicals can stay in the walls for years if not properly treated. You’d be surprised to find where these idiots cook their drugs. Atlanta’s more of a distribution point for wholesale meth at this point but we still have some homegrown idiots.

By BadTimesinATL

October 29, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

There is nowhere “safe” near a city anymore, as the politicians are more worried about getting their bribes/kickbacks than they are about public safety. ITP is very dangerous (especially for females) except maybe the very pricey areas. (And apparently the Atlanta PD is hiring people of questionable backgrounds - what’s that going to do for “safety?”) Best bet is to find a small town that has emplyment available in the career field you have chosen. However, your entertainment options will be limited unless you’re willing to drive.

Personally, I don’t go ITP unless absolutely necessary, and in no case do I go without a gun. Scumbags beware!!

By kar

October 29, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Oh please, like the suburbs are safe. Smaller towns run like fiefdoms by deputy dawgs and gangs prowl the arrogant stand alone homes like coyotes on ducklings.

Where do you think the meth epidemic came from except the backwoods and trailerparks? Do you know how many times the police have raided the outlying mom/pop hotels that the chains left behind?

By ITP lover

October 29, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I have lived in Inman Park for over a year. I love it and have never felt unsafe. I feel sorry for people like BadTimesinATL. They are really missing out … and usually terrified to be on MARTA.

By ITP lover

October 29, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I have lived in Inman Park for over a year. I love it and have never felt unsafe. I feel sorry for people like BadTimesinATL. They are really missing out … and usually terrified to be on MARTA.

By just a teacher

October 29, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

I love the Brookwood area. (Think the Peachtree corrider between the I-85 overpass and Peachtree Battle). There are lots of reasonable apartments and I’ve never felt unsafe.

By whitney

October 29, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I lived in the Smyrna area for a long time with lots of other single girlfriends within a mile or so. highly recommend it!

By jerry

October 29, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Kar - your comment about “arrogant stand-alone homes” is quite an insight to your psyche. Yeah, god forbid anyone should not want to live in an apartment…fool. Go vote for Obama.

By Thirdwheel

October 29, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

I think the Windy Hill area around parkwood circle seems like a safe place to live. Close to office buildings and the expressway. Check out the Post Apartments or Wildwood Ridge Apartments..

By BPJ

October 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Here’s another option: a significant number of intown homes have garage apartments, cottage houses, or whatever you call them. Many of these are in safe neighborhoods, plus the owners often have alarm systems, good exterior lights, a big dog, etc. The price can be a bargain, as the apartment is not a business, the owners tend to want someone who is neat, reliable, and easy to deal with - if you meet those criteria, they may be flexible on the rent. If you’re willing to do some babysitting, that might help with the rent in some instances. Obviously you should get to know the owners first, and be sure to get a written lease agreement.

By Steve

October 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

“Safe” and “affordable” are generally mutually exclusive. This is Atlanta; anything reasonably priced generally gets taken over by the ghetto crowd and it’s all downhill from there.

By gagirl

October 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I’d recommend the area around downtown Decatur as well. I used to live in a complex now named, The Orleans of Decatur and never once felt unsafe there. They have a parking deck too which is an added bonus. In general, this is a safe part of town and is super convenient to everything. And the bottom line is you just have to use your common sense no matter where you live. You don’t know how many women leave garage doors up because they live in the ‘suburbs’ and think it’s cool. And BadTimesinATL, I wouldn’t even admit to being afraid to go ITP. You sound so naive and ignorant.

