Atlanta Area

Macon is a nice place to live. I move here in July 2008 and I like it. The city itself is convenient to Atlanta, being only 1 hour away. I live on the westside of Macon near Macon State College and I'm located close to all types of shoppes and resturants. So over all I think Macon is cool.

Decatur is an awesome place to live the closer you are to downtown Decatur. It's trendy, clean, organized, and has a small town feel. Folks who live there love it. And citizens are dedicated to keeping the place nice. Apartments range from reasonable to high-end because of the area's popularity. You can also find lots of charming older buildings to rent at lower rates. However, the unincorporated parts that bear Decatur as a city, are the areas that aren't so good. If you head further south of downtown, such as Memorial Drive, Glenwood, and Candler Road, which is an exit off of I20, you'll come across some of the worst places to live in the Metro area. High crime rates and dilapidated buildings litter the landscape. So you want to look carefully. I recommend Decatur in general, but be cautious with your choices because the winds of revitalization have not blown over all the neighborhoods.

This middle Georgia town is relatively safe place with good schools. Houston County High has a particularly good reputation. Your money can go far here and there seems to a balance between white collar and blue collar jobs. However, the city lacks charm. There's not a very vibrant arts community, and there's not much to offer in terms of architecture. In other words, it's clean and organized, but not a real "looker." And you have to drive to Macon for any real entertainment with the exception of the community theatre that seems to have done well over the years. The downtown has deteriorated like many cities. But there have been significant improvements. The city is trying to boost it's downtown and attract businesses. Apartments and homes are reasonable, and unemployment isn't as bad as many towns. It's a decent place to raise a family, especially if you're kids want to be in the Little League. I'll give it a thumbs up. But to me, it's a little "dry" for my taste.

Buford is thriving and a good place to live if you're working nearby. I would not live there if working in Atlanta because a 40 mile daily commute on I85 will drive you nuts. Your money can go far in this town. And there are also things to do. Lake Lanier, theatres, great restaurants, arts community, and the Gwinnett arena, hosting major arts and sports, are all close. Apartments are reasonable, although most are "cookie cutter" complexes. But for suburban life, it's not a bad road. Also, the city schools of Buford have an excellent reputation, better than Gwinnett County Schools. The downtown area is cute and offers unique shops and restaurants. If you like the chains, they're not too far away. I'm not one for suburbs, but this one is one of the best. It's safe, clean, and will continue on the up and up.

Chamblee has undergone major population changes in the last 25 years. The mix of mostly hispanics, white, and Asians calls for an interesting neighborhood. One thing that's cool from all the immigrants are the choices of restaurants. You can find great ethnic food at reasonable prices. Chamblee is very convenient. You can get anywhere you want in Atlanta within 15-20 minutes. You can easily shop in Buckhead or Brookhaven. You can attend concerts and cultural events with no problem. Apartments are a little higher than anything OTP, but you can find good value for your money. The biggest drawback is the crime. If you live near Atlanta, you're going to deal with crime. But Chamblee consistently ranks in the top 5 for the entire metro. It has a reputation for rival gangs wreaking havoc on the city. Also, I don't find Chamblee all that attractive, either with buildings or landscape. There are some nice apartments such as the Battery, which has received good reviews. But I wouldn't rent anything on Buford Highway. There are some good eateries but a lot of it's trashy. In general, it's not the worst area so I give it a thumbs up.

Sandy Springs is in a great location. Everything you want or need is in the area. You have access to the best restaurants and shops, and you're not too far from Atlanta to attend arts and cultural events. It doesn't have the charm of places like Virginia Highlands or Druid Hills. But everything is clean and organized, and doesn't have the pretentiousness of Buckhead. Rental prices will be a little higher than many areas, but there are plenty of apartments and some room to negotiate. The landscape off of Roswell Road is a bit cluttered with buildings that aren't particularly interesting to look at. Overall, it's a nice place to live if you can afford it and especially if you work in the area.

