u/lowkeyhundo

Context: I lived in Decatur for a couple of years, but moved out earlier this year to stay with family while reassessing my living situation. Staying with family wasn’t sustainable and was isolating from my social life.

I found myself missing my ATL social connections, even if they aren’t strong. My social life consists of two weekly events across ATL I like to attend, specifically west ATL and Decatur. These gatherings are my primary way of staying connected.

Present dilemma: After weeks of searching around ATL and surrounding suburbs, I found a lovely private studio in Duluth in a quiet neighborhood, no shared walls, nice landlord, good build quality. Everything else in my budget ($1,300-1,400/month maximum) in the perimeter seems to have consistent reviews mentioning weed smell, trash, break-ins, noise issues, and unresponsive management. I know city living comes with occasional noise and incidents, but it’s hard to discern which properties are actually decent, especially with my health needs.

The catch: from Duluth it’s 40-60 minutes to West ATL and 30-45 minutes to Decatur, both via I-85 and 285. ATL traffic stresses me out even on good days, but as a remote worker I can be flexible with timing.

So my question is if choosing a more sensory/health friendly apartment is worth being farther from my social connections if it’s only once a week and on a weekend. Or is this isolating and not worth the distance?

Context: I lived in Decatur for a couple of years, but moved out earlier this year to stay with family while reassessing my living situation. Staying with family wasn’t sustainable and was isolating from my social life. I’m not looking to put down roots at the moment, this is a transitional season while I focus on my health and figure out where I want to be long term, whether that’s ATL, metro ATL, or elsewhere.

I found myself missing my ATL social connections, even if they aren’t super strong. My social life consists of two weekly events across ATL I like to attend, specifically west ATL and Decatur. Most friends are busy during the week, so these gatherings are my primary way of staying connected.

Present dilemma: After weeks of searching around ATL and surrounding suburbs, I found a lovely private studio in Duluth in a quiet neighborhood, no shared walls, nice landlord, good build quality. Everything else in my budget ($1,400/month maximum) in the perimeter seems to have consistent reviews mentioning smoking smells, trash, break-ins, noise issues, and unresponsive management. I know city living comes with occasional noise and incidents, but it’s hard to discern which properties are actually decent, especially with my sensory/health needs.

The catch: from Duluth it’s 40-60 minutes to West ATL and 35-45 minutes to Decatur, both via I-85 and 285. ATL traffic stresses me out even on good days, but as a remote worker I can be flexible with timing. I also like what ATL has to offer, such as walkable spaces with shops, jazz bars, relaxing lounges, and not having to commute quite as far for my social events.

My questions:

Is a peaceful private apartment worth dealing with the ATL highway commute twice a week, or does the commute stress cancel out the benefit?

Is Duluth too far from West ATL/Decatur for someone whose social life is built around twice-weekly events there? Should I move closer ITP?

Any tips for finding decent private rentals closer to ATL that I might be missing?

Andy advice or perspective is greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone, I’d love to get your feedback.

So in 2023 I leased a 2023 AWD premium package hatch, naturally aspirated, red interior, which I now have an auto loan for. I didn’t have the budget for both the turbo and the upscale premium package with the red interior, so I opted for the latter.

However, it’s now 2026, and I’ve realized I really would’ve enjoyed some extra punch from the turbo. I work from home so I don’t have to commute much, but I frequently take trips to visit family, attend networking events, and also just run errands around the city.

I live in the South, so there’s no snow or anything for my AWD to truly be effective, Occasionally I may go to the mountains, but that’s it. Though it does ride nicely in the rain. I’ve also considered moving to a more midwestern or western state eventually, so that may come in handy if I ever make that decision.

It’s also been in an accident, I was struck by another vehicle and had to replace the front right fender, and fix suspension. So that’ll affect trade in value, but since it’s a premium trim, I feel like there should still be a decent value.

However, this was my first new car, I’ve been the only owner, and it’s treated me well. I just wish it had more pep. I have a lower than average auto loan payment through credit union, so I’m not sure if trading in would require a loan with the dealer, or if I could get a new loan with the credit union.

Is it worth trading in my current model and trying to buy a used turbo? Or are there ways to improve the performance of the NA?

Does anyone here own an AWD NA hatch and have any thoughts? Are you satisfied with the NA AWD? What are some of the pros about it compared to the turbo?

Essentially I’m debating if I should trade in for a turbo, or make the most of my NA AWD.

Any advice or feedback from your personal experience is greatly appreciated.