By Leigh

October 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Here’s what people are failing to tell you. Decatur - if you move there you better hope that any entertainment you want to do takes place in Decatur. There is one way in one way out. It takes about thirty minutes to get to all the fun places in Midtown from Decatur. Decatur’s nickname is d!ckhater as it’s mainly populated by lesbians. I have no problem with that but it is something of note. Perimeter area. These people are crazy. That place has so much traffic at all hours of the day. It is ridiculous. I have a condo in Midtown. I love it here. Very safe. Hardly drive as I can walk to tons of restaurants and bars and the park. It’s a great area. The rent ranges from $700 up. You can rent a condo at the Mayfair for $1200 look on craigslist and type in Midtown. If you’re buying this is the market. There are some deals at the Cornerstone Lofts. I’ve lived in Midtown for 16 years and I have never had a problem. Note Atlantic Station is not Midtown. Atlantic Station is dangerous. Midtown in my mind consists of 5th street to 14th street Peachtree Street to Piedmont Rd. You’ll enjoy it here. It’s like a small town dressed up as a big city!

By Alex

October 29, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

You need to look at Montgomery Place Condominiums on Northern Avenue in Decatur. There is a unit for sale for mid $140’s that is very nice. All the units are 2BR/1BA at about 850 square feet with hardwoods and a nicely manicured/tree’d surrounding property. They are within walking distance of the actual Decatur Square and within eyesight of the Decatur Post Office. There are also units for rent there. Typical rent is about $750-$900 or so. Look up 117 #1 Northern Avenue, 30030. It’s listed under Keller Williams….

Security is so nice in this little area that I often leave town with my doors unlocked on and my car….

By Jennifer

October 29, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Personally, I love living in Midtown. I live near the Publix/Walgreens near Piedmont and North Ave. I love the area, I love being so close to the stores and everything on Peachtree is still walkable. I highly recommend it. I lived in Decatur but had to move because everything I wanted to do was in Midtown. It took forever to get back into town because as a pervious person said, there is one way in and one way out.

By Sugar

October 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I’ve lived EVERYWHERE in the metro area in the last 30 years. Most of the time, I was single. I have felt safe everywhere I have ever lived. I lived in Tree Top apts on Akers Mill; I’ve lived in apartments off Winter’s Chapel off Peachtree Ind. I’ve rented condos in VA Highlands, apts at Emory. I’ve purchased two houses, one in Duluth, and now my current residence.

I would not recommend Stone Mountain, or Lithonia, or possibly even Lilburn. But then again, to each his own.

Home is what you make it. There are some places where crime is rampant, but others are very nice. It’s all in the neighbors, do they watch out for each other? They sure do in the current sub division we live in now.

By Pierce Randall

October 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Looking at the Atlanta Police Department crime map, Edgewood, Inman Park, Candler Park, Grant Park, Virginia Highlands, Lenox, most of Buckhead, and Capitol View Manor seem relatively safe.

Midtown is probably quite safe per capita.

Crime statistics can be misleading: Densely-populated areas can have high crime per square foot, but be relatively safe per person, and benefit from having a 24-hour culture where anyone, and not just potential criminals, might be expected to be walking down the street. That makes it safer, because you know someone can call the cops if your car is broken into, or if you were to be assaulted. A lot of quiet, out-of-the-way neighborhoods aren’t really so much safer per person because of this.

But if you’re relatively attentive, most of the city seems pretty safe these days. I walk around all the time through places I’d imagine I shouldn’t, and I’ve never been mugged, robbed, or really even bothered. It might be different for “young single women” and all, but it’s not that different!

By BoyToy

October 29, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

The best location in Atlanta for singel girls? My place of course!!!

By Emily

October 29, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Go for the whitest areas. Sad, but true.

By BadTimesinATL

October 29, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Crime rate statistical comparison (FBI data, 2003):

You (Decatur) City Population: 18436 Murder: 1 Forcible Rape: 8 Robbery: 18 Aggravated Assault: 24 Burglary: 149 Larceny or Theft: 473 Car Theft: 75 Arson: 0 Violent Crime Total: 51 Property Crime Total: 697 Total (all types): 748 Violent Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.003 (0.3%) Property Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.038 (3.8%) Total Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.041 (4.1%)

Me (Kennesaw) City Population: 25183 Murder: 1 Forcible Rape: 0 Robbery: 7 Aggravated Assault: 15 Burglary: 89 Larceny or Theft: 455 Car Theft: 47 Arson: 0 Violent Crime Total: 23 Property Crime Total: 591 Total (all types): 614 Violent Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.001 (0.1%) Property Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.023 (2.3%) Total Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.024 (2.4%)

Looks like your total crime rate is about double that of mine, on a per capita basis, and violent crime is ~3x mine.

