Dunwoody

Its proximity to major roadways makes it a commuter’s dream, whether you work in Downtown Atlanta or off in another suburb like Alpharetta or Johns Creek. Of course, many residents find that jobs are plentiful right there in the city itself, and because of the lower taxes, businesses are opting to leave Atlanta for Dunwoody too.

History of Dunwoody

Dunwoody’s modern history dates back to the 1830s when settlers began moving to the area and starting their own community. They eventually named it for Major Charles Dunwody — the extra letter came from the way the name was written on a bank note — a Confederate hero from the Civil War. After the war, in 1881, the Roswell Railroad came to town, operating for over 40 years and turning Dunwoody into a crossroads community. It even welcomed President Theodore Roosevelt as a visitor at one point.

Despite the railroad shutting down and the Great Depression sweeping through the nation, Dunwoody remained a successful, mostly rural area until the 1960s when builders came in to build homes for residents looking for a suburban haven. In 1971, the Spruill family sold their own land in the community, and it became the site for Perimeter Mall, Dunwoody’s top shopping destination.

By 2006, there was talk in the Georgia General Assembly of incorporating Dunwoody, and in 2008, it was put to a vote. Citizens overwhelmingly supported the idea. In December of that year, Dunwoody officially became a city. Even though it is a relatively new city, it remains home to some of the Atlanta area’s most historic buildings. The Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church was built in 1829, and it is still in use today.

Quick Facts

• Population: 47,300
• Public school students who live in Dunwoody will attend schools in the DeKalb County School System.
• Both Georgia Perimeter College and Troy University have campuses in Dunwoody.
• The city operates its own police force with around 50 officers, but it relies on DeKalb County for fire and rescue, sanitation, water, and sewage.
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta’s most notable newspaper, keeps its headquarters in Dunwoody. Other companies with headquarters or corporate offices in Dunwoody include Porsche and InterContinental Hotels Group.
• Other top employers in the city include Walden Security, Peachford Hospital, AutoTrader, ER Solutions, Macy’s, Walmart, iHealth Technologies, and Computer Generated Solutions.
• The DeKalb County Public Library operates a Dunwoody branch on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
• Some of the city’s most notable past and present residents include host Ryan Seacrest, reporter Erin Andrews, Fox News anchor Bret Baier, artist William Kincaid, CNN anchor Robin Meade, actor Kip Pardue, and Cindy Wilson of the B-52s.

Demographics

• The cost of living in Dunwoody is estimated at around $80,000.
• The city has low unemployment rate at 4.9 percent.
• The median age is 39.
• The median income is just under $89,000, and the average household is worth over $758,000.
• Around 44 percent of residents are married and just over 38 percent have children.
• The crime rate is lower in Dunwoody than it is in other parts of DeKalb County.

Local Attractions

Dunwoody has always been a hotspot for shopping, and as the city continues to grow, so do the shopping, dining and recreation opportunities. Golf, theater, and outdoor activities are plentiful, and some of Metro Atlanta’s top restaurants are located within the city limits. The area is also home to Perimeter Mall, one of the state’s most popular shopping destinations, and several newer shopping centers are popping up all over town. If you want to venture a few minutes south into Buckhead, you will find even more excitement in the form of a bustling nightlife, world-famous designer shopping, and even more fine dining. Dunwoody is also just a quick drive away from some of Atlanta’s top attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world.

Dining

• Café Intermezzo – Café Intermezzo opened its doors in 1979 and now has three locations in the Atlanta area, including one in Dunwoody which just happens to be the original. Choose from over 100 different sweet treats like cakes, pies, and tarts; hundreds of drink combinations, including tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages; and the numerous items on the extensive lunch and dinner menu.
• Farm Burger – Farm Burger opened its Dunwoody location in 2012, and it has been a local favorite for fresh food ever since. Diners enjoy grass-fed beef burgers, though chicken and quinoa options are also available. Throw in a side of fries and a few toppings of your choice, and you have the perfect family-friendly — and healthy — burger joint.
• Joey D’s Oak Room – If you could use one word to describe Joey D’s Oak Room, it might be “big.” The restaurant serves big potions, offers a big selection of spirits, and serves food with a big smile. Enjoy aged steaks, New Orleans-style seafood, and Carnegie Deli corned beef among other favorite menu items.
• Café Sababa – Dunwoody is home to Café Sababa, one of the Atlanta area’s favorite places to dine on Mediterranean food. Blink and you may miss it, but the small restaurant’s food is something you will definitely not want to pass over. Enjoy dishes like lamb burgers, gyros, fresh tilapia platters, and beef kabobs.
• E. 48th Street Market – Some say the authentic Italian deli-style restaurant E. 48th Street Market feels like it should be in New York City instead of Atlanta, but that is just a testament to how good and true to Italy the food is. The store is part grocery store, part restaurant, so after sampling some delicious items from the menu, you can make some purchases and go home and attempt to recreate the cuisine.

