I learned to fly at the local airport. It was a 141 school, but I earned my commerical, multi, and instrument in 18 months. In total, I spent a little more than $25000. I spent another 5000 on the CFI, CFII, and MEI.

ATP is great if there is a hiring boom because of the number of multi hours you gan accrue. In this environment though, I would just visit the local FBO. If you spend three days a week flying and one day a week in ground school, or four hours a week total, there's no reason you can't earn your private in about four months. The same goes for the instrument rating.