Just for giggles, let’s do Atlanta (as incorporated):

City Population: 431043 Murder: 149 Forcible Rape: 281 Robbery: 3701 Aggravated Assault: 4360 Burglary: 8065 Larceny or Theft: 22931 Car Theft: 7235 Arson: 165 Violent Crime Total: 8491 Property Crime Total: 38396 Total (all types): 46887 Violent Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.020 (2.0%) Property Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.089 (8.9%) Total Crime Incidences Per Capita: 0.109 (10.9%)

…so, ~4x the total crime rate and ~20x the violent crime rate in Kennesaw, when compared on a per capita basis.

Naive and ignorant? I don’t think so.

By ASH

October 29, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve really lucked out with my living locations. I also lived in Gables Metropolitan at the perimeter. They were under new management when I moved and I was less satisifed but never felt unsafe. I then lived in Sandy Springs in an older neighborhood which was a great location. I now live in Garden Hills in Buckhead—this is my favorite. It’s the safest, most affordable, and most fun place I’ve lived so far. Tip—-if you’re looking in apartment complexes, check out the cars parked there. I’m not saying they should all be BMW’s…but maybe avoid places with rusty old clunkers on cinder blocks.

By kar

October 29, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

FYI jerry, I don’t live in an apartment. I’m also not stupid enough to think that a house and a backyard’s going to protect me from the evils of the city.

Idiot. Your branding of ‘obama’ like a profanity doesn’t say much about you either.

By jerry

October 29, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

…and yet you don’t deny your fascination with the socialist-elect.. Go ahead and take your hatred and wealth envy to the voting booth, kar, you moron.

You don’t live in an apartment? Where then, a housing project? I’ll check for your response from my “arrogant stand alone home” later. As if wanting to have a small piece of property and some room between you and your neighbors is “arrogant”.

By jerry

October 29, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

…and yet you don’t deny your fascination with the socialist-elect.. Go ahead and take your hatred and wealth envy to the voting booth, kar, you moron.

You don’t live in an apartment? Where then, a housing project? I’ll check for your response from my “arrogant stand alone home” later. As if wanting to have a small piece of property and some room between you and your neighbors is “arrogant”. What a waste of oxygen you are.

By jerry

October 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

…and yet you don’t deny your fascination with the socialist-elect.. Go ahead and take your hatred and wealth envy to the voting booth, kar, you moron.

You don’t live in an apartment? Where then, a housing project? I’ll check for your response from my “arrogant stand alone home” later. As if wanting to have a small piece of property and some room between you and your neighbors is “arrogant”. Then again, dependent folks like yourself do tend to live in clusters. What a waste of oxygen you are.

By McGruff the Crime Dog

October 29, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Any place where you see “Obama BinLaden ‘08**” signs is most likely NOT a safe, neighborhood for young, single women.

Other Unsafe Places in ATLANTA:

MARTA South of I-20 ITP Anywhere in DeKalb County Outside of Dunwoody

By jamie

October 29, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

I live in Ansley Park and love it, it’s a very cozy part of midtown. Perfect location, good people, and in the city. You can find rent starting at 750-ish for a one bedroom. We have one apartment open in my place, it is a house that was turned into seperate apartments. I can give you the landlord’s info if you are interested. (btw, I’m 24 and single too)

By LivingOTPisLame

October 29, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

I’ve lived at Highland Walk Apartments in Inman Park for the past two years and love it. The neighborhood is fantastic. Plenty of young single people, AWESOME restaurants within walking distance (no need to valet), and a 5 minute commute from my job.

By help!