McDonough is one of those town that had no one and nothing going on 15 years ago. It grew seemingly overnight. However, the handling of that boom has not necessarily resulted in smart growth. Traffic is awful because city planners don't plan. But keeping up the historic downtown is one thing they've gotten right. There are unique locally owned restaurants and shops. It's a great place for a night out. Apartments are plentiful and you can stretch your money further than Atlanta. But don't come here if you're looking for some unique floor plan. This city grew fast, and the architecture reflects the speed. Overall, it's a good place for a family or if you want a fairly quiet lifestyle. However, with the rate of growth, it won't be quiet for long.

Fairburn is a little country that's still very close to Atlanta. There are some beautiful wooded areas and open fields here still to enjoy. The downtown area has buildings registered as Historic structures. The location is great by being so close to the city, especially if you're here for educational reasons. The downsides are worth taking into consideration. Crime is a problem, largely because of it's close proximity to College Park, the town with the highest crime rate in the entire state of Georgia. Also, lots of counties near Atlanta experienced explosive growth within a short period of time. In most cases, it wasn't handled well at all. Fairburn could end up being a cute town ruined by inept city planning. Apartment prices in Fairburn are at a good price point with one-bedrooms costing around $700. There's also new construction because of the growth, so you can find something new with plenty of space. The worst thing about living here and anywhere in Atlanta is the terrible traffic. Commuting is awful and public transit is an embarrassment given the size of Atlanta. If you're coming to Atlanta, this isn't a bad spot. However, unless it's for education, Atlanta-Metro is overrated.

Monroe is a cute little town with Antebellum homes. It's in a great location. However, if you're planning to commute to Atlanta each day, this isn't the best town. The route you would take, Highway 78, is very congested because of the explosive growth the area has experienced in the last 20 years. If you're commuting to Snellville or Athens, this is a good spot. Prices for Apartments in Monroe will range from $750 to $1000. Rental prices are a little high considering the incomes. However, the prices reflect most of the metro area, and the cost of living is low on everything else. Crime is a little higher than the state average but not nearly as bad as Atlanta. There are a few good restaurants and even more great choices in Athens. You'll also need to drive at least 20 minutes for any decent shopping. Overall, the spot is a good quiet residential area away from the rat race of Atlanta. However, schools are mediocre and a town this small should not have problems with crime even if it's just property offenses. Still, it's not a bad place to hang your hat.

So you want to know about Marietta? Well, its only the coolest place to live in the entire world. Alright, so that was an exaggeration. This is a great place to live --- if you have a family. One of the best suburbs of the Metro Atlanta area, Marietta is host to a number of top quality schools both public and private. Much of the area is residential with homes ranging from the lower 200s near the major roads, all the way to the low one millions which are tucked away in the "sub-area" of Marietta known as East Cobb. One of the greatest things about Marietta is that no matter where you live, you are relatively safe. Another is that it is very close to many other interesting surrounding areas such as Kennesaw, Roswell, Alpharetta and Sandy Springs in any given direction. Despite the fact that this area is mostly family oriented, one will find however, that once you venture out at night to the local bars and eateries, that Marietta does have an active young crowd. Thanks in part to the location of some local colleges such as Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic, there are plenty of younger people. The only drawback to this area is that if you are under 35, most of the really active night-life is anywhere from 20-30 minutes away in Midtown or the Virginia Highlands.

It has diversity and good suburban value for your money. But the commute to Atlanta is horrendous and communities in the same county such as Duluth and Suwanee are nicer.

