Atlanta's Safest Neighborhoods

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Whenever a person is considering moving to a new place, the safety of the new area is generally a top priority. In this article, we will discuss some information regarding the safety of Atlanta and the surrounding area, including detailed descriptions of several cities and neighborhoods. We here at Bellhop (your friendly Atlanta moving company) are committed to providing accurate and useful information regarding each city that our customers are considering for their next move, even if it’s a cross-country Atlanta move. We can also help with last-minute Atlanta moves, if you’re pressed on time.

Why listen to me? I’ve lived in Atlanta for over five years, mostly in and around the Buckhead area. Enough about me – read on!

Crime Levels in Atlanta

Atlanta has a reputation for having a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. However, like many cities, the crime rate varies depending on the neighborhood and time of day. According to the most recent data from the FBI, Atlanta had a total crime rate of 3,436 per 100,000 people in 2019.

It’s worth noting that Atlanta has made significant efforts to reduce crime in recent years, and many areas of the city have seen improvement. Additionally, many neighborhoods in Atlanta are considered safe and have low crime rates. In the remainder of this article, we will go into detail to describe several areas and neighborhoods of Atlanta and their respective safety levels.

Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs is a city in northern Georgia, located just outside of Atlanta. It is one of the most affluent communities in the state, with a population of around 109,000 people. Sandy Springs has excellent public schools, beautiful parks, and a vibrant community that offers plenty of dining, shopping, and leisure activities. It is also home to several large businesses and corporations, making it a great place to work.

The cost of homes in Sandy Springs tends to be on the higher side, with the median home value being around $500,000. However, there are a range of properties available, from luxury estates to more modest homes, such as condos and townhomes.

In terms of safety, Sandy Springs is generally considered to be a safe city with a low crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. It has a robust police force that works diligently to ensure the safety and security of its residents. Says one resident, “I’d be more afraid of a soccer mom running me over with an Odyssey than I would be of getting mugged.”

According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, violent crime is considerably below the national average (0-2 homicide cases per year), but motor vehicle theft is roughly average.

Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown is a historic neighborhood located in Atlanta. The area is known for its colorful houses, community gardens, arts scene, and unique vibe. Homes in Cabbagetown range from small bungalows to larger, renovated houses, and the average cost is around $350,000. As for safety, Cabbagetown is a relatively safe neighborhood, but it’s always advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

According to one resident, “there might be some property crime, but nothing worse than midtown.”

Chamblee

Chamblee is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, located northeast of Atlanta. It is a diverse community with a growing population and a vibrant downtown area with many shops and restaurants. Chamblee is also known for its parks, including Keswick Park and Dresden Park.

The median home price in Chamblee is around $340,000, with a range of prices depending on location and size. The housing market is relatively competitive, with many homes receiving multiple offers when they go on the market.

In terms of safety, Chamblee has a relatively low crime rate compared to other areas in the Atlanta metro region. Says one resident, “Besides the occasional car break-in (if you have stuff visible in your car), the area is very safe.”

Avondale Estates

Avondale Estates is a small city located in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a population of approximately 3,000 people. It is known for its walkable downtown area that features restaurants, shops, and homes that date back to the early 1900s.

The median home value in Avondale Estates is around $400,000, with most homes ranging from $300,000 to $600,000. The cost of living in Avondale Estates is higher than the national average, but it is still relatively affordable compared to nearby cities like Atlanta.

In terms of safety, Avondale Estates is considered to be one of the safest cities in Georgia, with a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average. Residents note a strong sense of community, with a tight-knit feel that emphasizes the importance of individual safety and neighborhood security.

Says one resident, “It has a very vibrant brewery scene that attracts a lot of visitors from nearby areas. I have never felt unsafe parking and walking around the area with my family.”

Midtown

Midtown is an excellent neighborhood for first-time homebuyers in Atlanta. This area is always lively, with plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping options. The average cost of homes in Midtown is around $500,000, making it affordable compared to some of the other similar neighborhoods in Atlanta.

There are a lot of exciting bars and community spaces in Midtown that are nearby, including Virginia Highland, Inman Park, and Poncey-Highland. The popular bars in Midtown include The Vortex Bar and Grill, Publik Draft House, and Escorpion, which are all within walking distance for those living in the area.

In terms of schools, Midtown has a better reputation for its schools and education system compared to other neighborhoods in Atlanta. The area has access to some of the best schools in the city, including the renowned Grady High School. Midtown is ideal for first-time homebuyers because of its affordability, central location, lively atmosphere, and great school system.

Generally speaking, Midtown has gotten much safer over the past decade, and is now considered one of the safest areas in Atlanta. Says one resident, “I find it safe, but like any major city, it does have crime and you have to keep your eyes open and think about things.” Theft and property crime are the biggest issues.

Staying Safe When Moving to Atlanta

Before moving to Atlanta, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Crime rate: As mentioned already in this article, Atlanta has a high crime rate, especially when compared to other cities in Georgia. It is important to be aware of the types of crimes that occur in different neighborhoods and to be cautious.

2. Natural disasters: Since Atlanta is located in the southeastern United States, it is prone to severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods. It is important for home buyers moving to Atlanta to be aware of and prepared for these types of events.

3. Traffic safety: Atlanta has a significant amount of traffic, which can be dangerous for those driving or walking. It is important to research traffic patterns and identify safe walking routes before moving to the city.

4. Neighborhood safety: It is important to research different neighborhoods in Atlanta and consider factors such as crime rate, access to public transportation, and proximity to emergency services before choosing a place to live. This article provides an excellent head start on this research and will put you miles ahead above the average home buyer.

5. Personal safety: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone or at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables with you, and invest in security measures such as a home security system as well as locking your doors and windows.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article about safe and affordable neighborhoods in and around Atlanta. When it comes time for you to make your move, whether it be to Atlanta or elsewhere, we will be here ready to help. We have local movers in Atlanta, and can help with long-distance moves to Atlanta as well. We can even help with last-minute Atlanta moves too.

Larry Blue

City Operations Manager at Bellhop

Larry has been in Atlanta for more than four years. He enjoys hanging out in Buckhead, exploring the parks and trails of the Atlanta BeltLine, snowboarding, and rooting for his favorite local sports teams (including the Braves, Falcons, and GA Bulldogs). Larry has been in the moving industry for more than five years, and says he knows it's going to be a good moving day "[when] all items are boxed and sealed and there's a clear path from house/apartment to the truck."

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Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta