I don't know the Atlanta area at all, but your mentioning your scare in Chicago reminds me when my DH and I travel to unknown places. We frequently end up in these types of neighborhoods and I just tell him he is 'taking me through the best part of town'! We are in a car thankfully and not on foot as you must have been.
I hope some QB member will jump in and take you around. I would gladly assist you if you were ever to come to Phoenix, AZ area.