The city of Smyrna is located in Cobb county, Georgia, and is a part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Smyrna, also known as the "Jonquil City" because of the jonquils that flourish in the city in early spring, is located about 10 miles northwest of Atlanta. The city is conveniently located near the I-285 and I-75 expressways, making a trip downtown relatively short. The city had a population of 40,999 in the 2005 census, but has an estimated population of 48,632 in July 2006, an 18.6 percent change. The city is also near Vinings, Marietta, Sandy Springs and the affluent district of Buckhead in Atlanta. The city has grown tremendously in recent years. Smyrna rebounded from urban decay in the 1990s to become an affluent area that has attracted many big companies. Smyrna undertook an image reinvention plan in 1991 that was a resounding success. The community redevelopment project, "Market Village," created a well-defined downtown that included a large community center, a 28,000 square foot public library, a mixed retail and residential district that was modeled after an early 1900s city village. This ambitious plan also spurred the further development throughout the city, including thousands of upscale homes. The Jonquil City has a rich history. Pioneers began calling the city home in 1832 and by the late 1830s, the Smyrna Camp Ground had become a popular travel destination. The area began to grow after the completion of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in 1842. Smyrna was known by several names--Varner's Station, Ruff's Siding, Neal Dow and Ruff's Station, until it was incorporated in 1872. This magnificent city was also the site of two Civil War battles--the Battle of Smyrna Camp Ground in July 3, 1864 and a day later, the Battle of Ruff's Mill. Smyrna made broke the glass ceiling in 1946 when it elected Lorena Pace Pruitt as its mayor in 1946. Smyrna is an ideal location for major transportation modes. There is easy access to several different methods of conveyance. The City is located near three interstate and intrastate highway systems: I-75, I-20, and I-285, making a trip downtown Atlanta an easy 15-minute drive. Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport is only a 30-minute drive away. In addition, several principal arterial roadways, such as Cobb Parkway, Atlanta Road and South Cobb Drive, pass through the city. Smyrna will undoubtedly benefit from the East-West Connector road extension through Cobb County. The Cobb Community Transit (CCT) bus system provides public transportation for our residents with links to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rapid-rail network. The city has been voted by Atlanta Magazine as one of the top 10 places to live in the Atlanta. The "small town" atmosphere is conducive to raising a family. The city's crime rates are very low, relative to Georgia. Home Depot, Glock and the Weather Channel are headquartered close to the outskirts of Smyrna and a Lockheed Martin plant is located nearby in Marietta.

Kennesaw, Georgia is One of The Ten Best Cities for Families Family Circle magazine named Kennesaw, Georgia as one of the top ten cities to live in the United States. Residents often speak of the charming appeal of living in Kennesaw. Located in northwest Cobb County, Kennesaw offers the feel of close-knit suburban communities with convenience of major commercial businesses and restaurants. Kennesaw has a rich cultural history of Civil War battles. The Atlanta Campaign began in Kennesaw in June 1864. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield became protected by the War Department in 1917. The Department of the Interior named Kennesaw Mountain a National Park in 1933. In March 2004, First Lady Laura Bush selected Kennesaw to be a Preserve America Community in celebration of our historical heritage. As of 2007, Kennesaw's population is 30,936 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 42.73 percent.The median home cost in Kennesaw is $280,200. Home appreciation the last year has been -3.09 percent.Compared to the rest of the country, Kennesaw's cost of living is 4.68% Lower than the U.S. average.Kennesaw public schools spend $5,267 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 17 students per teacher in Kennesaw. The unemployment rate in Kennesaw is 3.20 percent(U.S. avg. is 4.60%). Recent job growth is Positive. Kennesaw jobs have Increased by 2.82 percent.Visitors looking for the "Old South" will find history and charm blend with the contemporary and progressive, offering an appeal to all ages and interests.

Lithonia is in DeKalb county and a suburb of the Atlanta metro area. Easy access to major roads affords residents an easy commute to areas throughout the metro.Lithonia is in the heart of the Georgian quarrying and viewing region. Its name is derived from the Greek word for stone. The world's largest granite dome, Stone Mountain, is nearby. The Lithonia Public Library, founded in 1907 was the first in DeKalb county. Lithona offers great restaurants, shopping and easy access to hours of entertainment.

