The Atlanta “Perimeter” refers loosely to the I-285 freeway that encircles the metro area. It also connotes different lifestyles between those who live “Inside The Perimeter” (ITP) and “Outside The Perimeter” (OTP). As to which is best, each has a different set of benefits and drawbacks, and it really depends on your own priorities. That said, if you are more of a suburbanite, you might want to consider buying a house outside the Perimeter. Here are three reasons why.
More home for the money
With a few exceptions in specific neighborhoods, a home outside the Perimeter generally costs less than a comparable home with similar square footage inside the Perimeter. This trend becomes more noticeable the further you get from downtown. If getting more home for the money matters more to you than the urban, “walkable” lifestyle, you might want to consider buying OTP. Also, lot sizes tend to be larger outside the Perimeter.
Quieter lifestyle
There are, of course, areas of high traffic and congestion outside the Perimeter, especially in hubs for shopping and business like the Perimeter Center in the Dunwoody/Sandy Springs area. However, if you prefer more rural, quieter surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you are never more than a few minutes away from it living outside the Perimeter.
Local convenience
While commute times into Atlanta are definitely longer if you live OTP, the suburban communities are developing to the point that unless you are commuting for work, there is less and less reason to drive into Atlanta. Plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options are minutes away from most locations, and while the suburbs are less walkable, many communities like Roswell have established their own small-town walkability, minus the traffic and dense population. This enables you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
If the idea of living outside the Perimeter appeals to you, our agents have a keen understanding of the housing market in this area, and we can give helpful advice as to the best neighborhoods as we help you find your dream home. When you are ready to start looking, call Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 404.237.5000.