Doraville

History of Doraville, GA

Doraville was incorporated in 1871, but up until the 1940s it remained a small farming community. Because of its location near a main railroad line and a new water system, General Motors built a large assembly plant there just after War World II, and that tiny farming community began to grow. Developers moved in to build subdivisions and neighborhoods, and between 1950 and 1964, the population grew from 472 to 6,160. During the 1980s, Doraville became a popular destination for immigrants, and more than half of the population speaks a language besides English.

Quick Facts

• Population: 10,600
• Some of the top employers in the Doraville area are AT&T Mobility, Cox Communications, Emory University, Emory Healthcare, and Kroger’s Atlanta regional offices.
• Several colleges, universities, and higher education opportunities are located in DeKalb County just a quick dive from Doraville. They include Emory University, Agnes Scott College, Oglethorpe University, Mercer University, DeVry University, Columbia Theological Seminary, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, and Georgia Perimeter College.
• Up until 2008, Doraville was home to a large General Motors manufacturing plant. For a while, the Atlanta Falcons considered building a stadium there, but in 2014, a developer bought it and plans to turn it into a live, work, play neighborhood.
• Doraville is and is home to one of the largest populations of Asian immigrants in the United States.

Dining

• Yet Tuh – At Yet Tuh, the chef ships ingredients over from Korean to make sure your food is as authentic as possible. On the menu you will find a fusion of classic Korean dishes as well as more exotic and modern options. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that it will taste amazing.
• Rincon Latino – For some of the best Salvadoran food in Atlanta, you have to try Rincon Latino. The food is good, and the prices are even better.
• Shoya Izakaya – When you want sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies, give Shoya Izakaya a try. The menu is huge, so you may find yourself having a difficult time narrowing down what you want. Just consider that a reason to eat here frequently. Creative Loafing calls the restaurant one of Atlanta’s best restaurants for a first date.
• Marisqueria El Veneno – Rounding out your tour around the world is the Mexican seafood joint, Marisqueria El Veneno. The no-frills eatery is easily overlooked when you drive by, but once you sample the menu you will find yourself coming back for more. The oysters, shrimp tacos, and snapper in tomato sauce are some of locals’ favorites.

Transportation

• Airport – Doraville is just 25 miles northeast of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. It serves over 2,500 flights each day and is considered the busiest airport in the world.
• Intestates – The city has the distinct pleasure of being both an Inside the Perimeter (ITP) and Outside the Perimeter (OTP) community, meaning it sits along Interstate 285, the interstate that encircles Atlanta, with portions of the city on both sides. Interstate 85, which runs from Virginia to Alabama, sits along Doraville’s southeastern border.
• Mass Transit – Dora has its own heavy rail station that serves MARTA, Atlanta’s public transportation system. Bus services are also available.

Shopping

• Perimeter Mall and Perimeter Center – Doraville is just 5 miles from one of Atlanta’s favorite shopping destinations, Perimeter Mall. The upscale mall is home to approximately 200 stores and restaurants like Macy’s, Von Maur, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Ann Taylor, The Cheesecake Factory, H&M, Banana Republic, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and more. Several other big name stores and restaurants are located around the mall’s boundaries as part of the Perimeter Center neighborhood.
• Buckhead – Nearby Buckhead has become a shopping destination for people from all around the county. Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, and the surrounding area are home to stores and brands like Louis Vuitton, Armani, Cartier, Burberry, Bvlgari, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Prada.
• Chamblee’s Antique Row – If you prefer all things vintage and unique, you might prefer to shop next door in Chamblee at the city’s antiques district, Antiques Row. One of the largest collections of antiques in the South, there are over 13 stores and even a few restaurants in the area.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Stone Mountai – One of Atlanta’s most popular attractions is in DeKalb County and about 15 miles from Doraville. Stone Mountain Park is a large theme park with a huge granite mountain the middle. Visitors can choose from dozens of activities like shows, train and boat rides, historic sites, dining, child-friendly activities, and so much more.
• Piedmont Park – Doraville has some great parks but it is also just 12 miles from Atlanta’s famed Piedmont Park. The 189-acre grounds have a lake for fishing; paths for biking, walking, and skating; sports fields; a dog park; and plenty of open green space. The park hosts several major festival and events each year like Music Midtown, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. There is always something going on.
• Buford Highway Farmer’s Market – One of the best things about Dorville’s diverse population is that residents have access to some of the best international and ethnic cuisine in the Atlanta area. The Buford High Farmer’s Market is proof of this. You’ll find organic produce, exotic foods, and hard to find items used in everything from Caribbean and South American cuisine to Japanese and Thai dishes.
• Northcrest Golf Driving Range – There are multiple golf clubs around Doraville, but the city itself is home to Northcrest Golf Driving Range. In addition to the driving range, it features one of Atlanta’s largest pro shops that sells all the equipment you need for your game, as well as providing equipment repair and instruction.
• Regal Cinemas Hollywood 24 – For the latest movies, Doraville residents head to the 24-screen Regal Cinemas Hollywood theater in Chamblee. The facility offers a concession stand, game room, stadium seating, and digital projection.

Real Estate Information

Doraville real estate is somewhat noteworthy because it is home to the largest concentration of mid-century modern homes in the Metro Atlanta area. Many of them were built shortly after World War II with open floor plans, extra windows for natural lighting, and an overall design meant to bring the outside in. Many of these homes are either restored or well-kept and are still popular with residents today. There is also some new construction in the area to accommodate the city’s growing population.

Average Price of Homes

As Doraville becomes a more and more popular destination for new residents, home values are rising. The median sales price for spring 2015 was around $175,000.