Known officially as the City of Homes, the growing town of Newnan, Georgia, is better recognized as the birthplace of country star Alan Jackson, and most recently, the stomping grounds of reality television's, DeAnna Pappas from The Bachelorette.   Built up in 1828, Newnan is a traditional southern city with a cobblestone town square. It's surrounded by antique and novelty shops, along with quirky restaurants. Residents love the yearly events such as the Ice cream or Barbeque festivals, and the holiday parades.   Newnan is spreading beyond its historic homes, out into the suburbs, where subdivisions offer living arrangements for a wide range of incomes. One of the area perks is the undeveloped western boundaries which offer country living with acres of hilly, pine-lined vistas. The on-the-move eastern limits cross I-85 and showcase shopping and restaurants to accompany a spurt of new homes. 

About 10,000 people live in Doraville, but the city covers an area of only 3.6 square miles.  As you might guess, this Dekalb County municipality is very densely populated.Doraville has the largest Hispanic population of any reported city in the state, and a thriving Asian community as well.  Buford Highway, the city’s main vein, is a non-stop strip of Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and Kosher grocery stores, shops and restaurants.  Rule of thumb – if something exists anywhere in the states, you can find it on Buford Highway.As corporations have outstretched their arms in search of office space, many have stretched due north, beyond Buckhead and Lenox, and found economical homes in the Doraville area.  The word ‘union’ is not a foreign one here, a place where just about anyone can find work of some sort.

Just a hop, skip and jump away from the bumping Atlanta area rests the peaceful suburb of LaGrange, Georgia. Since the population is approximately 25,000, finding a LaGrange apartment will not be difficult. With all the peaceful charm a small southern town can offer, LaGrange is a wonderful backdrop for your next apartment home.The Creek Indians are the original inhabitants of the land referred to as LaGrange. Colonists incorporated the city at the end of 1828. When the Civil War broke out, the women of the area stood up and took control. The Nancy Harts, a volunteer women's auxiliary group, defended the LaGrange area from war activity. This girl-power group negotiated the retreat of Federal troops lead by Colonel Oscar LaGrange after a Confederate defeat. LaGrange ordered his troops to spare the LaGrange area from being burned. To show their gratitude for not destroying their homes, the Nancy Harts group held a dinner honoring Colonel LaGrange for his mercy.Nuzzled up in the gorgeous woods of Georgia is the natural red-clay scenery of LaGrange. Settling into a LaGrange apartment home will offer you a peaceful city that will love and cherish your presence. You will be able to work in the big city and retreat to a quiet setting for rest. LaGrange apartment renters experience the best of both worlds.

Located only 16 miles from Atlanta, GA, Lithia Springs is a quaint, small town that is big on outside attractions with its 4 lakes, 29 streams, 3 mountain summits, Sweetwater Creek State Park, George Sparks Reservoir (+44 more reservoirs) and many hiking trails. Famous Skyview Drive borders Lithia Springs to the south with interstate 78 to the west. Lithia Springs was "de-incorporated" in 2001 when it was decided that its small 2000+ population spread over 900+ square miles didn't warrant the cost of city services (Assets/Liabilities were transferred to the Douglas County). It has been nationally recognized in the top 100 counties listing of best places to live in America. With its average moderate temperature of 56 degrees, Lithia Springs residents enjoy a wide selection of basic services such as 5 banks, 9 hotels/motels, and several art centers, 56 churches, 3 hospitals, 5 airports, Sweetwater shopping center and approximately 1000 housing units and affordable apartment buildings.

Although Tucker has its own zip code and post office, it has never officially been incorporated. That said, all residents of Tucker live in what is, technically, unincorporated Dekalb County. With about 30,000 residents, if Tucker were to become a city, it would be the largest in Dekalb County. All services, like fire, police, water and garbage, are provided to Tucker residents by Dekalb County.Tucker is located just under 15 miles from downtown Atlanta, and situated conveniently on the east side of I-285, making it ideal for commuters, which make up a large percentage of the population. Tucker has its fair share of longstanding local businesses and shops, even a bank, and is home to several larger churches in the metro area, including Rehoboth Baptist Church. Located on the Seaboard Coastline Rail line, Tucker became an important stop during the 1900s, fueling a handful of builder supply giants, some of which still exist today.

