Emory

[All About The Bones]

Thought we should have a general thread (no offence Rollins people!)....I got an offer a little while ago in anthropology but it only just became official

I am massively excited about starting, really wishing away the months (I am also excited that I get to have a proper summer for once and get out of rainy England!). Was just wondering who else is going, what subjects, where people were thinking of living (Decatur looks good?) etc etc....

Congrats to everyone!

[coyabean]

Thought we should have a general thread (no offence Rollins people!)....I got an offer a little while ago in anthropology but it only just became official

I am massively excited about starting, really wishing away the months (I am also excited that I get to have a proper summer for once and get out of rainy England!). Was just wondering who else is going, what subjects, where people were thinking of living (Decatur looks good?) etc etc....

Congrats to everyone!

Thank you for this!

I, too, just accepted. Sooooooooooooo excited.

I did an application for the grad apts at Briarcliff just as a backup but it's hard to justify that $1000+ rent! If it was ALL utilities -- electric, cable, wifi, water -- like I have now then I'd do it. I like fixed costs. But if I factor in electric and cable then my living expenses could easily top 1200 BEFORE food, gas and entertainment. That scares me.

Sooooo, I'm thinking of going down in May to look for something cheaper? The online housing board on Emory's site doesn't have much listed for August yet but I don't want to be too late.

I'd like to be close to campus the first year until I get used to things. After that I may branch out a bit.

[lizushkin]

I have just accepted Emory for Comp Lit, and I am a complete Atlanta- newbie as well (I am from the East coast). I don't want to be forced to buy a car for the first year, so I think Decatur would be a safe bet with their bus system. Can anyone confirm this? My hope is that I will be able to put the gas money towards a slightly nicer apartment that is closer to campus. Any suggestions of apartment complexes with studios/one BRs?

[Riotbeard]

If I were moving to Atlanta, I would move to East Atlanta generally or the areas near little five points, including stuff off Ponce De Leon and McFarland. Cabbage town is great, cheap, but a little dangerous.

[All About The Bones]

I have just accepted Emory for Comp Lit, and I am a complete Atlanta- newbie as well (I am from the East coast). I don't want to be forced to buy a car for the first year, so I think Decatur would be a safe bet with their bus system. Can anyone confirm this? My hope is that I will be able to put the gas money towards a slightly nicer apartment that is closer to campus. Any suggestions of apartment complexes with studios/one BRs?

Congrats on your place!

I am going to get a car, but I am not intending to use it to get to campus so have been looking at where to live near Emory etc. I am pretty certain I want to move to Decatur as it has houses and condos, loads of restaurants and stuff. There is also a free Emory shuttle which goes from the MARTA station there quite frequently by the look of it. Also as there is a MARTA station it will be easy to get into central Atlanta without the traffic jams (I am from London so tube links are quite important to me and I am reluctant to have to drive EVERY where). Anywhere closer than that just seems quite expensive for the sizes and I am keen to get some space after living in a tiny London flat.

As Coya mentioned there are the Briarcliff apartments. They look nice on the website, I think in the city guide section someone said they were ok. They are pricey though.

I was thinking about cycling but people have said Atlanta is seriously hot in summer? I think I will find somewhere that doesnt require biking and then see how I feel about the weather!

AGH, I am so excited :)

Also, Coya, good luck house hunting if you are still intending to go in May

[Riotbeard]

<br /><br /><br />I was thinking about cycling but people have said Atlanta is seriously hot in summer? I think I will find somewhere that doesnt require biking and then see how I feel about the weather!<br /><br />AGH, I am so excited <img src='http://forum.thegradcafe.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <img src='http://forum.thegradcafe.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <br /><br />Also, Coya, good luck house hunting if you are still intending to go in May <img src='http://forum.thegradcafe.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

It's very hot and there are hills, and it's humid. You should bring your bike, but expect to leave it at home some days.

[coyabean]

Thanks guys.

A bit of an update on housing.

I had a very unpleasant experience trying to rent from Campus Crossing at Briarcliff. I applied online via something that said "click here to apply online," talked to an agent several times to confirm a unit, cost and move in date. I drive 7+ hours to check it out last week. I get there and they tell me that an application is not an application. I have to sign a lease to rent an apartment? Even thought I'm not moving for 45 days? And the agent never mentioned that at all? And no other apartment complex in the country does that? Anyway my one bedroom was gone and they were not very concerned. So, I decided I was not either.

Their other community, President Park, has increased dramatically in rent after being acquired by Campus Communities (also manages Briarcliff). They market them as remodeled but that only means some cleaning and painting. The kitchen and bath are very, very, very old which would be fine at the OLD price of $500-$700. But at $987 - $1200 it sticks in my craw. Granted those prices include utilities but I can't help thinking I can do better. My Mom also hated them. She thought they looked unsafe. Take that with a grain of salt. No matter my age I am the baby -- and an only child -- and this is the woman who will only use BP gas in her car. LOL

But the complex is set far back off a busy street which makes it feel like it's down in a dark hole. And the front doors to the buildings are unsecured and there's no community police or security officer.

Clifton had two very nice units and the Clif shuttle picks up at front of the complex. It's an older community but well maintained and modernized. There's a very attractive loft unit with hardwoods and two baths and built in bookcases that I loved.