October 29, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

I rented in Candler Park for 20 years before buying about 10 years ago in East Atlanta. I’ve always felt comfortable and safe for 30 years, and loved living intown, UNTIL THIS YEAR. There is an outrageous, terrifying, and seemingly out of control crime wave going on around here, and no one is noticing, Break ins are just the beginning. I’ve had two robberies in my street within the month where the robber waited for the person to come home and jumped out of the shadows, Is this America? HELP!

By kemble

October 29, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

As I was reading the comments here, I heard 3 gunshots outside my house on the west side. So I’d look far, far away from the city limits of Atlanta. Sorry, but it’s the truth.

By Safe in Decatur

October 29, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Have lived in 14 places in the 20 years in the Atlanta metro area. Have had break-ins in various locations in both home and work in car. (Even eventually got a quantity discount on broken car windows). Then they stole my car on Memorial from a repair shot.

On Buford Hwy my house was even cleaned out of everything with a plug attached to it. Police say it was a drug related breaking and suggested I move.

Now, for the last seven years, I live affordably in Decatur just east of Emory. NOTHING happens here … in terms of crime. Well almost nothing (knock on wood). I did here that someone’s car was stolen that was three years ago.

Maybe Decatur does have higher crime than Kennesaw, as listed above. But at least I do not have to buy a gun as required in Kennesaw.

What I think makes a difference in terms of safey, is that this is a walking neighborhood with wide open spaces between buildings in the complex. Anyone up to something is clearly visible to all who have windows … like everyone.

Look for a place with lots of open space and not some place with a door right off the sidewalk. Think about the social architecture of your environment when considering safety. It is an important factor to consider.

For me, I feel Safe in Decatur.

Signed, Male - single with roommate.

By Ray

October 29, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

There are many great and not so great neighborhoods in and around Atlanta. I would recommend first you concentrate you search near where you will be working as traffic here is so bad it usually backs up in all directions at rush hour. There is no such thing as going against the flow here. I would also recommend once you found a place you like to drive around the area in the day and at night to see if there are any red flags. I was considering moving to a townhouse in one of the supposedly safe northen surburbs until I spotted gang graffiti on the sides of surrounding business establishments.

Using common sense like not leaving computers, phones, and purses in plain view on your car seats will lessen your chance of being a crime victim.

By DIY

October 29, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Buy a good knife/gun, learn how to use it, and you will be safe anywhere.

By Pavel

October 29, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Look for neighborhoods that have private patrols. I’m in La Vista Park (DeKalb) and we pay $185 per year for off duty police to patrol the neighborhood and we have virtually no crime. And it only take me 10 minutes to drive downtown to work!

By atlsux

October 30, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

You dont want live here. The traffic is aweful, the goober mentality is overwhelming and the the the great “attractions” are a bunch of bars. The strip clubs are good though. If the you want something more exciting than staring at an oversized rock (stone Mtn) - look elswhere

By owly

October 30, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

I agree with Ray. Get a place convenient to your workplace, and absolutely remember there is no “going against the flow” traffic around here. People will try to tell you fairy stories about that, but it just isn’t true.

A lot of folks from smaller towns / suburbs don’t feel “safe” anywhere in Atlanta, but if you’re generally comfortable in big cities, there are many safe neighborhoods in town and out. You should pick one that is most geographically convenient.

Statistically you’re far more likely to get into a car accident than get mugged or attacked. Reducing time on highways is one of the safest things you can do.

Not to mention you don’t want to spend 1-2 hours each day sitting in traffic. Life’s too short.

By Meee

October 30, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

I swear some of these comments are funny. I think it all depends on what you are looking for as in price, space, distance to job, and entertainment among other things.

Personally, I would never live in Buckhead, downtown, midtown or anywhere else where “party people” or “visitors” come. Anytime, you live in those areas no matter how many guards or cameras people will find a way to murder or commit some other crime. Also, I chose not stay in the above mentioned places is because I am use to having space. I am not going to waste money on a small, cramped apartment that is at least 400 sq ft smaller than what I have for a TWO BEDROOM.