Union City, which is located just 15 miles SW of Atlanta, has experienced a population explosion of a 46% increase since the turn of the century. 17,000 people currently reside in this 9 square mile area. Union City has worked diligently to keep up with the population demands with many renovation projects and apartment developments (near South Fulton Parkway). Just off interstates 85 and 29, Union City is supported by 7 colleges (within 15 miles), 3 hospitals, several growing neighborhoods and business districts. Union City's close proximity to Atlanta's booming business and cultural center make this town an affordable consideration for prospective residents.

Lilburn is a small suburb of about 11,000 located in Gwinnett County.  Older than a lot of surrounding towns, Lilburn’s history dates back to a Native American settlement in the late 1700s/early 1800s, and then to land lots that were given to Georgia citizens via lottery in the mid-1880s.Unlike other metro area suburbs, Lilburn still maintains a true small town feel.  Located about 20 miles from Atlanta, Lilburn’s main traffic source is Lawrenceville Highway, or Highway 29, which runs from Tucker (southwest) to Lawrenceville (northeast).  It’s probably the town’s lack of direct access to an interstate that keeps it quiet, small and less traversed than other comparable municipalities.

Located just north of Atlanta and within a short commute to the major highways of 75 and 575 is the city of Canton. Canton is part of Cherokee County which is one of Georgia's largest counties, and the City of Canton is the county seat. Canton was built around an historic downtown area that has been revitalized with restaurants, pubs and shops. The downtown boasts a community center which includes an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, wellness center, aerobics studio, as well as a childcare facility. Located within Canton is a regional shopping mall as well as a technology / business park with several high tech companies as residents.For outdoor lovers, Canton provides outdoor parks and recreation areas that include fields for softball, baseball, tennis, and soccer. Some of the area is devoted to bike and pedestrian trails and a natural amphitheatre is used for concerts .

Conveniently located just south of Atlanta and within an easy commute to major highways is the city of Forest Park. The city has a rich past that is combined with a forward outlook by its city council to the future. Having the Fort Gillem Army base and the State Farmers Market located within its boundaries, proximity to the Hartsfield International airport and Atlanta, the city provides a good array of employment opportunities. Add a great park system with walking trails, baseball fields, football fields, a senior citizens center and recreation area provided by the city and you can see why over 22,000 residents enjoy their hometown.

The small town of Flowery Branch, GA is located 45 miles NE of Atlanta.  This middle class town of 4,000+ residents is known for being the training camp of the NFL Atlanta Falcons football team.  Each August, the town greets the national and local media who covers each play and autograph signing of the new team.  Its friendly charm and warmth are felt by all participating in the events.  Flowery Branch is also home for Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Phil Niekro, Johnny O'Connell (The Pratt and Miller Corvette team driver), the newly constructed Stonebridge Shopping Center and beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier.  Affordability and value can easily be found in the Flowery Branch real estate markets for single family homes and apartments.    When residents desire more cultural events, nightlife or other larger metropolitan ammenities, it is just a short drive to downtown Atlanta or the east coast beaches.

If a quieter lifestyle combined with close in major city advantages is your cup of tea, then we suggest Johns Creek, GA. Johns Creek is just 30 or so miles northwest of Atlanta, and recently became a city as it was incorporated December 1, 2006.Education has always been a major concern for its residents and they have developed an extremely strong system. Business has also grown in the area and retail as well as restaurants have developed nicely. With the mild Georgia seasons and boating, fishing and golf within a short ride Johns Creek has become one of the fastest growing areas in the Atlanta region.

