History of Brookhaven, GA

Up until 2012, Brookhaven was just an Atlanta neighborhood, so its history as a city is still quite young. However, its history as a community dates back to 1810 when a man named John Evins built a plantation in the area. By the 1830s, two South Carolina men named Harris and Solomon Goodwin bought the land, and their home still stands today at the 3900 block of Peachtree Road. By 1876, the area was a settlement called Cross Keys, and it had over 250 residents, a couple of churches, a school, and some cotton gins.

The economy thrived on cotton farming and wood exports, but by the turn of the century, many of Atlanta’s wealthier residents started building summer homes here. By 1910, a group of men from the Mechanical and Manufacturers Club decided to purchase some land and build a golf course. The Brookhaven Country Club opened in 1912, becoming only the second golf course in Atlanta. As people began building homes around the course, they worked hard to preserve the mature trees in the area, something today’s Brookhaven residents still appreciate. By 1928, there were 19 homes situated along the golf course, and that number continued to multiply, even during the Great Depression. The country club eventually became part of the Capital City Club.
After World War II, the Brookhaven area went through a major building boom, adding both commercial and residential buildings. However, it was not until 2007 that residents began talking about breaking off into a city of their own so that they could control their own government agencies. In a July 2012 vote, 55 percent of residents agreed with this measure, and five months later, a new city was born.

Quick Facts

• Population: 50,500
• Public school students in Brookhaven will attend schools in the DeKalb County School System.
• Private schools in Brookhaven include Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School, St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal School, and Marist School.
• Brookhaven is home to Oglethorpe University, a private liberal arts college. It also has a Georgia State University satellite campus within its boundaries.
• The DeKalb County Public Library operates a branch in the city called the Brookhaven Library.
• There are over 11 neighborhood parks in Brookhaven, ranging from the 0.2-acre Clack’s Corner to the 135-acre Murphey Candler Park.
• Companies that make their headquarters in Brookhaven include AT&T Mobility.
• The Buford Highway area, part of which is in Brookhaven, is home to one of the largest population of immigrant-owned businesses in the country.

Demographics

• The cost of living in Brookhaven is estimated at around $80,000.
• The city has low unemployment rate at 2.7 percent.
• The median age is 37.
• The median income is just under $85,000, and the average household is worth over $650,000.
• Around 42 percent of residents are married and just over 34 percent have children.
• The crime rate is much lower than the national average.

Local Attractions

Brookhaven is so close to Atlanta that you do not have to go far to have a good time. The city’s top attractions, like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and the Fox Theatre are just minutes away. So is the exciting nightlife and world-class shopping that Buckhead has to offer. However, many residents of Brookhaven live in walkable neighborhoods that lead them straight to local restaurants, shops, and parks.

Dining

• Verde Taqueria – One of Brookhaven’s top places for Mexican food is Verde Taqueria. Serving Brookhaven since 2009, the restaurant is the perfect casual place to grab some tacos, a margarita, or some chips and guacamole.
• Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub – Kaleidoscope is Brookhaven’s very own neighborhood bistro and pub, and locals find themselves dining here again and again. The restaurant takes pride in serving local produce and minimally processed protein to make its self-described “global comfort food.” Enjoy a Braves game on the big screen while you dine on burgers, seafood, and other delicious dishes.
• Haven – If you love classic Southern food with a slightly upscale twist, Haven is the place for you. It’s a local favorite for date night and features live music once a week. All of the food, from the small plates and sides to the entrees and desserts, is made from scratch.
• Valenza – If it is Italian food you crave, you will probably find what you are looking for at Valenza. This local favorite hotspot is casual yet upscale and uses fresh, local ingredients to create pastas, antipasti, risottos, and much more. Do not forget to check out the wine list.
• The One Sushi Plus – Practically every Atlanta suburb has its own favorite sushi place, and for Brookhaven, that place is The One Sushi Plus. The restaurant and the menu have a unique, modern vibe that patrons just love. From cocktails and appetizers to the sushi rolls and Asian fusion entrees, you cannot leave without trying something from every section of the menu.

Transportation

• Airports – Brookhaven is just under 20 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is considered to be the busiest airport in the world.
• Public Transportation – Bus and rail service are provided to the Brookhaven area by Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
• Major Roads and Interstates – Georgia 400 runs just west of Brookhaven, while Interstate 85 forms its southernmost boundary, and Interstate 285 forms it northernmost boundary. Other major roads that run through the city are Buford Highway, Peachtree Road, Johnson Ferry Road, and Ashford Dunwoody Road.

Shopping

• Plaza Fiesta – The Brookhaven area is home to Plaza Fiesta, a multicultural shopping center with a heavy Latin American influence. It features over 280 stores, restaurants, and businesses where you can purchase everything from clothing and toys to lunch and electronics.
• Town Brookhaven – Town Brookhaven is a popular live/work/play complex, as well as a top shopping destination in the city. Businesses and stores there include Publix, Costco, Marshall’s, and LA Fitness.
• Phipps Plaz and Lenox Square – For some of the most upscale shopping in the entire country, head west into Buckhead to Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square. The malls and their surrounding areas are home to some of the biggest names in fashion like Prada, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and more.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Murphey Candler Park – Brookhaven is home to multiple neighborhood parks, such as the 135-acre Murphey Candler Park. It has a fishing lake, walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and sports fields.
• Stone Mountain – Brookhaven is about 15 miles from Stone Mountain Park, one of Atlanta’s top tourist destinations. Activities there include a scenic railroad and riverboat tours, a sky ride to the top of the mountain, miniature golf, a real antebellum plantation, multiple play areas, shows, restaurants, shopping, and so much more.
• Buckhead Nightlife – The Havana Club, Tongue & Groove, and the Sanctuary are just a few of the trendy clubs located in Buckhead, Brookhaven’s neighbor to the west. Enjoy live music, dance the night away, sip award-winning drinks, or meet up with old friends at any of these hotspots.
• Peachtree Golf Club – The historic and exclusive Peachtree Golf Club is located in Brookhaven. Founded by the Bobby Jones, the course is considered one of the best in the world.
• Cinebistro – Cinebistro is located in the Town Brookhaven shopping complex, and is a popular spot for Brookhaven residents. It shows new and independent movies, accompanied by full-service dining. It also has a full bar, traditional movie snacks, and an extensive wine list.

Real Estate Information

In Brookhaven, you will truly find something for everyone when it comes to homes. You will find bungalows and Craftsman-style homes that date back to the early 1900s, as well as new construction built over the last few years. You will also find condos, townhomes, and million-dollar estates. No matter what are of the city you choose, expect to live near good schools, in walkable communities, and next to friendly neighbors.

Average Home Values

Homes in Brookhaven range from low $200,000s up to the multi-millions. The average selling price as of summer 2015 is around $370,000

Popular Neighborhoods

• Brookhaven Heights
• Ashford Park
• The Reserve at Brookleigh
• Village Park
• Park at Oglethorpe
• Mabry Oaks
• Ashford Park

 

• Brookhaven Fields
• Hampton Hall
• Cambridge Park
• Drew Valley
• Historic Brookhaven
• Keswick Village
• Lynwood Park
• Pine Hills