I currently stay in Gwinnett County off of Sugarloaf Parkway near Discover Mills. I prefer this area because its quiet when I need that time after work, plenty of shopping, and very nice homes and apartments that are larger than 900 sq ft.

Now to the idiots that are saying crime is where you see Obama, I have drove by several disturbing places that had a ragedy McCain/ Palin sign and would only drive through there doing 55+ … maybe it is where you reside.

I just say be aware of your surroundings at all times, use common sense, be careful, and don’t become to complacent with where you are. Remember, just because you are spending more money does not guarantee more security. The Metro Atlanta can be a great place to live, it like other places are what you make it. Also, to the ignorant people that said they don’t like it, then I suggest you go back to where it is you came from or maybe you are just a boring, simple - minded person that thought coming here would excite your life.

Please everyone go out and VOTE no matter who you are supporting just vote. Of course I voted for the smart choice of Obama/Biden.

By Jen

October 30, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

I live in Candler Park. I am not a single female but I am the same age as many single females. I am 34, married, with a 7 year old.

I have never felt unsafe living in my part of town. I jog at night, walk to commerce at night, and generally enjoy my existence.

However, I am aware I live in the inner city so I don’t (1) jog at night where it’s really quiet and isolated, like the park, (2) walk the back route, cut-through, to the store at night, (3) leave valuables in my car, (4) have a security system on my house.

But, we couldn’t be happier here. We lived in Gwinnett, by the Mall of GA, for 3.5 years and that was okay, too. I simply hated the commute and most of my friends, who are single, lived in the city. And there wasn’t a lot to do that wasn’t Mall or kids sports oriented. Parks are just as dangerous there as in the city…

But we moved here 2 years ago and it’s been great. And while it’s definitely great for single people there are also tons of families so my child has plenty of friends to play with within walking distance (on the same block) of our house.

While we live in a single family home, which can be expensive, the single family homes are interspersed with condos and apartments, as well as many duplexes and other historic homes that have been subdivided. There are plenty of options for people who don’t want a single family home yet don’t want to live ina Post apartment complex.

By Jen

October 30, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

OOps, I mean we DO have a security system…

By LHE

October 30, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

As a young woman who’s been living in Atlanta for a while, look for a gated apartment complex and check the reviews of the complex on-line before commiting to anywhere. I have lived in a gated comunity for 2 years now, and while there are the ocasional break-in (almost exclusivly to cars)I have never felt un-safe when I’m home.

By The One

October 30, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Drive around and anywhere you see a blond in tight pants jogging….it’s probably okay. I kid! Well I live in East Lake just north of the ELGC and it is a very nice area. I haven’t gone out for a stroll at night… but I know outside of our place the kids hang out pretty late, so they at least feel safe. The consensus around here is that until up to maybe 2001-2, you wouldn’t be caught dead around here and it was especially dangerous in the ’90s. Now there are lots of families and a sense of community so things are much better now. South of the GC isn’t as nice on average stuff is still pretty tame. Apparently lots of the crime happens just South of 20. Would I recommend this area for a single girl…eh..it’s an option, with Kirkwood, Oakhurst, and dwntn Decatur close maybe. I don’t think safety is an issue but it’s pretty family heavy over here, so it’s not very exciting…

By callmeshania

October 31, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I remember a few years ago the AJC did a bit on how Vinnings was a nice place for single women to be. I remember when I was thinking of renting an apartment (in the 90’s) in Vinnings I drove to the apartment complex at night to see what it looked like then (to see if it was quiet). I noticed women going on night time jogs by themselves. That should yell you that its a pretty safe place. I don’t know if Vinnings is still safe or not. For a while there Vinnings was like a best kept secret. A good place to live.

By Mandy

February 17, 2009 12:31 AM | Link to this

Is anyone familiar with the apt complex Villas at Kennesaw. Is the surrounding area fairly safe and is there a crime problem at the complex. Would it be advisable for a single young lady to live in the area. Is the area racially diverse and what is the drive time to Atlanta. Are there things to do in the area. The zip code is 30144.

Thanks

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