Suwanee is in Gwinnett County, about 40 miles north of Atlanta. It's a suburban town that was just a patch of woods until the late 1990's. It's grown tremendously and has attracted people looking for large homes, good schools, and a family oriented lifestyle. It's clean, organized, and growing. You can get a lot for your money. However, it is a long drive from Atlanta and thus not ideal for a daily commute. If your work is in Gwinnett and you like modern suburbia, you'll love Suwanee

Small town Hawkinsville is a city almost directly in the center of the state of Georgia. With a population fewer than 4,000 people, finding an apartment will not take long.If you love horses, you'll love Hawkinsville. The town is known as the "Harness Horse Capitol" of Georgia. Look for an apartment near the Lawrence Bennett Harness Horse Racing facility so that you can be near the horses. Don't miss the Harness Festival that takes place every April before the horses head north for harness racing season.Although Hawkinsville, Georgia may lack some of the big city amenities you're used to, it more than makes up for it in small town atmosphere. Apartment residents will find that they're living amongst some of the nicest people in the South.

Reach about 65 miles directly south of Atlanta and you are bound to grab a healthy handful of Thomaston, Georgia. Serving as the county seat of Upson County, Thomaston holds an estimated populous of 10,000 persons and seeks for you to join its company. Even though it is an hour away from central Atlanta, it is still counted as part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Gainesville area.Thomaston holds a rich key to Georgia history. The town was graced with the name of an Indian fighter in the War 1812, General Jett Thomas. General Thomas is a credit to Georgia's past due to his contribution to the development of the state capitol and the establishment of Franklin College.Thomaston apartment dwellers live in a town that played host to Civil War activity. On April 18, 1865, Union troops begin pillaging the Thomaston area for a solid three days. Once General Robert E. Lee surrender, Union soldiers went on a rampage looting homes throughout Upson County. During these three days of terror, Union troops ruined three profitable cottons mills in the county and burned a steam locomotive. Sadly, the riot streamed from Columbus to Macon. Thomaston just got caught in the mix.The 1900s held industrial promise for the area. Textiles and tire cord productions were the economic pumps of the area. Thomaston textiles production was distributed globally and stabilized the economic flow. B. F. Goodrich's tire cord mill helped families to flourish financially as well.Thomaston is an acclaimed small town in America! This city has been chosen as one of the Top 100 Small Towns in America in 1986 and 1995. In Norman Crampton's book, Making Your Move to One of America's Best Small Towns, Thomaston is counted within the 120 towns acknowledged. Interestingly, Thomaston is home to the longest running African-American emancipation celebration in the country. This huge celebration is a crowd draw for the city each May. Thomaston apartment dwellers clearly have a city rich in American culture and contribution.Thomaston apartment occupants relish in the southern charm and easy-pace life the city offers. Thomaston apartment residents don't have to travel far to absorb the cultural, sporting and shopping richness found in Atlanta. However, they are privy to live in a town were the birds greet you in the morning and tranquil calm streets in the evening. Got to love that!

Named after the gorgeous locust trees in the area, Locust Grove is one of the brightest spots in Georgia. Sitting as an intricate part of Henry County, Locust Grove apartment communities are a wonderful alternative to the busy life found in Atlanta. Locust Grove apartment renters enjoy a small town that hosts only approximately 3,500 with a sweet southern backdrop full of flowing cotton and sumptuous peaches.On December 20, 1893, this tranquil Georgia haven was incorporated for those who living a quieter way of life. Prior to its incorporation, this land was noted for being a farming community with three cotton gins that fostered the area's economical base. Only a year later was the birth of Locust Grove Institute, a system of life learning in its day. Now it is one of the most treasured landmarks of the city. Once you have moved into your new Locust Grove apartment, check it out!Locust Grove apartment dwellers that are avid shoppers are definitely trilled to live in a city with a Tanger Outlet Center. From Coach to Jones of New York, Locust Grove apartment occupants are privy to the sales first before the big city shoppers hit the town. Even though this is not a metropolis, Locust Grove apartment renters can sure shop like they live in one!Comb through all the Locust Grove apartment communities until you have found the one hiding with your name attached! Once you have settled into your new Locust Grove apartment home, relax and relish in the fact that you have decided to live in one of the most peaceful cities in America.