Transportation

• Airports – Dunwoody is approximately 25 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is considered the busiest airport in the world.
• Mass Transit – Both rail and bus services are available to Dunwoody through Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Dunwoody even has its own MARTA station.
• Major Roads and Interstates – Interstate 285, which forms a perimeter around the city of Atlanta, forms Dunwoody’s southernmost border. Other major roads in the area include Georgia 400, which sits just west of the city of Dunwoody, and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, which forms part of the city’s southeastern boundary.

Shopping

• Perimeter Mall – Perimeter Mall and the area around it known as Perimeter Place is Dunwoody’s top shopping destination. The mall alone is home to over 200 stores and is the second-largest mall in the state. Stores include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Von Maur, Dillard’s, Express, Apple, Gap, H&M, J.Crew, Lacoste, Sephora, and White House Black Market. The area surrounding the mall is home to everything from stores like Walmart and Target to independently-owned shops and restaurants.
• Dunwoody Village – Dunwoody Village is a small shopping center in the city that is home to several shops, restaurants, and services. The Fresh Market, Walgreens, Brittany Leigh Bridal, Table Sleeves, and Blooms of Dunwoody are just a few of the stores located here.
• Williamsburg at Dunwoody – The Williamsburg at Dunwoody Shopping Center is a great place to stock up on groceries and other needs. You will find specialty grocery stores like E. 48th Street Market and Sprouts, Kroger, CVS, the popular Artichoke Designs shop, and Camelot Jewelers among other shopping and dining destinations.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Stage Door Players – Dunwoody is home to the Stage Door Players, a theater company that performs at the North DeKalb Cultural Center. Since 1974, the Players have been entertaining Atlanta audiences with their unique mix of plays and musicals.
• Dunwoody Nature Center – If you love the outdoors, the Dunwoody Nature Center may interest you. It sits on 22 acres and includes woodlands, wetlands, trails, gardens, a picnic area, and a playground. Classes, camps, and other programs are offered regularly.
• Buckhead Nightclubs – Dunwoody is less than 10 miles from some of the best nightlife in the Southeast. Buckhead is notorious for its clubs and bars like Tongue & Groove, Havana Club, and Johnny’s Hideaway. Patrons can dance, enjoy live music and DJs, and enjoy a drink or two.
• Dunwoody Country Club – The private invitation-only Dunwoody Country Club dates back to 1969 and sits on over 200 acres. The private club has a pool, tennis courts, and much more. It also offers an array of social activities throughout the year for all ages.
• Georgia Aquarium – Dunwoody is a quick drive from the infamous Georgia Aquarium, which is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. One of Atlanta’s top destinations, the facility is home to beluga whales, manta rays, bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, and over 500 other species. There are many fun and interactive exhibits for the entire family.

Real Estate Information

In Dunwoody, you will find many established neighborhoods featuring brick ranch and two-story traditional homes that date back to the 1970s and 1980s. Many of them sit on larger lots with lush green yards and mature landscaping. Many of the neighborhoods feature amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts, as well as social groups and programs that will help you get to know your neighbors. Some new construction is available, as well as townhomes and condos.

Average Price of Homes

As of summer 2015, the average home in Dunwoody sells for around $335,000. This is slightly higher than the average sales price in the entire United States and nearly twice the average sales price of homes in Georgia. However, you can find a wide variety of homes in Dunwoody to fit most budgets.