“There is so much highway construction in Atlanta, motorists have to wear hard hats. Rather than face another day in Atlanta traffic, a lot of people simply die to avoid it.” (-Lewis Grizzard)
Grizzard was onto something when he lamented Atlanta traffic in his typical Georgia humor style--that might explain why wealthy and comfortable suburbs like Roswell have popped up all around the big city, giving traffic-tired Georgians a refuge from the exhaust and horns. Roswell comes in as the eighth biggest city in the state, with a population of 88,000 residents. The winters are very mild and the summers are warm, averaging in the high 80s. With the median age at 36.9 years of age, and a notably low crime rate, beautiful neighborhoods, and great schools, it's an ideal place for young professionals and new families. In fact, in 2010, CNN ranked the city number 76 in the top 100 places to live in America. Maybe because of that, housing comes at a hefty price. But if you have the time and money to find a spot in Roswell, it's worth the expense.
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Finding an Apartment in Roswell
You'll find yourself reaching deep into the piggy bank when it comes to finding a place in Roswell. With an apartment vacancy rating of 6.6%, you'll need to do your research and plan carefully when it comes to finding a great place to live. But just keep the below tips in mind when planning your big move, and you'll be in your dream apartment home before an Atlantan drives three blocks.
Take a seat before you read on. Seriously, just take a seat. Since Roswell is one of the most affluent suburbs of Atlanta, and also the state, the rental market is cutthroat. A mere 20% of the population chooses renting an apartment versus home ownership. Prices can range drastically depending on the neighborhood and type of apartment that you're looking for, and if you're willing to settle for an older building (although you won’t find many in the area) you may save a few bucks.
Keeping in mind that Roswell is not that far from Atlanta, you'll want to avoid looking for an apartment near the start of college season. Due to the cost of high-rises in the city, many students prefer to commute. The beginning of the summer is a peak time to find great deals on apartments while everyone else is outside enjoying longer daylight hours and wonderful weather. Plus, many complexes offer great deals because of current leases that are set to expire in the summer. If you find a place you like, don’t think about it for too long. If your instinct tells you that it's great, chances are that someone else will have that same instinct!
Competition for apartments can be extreme and frustrating. It’s best to prepare ahead of time; you don’t want to end up broke, or in a place that you had to settle for because of a lack of availability. Just like a job search, being organized and efficient is the best approach to take when searching for your future home. Regardless of whether you're dealing with a real estate company or a private owner, be courteous when you're scheduling your appointment. Dress appropriately and arrive for your appointment on time--nobody likes to be kept waiting. As a rule of thumb, you should always keep your two most recent pay stubs, along with a recent copy of your credit information. If you are planning on having a pet, it doesn’t hurt to have a photo of your favorite animal, along with a recent shot record. No landlord is crazy about the possibility of large pets that are going to destroy their property, and a photo can soothe their worries and smooth along the process.
The Best Neighborhoods in Roswell
A large number, almost 10% to be exact, of white collar workers in Roswell work from home. This is not surprising considering that it's such an affluent and educated city full of young professionals.
The Greenway: This is one of the top ten most expensive neighborhoods in the area. You'll reach deep into your pockets to live here, but the perks make it worth it. It’s lush with mostly wooded areas, hiking trails, and fun things to do. Whether you like a drink at night or a place to take the kiddies, there is plenty to do and see. $$$$
Woodstock and Coleman Road Area: A beautiful, wooded area full of great scenery, this neighborhood is a mix of family-friendly and young professionals. As with most other neighborhoods in the area, there are plenty of parks and jogging trails. $$$
Chattahoochee Area: Lots of options and family-friendly homes to choose from. With Atlanta’s water reserve drying up, this area near the Chattahoochee River is a great option out in the suburbs. There really is nothing like living near water. $$$
Life in Roswell
Roswell has the distinction of being a small city in the shadow a big city. Atlanta is only 20 miles away, and public transportation is readily available. Marta has two bus lines that are available with daily routes into the city. Public transit is a great time-saving option when it comes to the gridlock of a daily commute into the city. Those that know the area know that traffic never stops in Atlanta.
Roswell may be up-and-coming for young professionals, but it's also full of culture and history. There are lots of Civil War monuments, majestic old churches and stately homes to explore. And you can have a great downtown experience without ever leaving the city limits: there are senior and youth programs, plenty of local events, plus locally-owned shops and restaurants. So if you don’t feel like battling other cars to make it to Atlanta, there is always plenty going on in Roswell to keep you occupied.
Roswell has a very low crime rate and lots of options for outdoor activities, making it a very family friendly city. Plus, it has some of the best public schools in the state. Yup, I said public, not private. I think we've found a winner.
It's also centrally located to everything you could want. Because the residents and civic leaders take such great pride in their city, the public areas are very well-maintained. Green spaces and parks are located throughout the city, making it feel less urban and more secluded from Atlanta.
The cost of living may be a bit higher but, if you can afford it, Roswell is a great place to live. It is full of history and beautiful outdoor spaces, and has a lively downtown scene. So ditch the car, cut the gas bill, and escape to the wonderful life that awaits in Roswell. Happy hunting!