Gentrification is alive and well in Fulton County Georgia's town of Hapeville! The small, 2.4 mile square town has become quite popular with young professional seeking apartment homes in historic neighborhoods near Atlanta. Hapeville, Georgia is home to comedian Jeff Foxworthy, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant, and the world's busiest airport - Hartsfield-Jackson International. Apartments in Hapeville are as varied as its community members are. Its location adjacent to Atlanta provides residents with world-class dining, cultural events, sports, and nightlife.

Vinings is an idyllic place to live if you are looking to move to the Atlanta metro area. It is northwest of downtown Atlanta - at the crossroads of I285 and I75 - you can readily get anywhere in the Atlanta metro area within 20-30 minutes. It has the unique benefit of being inside the dubbed "Perimeter" or ITP (in the Perimeter), but part of Cobb vs. Fulton County - thereby avoiding the taxes of Fulton County and the City of Atlanta. The neighborhood has a mix of new and old homes, parks, numerous restaurants and shops and in certain areas you can walk nearby cafes and shops. The newly opened Cobb Energy Center is attracting high-end performers like Annie Lennox, Bill Mahr, and Alannis Morrisett to name a few. Whether you are looking for an apartment or a multi-million dollar estate, Vinings has many options when it comes to housing. It's diversity in housing attracts singles, couples, families and retirees. Having lived in a few areas of Atlanta, I would highly recommend Vinings for any newcomers to Atlanta OR anyone looking to relocate from another Atlanta-area neighborhood.

Jasper is basically a mountain town off highway 53, 60 miles north of Atlanta. It's too far to be considered a suburb. But if you work in Woodstock, Acworth, or Canton, it's not a bad drive at all. You come here for quiet scenic living, and to be close to the mountains. The schools are mediocre and there's not a college in town. You can buy land here at reasonable prices. Shopping is minor car trip away. The population is 94% white, so you don't come here for multiculturalism either. It's attractive, and land is a good investment. But for renting, there aren't a lot of choices in terms of apartments. You may be better off renting a house.

Dallas is little city northeast of Atlanta. Nothing was there 15 years ago, and then folks started moving out that way. You can live inexpensively, basically average prices for apartments. But there's nothing to do in Dallas. There's a theatre downtown, but basically you need to drive to Marietta or Douglasville for shopping. The schools are mediocre and culture, forget it. You'll have to hop in the car. If you want quiet living and mundane landscape, Dallas is fine. But for the same money, there are plenty of other suburbs with more restaurants, pubs, stores, and theatres. Crime is average for the state, and is certainly better than Atlanta. But you can get the same level of safety or better in other suburbs.

Ball Ground, Georgia. Population 730 - and every bit of drama, criminal activity and domestic violence is located in one place within Ball Ground, Georgia - that is Lantern Walk Subdivision. DO NOT - I repeat - DO NOT Lease or Purchase a home in this neighborhood unless you want to be miserable.

College Park has an attractive downtown area showing great effort to restore historic buildings and attract businesses. It's northern neighbor East Point, could take some lessons in urban renewal. And It's a town where you can find some bargains in terms of buying a home. However, I don't recommend it for renting an apartment unless you work in the area. I would find something in the neighborhoods located near and around Woodward Academy. There are restored homes and beautiful parks. But when you head down Riverdale road, it's all down hill. Also, College Park has one of highest crime rates in the Atlanta Metro area. Roughly 20% of residents live below the poverty line. There have been more middle class professionals moving to the area in the last 5 or so years. But much is needed to make this place safe.

Albany, Georgia is a small southern town that lacks small town values. The cost of living is low but the crime is very high. In fact, in 1988 it was named the murder capital of the U.S. because it's murder rate was the highest per capita. It no longer has this title, but it's not the ideal place to move and raise a family. Reviews of the city are less than flattering. People speak of rudeness, crime, and general lack of caring for the city and residents. There are high rates of poverty, chronic unemployment, and gang violence.