My only concern there is a monthly pest maintenance fee that I have NEVER heard off. It's like $70! What the hell are they killing for $70 a month per apartment?!!! I mean, some agent orange has to run you half off free at any local military base, right? And there is lots of chatter on the apartment rating sites about that fee. Apparently the pest control company is owned by the rental management company? And they'll not take your rental payment if you don't pay the fee, thus charging you a late fee?

And the leasing agent who, I know, was trying to peg me and sale based off my appearances made a big deal of the complex not being kid-friendly. In her words, "we have a dog park but no playground for a reason!" Now, I don't have kids and don't plan to pick any up anytime soon but I that statement made my blood run cold for some reason. Beyond the fact that the statement borders on violating fair housing rules, someone that cold will also take your pest control money and leave you to be eaten by flying cockroaches without losing a wink of sleep.

I dunno.

Post Briarcliff is modern and nice but not within walking distance or on Clif. It's in a cute area with food and services within walking distance though.

I drove through Virginia Highlands and Little Five Points and loved both. The pics are of Va-Hi although it's kind of a seamless transition. It's all down one looooooong street (Briarcliff). I saw tons of signs for rentals in converted duplexes and older homes (see 2nd pic below). Most seemed to be full of character -- that real estate euphemism for no HVAC and squeaks. BUT, they are cute and the prices listed were reasonable -- $550ish and up? I do think the area is too cool for school for me though. it's the kind of spot I'd love to hang out in but I don't know if it matches my personality. People were pushing those designer baby carriages and all dreadlocked out and such. Love funky charm but I'm not that. LOL I'd be such a poseur. They'd have discreetly designer beat up clothes and I'd have actual beat up clothes.

There are about four more I didn't get a chance to see but I plan on making another scouting trip. I'd like to move in June? We'll see!

ETA: looks like we can't add pics on grad cafe. So, see the pics here.

Edited May 5, 2010 by coyabean

[Riotbeard]

Thanks guys.

A bit of an update on housing.

I had a very unpleasant experience trying to rent from Campus Crossing at Briarcliff. I applied online via something that said "click here to apply online," talked to an agent several times to confirm a unit, cost and move in date. I drive 7+ hours to check it out last week. I get there and they tell me that an application is not an application. I have to sign a lease to rent an apartment? Even thought I'm not moving for 45 days? And the agent never mentioned that at all? And no other apartment complex in the country does that? Anyway my one bedroom was gone and they were not very concerned. So, I decided I was not either.

Their other community, President Park, has increased dramatically in rent after being acquired by Campus Communities (also manages Briarcliff). They market them as remodeled but that only means some cleaning and painting. The kitchen and bath are very, very, very old which would be fine at the OLD price of $500-$700. But at $987 - $1200 it sticks in my craw. Granted those prices include utilities but I can't help thinking I can do better. My Mom also hated them. She thought they looked unsafe. Take that with a grain of salt. No matter my age I am the baby -- and an only child -- and this is the woman who will only use BP gas in her car. LOL

But the complex is set far back off a busy street which makes it feel like it's down in a dark hole. And the front doors to the buildings are unsecured and there's no community police or security officer.

Clifton had two very nice units and the Clif shuttle picks up at front of the complex. It's an older community but well maintained and modernized. There's a very attractive loft unit with hardwoods and two baths and built in bookcases that I loved.

My only concern there is a monthly pest maintenance fee that I have NEVER heard off. It's like $70! What the hell are they killing for $70 a month per apartment?!!! I mean, some agent orange has to run you half off free at any local military base, right? And there is lots of chatter on the apartment rating sites about that fee. Apparently the pest control company is owned by the rental management company? And they'll not take your rental payment if you don't pay the fee, thus charging you a late fee?

And the leasing agent who, I know, was trying to peg me and sale based off my appearances made a big deal of the complex not being kid-friendly. In her words, "we have a dog park but no playground for a reason!" Now, I don't have kids and don't plan to pick any up anytime soon but I that statement made my blood run cold for some reason. Beyond the fact that the statement borders on violating fair housing rules, someone that cold will also take your pest control money and leave you to be eaten by flying cockroaches without losing a wink of sleep.

I dunno.

Post Briarcliff is modern and nice but not within walking distance or on Clif. It's in a cute area with food and services within walking distance though.

I drove through Virginia Highlands and Little Five Points and loved both. The pics are of Va-Hi although it's kind of a seamless transition. It's all down one looooooong street (Briarcliff). I saw tons of signs for rentals in converted duplexes and older homes (see 2nd pic below). Most seemed to be full of character -- that real estate euphemism for no HVAC and squeaks. BUT, they are cute and the prices listed were reasonable -- $550ish and up? I do think the area is too cool for school for me though. it's the kind of spot I'd love to hang out in but I don't know if it matches my personality. People were pushing those designer baby carriages and all dreadlocked out and such. Love funky charm but I'm not that. LOL I'd be such a poseur. They'd have discreetly designer beat up clothes and I'd have actual beat up clothes.

There are about four more I didn't get a chance to see but I plan on making another scouting trip. I'd like to move in June? We'll see!

ETA: looks like we can't add pics on grad cafe. So, see the pics here.

There are a lot of cheep places down McFarland from little five in "Cabbage Town." Most the neighborhoods are mid-gentrification, so there are a mix of young and old people, but a decent area nonetheless. My friends had a house for the prices of APTs you are talking about. That's my thoughts to you future Atlantans.