What is the real estate market like in Atlanta, GA as far as buying a home?

I'm thinking of relocating from Baltimore to Atlanta next year, but I don't want to rent an apartment.

Lawrencevile has some nice brand new houses for a reasonable price. i want to relocate there.

LIke anywhere it DRASTICALLY depends on where you live. If you want to live in the city, near downtown and most of the business activity...YOU WILL PAY THE PRICE. Either that or you could live on the south side and get something cheap but probably make it on the news within your first year considering that that's about the only side of town that gets air-time. Figure out where you want to live and work, and then find an agent and tell them what you want to pay. I'll be a licensed agent within about 3 weeks so shoot me an e-mail and if I can't personally help you, I will put you in touch with some of the excellent agents that I already know that do. Good luck!

CSU Flyer is very, very wrong. Something tells me he's never been to the soutside of Atlanta. Since I do live there, I'm glad he hasn't graced us with his good humor...

Atlanta has experienced strong but not wild growth over the past five years in real estate values. It's not one of those places where values got so high that there is a bubble ready to burst. There are a few intown neighborhoods that are contracting in value a little, but these are few and far between.

The Single Family Home market is stronger than the Condo market right now, as condos have been overbuilt.

The northern suburbs continue to be a draw, but be careful. The traffic in Cobb, North Fulton, and Gwinnett is a nightmare. Also, many of the new subdivisions up there have been cheaply constructed. The houses are big and look good, but are pretty much cardboard with a little particle board on the corners, covered in vinyl siding.

Gangs have taken hold in Gwinnett, so be careful there, too.

Intown, there are many neighborhoods that are taking off. Kirkwood, Decatur, East Atlanta, and Historic College Park are all very hot right now. Candler Park, Inman Park, Ansley Park, Morningside, Virginia-Highland, and Druid Hills are all very nice. On the west side, Vinings inside the perimeter is hot. These neighborhoods range from $150k for a 3BR 2BA (College Park) to $2M+ (Vinings and Druid Hills). The suburbs are, of course, much cheaper. This is due to the inferior quality on the construction of the homes and the lower desireability of the OTP area. (Outside the Perimeter). (Gwinnett starter homes in the low $100s. McMansion in Alpharetta $750k).

To the south, Peachtree City is an oasis, with lots of golf cart trails and very pretty big houses. And most are very well built. ($500k range.)

But the best advice I can give you - live as close to your job as possible. Atlanta commutes - especially on the northern arc - can be gruesome!